NFL Player News

Lawrence practiced in some capacity throughout the week and head coach Doug Pederson told reporters earlier today he is expected to play. Barring a setback, Lawrence is going to give it a go versus the Texans. His return puts Brian Thomas Jr. back on the WR2 menu and keeps Evan Engram well within the TE1 ranks for Week 13. Lawrence himself is in the streaming QB2 mix versus the Texans.

This is great news for the Saints’ secondary lynchpin. The Saints face the Giants in Week 14 and it would be entirely unsurprising to see Mathieu pick on—and pick off—whichever backup quarterback gets the start for the G-Men next week.

The Eagles fell behind early in this game, going down by nine after the first quarter. Hurts got them back in the driver’s seat in short order with two scores in the second frame. The first was a 17-yard toss to Dallas Goedert and the second was a tush push from a yard out. Philly packed it in for the day after that and Hurts completed two passes for 14 yards in the second half. The Eagles’ defense kept Lamar Jackson in check while Saquon Barkley chewed away the clock with ease, so there wasn’t much for Hurts to do. He will get a similar game script in Week 14 versus the Panthers. Even with a low-volume game on the horizon, Hurts will remain near the top of the QB1 ranks for his date with Carolina.

With Jalen Hurts attempting just 19 passes, Brown’s No. 1 receiver role wasn’t worth much today. Still, he led the Eagles in all receiving stats outside of touchdowns. His targets were good for a 32 percent target share. DeVonta Smith was sidelined with a hamstring issue once again, though he appeared to be close to playing. Smith should be back for Week 14. That will affect Dallas Goedert more than Brown, who still operates as the team’s No. 1 receiver with Smith active. Even with a run-heavy approach versus the Panthers on deck, Brown will remain near the top of the WR1 ranks next week.

Even if the box score doesn’t show it, Goedert served as the Eagles’ de facto No. 2 receiver in this game with DeVonta Smith out. His four targets were tied with Saquon Barkley for second-most on the team behind only A.J. Brown. With Jalen Hurts attempting a measly 19 passes, Goedert earned a 21 percent target share. Smith should be back for Week 14, taking some targets off the table for Goedert. If he does return, Goedert will fall to the top of the TE2 ranks versus the Panthers.

McCaffrey departed early in the second quarter after giving himself up on a carry off tackle. He spent only a few minutes in the blue tent before walking under his own power to the locker room with members of the training staff. He managed 53 yards on seven carries and 14 yards on two receptions prior to departing. Fantasy managers will likely be forced to wait until Monday or Tuesday to hear any updates on the All-Pro running back, but initial circumstances do not appear positive.

Dotson was a non-factor even with DeVonta Smith out for the second week in a row. The Eagles’ No. 2 receiver with Smith sidelined is Dallas Goedert. Fantasy managers can continue to ignore Dotson with or without Smith on the field.

Henry’s scoreless stat line didn’t give fantasy managers much to work with, but he caught multiple passes for just the second time this season and cleared 100 yards from scrimmage for the seventh time this year. Henry’s fantasy output has taken a notable hit in the rare Baltimore loss, but 121 yards being a floor game tells you everything you need to know. Game script shouldn’t be an issue for Henry following Baltimore’s Week 14 bye. He will return for a date with the Giants as a top-end RB1 once again.

Rapoport’s report comes shortly after interim HC Darren Rizzi told reporters Hill would require further testing on his injured knee. Rapoport confirms as much, saying Hill will “have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. But feared to be significant.” If this is the end of Hill’s 2024 season, he finishes having completed 2-of-4 passes for 21 passing yards and one interception, rushed 39 times for 279 yards and six touchdowns and caught 23-of-30 targets for 187 yards. He is under contract through the 2025 season.

Brooks was the only Panthers running back to earn a target in this one and starter Chuba Hubbard lost a fumble in overtime. This backfield could look noticeably different in Week 14. Brooks maintained balance through contact after the catch and ripped off an explosive gain through the air. He finished with four total missed tackles forced—the first four of his career. Fantasy managers should add him wherever available. He is a potential RB4 against the Eagles in Week 14.

Hubbard took 100.0 percent of the two-minute drills snaps, plus 14-of-17 third- and fourth-down snaps but failed to earn a single target. Jonathon Brooks, meanwhile, earned three. Hubbard’s overtime fumble was likely his most consequential play. Buccaneers LB Anthony Nelson cleanly stripped the ball out of Hubbard’s hands on a run up the middle from the Buccaneers’ 34-yard line. Hubbard could see a reduced role against the Eagles in Week 14. He is an RB2/3 for the occasion.