NFL Player News

Smith didn’t really have a good game — at one point he took a 15-yard sack on 4th-and-goal from the Jets’ one-yard line — but he managed to outlast the Seahawks’ special teams miscues and Aaron Rodgers’ increasingly shaky play long enough for Seattle to eke out a badly-needed road victory. Still struggling to connect with DK Metcalf, Smith did at least find each of DKM and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for at least 4/66. The big plays were so few and far between, but Smith simply made fewer mistakes than most other players in what was an unholy mess of a football game. Stuck on just three total scores over his past three starts, Smith does not profile as a priority streamer for Week 14 against the Cardinals even though six teams are on bye for some reason.

Herbert has played through a myriad of injuries this year and will do so again this week after being upgraded to a full practice on Wednesday. He suffered a thigh contusion and an ankle sprain in Week 14 but played through both issues last week, so his status for Thursday’s game was never at risk. Herbert sits on the QB1/2 border for a tough matchup with a tough Denver defense this week.

Brown is now on track to play this weekend though he is likely to be eased into action given his extended absence. He is not a recommended start at this time but his big-play potential is tough to fully ignore. Brown is a boom/bust flex option if active.

This is another gentle step in the right direction for Mahomes, who practiced in full on Tuesday as well. Fantasy managers should currently expect him to play though the game plan will likely be built around quick-hitting routes and a high-volume rushing attack. He remains a QB1 nonetheless.

Mixon was also limited for Tuesday’s session. The veteran back exited his Week 15 game after being brought down by a hip-drop tackle but returned after a brief check by trainers. Head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters after the game that Mixon “came out fine.” All signs point to Mixon playing on Saturday against the Chiefs. He will be a volume-based RB2 versus the AFC frontrunners.

Dan Campbell called some of the Lions’ Wednesday absences precautionary, so Glasgow could return to practice at any point this week. While the Detroit defense has sustained more injuries than any other unit, the offense, sans David Montgomery, should have all of the big names available for Week 16.

The Titans continue to give Boyd the day off on Wednesday though he is doing little with the extra day of rest, totaling fewer than 40 receiving yards in each of his last three games. He is a touchdown-dependent dart throw who has not yet scored a touchdown this season.

Westbrook-Ikhine evidently sprained an ankle in Week 15 and slot receiver Tyler Boyd continues to ineffectually play through a foot injury. This could be a notably high-volume week for Calvin Ridley. Westbrook-Ikhine’s Thursday and Friday practice reports will clarify his Week 16 status.

Blackshear missed Week 15 with the chest issue but should be good to go after opening the week with a full session. With Jonathon Brooks and Miles Sanders on injured reserve, Blackshear will likely split the RB2 duties with Mike Boone, though neither is on the fantasy radar for Week 16.

Legette went down with what was initially described as a groin injury in Week 15. He did not return and head coach Dave Canales called him week to week. Canales noted that he is unlikely to play in Week 16. Jalen Coker, who broke out with a 4/110/1 line last week, will take his spot in the lineup. Coker will be in the WR5/6 mix once Legette is officially ruled out.

Pollard aggravated his preexisting ankle injury in Week 15, leading to a fruitful outing for No. 2 RB Tyjae Spears. With Pollard’s Week 16 availability fully up in the air, Spears is a must-add wherever available. Pollard has played through injuries this season but his current ankle sprain has him truly questionable to play.