NFL Player News

Higbee is finally ready to make his 2024 debut after suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs in January. He underwent surgery on his knee and, per Garafolo, also needed shoulder surgery in the offseason. The Rams have slow-played his return so far. Higbee has been practicing in full for multiple weeks but has been held out on Sundays as he gets up to full speed. They will continue to ease him back into action with a pitch count this week, keeping him off the fantasy radar entirely.

Robinson also negated a fourth quarter Tyrone Tracy touchdown with a holding penalty. Robinson’s typically empty calorie effort did feature his most receptions since Week 4, but that was also the last time he reached 70 yards. This offense needs to go back to square one in 2025. Robinson can’t be such a big part of the attack. The Colts’ elite pass defense awaits for Week 17.

Smith made a handful of elite throws in this one but also tossed two bad picks that kept the Vikings in the game. Smith connected with AJ Barner, DK Metcalf, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for scores in a pass-heavy game script for the Seahawks. Smith appeared to be hobbled — sometimes severely so — by the knee injury he sustained last week. He rarely left the pocket and only logged one rushing attempt, when the Seahawks were in desperation mode late in the game. Smith will be a QB2 option in Week 17 against a solid Bears secondary.

Bernard exited after a helmet-to-helmet hit during a tackle. He is being screened for a concussion at this time. The Bills are already without starting LB Matt Milano and backup LB Baylon Spector, plus both starting safeties. The unit is in bad shape.

With Xavier Legette (hip) out, Moore remained part of the Panthers’ regular targets rotation. The score was his second in five games. Good for Moore, but not terribly relevant for fantasy managers even heading into a plus Week 17 matchup with the Bucs.

The 49ers have been decimated in the trenches. They entered the game down starting left tackle Trent Williams. His backup, Jaylon Moore, left the game earlier. Now their starting left guard is done for the day as well. Banks was instantly ruled out, suggesting a severe knee injury. Nick Zakelj has taken over at left guard.

Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks with a dozen targets from Geno Smith. He made a couple impressive contested grabs in this one, including a tough over-the-middle grab against double coverage. Mostly operating as a short-area pass catcher, JSN continues to prove valuable in PPR formats. He now has 18 receptions over his past two games as the Seahawks’ clear No. 1 receiving option over DK Metcalf. He gets the Bears in Week 17.

Jefferson was on a mission from start to finish against a middling Seattle coverage unit that did not tilt coverage toward Jefferson like most Minnesota opponents have this season. Averaging 14.5 yards per catch, Jefferson hauled in a pair of scores, including the game-winning touchdown catch with less than two minutes to go. Jefferson, who now has five touchdowns over his past three outings, led the team by comfortable margins in every receiving category in Week 16. As usual, he’ll be an elite play in Week 17 against the Packers, against whom he had 85 yards and a score in Week 4.

Moore got the start at left tackle with Terron Armstead sidelined. He went down in the third quarter, limped off the field, and headed straight for the blue tent. Spencer Buford has taken his spot in the lineup.

The Buccaneers will be without starting tight end Cade Otton has Mike Evans chases down 1,000 yards receiving for the 11th consecutive season, a mark that would extend his own record. We have to think quarterback Baker Mayfield will be looking his way more than ever considering the context.

Walker injured his ankle in the fourth quarter after dominating the Seattle backfield in his return from a multi-week calf injury. He had eight rushing attempts for 31 yards and eight receptions for 28 yards before exiting. Zach Charbonnet, meanwhile, was relegated to just one touch before Walker sustained his ankle injury. Charbonnet could be in position to once again function as the Seahawks’ lead back in Week 17 if Walker misses more time.