NFL Player News

Waddle managed just two limited practice sessions this week, leading to varying reports about the No. 2 wide receiver’s availability. This is a must-win game for the 7-8 Dolphins so the fact that the team opted to keep him on the sidelines suggests Waddle is in the thick of a rigorous rehab program. Malik Washington could see an extra target or two with Waddle sidelined but it would be unsurprising to see Mike McDaniel feed his proven pass catchers around the line of scrimmage, with backup QB Tyler Huntley under center.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Kingsbury’s stock was already on the rise after he elevated the Commanders to a top-five offensive season and a 12-5 record in his first season as their play-caller. His performance in the NFC Divisional Round that saw the Commanders upset the No. 1 seeded Lions undoubtedly boosted his stock even more, with other teams still in the hunt for a head coach. Kingsbury wouldn’t be the first offensive-minded candidate the Cowboys have pursued this offseason, as they recently wrapped up an interview with former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is expected to be in the running for Dallas’ head coaching vacancy for some time. Kingsbury also has requests from the Bears and Saints for interviews but has not met with either team at this time.

The Rams have all of their key players active and ready to go for Sunday’s tilt with the Eagles. In a game that’s expected to feature near-freezing conditions and snow, we’ll see how the Rams’ offense fares away from the cozy confines of SoFi Stadium.

The Eagles are at near full strength for their Divisional Round matchup against the Rams. They entered the weekend with just one player, Byron Young, carrying a game status, and he was ruled out on Friday. Everything is full-go for Jalen Hurts and company as they fight for a chance to face the Commanders in next week’s NFC Championship Game.

Cosmi had his leg rolled up on Brian Robinson’s touchdown early in the second quarter of Washington’s 45-31 division round upset of the Lions. The 25-year-old guard, who started all 18 games for the Commanders this season, was ruled out for the game at halftime. According to Rapoport, Cosmi is set for an MRI Saturday, but cites sources as describing the injury as “potentially serious” and that it appears he’s “almost certainly” out for the rest of the season.

Newmark was hired as the Commanders’ assistant GM last season after spending the previous 26 seasons with the Lions in a number of capacities. The long-time NFL vet now has the Commanders within one game of the Super Bowl in his first season with the team, but also has close relationships with Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Both Johnson and Glenn are on the Raiders’ coaching search radar, but it’s Johnson who has been picking up significant steam in recent weeks. Newmark is scheduled to meet with the Raiders on Sunday, while Johnson is now free to meet with any team in person after the Lions were eliminated from postseason contention on Saturday night.

Ertz also scooped up an onside kick attempt from the Lions, just about closing the door on Detroit. The veteran wideout left the game early for a concussion check but returned after being cleared by the independent evaluator. Ertz scored his eighth touchdown of the year on a short end zone strike from Jayden Daniels just before the end of the first half. While his yardage ceiling isn’t elite, Ertz has no issues stacking up PPR points and the more than occasional touchdown. He will be in the DFS mix for the Conference Championship Round slate.

Brown stepped up in a big way in the Wild Card Round, catching five balls for 89 yards and a score. That was a career-high in catches and a second-best mark in yards for him. The encore versus Detroit was even better. Brown came down with a missile from Jayden Daniels despite Lions defender Kerby Joseph covering Brown’s eyes as the ball approached his hands. With Olamide Zaccheaus a bit banged up, Brown appears to be the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver heading into the NFC Championship, making him an interesting stacking partner with Daniels.

Zaccheaus suffered a groin injury in the first half and was listed as questionable to return. He did so after halftime but was clearly hampered by the issue and did not garner a target in the final 30 minutes. With Dyami Brown stepping up over the past two weeks and Zaccheaus now banged up, the former should be treated as Washington’s No. 2 receiver heading into the Conference Championship Round.

McLaurin did most of his damage on a 58-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. He caught a screen pass from Jayden Daniels, burst through a mass of occupied blockers, and never looked back, giving Washington a lead they would go on to hold for the remaining 36 minutes and change. McLaurin has at least 60 yards and a touchdown in three straight games. They will need another heroic performance from him next week when Washington takes on the winner of the Eagles/Rams game for the NFC title. Per usual, McLaurin will be a high-ceiling fantasy bet as the Commanders look to continue their magical run.

McNichols was initially stuffed at the goal line midway through the fourth quarter, but a push from the line and a quick reach toward the white line got the ball over the plane for his first career touchdown in the postseason. McNichols still played behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler, both of whom out-touched him. But, Washington scored enough points to get everyone involved. That isn’t likely to be the case next week, so DFS players don’t need to worry about McNichols for next week’s slate.