NFL

O’Connell was believed to have been lost for the season after he was carted off with a knee injury in Week 14’s loss to the Buccaneers. Now, after an MRI revealed a bone bruise, O’Connell said he’s “hoping to get there” when asked about the possibility of playing against the Falcons. With the Raiders playing on Monday, O’Connell has some extra time to heal up in time for the game, but head coach Antonio Pierce has already named Desmond Ridder as the Week 15 starter. We’ll see if that changes based on O’Connell’s participation in practice, but for now, he should be considered a long-shot to play on Monday.

When questioned about the future of Pierce, Davis said, “I don’t even want to talk about that right now.” Pierce went 5-4 as the Raiders’ interim coach last season. The team’s decision to hire him as their head coach last offseason was partly driven by players — most notably Maxx Crosby and current Jets receiver Davante Adams. The inspired play the Raiders showed in their first nine games with Pierce last season is all but gone. Injuries to the defense and no quarterback of note hasn’t done him any favors, but the 2-11 Raiders currently ranked 27th in points per game, 30th in points allowed, and are among the worst rushing teams in the league. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Raiders decided to move on from Pierce after one season. Currently set to hold a top-five draft pick, a complete overhaul could be in order with a franchise quarterback likely to be drafted next spring.

Guerendo logged a limited session on Wednesday after being listed as a DNP on both Monday and Tuesday. The rookie has remained optimistic about his Week 15 availability, but this is something fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on up until inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff. If he does play, starting Guerendo would come with obvious risks of reaggravating his injury, but assuming the best, he’d make for a fringe RB1/RB2. Patrick Taylor would slide into the RB2 ranks if Guerendo were to ultimately be held out.

McBride popped up on the injury report with a knee issue Wednesday. He was able to practice in a limited capacity, indicating the issue is minor and that he should still be able to play Week 15. McBride has at least 12 targets in each of his last three games and stands as the top option in the passing game for Kyler Murray. Expect him to suit up barring setbacks as a fantasy TE1 against the Patriots.

Haslem told ESPN the Browns’ performance this season “is a little perplexing”. He expressed support for Berry and Stefanski, who both signed contract extensions in the offseason. Haslem also added that it is too early to make decisions on the quarterback position. Given that Berry and Stefanski just signed new contracts and went 11-6 in 2023, they are likely to stick around. However, the Browns could be evaluating new quarterback talent after disappointing seasons from Deshaun Watson, who is owed $92 million in guaranteed money over the next two years.

Burrow briefly exited the Bengals Week 14 game against the Cowboys to apply a sleeve to his left knee. He was able to return afterward and remained mobile in the pocket. Fantasy managers should not expect Burrow to miss time but he certainly managing a new issue.

Engram is already hampered by poor quarterback play. Adding a shoulder injury to the mix is rough. Little is known about the issue at this time so fantasy managers will want to monitor Engram’s practice participation closely. He is already toiling in the TE2 ranks as is.

The Eagles held an walkthrough practice Wednesday, so the injury report is an estimation. Hurts popped up with a left finger injury, but was still estimated to be a full participant, keeping him on track to play Week 15. With question marks surrounding his rapport with A.J. Brown and the passing game, Hurts’ passing abilities will be under extra scrutiny the rest of the season. The finger injury being on his non-throwing hand should not impact Hurts too much, and his rushing output keeps him in QB1 territory for Week 15.

Pickens was unable to practice on Wednesday, as expected. He appears highly unlikely to play after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain during Week 14’s practice week. Fantasy managers should monitor Pickens’ developments but fully prepare as though he will miss at least one more week.

Metcalf practiced in full just once last week (Friday) so his complete participation early this week signals improved health for the veteran field stretcher. Metcalf could have a big role in an expectedly high-scoring game against the Packers in Week 15.