NFL

Shepard’s potential absence would consolidate the Buccaneers’ target tree in Week 15 so this is an injury for fantasy managers to monitor. The team’s upcoming game against the Chargers is likely to be a fantasy-friendly high-scoring affair. He would be WR4/5-viable if active.

Irving aggravated his combination hip and back injury in Week 14 and should be considered questionable to play in Week 15 against the Chargers. He is a highly volatile RB1/2 if active.

Though a DNP is hardly a positive, taking days off due to injury is par for the course with Evans at this point. He is notably no longer listed with both hamstring and calf injuries, evidently putting the former behind him. Fantasy managers can expect the WR1/2 to suit up, assuming he at least practices in a limited capacity on Friday.

McConkey was limited in all three practices last week before being held out of a high-leverage matchup with the Chiefs. Another limited session today means he didn’t suffer any setbacks. It also makes it hard to say whether or not he will suit up for Week 15. If he doesn’t Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston would both see plenty of targets. Palmer led the team with nine looks last week while Johnston score the Chargers’ lone receiving touchdown.

Bosa has been off the injury report since Week 12, so a DNP to open the week is a bit concerning. He missed three games earlier in the season because of the hip issue. The DNP may be extra workload management for the veteran pass-rusher, but it’s a situation to monitor throughout the week. Bosa has four sacks and a forced fumble this year.

The “finalizing” terminology has already been reported by 247 Sports’ Adam Smith, but the fact that this is now being leaked to national reporters puts even more weight behind the rumors. Schefter also added a rather definitive statement to his report, saying, “Belichick is going back to school, to where his father served as an assistant coach in the 1950s.” We fully expect the ink to dry by the end of the week. Belichick was chasing the all-time wins record as an NFL head coach before the Patriots moved on. He needs 15 to take the crown from Don Shula. That will have to wait as the 72-year-old coach is headed to the college ranks for the first time in his career. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him rejoin the NFL in a few years, though it’s fair to wonder how many seasons he has left. Even if Belichick never returns to the pros, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach will go down as the greatest of all time.

Pitre reportedly suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle and will undergo a repair that will sideline him for the remainder of the year. Pitre is technically a safety but primarily functions as the Texans’ slot DB, which is notable for fantasy purposes. Pitre finishes with a team-high 31 coverage tackles and six passes defended.

Mostert missed Week 14 while dealing with a lingering hip issue. He was limited in all three practices before being listed as questionable, so today’s limited session doesn’t tell us much. With De’Von Achane fully taking over the Miami backfield, Mostert isn’t on the fantasy radar, healthy or not.

While this doesn’t put Waddle at much risk of missing Week 15, the young wideout has dealt with too many soft tissue injuries to count in recent years. Though he tends to play through them, this isn’t ideal for a receiver whose game is built on speed. Still, with the Miami offense humming and Waddle coming off his second 100-yard game in the past three weeks, fantasy managers have to keep him in their lineups versus the Texans. A full practice on Thursday or Friday would be much appreciated by fantasy players.

Coker practiced in full last Wednesday but was held out of the next two sessions before being listed as doubtful. Head coach Dave Canales said he wasn’t ready to return on Sunday earlier today, but noted that Coker was “aggressive, attacking his routes” during the first practice of Week 15. It sounds like he should be back on the field if all goes well over the next two days. His return will boot David Moore from the starting rotation.