CLE - WR Josh Gordon reinstated
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon has been reinstated Monday, Nov. 17, after serving his 10-game suspension.
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Fantasy owners rejoice! Those fantasy players who have been patiently waiting for Gordon's return could have a WR1 each week going forward. Gordon was able to put up fantastic numbers last year with the likes of Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden throwing him the ball--catching passes from Brian Hoyer will be an upgrade.
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NO - Two Saints WRs could see more time
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
New Orleans Saints WRs Robert Meachem and Joe Morgan will likely be asked to play more with WR Brandin Cooks (thumb) out for an extended period.
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Neither player has a ton of fantasy upside. We like Kenny Stills here with Cooks done for about a month. Stills is likely to have a much bigger role in the offense.
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NO - WR Brandin Cooks may miss 4-6 weeks
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints WR Brandin Cooks (thumb) underwent thumb surgery Monday, Nov. 17, and could miss four to six weeks.
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Bad news for the rookie here. That timetable puts his return right at the end of the regular season. The way the Saints are playing, there's no guarantee they're headed for the playoffs.
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ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald has Grade 2 strain
Source: The Arizona Republic - Kent Somers
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his knee, but he's expecting to play in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, it's not a lock that Fitzgerald will play.
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The Cardinals own the NFL's best record, and they have their sights set on a run at the Super Bowl. They'll be cautious with the veteran receiver as he deals with this injury. Watch the practice reports this week to get a better idea if Fitzgerald is going to play.
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CLE - RB carousel will continue in CLE
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Tom Reed
Cleveland Browns RBs Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West will continue to be mixed and matched on a weekly basis, according to head coach Mike Pettine. Crowell had a critical lost fumble Sunday, Nov. 16, but the team kept going to him despite the miscue. 'It's something we'll look at week to week,' Pettine said. 'We're not just going to pick one. When you go in a game-plan situation you look at what gives us the best chance to win.'
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Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows! This is not what fantasy owners wanted to hear. Just when it looked like Terrance West was their guy, we get surprise news on Sunday morning that Isaiah Crowell is the starter. We believe Crowell is the most talented back on the roster, but his ball-security problems could put him in the doghouse with the staff. All three backs are talented--and great fits in the offense. Deciphering which one is going to be the best fantasy play on a weekly basis is complicated.
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MIN - RB Adrian Peterson has grievance hearing
Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had his grievance heard Monday, Nov. 17, by an independent arbitrator, and it only lasted around 30 minutes, according to sources.
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Peterson is looking for immediate reinstatement since his court case was resolved. The arbitrator told both sides that a decision will come quickly, and a decision could be made as soon as Tuesday, Nov. 18.
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DEN - TE Julius Thomas not in walking boot
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (ankle) is not in a walking boot, and he was able to put on a basketball shoe after suffering a sprained left ankle in Week 11. 'I knew it was something that wasn't going to end my season,' Thomas said. 'I'm day to day.'
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Great news for the Broncos and fantasy owners here. Thomas is not a lock to play in Week 12 against the Dolphins, and he's likely going to be limited during the week of practice. Check back on his status later in the week, with Friday being the most important day of practice for Thomas.
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ARI - RB Andre Ellington needs to play better
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington needs to perform better, according to head coach Bruce Arians. 'Right now, he's as healthy as he's been [this season] and we need more out of him.'
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Some tough love here from Arians. Ellington has been battling through a foot injury all season long, and he's clearly not his normal self. The Cardinals back is still worth considering as a RB2 every week in our eyes.
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IND - Pagano has confidence in Dan Herron
Source: Colts.com
Indianapolis Colts RB Dan Herron is expected to take on a much larger role in the offense with the season-ending injury to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg). 'Now Boom (Daniel Herron) will have an opportunity. We've seen glimpses of Boom in the preseason and at other times. We know he's more than capable. I know Boom will prepare. He always prepares as a starter. I think he'll do fine, and he'll take advantage of this opportunity,' Pagano said.
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Trent Richardson will be the starter, but Pagano refused to say if he would be the third-down back as well. Herron is a tough player to bring down when he builds a head of steam. He'll work in a RBBC with Richardson.
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DEN - RB Ronnie Hillman expected to miss Week 12
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (foot) is not expected to play in Week 12 because of a foot injury.
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There are rumblings that Hillman might miss as many as six weeks with this midfoot sprain. In the meantime, C.J. Anderson should serve as the Broncos starting RB. We like him as an RB2 with upside, especially in PPR leagues. Anderson has over 100 all-purpose yards in back-to-back games.
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OAK - RB Latavius Murray to be more involved?
Source: San Jose Mercury News - Jerry McDonald
Oakland Raiders RB Latavius Murray had four carries for 43 yards in the team's Week 11 loss to the San Diego Chargers, and his 23-yard run late in the third quarter was the team's longest rushing gain for a running back of the season. 'They've been wanting to get me in the mix more and that's all I can ask,' Murray said. 'When they do, I have to make sure they give me a reason to put me back in there.' Murray is a much bigger back than either RBs Darren McFadden or Maurice Jones-Drew, and he runs with an upright style. Oakland finished with 71 yards on 19 carries, which was their highest rushing output since Oct. 12 in their first matchup with the Chargers.
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Murray is an interesting player to monitor in dynasty leagues. He reminds us of former Titans RB Chris Brown because Murray is a tall, upright runner with swiftness and speed in the open field.
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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders likely to miss practice
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (concussion) is likely to miss practice this week after suffering a concussion in Week 11.
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He'll go through the concussion protocol, and his status for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins will depend on whether he's cleared later in the week by an independent doctor. If Sanders can't play, it could mean a larger role for guys like Bubba Caldwell and Cody Latimer.
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DEN - RB Montee Ball to miss 2-3 weeks
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball (groin) will miss the next two to three weeks after aggravating his groin injury in Week 11, according to two league sources. RB Ronnie Hillman (foot) is expected to miss another game in Week 12 with his foot ailment.
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That makes C.J. Anderson the starter for the Broncos for the foreseeable future. Anderson is worth considering as a RB2 because of his talent and production. He's coming off back-to-back weeks with over 100 all-purpose yards.
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CIN - RB Giovani Bernard may practice
Source: ESPN.com - Coley Harvey
Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard (hip) may be able to participate in practice this week, but head coach Marvin Lewis said the team will wait to see if he is able to return to the field.
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Fantasy owners need to be cautiously optimistic here. Bernard is a hot fantasy commodity as a starter, but this hip injury has lingered a bit longer than some originally anticipated. Check back to see if Bernard can practice later in the week.
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SD - QB Philip Rivers not receiving treatment
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Tom Krasovic
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers (rib) is not receiving treatment on the rib injury he suffered in Week 11, according to head coach Mike McCoy.
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Rivers was a bit banged up in the Week 11 game against the Raiders. In addition to his ribs, the team also checked out his left knee (it was fine) during the game. Rivers could be limited in practice this week.
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DET - RB Reggie Bush to return for Week 12
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) said he will return this week from the ankle injury that sidelined him last week.
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When Bush returns, he will be splitting time with Theo Riddick. Bush said he hopes the week off will enable him to stay healthy the rest of the season.
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SEA - RB Marshawn Lynch still making headlines
Source: ESPN.com
Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch sat on the bench while his team headed to the locker room during halftime of their Week 11 game with the Kansas City Chiefs, causing even more rumors regarding the tenuous relationship with head coach Pete Carroll and the team.
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This might be the final year that Lynch is with the Seahawks. Yes, he's been incredibly productive during his time in Seattle. Yes, the team is not as good without him. However, Carroll confirmed that Lynch stayed on the bench due to fatigue and said their relationship is still a work in progress. Carroll admitted that Lynch is a private person but has done a great job on the field.
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IND - Dan Herron to see expanded role
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Indianapolis Colts RB Dan Herron is likely to see his snaps increase out of the backfield after the injury to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg).
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Dan "Boom" Herron isn't quite as explosive as Bradshaw is as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. We'll see Herron work as a part-time player behind starter Trent Richardson.
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ATL - Devonta Freeman to step into bigger role
Source: NFL.com - Dan Hanzus
Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman is likely to step into a bigger backfield role with RB Antone Smith (leg) out for the rest of the season. RB Steven Jackson remains the starter, however.
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Freeman has been seeing more action as of late. We love the rookie's natural talent, but as a part-time player behind Jackson there's not a lot of fantasy value there.
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ARI - Arians expects WR Larry Fitzgerald to play
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) should be able to play in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Bruce Arians. 'We'll see how sore he is Wednesday and how much it limits him, and we'll go from there,' Arians said.
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The Cardinals should be cautious here. Fitzgerald had his knee taped and played with a brace in the second half in Week 11 after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Monitor Fitzgerald's (likely limited) practice status this week.
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IND - RB Ahmad Bradshaw not going on IR yet
Source: RTV6 - Mike Chappell
Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg) will not be placed on the Reserve/Injured list at this point, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Pagano said the team will know more about the injury after Bradshaw meets with some specialists.
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Yet is the key term here. With Bradshaw out (maybe for the year), the Colts will turn to Dan Herron as the primary backup and change-of-pace back behind Trent Richardson.
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WAS - Robert Griffin critiqued by coach
Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III had fundamental flaws and below average footwork Sunday, Nov. 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Jay Gruden.
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Griffin looks like a shadow of his former self. It's not just the knee problems that have slowed him down, Griffin looks like he's rushing things mechanically as a passer. His technique runs hot and cold---and so does his decision making. With his propensity for making mistakes, Griffin makes for a risky fantasy play.
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DEN - TE Julius Thomas might not miss time
Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler
Updating a previous report, Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas' (ankle) sprained ankle isn't considered serious at all, and he may not miss any time after being forced from the team's Week 11 game against the St. Louis Rams, according to a source with knowledge of Thomas' status.
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If this is true, then it's great news for fantasy owners. It was a rough week for most tight ends in Week 11. If healthy, Thomas is a must-start TE1 for fantasy owners.
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ATL - RB Antone Smith out for the year
Source: FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo
Atlanta Falcons RB Antone Smith (leg) is out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg, according to head coach Mike Smith.
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It was fun while it lasted. Smith was a hotter fantasy play earlier this year as he seemed to be breaking off big plays regularly on a part-time basis. This injury negatively impacts his dynasty value as well. With Smith on the sidelines, we could see a larger role for rookie Devonta Freeman.
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IND - Good news for TE Dwayne Allen
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Indianapolis Colts TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain, according to two sources.
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Fantasy owners need to have other plans in place here. His injury isn't serious, although he could still wind up missing some time.
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BUF - Staying with QB Kyle Orton
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills QB Kyle Orton will continue to be the team's starting quarterback, according to head coach Doug Marrone.
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Of course they're staying with Orton. He's largely uninspiring, but their next option is to turn things over to E.J. Manuel again.
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IND - TE Coby Fleener earning bigger role?
Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling
Indianapolis Colts TE Coby Fleener had a breakout game in the team's Week 11 loss to the New England Patriots, and he may be earning a bigger role in the offense, even if TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) is in the lineup.
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Fleener is going to have a larger role regardless moving forward. Allen may have to miss some time due to his ankle injury, and Fleener is the next man up.
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CAR - RB Mike Tolbert should be ready
Source: NFL.com
Carolina Panthers RB Mike Tolbert (leg) should be ready to play in the team's Week 13 game, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera said Tolbert was healthy enough to play in Week 11, but he is still on the Active/Reserve/Injured list.
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Tolbert could help spring open holes for the running backs behind him. While this is good for fantasy owners of Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams, it's also bad because Tolbert is a touchdown vulture who will steal carries away near the goal line.
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TB - Charles Sims emerges as lead back
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Greg Auman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Charles Sims emerged with a team-high 13 carries and 36 yards rushing in Week 11. RB Bobby Rainey started the game, but Sims took over the bulk of the work after the first series. Sims caught three passes and ran in short-yardage situations as well.
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It wouldn't surprise us to see Sims start the next game. The rookie has a fine all-purpose skill set, but he didn't do a whole lot in Week 11 with an expanded role. In certain matchups, we'd consider him a flex play.
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BUF - RB Fred Jackson expected to go Week 12
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson (groin) would have played in Week 11 if the game weren't on Thursday Night Football. Jackson expects to play in Week 12.
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The short week hurt the chances of Jackson playing in Week 11. The extra rest could do him some good for Week 12. We like him as his usual RB2 spot.
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Source: footballguys.com
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon has been reinstated Monday, Nov. 17, after serving his 10-game suspension.
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Fantasy owners rejoice! Those fantasy players who have been patiently waiting for Gordon's return could have a WR1 each week going forward. Gordon was able to put up fantastic numbers last year with the likes of Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden throwing him the ball--catching passes from Brian Hoyer will be an upgrade.
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NO - Two Saints WRs could see more time
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
New Orleans Saints WRs Robert Meachem and Joe Morgan will likely be asked to play more with WR Brandin Cooks (thumb) out for an extended period.
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Neither player has a ton of fantasy upside. We like Kenny Stills here with Cooks done for about a month. Stills is likely to have a much bigger role in the offense.
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NO - WR Brandin Cooks may miss 4-6 weeks
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints WR Brandin Cooks (thumb) underwent thumb surgery Monday, Nov. 17, and could miss four to six weeks.
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Bad news for the rookie here. That timetable puts his return right at the end of the regular season. The way the Saints are playing, there's no guarantee they're headed for the playoffs.
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ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald has Grade 2 strain
Source: The Arizona Republic - Kent Somers
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his knee, but he's expecting to play in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, it's not a lock that Fitzgerald will play.
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The Cardinals own the NFL's best record, and they have their sights set on a run at the Super Bowl. They'll be cautious with the veteran receiver as he deals with this injury. Watch the practice reports this week to get a better idea if Fitzgerald is going to play.
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CLE - RB carousel will continue in CLE
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Tom Reed
Cleveland Browns RBs Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West will continue to be mixed and matched on a weekly basis, according to head coach Mike Pettine. Crowell had a critical lost fumble Sunday, Nov. 16, but the team kept going to him despite the miscue. 'It's something we'll look at week to week,' Pettine said. 'We're not just going to pick one. When you go in a game-plan situation you look at what gives us the best chance to win.'
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Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows! This is not what fantasy owners wanted to hear. Just when it looked like Terrance West was their guy, we get surprise news on Sunday morning that Isaiah Crowell is the starter. We believe Crowell is the most talented back on the roster, but his ball-security problems could put him in the doghouse with the staff. All three backs are talented--and great fits in the offense. Deciphering which one is going to be the best fantasy play on a weekly basis is complicated.
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MIN - RB Adrian Peterson has grievance hearing
Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had his grievance heard Monday, Nov. 17, by an independent arbitrator, and it only lasted around 30 minutes, according to sources.
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Peterson is looking for immediate reinstatement since his court case was resolved. The arbitrator told both sides that a decision will come quickly, and a decision could be made as soon as Tuesday, Nov. 18.
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DEN - TE Julius Thomas not in walking boot
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (ankle) is not in a walking boot, and he was able to put on a basketball shoe after suffering a sprained left ankle in Week 11. 'I knew it was something that wasn't going to end my season,' Thomas said. 'I'm day to day.'
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Great news for the Broncos and fantasy owners here. Thomas is not a lock to play in Week 12 against the Dolphins, and he's likely going to be limited during the week of practice. Check back on his status later in the week, with Friday being the most important day of practice for Thomas.
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ARI - RB Andre Ellington needs to play better
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington needs to perform better, according to head coach Bruce Arians. 'Right now, he's as healthy as he's been [this season] and we need more out of him.'
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Some tough love here from Arians. Ellington has been battling through a foot injury all season long, and he's clearly not his normal self. The Cardinals back is still worth considering as a RB2 every week in our eyes.
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IND - Pagano has confidence in Dan Herron
Source: Colts.com
Indianapolis Colts RB Dan Herron is expected to take on a much larger role in the offense with the season-ending injury to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg). 'Now Boom (Daniel Herron) will have an opportunity. We've seen glimpses of Boom in the preseason and at other times. We know he's more than capable. I know Boom will prepare. He always prepares as a starter. I think he'll do fine, and he'll take advantage of this opportunity,' Pagano said.
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Trent Richardson will be the starter, but Pagano refused to say if he would be the third-down back as well. Herron is a tough player to bring down when he builds a head of steam. He'll work in a RBBC with Richardson.
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DEN - RB Ronnie Hillman expected to miss Week 12
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (foot) is not expected to play in Week 12 because of a foot injury.
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There are rumblings that Hillman might miss as many as six weeks with this midfoot sprain. In the meantime, C.J. Anderson should serve as the Broncos starting RB. We like him as an RB2 with upside, especially in PPR leagues. Anderson has over 100 all-purpose yards in back-to-back games.
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OAK - RB Latavius Murray to be more involved?
Source: San Jose Mercury News - Jerry McDonald
Oakland Raiders RB Latavius Murray had four carries for 43 yards in the team's Week 11 loss to the San Diego Chargers, and his 23-yard run late in the third quarter was the team's longest rushing gain for a running back of the season. 'They've been wanting to get me in the mix more and that's all I can ask,' Murray said. 'When they do, I have to make sure they give me a reason to put me back in there.' Murray is a much bigger back than either RBs Darren McFadden or Maurice Jones-Drew, and he runs with an upright style. Oakland finished with 71 yards on 19 carries, which was their highest rushing output since Oct. 12 in their first matchup with the Chargers.
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Murray is an interesting player to monitor in dynasty leagues. He reminds us of former Titans RB Chris Brown because Murray is a tall, upright runner with swiftness and speed in the open field.
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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders likely to miss practice
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (concussion) is likely to miss practice this week after suffering a concussion in Week 11.
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He'll go through the concussion protocol, and his status for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins will depend on whether he's cleared later in the week by an independent doctor. If Sanders can't play, it could mean a larger role for guys like Bubba Caldwell and Cody Latimer.
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DEN - RB Montee Ball to miss 2-3 weeks
Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball (groin) will miss the next two to three weeks after aggravating his groin injury in Week 11, according to two league sources. RB Ronnie Hillman (foot) is expected to miss another game in Week 12 with his foot ailment.
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That makes C.J. Anderson the starter for the Broncos for the foreseeable future. Anderson is worth considering as a RB2 because of his talent and production. He's coming off back-to-back weeks with over 100 all-purpose yards.
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CIN - RB Giovani Bernard may practice
Source: ESPN.com - Coley Harvey
Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard (hip) may be able to participate in practice this week, but head coach Marvin Lewis said the team will wait to see if he is able to return to the field.
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Fantasy owners need to be cautiously optimistic here. Bernard is a hot fantasy commodity as a starter, but this hip injury has lingered a bit longer than some originally anticipated. Check back to see if Bernard can practice later in the week.
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SD - QB Philip Rivers not receiving treatment
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Tom Krasovic
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers (rib) is not receiving treatment on the rib injury he suffered in Week 11, according to head coach Mike McCoy.
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Rivers was a bit banged up in the Week 11 game against the Raiders. In addition to his ribs, the team also checked out his left knee (it was fine) during the game. Rivers could be limited in practice this week.
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DET - RB Reggie Bush to return for Week 12
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) said he will return this week from the ankle injury that sidelined him last week.
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When Bush returns, he will be splitting time with Theo Riddick. Bush said he hopes the week off will enable him to stay healthy the rest of the season.
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SEA - RB Marshawn Lynch still making headlines
Source: ESPN.com
Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch sat on the bench while his team headed to the locker room during halftime of their Week 11 game with the Kansas City Chiefs, causing even more rumors regarding the tenuous relationship with head coach Pete Carroll and the team.
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This might be the final year that Lynch is with the Seahawks. Yes, he's been incredibly productive during his time in Seattle. Yes, the team is not as good without him. However, Carroll confirmed that Lynch stayed on the bench due to fatigue and said their relationship is still a work in progress. Carroll admitted that Lynch is a private person but has done a great job on the field.
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IND - Dan Herron to see expanded role
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Indianapolis Colts RB Dan Herron is likely to see his snaps increase out of the backfield after the injury to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg).
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Dan "Boom" Herron isn't quite as explosive as Bradshaw is as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. We'll see Herron work as a part-time player behind starter Trent Richardson.
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ATL - Devonta Freeman to step into bigger role
Source: NFL.com - Dan Hanzus
Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman is likely to step into a bigger backfield role with RB Antone Smith (leg) out for the rest of the season. RB Steven Jackson remains the starter, however.
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Freeman has been seeing more action as of late. We love the rookie's natural talent, but as a part-time player behind Jackson there's not a lot of fantasy value there.
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ARI - Arians expects WR Larry Fitzgerald to play
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) should be able to play in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Bruce Arians. 'We'll see how sore he is Wednesday and how much it limits him, and we'll go from there,' Arians said.
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The Cardinals should be cautious here. Fitzgerald had his knee taped and played with a brace in the second half in Week 11 after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Monitor Fitzgerald's (likely limited) practice status this week.
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IND - RB Ahmad Bradshaw not going on IR yet
Source: RTV6 - Mike Chappell
Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg) will not be placed on the Reserve/Injured list at this point, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Pagano said the team will know more about the injury after Bradshaw meets with some specialists.
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Yet is the key term here. With Bradshaw out (maybe for the year), the Colts will turn to Dan Herron as the primary backup and change-of-pace back behind Trent Richardson.
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WAS - Robert Griffin critiqued by coach
Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III had fundamental flaws and below average footwork Sunday, Nov. 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Jay Gruden.
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Griffin looks like a shadow of his former self. It's not just the knee problems that have slowed him down, Griffin looks like he's rushing things mechanically as a passer. His technique runs hot and cold---and so does his decision making. With his propensity for making mistakes, Griffin makes for a risky fantasy play.
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DEN - TE Julius Thomas might not miss time
Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler
Updating a previous report, Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas' (ankle) sprained ankle isn't considered serious at all, and he may not miss any time after being forced from the team's Week 11 game against the St. Louis Rams, according to a source with knowledge of Thomas' status.
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If this is true, then it's great news for fantasy owners. It was a rough week for most tight ends in Week 11. If healthy, Thomas is a must-start TE1 for fantasy owners.
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ATL - RB Antone Smith out for the year
Source: FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo
Atlanta Falcons RB Antone Smith (leg) is out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg, according to head coach Mike Smith.
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It was fun while it lasted. Smith was a hotter fantasy play earlier this year as he seemed to be breaking off big plays regularly on a part-time basis. This injury negatively impacts his dynasty value as well. With Smith on the sidelines, we could see a larger role for rookie Devonta Freeman.
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IND - Good news for TE Dwayne Allen
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Indianapolis Colts TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain, according to two sources.
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Fantasy owners need to have other plans in place here. His injury isn't serious, although he could still wind up missing some time.
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BUF - Staying with QB Kyle Orton
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills QB Kyle Orton will continue to be the team's starting quarterback, according to head coach Doug Marrone.
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Of course they're staying with Orton. He's largely uninspiring, but their next option is to turn things over to E.J. Manuel again.
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IND - TE Coby Fleener earning bigger role?
Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling
Indianapolis Colts TE Coby Fleener had a breakout game in the team's Week 11 loss to the New England Patriots, and he may be earning a bigger role in the offense, even if TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) is in the lineup.
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Fleener is going to have a larger role regardless moving forward. Allen may have to miss some time due to his ankle injury, and Fleener is the next man up.
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CAR - RB Mike Tolbert should be ready
Source: NFL.com
Carolina Panthers RB Mike Tolbert (leg) should be ready to play in the team's Week 13 game, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera said Tolbert was healthy enough to play in Week 11, but he is still on the Active/Reserve/Injured list.
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Tolbert could help spring open holes for the running backs behind him. While this is good for fantasy owners of Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams, it's also bad because Tolbert is a touchdown vulture who will steal carries away near the goal line.
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TB - Charles Sims emerges as lead back
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Greg Auman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Charles Sims emerged with a team-high 13 carries and 36 yards rushing in Week 11. RB Bobby Rainey started the game, but Sims took over the bulk of the work after the first series. Sims caught three passes and ran in short-yardage situations as well.
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It wouldn't surprise us to see Sims start the next game. The rookie has a fine all-purpose skill set, but he didn't do a whole lot in Week 11 with an expanded role. In certain matchups, we'd consider him a flex play.
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BUF - RB Fred Jackson expected to go Week 12
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson (groin) would have played in Week 11 if the game weren't on Thursday Night Football. Jackson expects to play in Week 12.
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The short week hurt the chances of Jackson playing in Week 11. The extra rest could do him some good for Week 12. We like him as his usual RB2 spot.
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Source: footballguys.com