IND - RB Trent Richardson's role won't be reduced
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Wells
Indianapolis Colts RB Trent Richardson won't have his role reduced by head coach Chuck Pagano after RB Dan Herron outplayed Richardson for the second straight week in Week 13 against the Washington Redskins. Herron has run for 153 yards and a touchdown in the last two games, while Richardson has just 54 yards rushing. 'He's a professional, he understands,' Pagano said. 'None of us can ever get away from working at our craft regardless of the circumstance, regardless of adversity, just keep grinding, just keep working, just keep swinging the ax. If he keeps swinging the ax, the tree will fall. If you put the ax down, the tree is never coming down. Just keep chopping wood and good things will happen.'
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It won't be reduced because it's already been reduced. Richardson's fantasy owners aren't going to get much if they start him in the fantasy playoffs. Dan Herron has taken over as the starter, leaving Richardson to pick up table scraps as a reserve runner. Back to Top TEN - WR Derek Hagan likely third WR
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Kuharsky
Tennessee Titans WR Derek Hagan is likely to join WRs Kendall Wright and Nate Washington as one of the top-three receivers now that WR Justin Hunter (spleen) is done for the year, starting in Week 14 against the New York Giants. Hagan had been working on special teams and as the team's fourth wideout. He played 32 snaps on offense and caught two passes for 39 yards in Week 13. WR Kris Durham is a young alternative, but the team isn't very high on him, he's not fast, and he's been inactive for 10 games. In the two games Durham was active, he didn't even play a single snap.
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We've got to give it up to Hagan. He's bounced around the league for years despite not being the most gifted player. He's fast and runs clean routes, but Hagan has difficulty with concentration at times. There's no fantasy value to be had here, even in dynasty leagues. Back to Top CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams to see specialist?
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Jonathan Jones
Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (hand) could see a hand specialist this week, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
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This is a situation to watch if you own Williams or Jonathan Stewart in your fantasy league. Williams fractured his hand in Week 13 but could still play in Week 14 if the swelling in his hand goes down. Back to Top DAL - WR Dez Bryant staying focused
Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is focused with the playoffs in sight. 'Just by doing the little things. Not making the cold weather a big issue. Just go out there and understand what's important.' It'll be good news for Bryant owners if he's able to stay focused. He's tallied nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns already this year.
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Bryant has been fantastic for fantasy owners in 2014. He's a must-start receiver every week. The Cowboys are going to have to win to get into the playoff picture (if the playoffs started today, they would be out). That means a lot of Bryant could be on the menu in the coming weeks. Back to Top TEN - WR Justin Hunter placed on IR
Source: TitansOnline.com
Tennessee Titans WR Justin Hunter (spleen) was placed on Reserve/Injured Tuesday, Dec. 2. Hunter ruptured his spleen in Week 13.
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His season is done as he deals with this injury. Hunter has amazing natural talent, but injury and inconsistency have kept him from playing up to his potential. We'll see what he looks like next year. Back to Top SD - Branden Oliver fading
Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams
San Diego Chargers RB Branden Oliver saw just six snaps in Week 13, the least amount of snaps he's had all season.
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We had wondered what Oliver's role would look like when Ryan Mathews returned from his injury. It's been three weeks since Mathews' return, and Oliver's role has faded. Back to Top SD - QB Philip Rivers good against blitz
Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers has been good all season long against blitzes, and the same rung true in the team's Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rivers was 14-for-16 for 117 yards and two touchdowns against at least fiver rushers against the Ravens, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He was 12-for-13 for 172 yards and two touchdowns when Baltimore sent at least one defensive back as a pass rusher.
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Rivers loves a challenge. When he's blitzed, Rivers makes quick decisions and knows where the soft spot of the defense is. Rivers went 8-for-8 for 156 yards on third down in the Ravens game, and no quarterback has a higher completion percentage than him at 67.5 percent this year. Back to Top CHI - TE Martellus Bennett fully practices
Source: ESPNChicago.com - Michael C. Wright
Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett (foot) fully participated in practice Tuesday, Dec. 2.
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Bennett should be good to go for Thursday night. The Bears are taking on the Cowboys at Soldier Field in Week 14. Back to Top PIT - PIT not worried about overworking Le'Veon Bell
Source: ESPN.com - Scott Brown
Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell is the only player with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards this year, but head coach Mike Tomlin isn't concerned about overworking the team's running back the way QB Ben Roethlisberger is. 'I'm not overly concerned about that,' Tomlin said. 'He's a highly conditioned guy, he's a mentally tough guy. Personally I think he's built for it. He's excited about having an opportunity to do that for us.'
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If fantasy drafts were to be held today, Bell would arguably be the first-overall pick. Bell has been getting it done on the ground, using his power and speed to eat up yards. He's also been incredible as a receiver out of the backfield. The Steelers should be going through Bell as much as possible. Back to Top OAK - QB Derek Carr won't be benched
Source: ESPN.com - Michael Wagaman
Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr will remain the team's starting quarterback, according to head coach Tony Sparano. Carr was pulled from the Week 13 contest versus the St. Louis Rams early in the fourth quarter.
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What are they going to do? They can't make the move to Matt Schaub because that's a downgrade. The Raiders might as well keep Carr on the field for valuable experience that should pay dividends next year. Back to Top PIT - Roethlisberger worried about Le'Veon Bell
Source: ESPN.com - Scott Brown
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell is the 'best all-around back in the game,' according to QB Ben Roethlisberger, but the quarterback is concerned about Bell's workload down the stretch. Bell is the only rusher in the league with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards this year, and he played all but two of the team's 90 offensive snaps in Week 13. 'I don't know of a running back since I've been here that has basically been able to play every single snap, but you do have to be careful,' Roethlisberger said. 'I hope we don't run him into the ground if you will, but it's that stretch of the year where everyone's going to give it everything they have. He probably wants to be in there every single play because that's the type of player he is.' Roethlisberger said making RB Dri Archer part of the offense on regular plays is key.
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The Steelers seem content to ride Bell into the ground. They dumped LeGarrette Blount a couple of weeks ago, and they don't really have a back behind Bell that could take a few carries to lighten the load. Back to Top DET - RB Reggie Bush expected back Sunday
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) has been doing some work in practice and is expected to play Sunday, Dec. 7, for Week 15.
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With Bush back on the field, the touches and playing time in the backfield will be changed. Joique Bell will still be the primary back, but Theo Riddick will lose playing time so that Bush can get on the field. Back to Top ARI - Marion Grice could start Sunday
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Arizona Cardinals RB Marion Grice will likely start if RB Andre Ellington (hip) can't go Sunday, Dec. 7, in Week 14. RBs Stepfan Taylor and Robert Hughes would also be in the mix.
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Grice is a no-nonsense rookie back from Arizona State. Coming out of college, Grice was known as a speed back with exceptional quickness. He has good vision and the footwork to make defenders miss in the open field. Grice is not much of a banger, and he'll struggle to run through arm tackles. In Week 14, Arizona faces a Kansas City Chiefs team that surrendered over 200 yards rushing to the Denver Broncos last week. Back to Top MIA - Career-high for TE Dion Sims
Source: ESPN.com
Miami Dolphins TE Dion Sims had four catches for a career-high 58 yards in the team's 16-13 win over the New York Jets Monday, Dec. 1.
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Sims is an emerging talent for the Dolphins with both redraft and dynasty value. He's been filling in for an injured Charles Clay, and Sims has done a fine job as the starter. Clay is a free agent in 2015, and that means you're looking at the likely starter for the Dolphins next season. Sims is a big target who can run the seam and present a large target in the red zone. Back to Top MIA - WR Jarvis Landry piling up targets
Source: ESPN.com
Miami Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry had eight catches on 11 targets for 68 yards in the team's 16-13 win over the New York Jets Monday, Dec. 1.
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Fantasy owners take note of an emerging talent here. It was the third time in his last four games that he has seen at least 10 targets. Back to Top CIN - RB Jeremy Hill ripped by OC
Source: ESPN.com - Coley Harvey
Cincinnati Bengals RB Jeremy Hill criticized the team's game plan against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson responded by saying Hill needs to block better and break more tackles.
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We'll see how the rookie responds here. He's splitting time (almost evenly) with Gio Bernard, but Hill has been the better fantasy play over the last two weeks. Back to Top CHI - RB Matt Forte wants more carries
Source: The Associated Press - Andrew Seligman
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte tied a career-low with five carries in the team's Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he said the team can't afford to repeat the strategy going forward. 'It's of the utmost importance, especially if we're playing outside, with the weather and stuff,' Forte said. 'You can't just sit back there and throw 50 passes a game and expect to win.'
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The Bears are likely to oblige. We're hearing that Chicago could run more here to close out the season. Running the ball more would help calm down Jay Cutler and the passing game. Back to Top NYG - WR Rueben Randle's role decreasing?
Source: ESPN.com
New York Giants WR Rueben Randle has been targeted just seven times the past two games combined. He was targeted at least nine times in each of the team's eight previous games.
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Randle's fantasy value is trending down while Odell Beckham Jr. is trending up. We're not looking to Randle as anything more than a bench player in deeper leagues. Back to Top MIA - Improved accuracy for QB Ryan Tannehill
Source: SI.com - Peter King
Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill has completed at least 70 percent of his passes in six of his last eight games, including four straight, heading into the team's Week 13 game Monday, Dec. 1.
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Tannehill is ready to take the next step. The Dolphins are winning more games than most expected to start the season. His improved accuracy should come as no surprise. Tannehill is getting better protection this year from his offensive line, and that extra comfort is paying off in better passes. Back to Top HOU - OLB Jadeveon Clowney getting second opinion
Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain
Houston Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is getting a second opinion on his injured knee Wednesday, Dec. 3, from Dr. James Andrews.
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Clowney is taking a lot of heat from the fan base because of his nagging injuries. The coaching staff is behind him 100 percent, and the team is wisely being cautious with the 2014 number-one overall pick. Clowney is considered day-to-day. Back to Top ARI - S Tyrann Mathieu out a few weeks
Source: ESPN - Ed Werder
Updating previous reports, Arizona Cardinals FS Tyrann Mathieu (hand) will require surgery on his thumb and will miss the next three games, per a souce.
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More bad news--and a serious downgrade--for a Cardinals team that has been decimated by injury. With Mathieu out, we're likely to see Tony Jefferson fill in at free safety. Back to Top
QB Cam Newton (CAR) will remain the team's quarterback despite having his worst statistical season to date. Head coach Ron Rivera said it would be difficult and unfair Newton based on this season and the offseason. Newton had ankle surgery during the offseason and has been hampered with injuries throughout the season. He was also without running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Tolbert at one point.
QB Brian Hoyer (CLE) said Sunday, Nov. 30, that he was shocked by his benching in the Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills and believes it is still his team. Johnny Manziel and Hoyer are in the dark as to who will start against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14, but head coach Mike Pettine said the team will make a decision on this weekend's starter Wednesday, Dec. 3. "The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine said. "It's not like we're just going to go back to Brian (Hoyer). This has been a cumulative thing where discussions about a change at quarterback have been more and more lively. We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
QB Derek Carr (OAK) will remain the team's starting quarterback, according to head coach Tony Sparano. Carr was pulled from the Week 13 contest versus the St. Louis Rams early in the fourth quarter.
QB Nick Foles (PHI) Foles' broken collarbone is healing but has not fully healed yet, according to head coach Chip Kelly. Foles is not cleared to play at this point.
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) banged his right hand on a defender's helmet Sunday, Nov. 30, but he said it didn't affect his throwing.
QB Zach Mettenberger (TEN) suffered a Grade I sprain of the AC joint in his shoulder. He will have an MRI Monday, Dec. 1. His status for Week 14 is uncertain, but the team is hopeful he can play in Week 14 against the New York Giants, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
QB Colt McCoy (WAS) Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Sunday, Nov. 30, that Colt McCoy will remain as the starting quarterback in Week 14, so Robert Griffin III will likely serve as backup.
Running Back
RB Andre Ellington (ARI) suffered a hip pointer in the Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Ellington told reporters after the game Sunday, Nov. 30, that he does not believe the injury is serious. He will not be able to practice on Wednesdays moving forward, according to head coach Bruce Arians. However, Ellington had been taking Wednesdays off anyway because of a foot injury.
RB C.J. Spiller (BUF) is on the short-term Reserve/Injured list. He has been making good progress in his effort to return before the end of the season, according to head coach Doug Marrone.
RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) could see a hand specialist this week, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Williams fractured his hand in Week 13 but could still play in Week 14 if the swelling in his hand goes down.
RB Matt Forte (CHI) tied a career-low with five carries in the team's Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions, and he said the team can't afford to repeat the strategy going forward. "It's of the utmost importance, especially if we're playing outside, with the weather and stuff," Forte said. "You can't just sit back there and throw 50 passes a game and expect to win." Head coach Marc Trestman also wants to run the ball more. "Running the football has a residual effect on a lot of different things," Trestman said. "It helps your movement game. It helps your play-action game. We all know these things. We didn't get it done last week. We admit to that, and we have to move forward."
RB Jeremy Hill (CIN) criticized the team's game plan against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson responded by saying Hill needs to block better and break more tackles.
RB Terrance West (CLE) fumbled midway through the third quarter Sunday, Nov. 30, and it was returned for a touchdown. Head coach Mike Pettine criticized West after the game. "You can't be that loose with the football, it's inexcusable," Pettine said. "West really changed the whole flow of the game. It would have been a one-score game, and that's the frustrating thing. Close games are going to come down to turnovers. Like I said, the West fumble changed everything. It's inexcusable."
RB Reggie Bush (DET) has been doing some work in practice and is expected to play Sunday, Dec. 7, for Week 15.
RB Daniel Herron (IND) led the team in rushing for the second straight week despite fumbling for the second straight week. Herron had 88 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, while Trent Richardson totaled just 12 yards on the same amount of carries in the win over the Washington Redskins. Herron has averaged 7.7 yards per carry in the last two weeks, and he's also contributed in the passing game, with Andrew Luck targeting him seven times in the last two weeks, and Herron has caught all seven targets. "He's a talented, talented guy, and I think we've seen that out of him," Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said. "He's quick, he's fast to hit the hole and once he gets outside, he's got some long speed; I think we all found that out."
RB Jamaal Charles (KC) is expected to be ready to play in Week 14 after dealing with some swelling in his knee during the team's Week 13 game.
RB Khiry Robinson (NO) missed another game in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but head coach Sean Payton said Sunday, Nov. 30, that Robinson is expected back in Week 14. His expected return means the team is not interested in free-agent Ray Rice. "We like our running back depth and...if you'll do a little research, Khiry's coming back next week," Payton said.
RB LeVeon Bell (PIT) is the 'best all-around back in the game,' according to Ben Roethlisberger, but the quarterback is concerned about Bell's workload down the stretch. Bell played all but two of the team's 90 offensive snaps in Week 13. "I don't know of a running back since I've been here that has basically been able to play every single snap, but you do have to be careful," Roethlisberger said. "I hope we don't run him into the ground if you will, but it's that stretch of the year where everyone's going to give it everything they have. He probably wants to be in there every single play because that's the type of player he is." Roethlisberger said making Dri Archer part of the offense on regular plays is key. Bell is the only player with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards this year, but head coach Mike Tomlin isn't concerned about overworking the team's running back the way Ben Roethlisberger is. "I'm not overly concerned about that," Tomlin said. "He's a highly conditioned guy, he's a mentally tough guy. Personally I think he's built for it. He's excited about having an opportunity to do that for us."
RB Branden Oliver (SD) saw just six snaps in Week 13, the least amount of snaps he's had all season. We had wondered what Oliver's role would look like when Ryan Mathews returned from his injury. It's been three weeks since Mathews' return, and Oliver's role has faded.
RB Marshawn Lynch (SEA) could follow offensive line coach Tom Cable if he receives a head coaching job in the offseason, according to sources. Lynch is not expected to return to the Seahawks next season and may consider retirement.
Wide Receiver
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) may practice some Wednesday, Dec. 3, according to head coach Bruce Arians. Fitzgerald was inactive in Week 13.
WR Roddy White (ATL) is expected to play in Week 14, according to head coach Mike Smith, who said White's ankle sprain isn't as bad as the high ankle sprain he suffered last year. White did not practice at all last week, so when he was declared inactive it didn't come as much of a surprise. We'll see if he can get back in action this week.
WR Marlon Brown (BAL) suffered a concussion in the team's Week 13 game.
WR Torrey Smith (BAL) should be able to play in Week 14 even though he suffered a knee injury in Week 13, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
WR Sammy Watkins (BUF) suffered a hip injury in Week 13, and the severity of the injury is not known. Watkins was able to play every snap during the game.
WR Miles Austin (CLE) will stay in a hospital Monday night while recovering from a kidney injury he sustained Sunday, Nov. 30. Austin had his best game of the year against the Bills in Week 13. His seven-catch, 86-yard performance was a season high. It is not known when Austin is expected to be released, according to head coach Mike Pettine.
WR Dez Bryant (DAL) is focused with the playoffs in sight. "Just by doing the little things. Not making the cold weather a big issue. Just go out there and understand what's important." It'll be good news for Bryant owners if he's able to stay focused. He's tallied nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns already this year.
WR Jarvis Landry (MIA) had eight catches on 11 targets for 68 yards in the team's 16-13 win over the New York Jets Monday, Dec. 1. Fantasy owners take note of an emerging talent here. It was the third time in his last four games that he has seen at least 10 targets.
WR Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN) was active in Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers, but he didn't play a snap on offense in the first half. He saw only a handful of snaps in the second half and was targeted just once. "(I) feel like I'm 100 percent," Patterson said Sunday, Nov. 30. "I feel like the coaches didn't feel like I was 100 percent, so they decided to hold me out. I respect them for that." Head coach Mike Zimmer said Patterson missed practice time this week to attend the funeral of a family member, and his limited practice time factored into the decision.
WR Rueben Randle (NYG) said Sunday, Nov. 30, that he was benched in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars because he was late to a team meeting Friday, Nov. 28. Randle had been tailing off in production anyway. He got a ton of targets earlier this year but never did much with them.
WR Derek Hagan (TEN) is likely to join Kendall Wright and Nate Washington as one of the top-three receivers now that Justin Hunter (spleen) is done for the year, starting in Week 14 against the New York Giants. Hagan had been working on special teams and as the team's fourth wideout. He played 32 snaps on offense and caught two passes for 39 yards in Week 13. Kris Durham is a young alternative, but the team isn't very high on him - he's not fast, and he's been inactive for 10 games. In the two games Durham was active, he didn't even play a single snap.
WR Justin Hunter (TEN) was placed on Reserve/Injured Tuesday, Dec. 2. Hunter ruptured his spleen in Week 13.
WR DeSean Jackson (WAS) left the Week 13 game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a right fibula contusion. He was helped to the sidelines in the fourth quarter and carted off to the locker room. He was limping noticeably after the game, however, X-rays were negative. The injury isn't believed to be serious, and he's not expected to miss any time, according to a source close to him. Jackson seemed to get banged up more than once in the game against the Colts. Fantasy owners are happy that Colt McCoy is in at quarterback as the passing game is more explosive than it was with Robert Griffin III under center.
TE Virgil Green (DEN) has helped the team rush for 201 and 214 yards, respectively, in the last two games with Julius Thomas out with an ankle injury. Green has also been absent for all three of the team's losses this season because of injury. "A lot of people are saying I'm the magic potion, but it's all of us," Green said. "We decided to come to a resolve to do what we have to do to win games. If that means running the ball, then we have to do that. If it means passing, we'll do that. We're just trying to do what we can to win games."
TE Julius Thomas (DEN) said he is closing in on a return to action. He also stated that his current ankle injury is not similar in any way to the right ankle problem that slowed his first two seasons. "It's nothing like the last one," Thomas said. "No crutches, no boots, I've been able to move the whole time. It's just getting that strength back. No, I won't be flying out for surgery in a couple days." He did some core work with trainers before the Week 13 game and didn't play.
TE Dwayne Allen (IND) may be able to participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Fantasy owners who have been relying on Coby Fleener need to take note. Allen's return will change the target distribution for the Colts.
TE Rob Gronkowski (NE) was on the field for all 57 offensive snaps in the team's Week 13 game. It is first time he has played every snap since he underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.
TE Jimmy Graham (NO) did not have any receptions in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he was not even targeted once. Graham targeted the two safeties for Pittsburgh, Will Allen and Troy Polamalu, for breaking his crossing routes. "Usually (defenders) wait until I break," Graham said Sunday, Nov. 30. "(Polamalu and Allen) are smart players. I can tell that they're watching a lot of film and looking at tendencies and formations and splits." The Saints pass offense still had a field day, so while we all may have hated it, Brees played it right way. You still have to start Graham against the Panthers next week.
TE Brian Leonhardt (OAK) suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the Week 13 game against the St. Louis Rams in the first quarter and he did not return.
DT Nick Fairley (DET) may not be able to return this year as he recovers from a sprained knee, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. Fairley sprained his knee in Week 8 versus the Atlanta Falcons.
OLB Jadeveon Clowney (HOU) is getting a second opinion on his injured knee Wednesday, Dec. 3, from Dr. James Andrews. Clowney is taking a lot of heat from the fan base because of his nagging injuries. The coaching staff is behind him 100 percent. "This guy has worked extremely hard to recover from injuries," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "And I want to be real clear about this with him, as it relates to us here to the Houston Texans. We think very highly of him. We know he's going to be a really good player... He's had a sports hernia, he's had a concussion and now he's dealing with a knee injury. Those things are not easy in your rookie year." Clowney is being considered day-to-day, and the team will evaluate him before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14. "He'll be honest with us," O'Brien said. "He's a good kid. He's a good teammate. And he's working hard to get back out on the field."
OLB Jarvis Jones (PIT) could return from short-term Reserve/Injured list this week, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Cornerback
CB Bene Benwikere (CAR) will likely replace cornerback Antoine Cason, who was waived by the team Tuesday, Dec. 2. Benwikere replaced Cason after he was benched in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. Carrington Byndom will be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad, according to sources. Benwikere began the season as a nickel back.
CB Vontae Davis (IND) left the Week 13 game against the Washington Redskins due to a concussion. Head coach Chuck Pagano said Sunday, Nov. 30, that Davis will have to go through the NFL's concussion protocol before he is cleared to play.
Safety
S Tyrann Mathieu (ARI) will require surgery on his thumb and will miss the next three games, per a souce.
S Chris Conte (CHI) partially participated in Tuesday's practice.
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