Fantasy Football

The 2021 first-rounder somehow ended up missing three months with his hamstring ailment. It was just the latest injury blow for a talented corner who has now missed 29 of a possible 46 NFL games. The back end of the Panthers’ defense has performed reasonably well in Horn’s absence, stamping out big plays. Horn absolutely has to gain some career momentum down the stretch of this lost Carolina season.

“When we’re doing special teams and he’s not in there, he goes over and works with Pat,” Reid said of the rookie wideout. “They talk through things, then they run routes (and Mahomes says) ‘This is the look where I’m seeing you on this route against this coverage.’ They spend time with each other there and then off the field, likewise. In meetings they keep an open communication there, so it’s something that is needed, especially with a young receiver. ... He’s getting better every week. He’s getting a little bit more production, yes, but also a few more plays and opportunities to get in the game.” This is Reid’s long way of saying Rice could build off his Week 12 “breakout.” There could still be a few more growing pains with a developing first-year receiver, but his big plays could help flip fantasy playoff matchups as a WR3.

Kickers, we know, but fill-in Matt Ammendola has been extremely shaky for the contending Texans. He has converted just 3-of-6 field goal attempts in the reliable Fairbairn’s absence. Fairbairn has been streamer worthy when healthy this season.

It certainly makes sense after Etienne played through the issue in Week 12 and returned to Jags practice Friday. He also has an extra day to heal up with the Jags playing on Monday night. Jacksonville could probably win this game without its star running back, so the fact that the reports are this positive suggests it’s a truly minor issue.

“This is light, honestly,” Allen said. “Thigh contusion is like a solid nick. That’s considered not bad.” Allen also said his ongoing shoulder injury is not an issue. “I feel great. This late in the season, I couldn’t ask to be feeling any better.” Allen is an elite Week 13 option.

Teller hasn’t missed a game or even a snap this year despite dealing with ankle and calf injuries. He sat out of Wednesday’s practice but was on the field for the following two sessions before being cleared. Expect a similar practice regimen for the veteran guard for at least the next few weeks.

Hunt missed Wednesday’s practice because of the groin issue but was back to a full session by Friday. His light workload was likely maintenance. Don’t be surprised to see the veteran’s reps limited in practice for the remainder of the year. Hunt’s workload has been scaled back in recent weeks, culminating in just seven carries in Week 12. As the backup on a run-first offense, Hunt ranks as an RB4 for Week 13.

No surprises here as Kupp was able to practice in full three times this week. Kupp only got in one full session last week after missing Wednesday’s practice outright, so he appears to be trending in the right direction after the notable injury scare. Coming off a quiet game of three catches and 18 yards, a rebound looks likely for the star receiver, even if he is up against the Browns’ shutdown defense this week. Kupp will rank as a high-end WR2 for Week 13.

As expected, safety Juan Thornhill was removed from the injury report. Ward has dealt with a number of injuries this year. The shoulder issue forced him to miss Week 12 and will cost him at least one more appearance. Even without Ward in the lineup, Cleveland’s defense remains a nightmare matchup for Matthew Stafford and the Rams.