NFL Player News

Was there ever any doubt? Few players gut out injuries the way Armstead does. After being classified as week-to-week by head coach Mike McDaniel earlier in the week, Armstead sounds like he’s ready to go for this week’s contest against the Commanders. Armstead was knocked from last week’s win over the Jets in the fourth quarter and has been a mainstay on the Dolphins’ injury report for the last several seasons. Despite his oft-injured status, only the most severe of injuries have kept Armstrong on the sideline.

McKinnon missed Week 12 because of the groin issue. In his absence, Isiah Pacheco logged five receptions in addition to 15 carries. With McKinnon back, Pacheco should return to his two-down role, keeping him in the middle of the RB2 range. McKinnon is not on the fantasy radar for Week 13.

The Bucs will be without David (groin) and Devin White (foot), as both are dealing with injuries. Their absence means linebackers K.J. Britt and J.J. Russell will tasked with stepping up to stop the Panthers offense this week — a job that shouldn’t prove to be overly difficult. Britt was a fifth-round pick by the Bucs in 2021, while Russell has stuck around on the practice squad since being signed as a UDFA in 2022. The loss of David and White could benefit Chuba Hubbard, who has led the Panthers’ backfield in recent weeks, working in on both early downs and passing situations.

Rivera specifically said he believes Forbes would play in Week 14 if the Commanders weren’t on bye that week. This could be loosely interpreted as Rivera saying he expects Forbes to return after the bye, barring any setbacks. It was announced earlier in the week that Forbes had a “pretty significant” elbow injury, and a timeline for his return was unclear. Now fitted with a custom brace, the Commanders’ rookie first-round pick should be ready to go sometime this month.

This is big news for Goedert, who missed the first two practices to open the week and hasn’t played since suffering a broken arm in Week 9 against the Cowboys. Goedert’s injury came just before the Eagles’ bye, as he’s missed only two games thus far. He underwent surgery shortly after his injury but appears to have a chance to suit up on Sunday against the 49ers. We’ll see what kind of game-day status he carries heading into the weekend, but Philly’s TE1 appears to be set for a return sooner rather than later.

It sounds like Kelly has a final hurdle or two to clear in the league’s concussion protocol but the team fully expects him to be ready by Sunday. Kelly suffered the concussion in Week 10 and missed the team’s next game, in Week 12 after their bye, because of it. With their offensive line getting healthy, Zack Moss is in line for a strong showing against the Titans.

McBride was listed as limited on Thursday despite early reports of him not practicing. A second-straight practice on Friday should be enough to earn him a questionable tag and put him on track to play in Week 13 against the Steelers. If he’s active, McBride will be a must-start for those who have him. He’s finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end in four of his last seven games and has finished twice as a top-two tight end.

Brown’s status heading into Week 13 is a unique one. The veteran receiver hasn’t logged a practice all week, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday that brown was “trending toward playing” when asked about Brown’s availability. Brown played through same same heel injury in last week’s loss to the Rams, so it’s possible his absence this week is out of precaution to ensure he’s ready for Sunday. He’ll likely draw a questionable tag heading into the weekend, making his status one to watch when the team announces their Week 13 inactives.

Jones didn’t take the practice field on Friday and will likely miss Week 13’s contest against the Chiefs. It would be the consecutive missed game for Jones and his fifth missed game this season. Injuries have completely derailed his season, as he’s managed just 66 rushes for 245 yards and two touchdowns in seven games, adding 19 receptions for 169 additional yards. Assuming Jones is out, AJ Dillon would draw the start, with Patrick Taylor spelling him on occasional downs. Dillon would be a fringe RB2/RB3 against the Chiefs.

Hollins suffered the ankle injury in Week 9 and has been out ever since. The Falcons have replaced him with a handful of different wideouts, none of whom have been consistent producers. Hollins’ return won’t shake up much for the Falcons’ offense. Cornerback Mike Hughes is also questionable for Week 13.