NFL Player News

Lynch was brought in to compete with Devlin Hodges and Mason Rudolph for the backup quarterback role. Pittsburgh decided to keep both of their 2019 backups and move on from Lynch. Hodges closed out last year as Pittsburgh’s starter but did so in a miserable loss to the Ravens. He completed just nine passes and was held to 95 yards through the air. The Steelers appear to be banking on a healthy season from Ben Roethlisberger this year.

Thompson went down early in the first quarter and was later spotted on the sideline with his helmet. The veteran linebacker entered the day with 50 tackles, five TFLs, and one sack in 10 games.

Jordan Mason left for the locker room with an ankle injury of his own. That leaves Zavier Scott as the only active running back on the Vikings’ roster. Fullback C.J. will likely see an uptick in snaps as well. Scott will get three quarters of workhorse duties if both Mason and Jones remain out today.

Mason went down in the first quarter and was spotted heading into the blue medical tent. He left the medical tent and was immediately carted to the locker room. Aaron Jones is also hurt, meaning Zavier Scott will operate as the team’s lead back if neither Jones nor Mason can return to the game.

As Rapoport notes, expect plenty of Nick Chubb, who is expected to play through a rib injury today. Chubb should indeed lead the backfield, but it wouldn’t be surprising for Jawhar Jordan to see some work as well. Jordan ran for 101 yards on 15 carries with Marks going down early last week. As the top back versus a dead-on-arrival Raiders squad, Chubb is in the RB3 ranks for Week 16. Jordan is a high-risk RB4.

As expected, Rapoport notes Tua Tagovailoa is not expected to return in 2026. The Dolphins will either have to eat over $90 million in dead cap to cut Tua or find a trade partner. They would still be on the hook for many millions of dollars if that happens. McDaniel has seemingly gotten the most out of Tagovailoa during their time in Miami. Opposing defenses have simply figured out every adjustment McDaniel made to his offense. Now the experiment is at an end. Quinn Ewers will draw the start this week. Per Rapoport, McDaniel believes Ewers “is what this offense needs to run properly.” We’re skeptical of that, but a strong showing from the rookie would go a long way in keeping McDaniel on the good side of ownership as he looks to keep his job into 2026.

Raimann got in one limited practice this week before being listed as questionable for Monday’s game. Downgrading him to out this early means he wasn’t that close to suiting up. Raimann will eye a Week 17 return. Luke Tenuta took over for Raimann in Week 15 and could be the next man up once again.

He was declared out on Friday, as were most of the other Chiefs inactives today. Rice has a chance to come back last week, though Gardner Minshew taking over at quarterback significantly reduces his fantasy upside. The rest of the Chiefs inactives are: CB Trent McDuffie (knee), OL CJ Hanson, OT Jaylon Moore (knee), WR Tyquan Thornton (concussion), DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) and RB Dameon Pierce.

Davis didn’t play an offensive snap in Week 15 and has caught just seven passes for 88 yards this season. There’s no reason to continue stashing Davis in any format during the final three weeks of the season.

Ekwonu got in a limited practice on Friday, but it was not enough to be ready for Week 16 against the Buccaneers. Yosh Nijman will start in his place at left tackle. Panthers also declared WR Hunter Renfrow, LB Trevin Wallace, S Demani Richardson, DT Jared Harrison-Hunte, TE James Mitchell, and DT Tershawn Wharton inactive for Week 16 against the Buccaneers. Wallace (shoulder) and Wharton (hamstring) are out due to injury, while the others are healthy scratches.

Audric Estime is expected to function as the Saints’ lead back against the Jets with Kamara sidelined, though Evan Hull will mix in on passing downs. Estime can be played as a touchdown-dependent flex option in 12-team leagues while Hull is a desperation play in deeper formats.