NFL Player News

The Orange are lacking a lot of experience in the backfield heading into the season opener, as Moe Neal graduated and both Howard (5'10/213) and Abdul Adams aren’t listed on the depth chart. According to Brent Axe of the Syracuse Post-Standard, neither Howard nor Adams have been practicing recently, so it’s likely that the two upperclassmen have opted out of playing this season. Jawhar Jordan and Markenzy Pierre are listed as the top two backs on the depth chart.

Ferguson departed in the third quarter with a calf injury and was promptly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. It will be Brevin Spann-Ford operating as the primary tight end for the Cowboys for the final frame. Ferguson caught 1-of-2 targets for a six-yard touchdown prior to departing.

Montgomery was added to the injury report early Thursday morning with an illness but is apparently well enough to play against the Vikings. There is the potential for Jahmyr Gibbs to see a slight uptick in snaps and usage considering the illness. St. Brown saw his practice involvement monitored on the short week but is also active. Inactive for the Lions are OL Trystan Colon, OL Taylor Decker, DL Tyler Lacy, WR Dominic Lovett, S Avonte Maddox, OL Michael Niese, and DL Mekhi Wingo.

Both McCarthy and Hockenson had been ruled out earlier in the week. O’Neill’s absence leaves Blake Brandel to start at right tackle and Justin Skule at left tackle.

Williams departed in the second quarter and was seen grabbing at his shoulder. He was deemed questionable to return by the Cowboys before the half. Malik Davis would be in line to serve as the primary back in a solid matchup should Williams fail to return. Williams gained 54 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries prior to departing.

Dawson Knox also did not suit up for the second consecutive practice, making the duo’s involvement in Friday’s session paramount to their potential to suit up in a marquee showdown against the Eagles this weekend. Fantasy managers will want to track their practice status closely on Friday, although it currently appears as if both will carry an injury designation into the weekend.

Lewis started the week not practicing due to the foot issue, which is severe enough to require surgery. As a result, the 30-year-old veteran will miss the rest of the season. It’s a big loss for the Jaguars, who got two interceptions in 12 games out of Lewis after signing him to a three-year deal this past offseason. Jacksonville will reach into its depth to fill the nickel spot, both for this week against the Colts, and for a playoff run.

Decker was already questionable with a shoulder injury that he has been playing through, but now adds an illness designation just hours before the Lions’ Week 17 game against the Vikings. We just saw Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez ruled out with an illness after he was added to the injury report in a similar fashion, so Decker looks to be truly questionable to play on Christmas day.

Flournoy is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 16 against the Chargers. He failed to get in a full practice on a short week and is now ruled out, making KaVontae Turpin the Cowboys’ No. 3 wide receiver for the week. The Cowboys also declared LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Caelen Carson, RB Jaydon Blue, DT Jay Toia, and DT Perrion Winfrey inactive for Week 17 against the Commanders. Overshown is out with a concussion suffered in Week 16.

Rodriguez was a late add to the injury report with an illness and is now officially inactive for the Commanders’ Christmas afternoon game against the Cowboys. Jacory Croskey-Merrit is an RB3 with Rodriguez out. The Commanders also declared QB Jayden Daniels, QB Marcus Mariota, QB Sam Hartman, LT Laremy Tunsil, LB Nick Bellore, and DT Daron Payne out against the Cowboys. Payne did not practice all week with a back issue. Jeff Driskel is Josh Johnson’s backup while Sam Hartman is the emergency third quarterback for Week 17.

The Lions play the afternoon Christmas game and had Montgomery listed as questionable due to an illness. He missed Tuesday’s practice and was limited Wednesday; Garafolo reports he is expected to go Thursday against the Vikings. Montgomery should have more opportunities in the run game this week with a run-heavy game script looking favorable, giving him RB3 upside for Week 17.