NFL Player News

Watson’s night started off with a pick-six on the first offensive play run from scrimmage and didn’t get much better throughout the rest of the game. He also lost two fumbles, one of which was scooped up by T.J. Watt and returned for a touchdown, and was sacked six times while under unrelenting pressure. The performance was truly tragic considering how well the Cleveland defense played, holding the Pittsburgh offense to just one offensive touchdown and two field goals amidst consistent short fields. The Browns appeared destined for their first 2-0 start to a season since 1993 but ultimately fell short. Watson will need to regroup quickly particularly considering the loss of All-World running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a significant knee injury and is likely out for the remainder of the season.

Campbell refused to enter Thursday’s game in the third quarter and then walked off the field. The 49ers could choose to suspend Campbell for the rest of the year instead of cutting him, though the result is functionally the same. Campbell has played his last snap in San Francisco.

Bateman tweaked his knee in Week 13 but got the bye to recover before returning to action. He practiced in full this week and is good to go for Sunday’s destruction of the Giants. Bateman is a boom/bust WR5 for Week 15.

Okereke ranks second on the team in both run-defense tackles (36) and tackles for loss or no gain (nine). His absence is significant for a matchup against the Ravens’ elite rushing attack. The Giants also ruled out G Jon Runyan (ankle) and DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder). Per beat reporter Pat Leonard, “QB Drew Lock (heel/left elbow) is out of the boot and has a chance to be the emergency 3rd.”

McVay noted that Higbee still needs to make it through next week’s practices without any setbacks and nothing is finalized ye. Still, all signs point to the veteran tight end making his debut in Week 16. Higbee has been practicing in full for multiple weeks as part of his return from the torn ACL he suffered in the playoffs last season. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua dominating the looks for LA, Higbee is not on the fantasy radar for his 2024 debut.

It’s been a bittersweet season for Nwangwu, who was only activated from the practice squad in Week 13. He promptly earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 13, returning three kickoffs for 157 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came via a 99-yard return and he finished with four total missed tackles forced on the day. The 26-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the season.

Bitonio returned to practice on Friday after missing the first two practices of the week with the back issue. He should be able to suit up on Sunday. If he can’t, rookie guard Zak Zinter could take his place in the lineup.

Tillman returned to practice this week but was unable to clear the league’s concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game. With David Njoku also expected to miss Week 15, the Browns will funnel the bulk of their targets to Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore. Jeudy is pushing for a WR1 ranking this week while Moore is in the WR2 mix.

Njoku was not spotted at Friday’s practice, marking his third DNPs this week. The Browns left the light on him with the questionable tag, but all signs point to him sitting out Sunday’s game versus the Chiefs. Jordan Akins would draw the start if Njoku is out, putting him in the low-end TE2 mix for Week 15.

This marks O’Connell’s second Week 15 DNP. He still has a chance to suit up for Monday Night Football if he can at least participate in a limited capacity on Saturday but the only positive thus far is his Wednesday walkthrough participation. Fantasy managers should plan to be without the QB2/3 for now.

It’s not exactly the most exciting revenge game narrative, but Boyd will be active to face the Bengals, with whom he spent the first eight years of his career. The long-time slot receiver was a DNP with a foot injury earlier this week, but the Titans have not ruled out any players ahead of Sunday’s game. Boyd might luck into a touchdown against his former team if the Titans prioritize getting him the ball in certain areas of the field, but there’s no fantasy upside to be had here.