NFL Player News

The Cowboys made hirings to their linebacker and defensive line groups, while adding a defensive passing game coordinator. Borgonzi worked under Eberflus as linebackers coach in Chicago, while Whitecotton was defensive line coach with the Jets for the past four seasons; both join the Cowboys in the same roles. Curtis was safeties coach under Eberflus with the Bears and now joins him in Dallas as passing game coordinator. Eberflus bolsters his defensive staff as head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching group starts to take shape.

Nacua made easy work of an Arizona defense that wasn’t terribly interested in defending Rams players in Week 14. Nacua dominated the LA passing attack with a 35 percent target share and led the team in air yards. He bullied his way into the end zone for his second touchdown against a dismal Cardinals secondary that allowed 281 yards and three scores to Matthew Stafford. Week 14 was only the fourth time Nacua has exceeded 100 receiving yards this season. His touchdowns were the first time he’s found pay dirt in nearly a month. He’ll be an elite option in Week 15 against a deteriorating Lions coverage unit.

Four of Bech’s targets were thrown to him by backup QB Kenny Pickett, who replaced QB Geno Smith (right shoulder) in the second half. Bech’s upside is unknown, and largely in doubt, but he does seem to have a decent connection with Pickett. Bech could warrant boom-bust FLEX consideration against the Eagles in Week 15.

Raiders QB Geno Smith looked Tucker’s way twice during the two-minute drill in the second quarter, but the two were unable to connect. The first pass hit the dirt as Tucker attempted to dive for it. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II easily batted down the second along the left sideline. Tucker nearly ripped on a long gain on the Raiders’ sixth drive. He got open on a post route, but Smith’s pass arrived late, resulting in a failed spinning catch attempt by Tucker in the middle of the field. The camera angle showed just one safety between Tucker and the end zone. Tucker is a boom-bust FLEX against the Eagles next week

McDaniel said Achane would have been available to return in the event of an emergency after the star running back exited in the second quarter. When asked if Achane would be available to play in Week 15 against the Steelers, McDaniel offered a not-so-reassuring, “I promise you, he’ll be in there if he’s ready,” as his response. It doesn’t sound like this is a major injury, but the proof will be in the practice report. With the Dolphins not playing until Monday, we’ll keep our eyes out for Thursday’s practice report, assuming we don’t hear anything before then.

Broncos running backs accounted for 8-of-16 offensive touches on the team’s first drive, with backup RBs Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin worryingly combining for three. Harvey pulled away from the latter two as the game progressed, though, operating as the offensive focal point as the Broncos trounced the division-rival Raiders. Harvey played with physicality on runs up the middle, capping off his team’s fifth drive with one such play on a three-yard touchdown run. His six receptions tie for a team-high. Harvey is an RB2 against the Packers in Week 15.

Engram caught his first pass of the day, a six-yard completion, on a slant route during the Broncos’ third drive, at which point the broadcast began pouring out their large amount of pre-game notes on the sporadically involved pass catcher. He managed just one more reception thereafter. Engram is a moderate TE2 against the Eagles.

The good news is that Musgrave, along with Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, led the Packers in targets. The bad news is that Matt LaFleur deployed a three-headed committee at tight end. Musgrave, Josh Whyle, and Josh Fitzpatrick all run between 30 and 40 percent of the routes. Until Musgrave separates from the pack, he will be on the outside of the TE2 ranks looking in.

Golden was active for the first time since Week 11. He has missed the previous two games because of a wrist issue and missed time with a shoulder injury before Week 11. The Packers barely played him this week, putting him on the field for just four routes. Bo Melton ran five routes and came down with a 45-yard touchdown on his only catch of the day. It’s hard to say how much of the Packers’ decision to limit Golden’s role was based on his health. Fantasy managers, however, don’t need to get bogged down in the specifics. Golden is not on the fantasy radar for Week 15.

Mims’ receiving role is almost a non-factor, but the shifty wide receiver did manage to return a second-quarter punt for a 48-yard touchdown, marking his first such trip to the end zone. Mims also rushed once for two yards. He does not need to be rostered in re-draft leagues.