NFL Player News

Campbell explained away TeSlaa’s lack of involvement in Week 1 by noting his illness and missing practice kept them from wanting to load him up too much. TeSlaa caught a touchdown on his only target, playing just three snaps. What “more” is could be anything, but we’d start expectations for Week 2 at maybe 20-30 snaps as TeSlaa works to dislodge Kalif Raymond from the WR3 role. He’s by no means a must-start, but a worthy bench stash as waivers open this week.

Baker was evaluated for a brain injury in Week 16 against the Falcons but re-entered the game, only to report concussion-like symptoms on Wednesday. Baker is likely to sit out this week against the Bengals, creating an even better matchup for Joe Burrow and the Bengals pass catchers.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen has said Rivers would draw his third straight start in Week 17, as the team still has an outside shot to sneak into the postseason if they win their final two games following a Week 16 blowout loss against the 49ers. Rivers displayed better arm strength and a willingness to throw it downfield on Monday night against the Niners, throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns. If he remains aggressive this week, Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, and Alec Pierce could be viable in fantasy leagues.

The well-traveled journeyman quarterback will get the nod against Dallas after Marcus Mariota sustained quad and hand injuries in Week 16 against the Eagles. Johnson represents a big-time downgrade for Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and the rest of the Washington pass catchers, even in a matchup against the burnable Cowboys secondary. Look for the Commanders to go run heavy in Week 17, making Chris Rodriguez viable as a flex option in 12-team formats.

Morris added that London’s practice participation would be modified in the coming days. London returned to action in Week 16 against the Cardinals and caught three of his eight targets for 27 yards. London was seen limping on the sideline in the second half, obviously in some discomfort. London should be in lineups in Week 17 against the Rams, whose secondary has shown signs of weakness over the past month.

Love remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, however. He suffered the head injury last week against the Bears and did not return to the game. If he’s able to clear the protocol today, he could suit up on Saturday against the Ravens. Malik Willis, who is struggling with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Bears, would presumably get the starting nod if Love is out for Week 17. Willis said he believes he can play through the injury. He would make for an interesting superflex option if he starts against Baltimore.

It comes out of nowhere but makes sense considering Bowers has dealt with a knee injury all season and the Raiders were long ago eliminated from postseason contention. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said “the decision was made to get it taken care of now and focus on being 100% in 2026.” That could mean Bowers will undergo surgery in the offseason after playing through the knee ailment for four months. Bowers ends 2025 with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 84 targets over 12 games. All of his metrics remained similar to his outstanding rookie campaign in 2024. He’ll be an elite fantasy producer in 2026, hopefully with a different quarterback and coaching staff.

Richardson will remained sidelined with an eye injury he suffered in October in a freak pre-game warmup accident. Richardson was seen on the Colts sideline on Monday night against the 49ers wearing dark sunglasses. It’s possible he’s played his final snap with the Colts after a disastrous three-year run in which he had 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions over 17 regular season games. He could be a backup or third stringer for another team in 2026 if anyone is willing to take a chance on the 23-year-old QB.

Tonges operated as the Niners’ primary pass-catching tight end earlier this season when Kittle was sidelined with an injury, and could find himself in that role again this week against the Bears if Kittle — who sustained a “low to mid” ankle sprain on Monday night — is sidelined. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he’s confident Tonges can take on the role and be a productive part of the team’s red-hot passing offense. Tonges had 22 receptions over five games with Kittle out in the first half of the season. He would be a viable 14-team league option against the Bears if Kittle can’t suit up.

Kancey will have a chance to return for Week 18 against the Panthers or possibly for the postseason if the Bucs qualify for the playoffs. The former first round draft pick has been sidelined since September with the pectoral injury. He would be a welcome addition to a Tampa defense that has struggled mightily for much of the past month.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Tuesday that the league “and the Lions will not take action against the fan involved in the altercation with Steelers WR DK Metcalf on Sunday in Detroit because ‘there was no violation of the fan code of conduct,’ per source.” Metcalf was seen throwing a punch at the fan, Ryan Kennedy, after the two exchanged words during the Steelers’ Week 16 game against the Lions. The league refuted the report from its employee, Rapoport. “The report about the fan and discipline was not accurate,” and NFL spokesperson told Pro Football Talk. “The matter remains under review and the league is following up with the club.” Metcalf alleged Kennedy used a racial slur and insulted his mother before the skirmish took place. Kennedy denies this.