NFL Player News

Chase was seen warming up earlier today and evidently made it through the session without issue. He remains firmly in the elite WR1 tier, having finished as the overall WR1 last week despite catching passes from fill-in starter QB Jake Browning. The Bengals traded for former Browns QB Joe Flacco this week, who, with any luck, will help stabilize the Bengals’ offense overall. The Bengals declared CB Marco Wilson, OG Dylan Fairchild, WR Jermaine Burton, TE Cam Grandy, DT Jordan Jefferson and EDGE Shemar Stewart inactive for Week 6 against the Packers

MHJ returned from the heel injury last week. He was only targeted three times and caught just one pass for 14 yards. He is not on the fantasy radar for Week 17, but his return also put an end to Michael Wilson SZN. Wilson was also targeted just three times, though he did bring down two of his looks for 52 yards and a score. Wilson will sit on the WR3/4 border for his Week 17 matchup versus Cincinnati.

Kelly has now suffered three concussions this season, and is up to six recorded concussions in his career. This is an extremely unfortunate end to Kelly’s first season in Minnesota. The talented center is still playing at a high level. His 82.2 PFF offense grade and 82.6 PFF run-blocking grade are both career bests. Kelly could choose to retire this offseason.

Kamara will likely miss the remainder of the season with the knee and ankle issues. He hasn’t played since Week 12 and the Saints have been out of the playoff hunt for a while. They are only playing for a better draft pick at this point. With Kamara presumably out this week, Taysom Hill figures to lead the team in carries once again. He saw 12 rush attempts last week. Hill also caught four passes and threw one, a long touchdown to Chris Olave. He has entered the TE1 mix ahead of fantasy football championship week.

When asked if he could resume playing soon, Thomas said only, “we’ll see.” It is not an encouraging update. The Giants face the Raiders this week, whose star player, EDGE Maxx Crosby, rushes the passer. Thomas already seems doubtful to play, though he has a few days to get right.

Tuten underwent surgery on his finger after Week 15. At the time, it was reported that he would miss the remainder of the regular season with an eye on a playoff return. A limited status today indicates his recovery is going well. Even if he doesn’t play this week, a Week 18 return is possible. The Jags could use their final regular season game to get him some reps ahead of the postseason. Travis Etienne will continue to dominate touches for Jacksonville until he returns.

Pearsall is seemingly on track to play, but his practice participation is worth tracking closely throughout the week. Pearsall proved himself as a capable route runner early in the year, but suffered a PCL sprain that sidelined him for weeks. He resumed playing in Week 11, and finally rounded back into form in Week 13. Unfortunately, in that same game, he injured his ankle via a hip-drop tackle and later aggravated his knee injury on a comeback route.

Tunsil suffered a strained oblique in Week 15 and hasn’t practiced or played since. Josh Johnson will make his first start of the year without his left tackle. Our hopes for the Washington offense are not high this week.

Kittle did not practice on Wednesday. The 49ers can get the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a bye to open the playoffs with wins in their final two contests. He could push through the ankle issue now to get a chance at a week of rest in the Wild Card Round. If he doesn’t suit up, backup tight end Jake Tonges would take his spot in the lineup. Tonges was a viable TE2 with Kittle sidelined earlier in the year.

He’s playing. Decker has played through the shoulder issue for weeks despite being listed as questionable. Fellow offensive lineman Christian Mahogany is also listed as questionable. He got in three limited practices this week and should be good to go as well.

Montgomery missed Tuesday’s practice with the illness but was back for a limited session today before being listed as questionable. We fully expect him to suit up this week. The Lions are a long-shot to make the playoffs, but they aren’t entirely eliminated just yet. Montgomery only carried the ball four times last week, but he should get more opportunities with the Lions expected to roll over the Max Brosmer-led Vikings this week. He will cling to RB3 life one last time when the Lions take on Minnesota on Christmas.