NFL Player News

You wouldn’t have expected the first three-score game of Etienne’s career to feature zero on the ground, but that’s what happened on Sunday in Jacksonville. This was somehow after Bhayshul Tuten notched the Jags backfield’s first receiving score, and after they already led 24-10 in the dying moments of the second quarter. Etienne then found the end zone from 20, eight and 45 yards out, with the 45-yarder a screen where Etienne found the sideline. The 20-yarder was a Trevor Lawrence dime at the goal line. Although he’s been providing better fantasy returns of late, Etienne has bettered 4.0 yards per carry just one time in seven games since the Jags’ bye week. The offense’s recent improvement will be put to the toughest of tests in a Week 16 road trip to Denver. Etienne will remain a usage-based RB2 for that one.

Tipton still has a chance to play, but this is unideal. With WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder) already ruled out, Tipton is slated for No. 2 wide receiver duties. Saints WR Chris Olave and TE Juwan Johnson should handle significant workloads against the Jets this week.

Kamara remains sidelined and RB Devin Neal (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve. Brutal. This leaves the Saints with RBs Evan Hull, Audric Estime and Nyheim Hines. Hines could play on passing downs but he has done very little in recent seasons. The Saints face the Jets this week.

Bummer. Neal was playing well in RB Alvin Kamara’s (ankle/knee) stead. Neal can be expected to contribute next year, though he may not have done enough to convince the coaching staff that he deserves to be the 2026 starter. The 22-year-old rookie rushed 57 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 17-of-19 targets for 104 yards in his first season with the Saints.

Burrow is up to two full sessions this week. He is good to go for his team’s Week 16 game against the Dolphins, though his receiving corps could be short-staffed, with WR Tee Higgins still in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Burrow is a low-end QB1.

Great news. Achane practiced fully yesterday as well. He seemingly made it through Week 15 without suffering any setbacks. The Dolphins’ featured running back is ready to rock as an elite RB1 for his matchup against the Bengals’ fantasy-friendly defense.

As was Brian O’Neill (heel), both upgrades from a Wednesday DNP. Christian Darrisaw (knee) remains sidelined. Still, this is a good update for anyone considering playing a Viking against New York’s woeful defense on Sunday. Most of the offensive line is trending towards being up for this contest.

Benford injured his toe last Thursday and was unable to play on Sunday. He has since logged two limited sessions, putting him on track to play. The Browns’ wide receiver corps hardly instills fear, and the Bills have playoff aspirations. It is possible that they hold him out this week, just to play things safely.

Players typically play through illnesses, but it would be nice to see Dawkins practice tomorrow after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday. The Bills’ offensive line is tasked with fending off the Browns’ elite pass-rush unit this week. Stay tuned.

He got in full sessions all week and should be a usable-if-unexciting FLEX play as Washington’s lead back against Philadelphia, in a game they are expected to trail in. The silver lining is that Jalen Carter (shoulders) was ruled out, so it should be easier sledding inside at least for Rodriguez. “Bill” Croskey-Merritt will likely revert to a backup role in Week 16.

Reporters expected a DNP, but McDuffie got in a limited session officially. We still consider him at least a bit unlikely to miss Week 16’s game against the Titans, but McDuffie is at least making a play to be active.