NFL Player News

Panthers defenders were flagged at least three times for deserved unnecessary roughness penalties against Shough today. Panthers DT Derrick Brown, LB Christian Rozeboom and S Lathan Ransom all lowered their shoulders on Shough after he had given himself up by sliding at the end of a scramble. He briefly met with the training staff after taking Rozeboom’s knee in his lower right back and glute, but was able to return, and ended up leading his team in rushing. Shough relied heavily on WR Devaughn Vele until Vele left with a shoulder injury. The departure seemingly reminded Shough of WR Chris Olave’s existence, leading the two to link up for four completions, 62 yards and one touchdown on the Saints’ seventh drive. Shough is a mildly interesting QB2 against the Jets next week.

In addition to Johnson, LG Landon Dickerson (calf) also was listed as DNP. Dickerson was at least able to play in Week 15, meaning the designation could just be out of precaution for Tuesday’s walkthrough ahead of a Saturday game. As for Johnson, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported last week he was going to practice this week, but he remains out to start Week 16. Johnson has a few more days to practice before the Eagles play the Commanders on Saturday.

Carter remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on both shoulders two weeks ago. His timetable was week-to-week, but he is not back practicing yet. The Commanders’ running game will have an easier time attacking the middle of the Eagles’ defense if Carter cannot return for Week 16.

Barkley popped up with a new listing on the injury report, getting a DNP designation due to a stinger. It is unclear yet how serious the injury is, as stingers indicate some kind of head/shoulder nerve pain. He starts out the week with a DNP and practice reports later in the week will tell how serious the issue is. Should Barkley miss Week 16 against the Commanders, Tank Bigsby would be next man up. Bigsby was limited on Tuesday with an illness, but is still tracking to play on Saturday.

Tunsil suffered an oblique injury in Week 15 and his status for Week 16 is in flux. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn on Monday that Tunsil will play “if he can”, but the left tackle starts out the week not practicing. Practice reports later in the week will tell if Tunsil is good to go for Saturday against the Eagles.

Rodriguez missed the Commanders’ Week 15 game against the Giants after going DNP-limited-limited in practice with the groin injury last week. Starting out the week as a full participant bodes well for his return. Rodriguez likely cuts back into Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s workload in his return, demoting both to RB3 fantasy plays at best in Week 16 against the Eagles.

Tom suffered a knee injury in Week 15 against the Broncos, but seems to have avoided a major absence. Still, the Packers’ right tackle begins the week with a DNP designation. Practicing later in the week will give him a better chance to play Saturday against the Bears.

Watson was injured in Week 15 against the Broncos and is now listed with both chest and shoulder injuries to open the week. His injury is not believed to be serious, but on a short week ahead of a Saturday game, it may be difficult for Watson to practice enough to play in Week 16. The Packers’ report is merely an estimate with a walkthrough practice, but Watson and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) did not practice. The Packers’ deep passing game may be hampered if Watson and Wicks cannot play Saturday against the Bears, leaving rookie Matthew Golden some opportunities on the outside.

After Ben Johnson called him day-to-day coming out of the Bears’ Week 15 game, where he left in the third quarter, Burden did not exactly assuage concerns he’d miss Saturday’s game with this DNP. Burden still has time to turn it around, and this was only an estimation, but it’s not an auspicious start to the week.

It’s a walk-thru and an estimated report today, but this isn’t surprising after Ben Johnson’s ominous words for Odunze’s situation on Monday. Odunze is closer to doubtful than questionable based on Johnson saying the Bears may “need to protect him from himself” with this injury after he re-aggravated it right before game time in Week 15.

With Matt Prater injured and unlikely to go this week, Badgley will be a solid streamer kicker in Week 16 as Buffalo takes on the Browns.