NFL

Taylor-Britt had been trying to return from a quad issue. Things just keep going from bad to worse for the Bengals. This is a very attackable matchup for Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence.

This became the most logical outcome after Higgins returned to full practice on Friday. Sidelined since Week 9, Higgins is returning to an entirely different offensive environment after Joe Burrow was lost for the season. Even with six teams on bye this week, Higgins is best left outside the top 36 at receiver.

Amos has appeared in all 11 games as a reserve/special teamer this season but had yet to make a start. Making $1.75 million, the remainder of his salary might not be a particularly attractive waiver claim.

Howe added that the Pats have prepared a package of plays for Malik Cunningham. Zappe didn’t do much after replacing Mac Jones in Week 12. He took over at halftime and threw for 54 scoreless yards and an interception. Normally that wouldn’t earn a player the starting nod in the following week, but with the alternative of crawling back to Jones looking equally as unappealing, Bill Belichick will give Zappe a shot versus the Chargers. The move doesn’t change much for the offense’s outlook. For fantasy purposes, DeVante Parker is a lowly WR6 while Hunter Henry remains stuck in the TE2 ranks.

Ertz’s tank has been running low for some time, but the Eagles have vanishingly little pass-catching depth behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and injured starting TE Dallas Goedert. Goedert does seem likely to return from his arm injury in Week 14, but Ertz — who reportedly wants to play for a Super Bowl contender — would be a no-brainer addition for his experience and reliable hands even if he’s no longer a big-play threat. Ertz would not have TE2 fantasy value in Philly unless Goedert were to remain sidelined longer than expected. Expert Ertz to sign somewhere following Week 13’s Sunday contests.

The 2021 first-rounder somehow ended up missing three months with his hamstring ailment. It was just the latest injury blow for a talented corner who has now missed 29 of a possible 46 NFL games. The back end of the Panthers’ defense has performed reasonably well in Horn’s absence, stamping out big plays. Horn absolutely has to gain some career momentum down the stretch of this lost Carolina season.

“When we’re doing special teams and he’s not in there, he goes over and works with Pat,” Reid said of the rookie wideout. “They talk through things, then they run routes (and Mahomes says) ‘This is the look where I’m seeing you on this route against this coverage.’ They spend time with each other there and then off the field, likewise. In meetings they keep an open communication there, so it’s something that is needed, especially with a young receiver. ... He’s getting better every week. He’s getting a little bit more production, yes, but also a few more plays and opportunities to get in the game.” This is Reid’s long way of saying Rice could build off his Week 12 “breakout.” There could still be a few more growing pains with a developing first-year receiver, but his big plays could help flip fantasy playoff matchups as a WR3.

Kickers, we know, but fill-in Matt Ammendola has been extremely shaky for the contending Texans. He has converted just 3-of-6 field goal attempts in the reliable Fairbairn’s absence. Fairbairn has been streamer worthy when healthy this season.

Coach Doug Pederson has since confirmed Fowler’s report. Etienne played through the issue in Week 12 and returned to Jags practice Friday. He also has an extra day to heal up with the Jags playing on Monday night. Jacksonville could probably win this game without its star running back, so the fact that he is going to go suggests it’s a truly minor issue.

“This is light, honestly,” Allen said. “Thigh contusion is like a solid nick. That’s considered not bad.” Allen also said his ongoing shoulder injury is not an issue. “I feel great. This late in the season, I couldn’t ask to be feeling any better.” Allen is an elite Week 13 option.