Fantasy Football News

New Orleans Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson (foot) and Foster Moreau (shoulder) were listed on the Week 14 injury report after both were limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. The statuses of both Johnson and Moreau become more important for the final five games of the regular season after No. 1 TE Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. In last Sunday's loss to LA, Johnson caught a season-high-tying five passes on a season-high seven targets for 36 yards after reaching the end zone for the second time this year in the previous game against the Cleveland Browns. Both Johnson and Moreau should be available this weekend against the New York Giants, but Johnson will be the TE to target in New Orleans as a touchdown-dependent streamer with six teams on bye in Week 14.

The New Orleans Saints opened running back Kendre Miller's (hamstring) 21-day practice window on Wednesday to return from Injured Reserve, and he was able to put in a full practice. Miller injured his hamstring in the Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and has missed the required four games on IR. The 22-year-old second-year back out of TCU will be eligible to return this weekend to face the New York Giants in Week 14, but it doesn't mean the Saints will rush him back. The Saints could use Miller back after just losing tight end Taysom Hill (knee) for the year. However, when Miller does return, he's likely to be eased in as the team's RB3 behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. He's been a bust since being taken in the third round in 2023, playing in just 10 total games (two this year), averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Miller is rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues currently.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) was listed as a full participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Higbee, who has yet to play in 2024 due to tears in his ACL and MCL in his right knee in a playoff game on Jan. 14, also put in a full practice session last Friday. However, he's not expected to be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list by Saturday in order to make his season debut on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The Rams aren't going to rush the 31-year-old veteran back, but he could make his debut next week and be eased in versus the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 15 next Thursday night. Once Higbee does return, we wouldn't recommend him for starting fantasy lineups as he works alongside Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson. With receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp eating up most of the targets, Rams tight ends have had little production.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (hand) was a limited practice participant on Wednesday in the first session of the week. Before injuring his hand in the Week 13 win over the New Orleans Saints, Robinson caught two of his three targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. His hand injury is worth watching this week, but he's probably likely to play through it in Week 14 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp get most of the aerial targets from quarterback Matthew Stafford in this offense, but the 30-year-old Robinson remains involved as well and has had a nose for the end zone, scoring a career-high seven touchdowns in 12 starts. He's scored in each of the last two games, although it's come on only four catches for 64 yards. Robinson will be a touchdown-dependent WR4/5 in Week 14 against Buffalo if he's active.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (ankle) was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday. Head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that Stafford was dealing with a lateral ankle sprain coming out of the Week 13 win over the New Orleans Saints and wasn't expected to have limitations in practice this week. That holds true after the team's first practice of the week, and the 36-year-old veteran signal-caller should be fine to play in Week 14 versus the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, barring a setback in practice on Thursday or Friday. Stafford runs fewer than any QB in the league, but he also has two of the best receivers in the league to throw the ball to, resulting in multiple touchdown passes in each of the last three games. On the season, he's averaging 18.2 fantasy points per game, which is tied for 23rd among QBs. Stafford sets up as a solid midrange QB2 against Buffalo in Week 14.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (concussion, shoulder), who was put on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, will miss the rest of the season and is expected to have surgery to fix a significant AC joint injury in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the coming weeks, according to sources. Lawrence is expected to make a full recovery for the 2025 season. In addition to his shoulder ailment, the 25-year-old former first overall pick suffered a concussion on an illegal hit in the Week 13 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday. It ends a disappointing fourth season in the NFL, as he'll finish with a 60.6 completion percentage for a career-low 2,045 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 starts. While Lawrence should be ready for Week 1 of 2025, he won't be more than a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes. Mac Jones will now start the final five games for the Jags in 2024.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quadriceps) missed the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. White has missed the last two games due to a quadriceps injury and isn't on the right track to return this weekend when the team travels to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers on Sunday. Meanwhile, Alexander Mattison (ankle), who has missed the last two games as well, was limited on Wednesday. Even if White were to get back to practice later this week and play on Sunday, he'd likely be the RB3 for Vegas behind both Mattison and Ameer Abdullah. The 25-year-old opened the year with an opportunity to be the Raiders' lead back, but he squandered that chance and is now just looking to get healthy again. White is averaging a dreadful 2.8 yards per carry on 65 attempts through eight games in 2024 and is now rostered in only 21% of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle, calf) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice with multiple injuries. It could help explain why backup Zach Charbonnet played 45% of the offensive snaps in the Week 13 win over the New York Jets, his highest snap share since Week 8. Walker was in on 61% of the offensive snaps and handled 16 carries for only 49 rushing yards while catching two passes for a loss of three yards. It was the second straight game Walker had under 50 rushing yards, and now he's dealing with two injury concerns heading into a Week 14 divisional clash in the desert against the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old is a must-start RB when healthy as Seattle's lead back, though, as he's averaging 19.3 touches per game and has six TDs in 10 games. Fantasy managers in need of a RB this week might want to check on Charbonnet's availability, though.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had his three-game suspension upheld on Wednesday. Al-Shaair will now sit out Weeks 15, 16, and 17 following the Texans' Week 14 bye. Al-Shaair was suspended for three games without pay for a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13. Lawrence was sliding when Al-Shaair delivered a hit to the helmet of the quarterback with his forearm. The suspension came after Al-Shaair was fined twice for other personal fouls earlier this season. His absence is a big loss for the Texans' defense. He had recorded 68 tackles, two sacks, two fumbles forced, and four passes defensed in 10 games this season. He has been all over the field for a solid Texans defense. Luckily the Texans have veteran linebacker Devin White behind Al-Shaair on the depth chart to help weather the storm. Still, the team will need several players to step up as the Texans fight for playoff seeding over the next few weeks.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. Metcalf went down with a knee injury during the Seahawks' Week 13 win over the New York Jets. He needed help off the field but he was able to return a few minutes later. However, his knee injury was not mentioned on the Seahawks' practice report and he seems to only be limited with the shoulder injury that capped his practice reps ahead of last week. Metcalf took Wednesday and Thursday off of practice last week. As such, it is encouraging to see him practicing in any capacity at this point early in the week. Given that Metcalf was able to play through his shoulder injury with no limitations this week, fantasy managers should be unconcerned. Still, his practice participation should be monitored through Friday to see if he will carry an injury designation into the weekend. Metcalf has recorded 50 receptions for 763 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games this season. He should be able to deliver solid numbers against the Arizona Cardinals this week should he remain healthy enough to play.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) was limited at practice on Wednesday. McConkey was visibly banged up during Sunday's game in Atlanta and was ultimately forced to leave the game. His practice participation in any capacity is encouraging for fantasy managers. McConkey has come alive of late. He has caught at least six passes in three straight games. He has exceeded 100 receiving yards in two of those three games. He is looking every bit like the second-round draft pick that he is. On the season, McConkey has recorded 815 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season if he can stay healthy. Given how well he has played over the last month, McConkey now checks in as the WR16 in PPR scoring formats. The Chargers draw the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. While the Chiefs' defense was highly formidable to start the season, they have bled points to opposing teams in recent weeks. This is a huge game for both squads with massive playoff and divisional implications. If McConkey plays, he should deliver WR2 numbers. We will gain more clarity on his status over the next couple of days of practice.

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (quad) was a full participant in practice Wednesday. Reichard is returning from a stint on injured reserve and is currently within his 21-day practice window. Reichard has not played since Week 9. However, the rookie had been playing excellent football prior to his injury. In eight games, Reichard connected on 14 of 16 field goals and made all 23 of his extra points. Perhaps most impressive was that his field goals were fairly evenly distributed across varying distances. If Reichard can take the field in Week 14, then he should supplant his replacement, John Parker Romo. Romo has played well in Reichard's stead, but the Vikings invested a sixth-round pick in Reichard in the spring and his play did not suggest he should be replaced. If Reichard is back on the NFL field then he should be back in fantasy lineups.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday. Smith's practice participation is a welcome sight for fantasy managers deprived of his services for the past two weeks. Smith has had an up-and-down season in 2024. He has multiple games in the WR2 range. However, he has also played several games in which he was borderline unplayable. The Eagles' offense has primarily run through running back Saquon Barkley (rest) this season and Smith has not reached the heights that we know he is capable of. Still, he draws a solid matchup in Week 14. The Eagles will host the porous defense of the Carolina Panthers. Should Smith continue his practice participation and ultimately suit up, then he is in a great position to succeed this week. This is especially true with tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) week-to-week. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation throughout the week to ensure that Smith does not suffer any setbacks.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) was limited to kick off the Week 14 practice week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, fellow back Zamir White (quadriceps) continued to sit out. Both RBs have missed the last two games with their respective injuries, although Mattison appears to be closer to returning in Week 14 when the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In their absences, Ameer Abdullah has filled lead-back duties and has had 18 carries for 67 rushing yards while catching seven of eight targets for 51 receiving yards and one touchdown in losses to the division-rival Broncos and Chiefs. The 26-year-old Mattison took over lead-back duties for the Raiders from White early in the season, but Mattison hasn't been all that special himself, averaging 9.3 half-PPR fantasy points a game and career-low 3.3 yards per carry. If he's active in Week 14, he'll be a low-upside RB3/flex at best.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (hip) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of Week 14 preparation on Wednesday. Mostert's hip injury dates back to the Nov. 17 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it's a minor injury that he has played through. Therefore, barring a setback later this week, the 32-year-old veteran should be available to play in Week 14 against the division-rival New York Jets on Sunday. Mostert surprisingly led the Dolphins in rushing in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, when he had just 19 yards on five rushing attempts. It was the second straight week Mostert saw over 30% of the offensive snaps, but it hasn't led to much production. As long as starter De'Von Achane remains healthy, Mostert has no standalone fantasy appeal on game days. He's averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry and has 10 carries for 22 yards in the last four contests.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (rest, wrist) was a non-participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Hill has been battling a wrist injury for the majority of the season and has been rested in recent weeks on Wednesday before eventually suiting up on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't be very worried at all that the 30-year-old speedster won't play in Week 14 against the division-rival New York Jets. He was able to play 80 percent of the offensive snaps in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and had six catches 83 yards and a touchdown. Although the Cheetah has just one 100-yard game (back in Week 1) and hasn't lived up to his lofty expectations in 2024, he's seen his production increase since the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and has three TDs in the last four games. Hill is a must-start against the Jets this Sunday.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Moore was also listed on the Week 12 injury report but played through it and wasn't on the injury report last week before going off for a season-high 111 receiving yards on a season-high 14 targets in Monday night's loss to the Denver Broncos. The 24-year-old's shoulder injury shouldn't keep him from suiting up this Sunday to face the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first meeting with Pittsburgh just two weeks ago, Moore only had three catches on five targets for 21 yards. It's notable that his big performance on Monday came with Cedric Tillman (concussion) out. Moore has only one touchdown on the year and has limited upside in fantasy, although he's been much more attractive with quarterback Jameis Winston running Cleveland's offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, hamstring) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday with both calf and hamstring injuries. A right-hamstring injury kept Evans sidelined from Weeks 8-10, but he's now also listed with a calf ailment. The 31-year-old still has two days left to get back on the practice field, but for now we will be closely monitoring his status as the team prepares to battle the visiting Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday in Week 14. If Evans is seriously in danger of missing this weekend, Sterling Shepard, rookie Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer would likely operate as the team's three starting wideouts. Tight end Cade Otton was a fantasy beast in the weeks that Evans was sidelined with his hamstring injury, so he'd most likely benefit the most if Evans misses another game. Evans is a must-start fantasy wideout if he's active, especially against Vegas.

Despite New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) missing the first practice of the week on Wednesday, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich sounded optimistic about Hall's availability for Sunday's Week 14 contest against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Hall was listed as questionable for the Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks but ended up playing through his knee injury while playing a season-low 62% of the offensive snaps. It sounds as though the Jets' lead back is on a similar trajectory this week, which shouldn't have fantasy managers thrilled. If Hall has his snaps limited for a second straight week, he could very well disappoint his managers yet again against Miami. The 23-year-old back is the RB12 in half-PPR fantasy points, but fantasy managers that drafted him midway through the first round this year were expecting more. If he plays, he'll be on the RB1/2 borderline against Miami.

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker (knee) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Thursday night contest against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. In addition to Decker, the Lions will also be without defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), Joshua Paschal (knee) and D.J. Reader (shoulder) in Week 14. This will be Decker's second straight missed game after also sitting out last Thursday's Thanksgiving Day win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. It's not great news for Detroit's juggernaut offense, but the news shouldn't make fantasy managers any less confident in starting quarterback Jared Goff in this matchup, even though he only threw for 145 yards and one touchdown in the first meeting against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 3. Hopefully Detroit will get Decker back in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills.