Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Since Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties in Week 10, the Detroit Lions offense has seen a significant surge in scoring and yardage. Jared Goff's fantasy production has jumped from QB14 to QB5. Jameson Williams has also seen a dramatic improvement, moving from WR41 to WR5 in the same period, with more manageable targets.
Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom will miss another practice on Thursday due to back and knee injuries. He has not practiced all week but has not been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bears. The team will make a final decision on his status closer to kickoff.
Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon has released his full-PPR rankings for Week 16. Managers can bookmark the page for updates throughout the week to aid in lineup decisions. Harmon's half-PPR rankings are also available.
Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Eagles due to an oblique injury. Tunsil has started every game this season for the Commanders. His future with the team is uncertain due to his large cap number for next season.
De'Von Achane's fantasy production has historically been tied to Tua Tagovailoa, with his points per game dropping significantly in games without him. While the Bengals rank last against RBs, rookie QB Quinn Ewers' presence introduces risk. However, coach Mike McDaniel is expected to utilize Achane to ease the transition for Ewers.
The New York Giants and Abdul Carter's teammates are anticipating a repeat of his 'statement' game performance. Carter was selected third overall by the Giants out of Penn State earlier this year, with expectations for significant contributions.
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is emerging as a potential sleeper for dynasty fantasy football leagues. Projections suggest he could become a fringe QB1 by 2026, indicating growing optimism for his long-term value. He is highlighted as one of eight players to watch on the dynasty radar.
Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports that the Colts are opening Anthony Richardson's (orbital) 21-day practice window. According to Bowen, Richardson, who last practiced on October 10, will likely be eased back into action, potentially with scout team reps during Thursday's session. Bowen also noted that coach Shane Steichen indicated Richardson still has "some vision limitations" at this stage, despite the positive step of returning to practice.
Jaxson Dart is mentioned in the context of the New York Giants' ongoing search for their next head coach. The article, which discusses the latest odds for potential candidates like Chris Shula and Freeman, references the "Jaxson Dart era underway" for the Giants. This suggests Dart is a significant figure for the team as they consider their future leadership.
Rookie tight end Tyler Warren, once considered a top-tier TE1, has seen his fantasy production decline significantly. Over the past month, he has averaged just 5.7 fantasy points per game, with only five catches for 34 yards in the last two weeks, primarily due to quarterback changes involving Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers. In his last game with Rivers, Warren caught three of six targets for 19 yards. His efficiency and touchdown upside have plummeted, moving him out of "elite" and potentially "starter" fantasy range, making him a fade recommendation for Week 16 unless no better streaming options are available.
Emeka Egbuka is a key topic in Week 16 fantasy football discussions, with advice for managers on whether to start or sit him. Despite consistent target volume, the talented rookie has been "bad-to-middling" for nearly three months, posting a horrendous 41.8% catch rate and just 5.38 yards per target since Week 6. He's scored under nine fantasy points in eight of his last nine games, ranking as WR37 over that period. With Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan returning, his target share is expected to further decrease. Egbuka is considered a borderline must-sit at the bottom of WR3 range for playoff matchups.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing linebacker Jeremiah Moon from the Carolina Panthers' practice squad to address multiple injuries at outside linebacker, including T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. Moon, 27, previously played 13 games with one start for the Steelers last year before an injury settlement. He joined Carolina's practice squad in October and appeared in one game for them before his return to Pittsburgh.
Former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron has been hired as the new head coach for the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. McCarron, who also played for the St. Louis Battlehawks, transitions from his playing career to a coaching role in the United Football League.
Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was told by officials to stop his 'booger-flicking' celebration during last week's game against the Rams, prompting him to question the NFL's stance. St. Brown, along with teammates Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams, adopted the celebration, which originated from rookie DT Tyleik Williams. While no specific rule prohibits it, a 'nose wipe' gesture is considered unsportsmanlike. St. Brown expressed frustration, but no fines are expected as the team ceased the celebration.
Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Bengals, calling it a "dream come true." Coach Mike McDaniel's decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa means Ewers gets his chance to prove himself. Ewers empathizes with Tagovailoa's situation, having been benched himself last year. The game is meaningless for playoff implications, but significant for Ewers's aspirations for the Dolphins' starting role in 2026.
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans desires to be involved in the team's search for a new head coach. Despite a challenging start to his NFL career, completing 59.3% of passes for 11 TDs and 7 INTs with a league-leading 49 sacks in 14 games, Ward views himself as a cornerstone player. He wants to meet all candidates and discuss the process, believing the right coach is crucial for his development, citing examples like Caleb Williams with the Bears and Drake Maye with the Patriots. The Titans, who drafted Ward No. 1 overall, are looking to rebuild after firing Brian Callahan mid-season.
With Devin Neal out, Devaughn Vele is expected to step up for the New Orleans Saints in their game against the Jets. The Saints will rely on Vele and other players to contribute carries and catches to the offense.
Jared Verse, along with Byron Young, is a significant force behind the Los Angeles Rams' defense. Their partnership has been crucial in establishing the defensive identity and effectiveness of the Rams.
Linebacker Byron Young, alongside Jared Verse, is a key driver of the Los Angeles Rams' defense. Their connection has been instrumental in shaping the identity and performance of the team's defensive unit.
Packers DC Jeff Hafley is confident Micah Parsons will recover from his torn ACL and return stronger, potentially breaking sack records. Hafley emphasizes that the team's behavior shouldn't be dictated by circumstances, urging the defense to maintain pride and cohesion despite Parsons' absence.
