2 weeks agoBuffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is good news for the Bills after Dawkins sat out of practice to begin the week. It sounds like Dawkins is dealing with a minor illness, but that shouldn't stop him from playing this weekend. The fact that Dawkins was able to practice in full on Thursday means that he should be fine for Sunday. Barring any setbacks, Dawkins should be starting at left tackle and holding down the blindside for quarterback
Josh Allen during the AFC Championship Game.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Bills.com
2 weeks agoThe San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to hire former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their new defensive coordinator. Saleh was fired as the head coach of the Jets after a slow start to the season. He was reportedly the favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars head-coaching gig. However, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now appears to be the favorite to land the Jags head-coaching job. That being said, Saleh is expected to return to a familiar place in San Francisco. Saleh was the defensive coordinator for a number of years in San Francisco before he took the job as the head coach of the Jets. This seems like a good decision given the fact that Saleh is a smart defensive mind.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Michael Silver
2 weeks agoESPN Dallas' Todd Archer reports that Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) had a chondral tissue graft surgery on Thursday on his left knee, and the recovery could keep him out until parts of training camp, if not longer, according to multiple sources. The delay in Diggs' surgery could cost him the start of the 2025 season, although we'll have a better idea of his timeline later this offseason. The 26-year-old defensive back landed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 21 due to his left-knee injury. The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama has only played in 13 games the last two seasons due to injuries after he made the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022. Diggs had 14 interceptions in 2021 and 2022 but has recorded only three picks since while dealing with injuries. Even if he's ready for Week 1 this fall, Dallas may choose to ease him back in early in the year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (knee, rest) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson has been battling a knee issue but played in both playoff games and shouldn't have a problem suiting up for the NFC Championship this Sunday versus the division-rival Washington Commanders. The Eagles were likely just giving the 34-year-old veteran a little extra rest on Wednesday for the first practice of the week. Johnson and the rest of Philly's strong offensive line were a big reason running back
Saquon Barkley led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season. Philly's ground game will be key in the clash against Washington as they look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with a win this weekend.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: PhiladelphiaEagles.com
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. The impressive rookie defensive back injured his shoulder in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams and was never able to return, but the fact that he practiced in full on Thursday gives him a pretty good chance to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders this Sunday in Philly. The 23-year-old first-rounder has been a big reason why the Eagles defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this year, and his presence on the field this Sunday would be bad news for Commanders receivers
Terry McLaurin and
Dyami Brown. Mitchell recorded 46 tackles (37 solo) and 12 pass breakups in his first 16 regular-season games.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: PhiladelphiaEagles.com
2 weeks agoWashington Commanders tight ends
John Bates (shoulder) and
Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice after they were both full-go in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's possible that both are merely being rested ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, but there statuses will become more clear on Friday. Meanwhile, fellow TE
Zach Ertz (rib, rest) returned to a full practice on Thursday after picking up a DNP on Wednesday. As long as Ertz is healthy and on the field, neither Bates nor Sinnott are worth considering in fantasy playoff leagues. Bates had only eight catches on 13 targets for 84 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, while Sinnott had five grabs for 28 yards and one score in 17 games.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Commanders.com
2 weeks agoBuffalo Bills cornerbacks Christian Benford (concussion) and Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) were both limited in the team's practice on Thursday. It was the second straight limited practice of the week for Benford, while Johnson was a downgrade after he put in a full practice on Wednesday. Benford is most likely going to need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to have a shot to clear the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson injured his neck in the wild-card win over the Denver Broncos but was able to suit up in the win over the Ravens, where he apparently picked up a shoulder ailment. The Bills could just be resting him on Thursday ahead of the AFC Championship on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills could be strong DFS play against a Chiefs offense that hasn't been as explosive this season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Buffalo Bills PR
2 weeks agoUpdating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (ankle) was a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. An earlier report suggested that Goedert would return to practice after missing Wednesday's session, but that turned out to not be the case. It now puts the 30-year-old's status for the NFC Championship this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders up in the air. However, if he's able to get back on the practice field on Friday, it would be a surprise if he's not active as the Eagles look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Goedert had four catches on six targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers and caught all four of his targets for 56 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. If he's out or limited on Sunday,
Grant Calcaterra would become a TE sleeper for DFS lineups.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (knee, illness, rest) upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice session after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. In addition to a knee injury that he's been nursing since late in the regular season, Brown has been a bit under the weather this week, but a return to a full practice on Thursday means he should be just fine to play on Sunday in the NFC Championship game against the division-rival Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old pass-catcher continues to play nearly all of Philly's offensive snaps on game days, but he's caught only three passes for 24 yards in two playoff wins over the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams the last two weeks. Fantasy managers brave enough to take the chance on Brown in DFS lineups this weekend will be leaning on the fact he caught 13 passes (23 targets) for 162 yards and a TD in two games against the Commanders earlier this year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 weeks agoOne day after reportedly agreeing to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that would have made him the league's highest-paid offensive coordinator, Liam Coen is meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday about their open head-coach position, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Just several days ago, Coen was considered the favorite to become Jacksonville's next head coach, but then the extension with Tampa was announced. The Jaguars then fired general manager Trent Baalke, and all of a sudden Coen is interest in the job again. It's a fluid situation and nothing is official, but it appears Coen could back out of his extension with Tampa to join Jacksonville now that Baalke is out of the picture. Coen joining the Jags would be good news for quarterback
Trevor Lawrence and bad news for
Baker Mayfield in Tampa.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
2 weeks agoPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts (knee) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited in Wednesday's walkthrough. Hurts injured his left knee on Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Although he didn't miss a snap, he appeared to be severely limited in what he could do the rest of the game and looked to be limping around after the game. However, Hurts said he expected to be fine for the NFC Championship this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders, and his ability to practice in full on Thursday backs up that sentiment. As long as he does not have a setback with his knee on Friday, he should be available to play this weekend as the Eagles look to get back to the Super Bowl. Hurts' ability to score goal-line touchdowns on the tush push makes him more attractive for fantasy lineups, but his mobility could be limited against Washington.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Eagles
2 weeks agoBuffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (biceps/hamstring) remained limited during Thursday's practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's final session, but seeing him remain a limited participant is a positive sign. Last weekend, during their victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the 30-year-old tallied three tackles (one solo). In their wild-card victory over the Denver Broncos, Milano logged five tackles with one sack. Milano missed the first 11 weeks of the season due to a torn biceps he suffered during training camp. However, since he returned, he has operated in his typical starting role in the Buffalo defense. If Milano were to miss Sunday's contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dorian Williams should see an increase in playing time.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Buffalo Bills
2 weeks agoAccording to the team, Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. This was his second straight missed practice, and he could be in danger of missing Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles if he cannot return to practice on Friday. Wagner sustained this ankle injury during their wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wagner did not log a full practice last weekend prior to their game against the Detroit Lions but was still able to suit up. Wagner tallied eight tackles (two solo) with six assists in this contest. If Wagner were to sit out on Sunday, Nick Bellore would see an increase in playing time. The 34-year-old is the leader of the Washington defense, and his absence would be felt as they attempt to pull off an upset in Philadelphia.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Washington Commanders
2 weeks agoAccording to the team, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger/knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's final session, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Payne sustained this finger injury during their wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now dealing with an additional knee injury. If Payne were to be limited or sit out during Sunday's contest, fantasy managers should expect Sheldon Day to receive an uptick in playing time. During the regular season, Payne was a mainstay on the Washington defensive line. Across 17 games, he tallied 42 tackles (22 solo) with four sacks and two deflections.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Washington Commanders
2 weeks agoAccording to the team, Washington Commanders tight end
Zach Ertz (rib) was upgraded to full participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign, as Ertz did not participate during Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he should be in a position to be a full go for Sunday's conference championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In last weekend's victory over the Detroit Lions, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a score. Over his past nine contests, the veteran tight end has found the back of the end zone seven times and seen 5.1 targets per game. During this stretch, the 34-year-old has seen nine targets within the five-yard line and has become
Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the red zone. He carries low-end TE1 value in DFS formats this weekend.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Washington Commanders
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