Footballguys #249 - 12/27 - News & Notes From Around The League

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On top of that, you'll also receive a free $3 entry with your first deposit. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #249 -- Wednesday Night, December 27th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - WR Antonio Brown still ruled out](#1) 2. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon not practicing](#2) 3. [KC - Patrick Mahomes to draw Week 17 start](#3) 4. [LAR - QB Jared Goff could take a seat](#4) 5. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley could sit out](#5) 6. [NYJ - QB Christian Hackenberg to make Week 17 appearance?](#6) 7. [NYG - Davis Webb to be backup QB](#7) 8. [LAC - Austin Ekeler practices in full](#8) 9. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray does not practice](#9) 10. [CLE - RB Isaiah Crowell limited Wednesday](#10) 11. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch practices in full](#11) 12. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead misses practice](#12) 13. [ATL - No practice for WR Julio Jones](#13) 14. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin misses practice](#14) 15. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins unable to practice](#15) 16. [NO - WR Michael Thomas limited Wednesday](#16) 17. [GB - RB Jamaal Williams likely for bulk of work](#17) 18. [GB - RB Devante Mays could see carries](#18) 19. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart rests](#19) 20. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess limited in practice](#20) 21. [MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon fully practices](#21) 22. [CIN - Limited practice for RB Giovani Bernard](#22) 23. [BAL - WR Mike Wallace puts in limited practice](#23) 24. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard a no go Wednesday](#24) 25. [NYG - TE Evan Engram doesn't practice](#25) 26. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief limited in practice](#26) 27. [WAS - RB Samaje Perine has full practice](#27) 28. [DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders not practicing](#28) 29. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin remains sidelined](#29) 30. [LAC - No practice for RB Melvin Gordon](#30) 31. [TB - WR DeSean Jackson back at practice Wednesday](#31) 32. [IND - RB Frank Gore discusses his future](#32) 33. [GB - RB Aaron Jones unlikely to play Week 17](#33) 34. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell practices Wednesday](#34) 35. [GB - WR Davante Adams remains in protocol](#35) 36. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson unlikely to play Week 17](#36) 37. [MIN - QB Sam Bradford to return to practice next week](#37) 38. [HOU - QB Josh Johnson back with Houston](#38) 39. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon optimistic for finale](#39) 40. [NYG - TE Evan Engram receives good news](#40) 41. [SEA - RB Chris Carson won't practice this week](#41) 42. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles frustrated with playing time](#42) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - WR Antonio Brown still ruled out]() Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Chris Adamski Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Antonio Brown]( (calf) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Head coach Mike Tomlin did not have any update on Brown's condition, but he will not play in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. The Steelers have a first-round bye, so Brown has two more weeks to get healthy. He'll return to the field for the Divisional Round of the playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon not practicing](=) Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals RB [Joe Mixon]( (ankle) was not in uniform for practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mixon was back in action in Week 16, but he got hurt in the first quarter and did not return. With Gio Bernard playing at a high level, we should see him lead the way for the Bengals on the ground once again in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [KC - Patrick Mahomes to draw Week 17 start]() Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced QB Patrick Mahomes will make his first career start in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chiefs have the 4th seed wrapped up in the AFC. They're going to be playing at home during Wild Card Weekend and don't need to get QB Alex Smith hurt in a meaningless game against the Broncos. Mahomes was their first-round pick in 2017 and he's their future franchise quarterback. The gunslinger from Texas Tech has a tough draw against a Broncos secondary that could make it a long day for him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [LAR - QB Jared Goff could take a seat](=) Source: Ventura County Star - Joe Curley Los Angeles Rams QB [Jared Goff]( could sit out of the Week 17 contest against the San Francisco 49ers after head coach Sean McVay said there will be starters that won't play at all. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ah, the dangers of playing in Week 17. Fantasy owners need to have other options with Goff, RB Todd Gurley and others likely to sit. Even if Goff begins the game as the starter, he could have a quick hook so he doesn't get hurt before the Rams make their postseason run. Sean Mannion is the backup to Goff. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley could sit out](=) Source: Ventura County Star - Joe Curley Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( could sit out of the Week 17 contest against the San Francisco 49ers after head coach Sean McVay said there will be starters that won't play at all. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners still playing in Week 17 are likely to be without a sure-fire RB1 as the Rams rest players. Gurley is the key piece for the Rams as they get ready to make what they hope is a deep postseason run. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [NYJ - QB Christian Hackenberg to make Week 17 appearance?]() Source: New York Daily News - Daniel Popper New York Jets QB Christian Hackenberg could get his first career playing time in the regular season when the club plays its finale Sunday, Dec. 31, versus the New England Patriots. When asked if Hackenberg could see action in the contest, head coach Todd Bowles said, 'We'll see.' Bowles added that he'd make his decision 'probably sometime during the game.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets drafted Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft but he hasn't been good enough to see the field. They need to see what he can do with some regular season snaps to determine what his future with the team is (as a backup). We're expecting a ton of changes for the Jets this offseason and the QB room should get an overhaul. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NYG - Davis Webb to be backup QB](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants QB Davis Webb will serve as the No. 2 quarterback against the Washington Redskins in Week 17, according to interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Eli Manning gets the start in Week 17 in what could be his final game for the Giants. Webb was a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft and he's got the prototypical size/look of a pro quarterback. Too bad he's robotic with his reads and a knockoff version of Brock Osweiler when he goes to scramble. Webb is a developmental prospect who could work into a decent backup. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [LAC - Austin Ekeler practices in full]( Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers RB [Austin Ekeler]( (hand) took part in a full practice session Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Melvin Gordon (ankle) banged up, Ekeler could be in line for a large role in Week 17. It's good that Ekeler is practicing in full on Wednesday, but monitor Gordon's status as the week goes on. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. TEN - RB DeMarco Murray does not practice Source: NFL Tennessee Titans RB [DeMarco Murray]( (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray's knee injury is expected to make him a game-time decision in Week 17. Derrick Henry will be the lead back for the Titans this week even if Murray does play against the Jaguars. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [CLE - RB Isaiah Crowell limited Wednesday]() Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns RB [Isaiah Crowell]( (shoulder, ribs) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] On the road against the Steelers in Week 17, Crowell has RB3 value for fantasy owners in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch practices in full](=) Source: DenverBroncos.com Denver Broncos QB [Paxton Lynch]( (ankle) was able to practice in full Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lynch is going to start in Week 17 against the Chiefs. There's no telling how he's going to perform because he has not impressed behind the scenes enough to win the job with multiple opportunities in two seasons. The 2016 first-round pick is looking like a bust, but the Broncos want to take one final look to see if there's any availability there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead misses practice]( Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead]( (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burkhead is unlikely to play in the regular season finale against the Jets. With a first-round bye, Burkhead is expected to return in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [ATL - No practice for WR Julio Jones]() Source: AtlantaFalcons.com Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( (ankle, thumb) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It would be news if Jones did practice on Wednesday. At 9-6, the Falcons are in the playoffs as the 6th seed although the spot is not locked up. He'll certainly be playing in the must-win game against the Panthers in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin misses practice]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bills are on the road against the Dolphins in Week 17. If Benjamin can play, fantasy owners should consider him a flex option or WR3 option in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins unable to practice]( Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins]( (calf) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 27, due to his calf injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins should be able to practice later in the week. He's got incredible upside against the Colts in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [NO - WR Michael Thomas limited Wednesday]( Source: The Times-Picayune - Larry Holder New Orleans Saints WR [Michael Thomas]( (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thomas is going to get a bit of rest in the middle of the week. The matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 17 is a juicy one and Thomas has WR1 upside any week he's on the field. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [GB - RB Jamaal Williams likely for bulk of work](=) Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers RB [Jamaal Williams]( is likely to handle a bulk of the workload in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions with RB [Aaron Jones]( (knee) unlikely to play. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams should get to grind against the Lions in the season finale. The rookie can get stronger as the game goes on, and he fights for every yard on every carry. His ability and role makes him a RB2 option for fantasy owners in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [GB - RB Devante Mays could see carries](=) Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Michael Cohen Green Bay Packers RB [Devante Mays]( could see some carries in the Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Aaron Jones isn't going to play, so that opens up opportunity for Mays. We'll see Jamaal Williams as the starter with Mays getting some snaps when he needs a rest. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart rests]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers RB [Jonathan Stewart]( (rest) did not practice on Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Panthers have clinched a playoff berth, so they're going to rest Stewart whenever possible. He's on track to play in Week 17, but Stewart may not get that much work as the Panthers want to make a deep postseason run. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess limited in practice]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers WR [Devin Funchess]( (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] On the road against the Falcons, we might see Funchess limited. Monitor his practice status during the week and consider him a WR3 or flex option in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon fully practices]() Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings RB [Jerick McKinnon]( (shoulder) participated fully in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In PPR leagues, McKinnon has RB2 value against the Bears in Week 17. This full participation on Wednesday is a good sign for his playing status this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [CIN - Limited practice for RB Giovani Bernard]() Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals RB [Giovani Bernard]( (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bernard has been playing at a high level for a few weeks. He's got RB2/flex appeal in Week 17 against the Ravens. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [BAL - WR Mike Wallace puts in limited practice](=) Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens WR [Mike Wallace]( (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jeremy Maclin could miss another game this week as the team prepares for a playoff run. That leads to a potentially larger role for Wallace. Against the Bengals in Week 17, Wallace is a WR3/flex option for fantasy owners. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard a no go Wednesday](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants WR [Sterling Shepard]( (neck) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No word on his playing status for Week 17. Neck injuries are incredibly tricky to deal with so the Giants will obviously take it easy on him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [NYG - TE Evan Engram doesn't practice](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants TE [Evan Engram]( (ribs) missed practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Engram may not be able to play in Week 17. Ribs injuries come down to pain tolerance, so we'll see if Engram can get through a practice later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief limited in practice]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts WR [Donte Moncrief]( (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Moncrief hasn't played in three weeks due to this ankle injury. A limited practice on Wednesday is a sign of progress, but there's no guarantee that he'll be playing in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [WAS - RB Samaje Perine has full practice]( Source: Redskins.com Washington Redskins RB [Samaje Perine]( (groin, shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Perine was able to play against the Broncos in Week 16 even though his playing status was up in the air during the week. This full practice on Wednesday is a good sign for his status in Week 17 against the Giants. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders not practicing]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR [Emmanuel Sanders]( (ankle) was a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd be shocked if Sanders plays on Sunday against the Chiefs. His ankle has been bothering him for weeks, and even when he does play he doesn't look like his normal self. His future with the team is up in the air after a down season with the Broncos. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin remains sidelined]( Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens WR [Jeremy Maclin]( (knee) was not able to practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Maclin's knee injury is not season ending, but the team doesn't want to rush him back with a postseason run looming. He may not be able to play again in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [LAC - No practice for RB Melvin Gordon]() Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday, Dec. 27, as he remains day-to-day with an ankle injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] His ankle injury is considered minor, but the team may not practice Gordon until Friday. Monitor his practice status this week if you're playing in a Week 17 fantasy championship. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 31. [TB - WR DeSean Jackson back at practice Wednesday](=) Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR [DeSean Jackson]( (foot) was spotted at practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson missed Week 16 due to this injury but it sounds like he could get on the field this week. His first season in Tampa is not going well, and the big-play receiver only has one catch of greater than 40 yards in 2017...and that was in Week 5 against the Patriots. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 32. [IND - RB Frank Gore discusses his future]() Source: The Indianapolis Star - Zak Keefer Indianapolis Colts RB [Frank Gore]( told reporters Wednesday, Dec. 27, that it will be 'possible' for him to return to the team in 2018 if [Andrew Luck]( is healthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gore is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2018. He's 139 rushing yards away from going over 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons. The veteran back is certainly not the player he used to be as a lead back, but perhaps the Colts would want him back as a reserve player. If Luck is healthy, then it sounds like he would be open to a return. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 33. [GB - RB Aaron Jones unlikely to play Week 17](=) Source: Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz Green Bay Packers RB [Aaron Jones]( (knee) is not expected to play in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jamaal Williams will be the lead back for the Packers as they travel to play the Lions. Behind him, we'll see Devante Mays as the backup. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 34. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell practices Wednesday](=) Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots WR [Malcolm Mitchell]( (knee) was able to practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell has missed the entire year with this knee injury. He now gets a three-week window to get activated or get put on IR for the rest of the year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 35. [GB - WR Davante Adams remains in protocol]() Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Davante Adams]( (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol as of Wednesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's Week 17 and the Packers aren't going anywhere. They'll monitor his status during the week of practice but we'd be surprised if Adams plays with nothing to gain. Adams is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 36. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson unlikely to play Week 17]() Source: Packers.com Green Bay Packers WR [Jordy Nelson]( (shoulder) will not practice Wednesday, Dec. 27, and head coach Mike McCarthy admitted it will be 'tough' for Nelson to play in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Davante Adams still in the concussion protocol, the Packers could turn to guys like Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 37. [MIN - QB Sam Bradford to return to practice next week]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday, Dec. 27, that he expects QB [Sam Bradford]( (knee) to be able to return to practice next week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Vikings placed Bradford on IR back in November. They could bring him back during the playoffs if he's ready. Case Keenum has thrived as the starter and Teddy Bridgewater is his primary backup. The Vikings do have a third-string quarterback, Kyle Sloter, who could lose his roster spot to a healthy Bradford. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 38. [HOU - QB Josh Johnson back with Houston](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com The Houston Texans re-signed QB [Josh Johnson]( on Wednesday, Dec. 27. S Corey Moore (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list in a corresponding move. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Both Texans quarterbacks T.J. Yates and Taylor Heinicke missed time in Week 16 getting examined for concussions. Yates came back in the game, but Heinicke was diagnosed with a concussion and did not return. Johnson was with the Texans for a couple of weeks back in November and now he's back in Houston to give the team depth at the position behind Yates. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 39. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon optimistic for finale]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (ankle) is optimistic about playing in Week 17 with his sprained ankle, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for the Chargers as they're still in the hunt for the playoffs. They wrap up the regular season with a game against the Raiders in Week 17. The swelling was minimal with Gordon's injury according to this report. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 40. [NYG - TE Evan Engram receives good news]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating previous reports, New York Giants TE [Evan Engram]( (ribs) has been diagnosed with bruised ribs after his X-rays were negative. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Engram's status for Week 17 is unknown at this time. With bruised ribs Engram could play, and it would come down to how much pain he can tolerate. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 41. [SEA - RB Chris Carson won't practice this week]( Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson Seattle Seahawks RB [Chris Carson]( (ankle, leg) won't practice this week, according to head coach Pete Carroll. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] At 9-6 the Seahawks are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Carson is trying to come back from a broken leg but it doesn't look like he's on track to do that, even if Seattle makes it to the postseason. The rookie from Oklahoma State appeared in four games this year, rushing for 208 yards on 49 carries. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 42. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles frustrated with playing time]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Denver Broncos RB [Jamaal Charles]( told Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post on Tuesday, Dec. 26, that he feels 'like I never got a chance to show people that I can carry the load,' Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said the team has not considered releasing Charles, who averaged about 15 snaps over the first 14 games of the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charles has not been used much at all by the Broncos. He's been active every week but one for the team, earning a cool $78K every week as a bonus. Charles proved he could be healthy enough to play in a limited fashion, but he wants to get more time and more touches. The Broncos have no intent of releasing Charles at this time. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =