Footballguys #234 - 12/11 - News And Notes From Around The League

[Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #234 - 12/11 - News And Notes From Around The League Volume 20, #234 -- Tuesday Night, December 11th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Wednesday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler misses practice](#1) 2. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon is a game-time decision](#2) 3. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon limited](#3) 4. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill limited](#4) 5. [MIN - John DeFilippo fired](#5) 6. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire absent Tuesday](#6) 7. [KC - WR Kelvin Benjamin should play](#7) 8. [NYJ - RB Isaiah Crowell misses Tuesday practice](#8) 9. [PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger will have to manage pain](#9) 10. [PIT - RB James Conner not ruled out](#10) 11. [LAC - RB Justin Jackson has an opening](#11) 12. [NYJ - Full practice for QB Sam Darnold](#12) 13. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa absent from practice](#13) 14. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins limited](#14) 15. [CLE - TE David Njoku has full practice](#15) 16. [OAK - Oakland cuts RB C.J. Anderson](#16) 17. [PHI - RB Corey Clement lands on IR](#17) 18. [IND - TE Erik Swoope waived](#18) 19. [TB - Tanner Hudson called up](#19) 20. [DEN - WR Courtland Sutton not at practice](#20) 21. [TEN - Jack Conklin, TE Jonnu Smith go to IR](#21) 22. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins remains sidelined](#22) 23. [KC - RB Spencer Ware to sit out practice](#23) 24. [LAC - Detrez Newsome to see some time](#24) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler misses practice](=) Source: Chargers.com Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers RB [Austin Ekeler]( (neck, concussion) was held out of practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It was reported earlier that Ekeler is not expected to play this week. The Chargers might be rolling out Justin Jackson as their starter in Week 15 on Thursday night against the Chiefs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon is a game-time decision](=) Source: Los Angeles Times - Mike DiGiovanna Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) will be a game-time decision Thursday, Dec. 11, against the Kansas City Chiefs as he continues to nurse a sprained right knee. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy GMs have to be ready to make a move here. The Chargers have a good matchup against a soft Chiefs defense in Week 15, but it's going to be difficult to trust Gordon his first week back...especially since his return may or may not be close. Expect the team to be cautious with Gordon. Justin Jackson may get a large role if Gordon (knee) can't play and Austin Ekeler is still in concussion protocol. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon limited](=) Source: Chargers.com Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) was limited in practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon is considered to be a game-time decision in Week 15. The Chargers play Thursday night against the Chiefs. They might have to go with Justin Jackson as their starting back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill limited]( Source: Chiefs.com Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs WR [Tyreek Hill]( (heel, wrist) was limited in practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hill had his foot injury taped up on Sunday and played with the injury. He should do the same thing on Thursday night against the Chargers. Watch this one closely to see which way he's moving on Wednesday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [MIN - John DeFilippo fired](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was fired Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Vikings offense has not been good this year. DeFilippo was supposed to work his way to a head coaching position and he had free agent QB Kirk Cousins to help him there. Instead, the Vikings offense has struggled to score points or even move the ball. DeFilippo will get another chance, perhaps not as an offensive coordinator, soon enough when the coaching bloodbath takes place after the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire absent Tuesday]() Source: NewYorkJets.com New York Jets RB [Elijah McGuire]( (ankle) missed practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Isaiah Crowell is banged up right now with a foot injury. If he doesn't play against the Texans on Saturday, the team would turn to McGuire as the starter...if he's healthy. Trenton Cannon is the backup behind McGuire. Check back to see if he can practice later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [KC - WR Kelvin Benjamin should play]() Source: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz Kansas City Chiefs WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( expects to play Thursday, Dec. 13, against the Los Angeles Chargers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chiefs are banged up right now with a few key skill position players missing (or limited) in practice this week. Benjamin said he's been learning the offense since last week and offensive Eric Bienemy said the offense will be 'all hands on deck.' In his first game with his new team, we'd only count on Benjamin as a crazy deep 'what the heck' flex in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NYJ - RB Isaiah Crowell misses Tuesday practice]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Isaiah Crowell]( (foot) was not spotted at practice Tuesday, Dec. 11, as he deals with a foot injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets may have to turn to Eli McGuire on Saturday against the Texans although McGuire's missed time as well. Over the last three weeks, the Texans rush defense is second in the league allowing an average of just 62.0 rushing yards per game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger will have to manage pain](=) Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Steelers QB [Ben Roethlisberger]( (ribs) is dealing with several rib bruises, but should be available for Week 15, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rib injuries just come down to pain tolerance and Roethlisberger is proven to be one of the toughest players in the NFL. Tomlin added that Roethlisberger will need pain management throughout the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [PIT - RB James Conner not ruled out]() Source: NFL Network - Aditi Kinkhabwala Pittsburgh Steelers RB [James Conner]( (ankle) was not ruled out of returning in Week 15 by head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Don't get too excited but there is a small possibility we see Conner's return to the field. We'll know more on Friday. We expect Conner may need more time to heal and the Steelers would go with Jaylen Samuels as their lead back if that's the case. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [LAC - RB Justin Jackson has an opening]( Source: NFL.com - Steve Wyche Los Angeles Chargers RB [Justin Jackson]( is likely to see more playing time with RBs [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) and [Austin Ekeler]( (concussion) unlikely to play Thursday, Dec. 13, in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon is considered a game-time decision for Thursday night's game against the Chiefs. If Gordon doesn't play and Ekeler is not cleared, Jackson would step into the starting role. That alone gives him flex appeal in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NYJ - Full practice for QB Sam Darnold](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com New York Jets QB [Sam Darnold]( (foot) participated fully in practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A good sign for Darnold's availability on Saturday against the Texans. Fantasy GMs are not starting him but the rookie will continue to get valuable experience as the Jets starter. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa absent from practice](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa]( (ankle) was not at practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets play on Saturday against the Texans. They could be getting Enunwa some rest here. We'll know more about his status on Wednesday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins limited](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins]( (foot) practiced on a limited basis Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins has been limited all year long in practice. The team travels to play the Jets on Saturday and all Fantasy GMs are going to start Hopkins if they've got him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CLE - TE David Njoku has full practice]( Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns TE [David Njoku]( (knee) participated fully in practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Broncos struggle to stop tight ends historically (see George Kittle's 200-yard performance just last week). Njoku is the latest tight end to get to go against the Broncos. The Browns travel to play in Denver on Saturday and Njoku is a TE1 for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [OAK - Oakland cuts RB C.J. Anderson]( Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Oakland Raiders RB [C.J. Anderson]( was released Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Anderson was just picked up last week and now finds himself without a job again. Two teams (Panthers, Raiders) have moved on from Anderson so far this season but he might get a shot with another team before the end of a regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [PHI - RB Corey Clement lands on IR]() Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles RB [Corey Clement]( (knee) and DE Josh Sweat (ankle) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 11. In addition, free-agent DE Daeshon Hall (Texans) was signed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles now move on with Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood as the change-of-pace options behind power back Josh Adams. Clement is not a lock to make the 53-man roster in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [IND - TE Erik Swoope waived]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts TE [Erik Swoope]( was waived Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Swoope, a former basketball player from the University of Miami, has been waived by the Colts before this year. He's physically gifted but has yet to develop in a few years with the Colts. Mo Alie-Cox works uncontested as the backup behind Eric Ebron going forward. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [TB - Tanner Hudson called up]( Source: Buccaneers.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Tanner Hudson was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 11. In a corresponding move, free-agent LB Emmanuel Smith (Falcons) was signed to the practice squad. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Undrafted out of Southern Arkansas in 2018, Hudson measures in at 6'5" 239 pounds. He was the model of consistency in college, finishing each of the last three seasons with at least 40 catches, 600 yards and six touchdowns. For his time at Southern Arkansas, Hudson totaled 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdowns. In super crazy deep dynasty leagues we'll be monitoring him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [DEN - WR Courtland Sutton not at practice](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR [Courtland Sutton]( (thigh) was not able to practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sutton was supposed to take over as the no.1 wide receiver for the Broncos after Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles') was lost for the season last week. Instead of thriving against the 49ers, Sutton struggled and only caught two passes for 14 yards. He got banged up on Sunday but did try to play through the injury. We'll see if he was just getting some extra rest today. Sutton and the Broncos are going against the Browns on Saturday in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [TEN - Jack Conklin, TE Jonnu Smith go to IR](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Tennessee Titans OT Jack Conklin (knee) and TE [Jonnu Smith]( (knee) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith had 20 catches for 258 yards and three receiving touchdowns so far this year. His MCL injury should take a month or so to heal. The Titans move forward with Anthony Firkser as their lead tight end. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins remains sidelined](=) Source: ESPN.com - Adam Teicher Kansas City Chiefs WR [Sammy Watkins]( (foot) will not practice Tuesday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Earlier reports speculated that Watkins would be done for the rest of the regular season. The Chiefs play in a huge divisional matchup against the Chargers on Thursday night in Week 15. It looks like they'll continue on without Watkins at this moment. Perhaps newly acquired WR Kelvin Benjamin will get some playing time this week behind guys like Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [KC - RB Spencer Ware to sit out practice](=) Source: ESPN.com - Adam Teicher Kansas City Chiefs RB [Spencer Ware]( (shoulder) will not practice Tuesday, Dec. 11, as he recovers from a shoulder injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ware's status is considered to be precautionary at this moment. The Wednesday practice report should give us a clear indication of Ware's availability for Thursday night's game against the Chargers. The Chiefs would turn to Damien Williams as their lead back if Ware can't go. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [LAC - Detrez Newsome to see some time]( Source: NFL.com - Steve Wyche Los Angeles Chargers RB [Detrez Newsome]( is likely to see more playing time with RBs [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) and [Austin Ekeler]( (concussion) unlikely to play Thursday, Dec. 13, in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Newsome was picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Coming out of Western Carolina, Newsome measures in at 5'10" 210 pounds and has a slashing running style. He can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield as evidenced by the 108 receptions Newsome had during his college career. Newsome might be the backup to Justin Jackson on Thursday night (if Gordon and Ekeler don't play). [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: =