Footballguys #240 - 12/17 - News And Notes From Around The League

[Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #240 - 12/17 - News And Notes From Around The League Volume 20, #240 -- Monday Night, December 17th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Tuesday to you. We've got some News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley dealing with inflammation](#1) 2. [PHI - QB Nick Foles expected to remain the starter](#2) 3. [LAC - TE Hunter Henry on the field Monday](#3) 4. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins day-to-day](#4) 5. [KC - RB Spencer Ware making progress](#5) 6. [GB - RB Kapri Bibbs claimed by Packers](#6) 7. [ATL - RB Jeremy Langford to be promoted?](#7) 8. [BUF - RB Marcus Murphy has elbow injury](#8) 9. [ATL - RB Ito Smith done for the year](#9) 10. [KC - CB Kendall Fuller could play](#10) 11. [GB - WR Randall Cobb in protocol](#11) 12. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon to be limited Monday](#12) 13. [HOU - WR Keke Coutee day-to-day](#13) 14. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake not limited by injury in Week 15](#14) 15. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen expected to make full recovery](#15) 16. [MIA - RB Frank Gore unlikely to play again in 2018](#16) 17. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman could be active Week 16](#17) 18. [NYG - QB Eli Manning to make another start](#18) 19. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. could return Week 16](#19) 20. [PHI - QB Carson Wentz will not go on injured reserve](#20) 21. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette not benched in Week 15](#21) 22. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler could be ready for Week 16](#22) 23. [CIN - WR Tyler Boyd has MCL sprain](#23) 24. [LAC - WR Keenan Allen could be ready](#24) 25. [ARI - QB Josh Rosen will start in Week 16](#25) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley dealing with inflammation]( Source: TheRams.com - Myles Simmons Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( (knee) is dealing with some knee inflammation but is expected to be fine, according to head coach Sean McVay. Gurley will be considered day-to-day this week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Relatively good news for Gurley here. We'll be staying on this one for you this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PHI - QB Nick Foles expected to remain the starter](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Philadelphia Eagles QB [Nick Foles]( will likely continue to start at quarterback for the rest of the season, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Carson Wentz is not being shut down for the season but Foles will remain the starter. The Eagles are still in the playoff hunt and we can't imagine Wentz returning to the field unless they're in the postseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [LAC - TE Hunter Henry on the field Monday](=) Source: Chargers.com Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers TE [Hunter Henry]( (knee) participated in practice Monday, Dec. 17. He is still on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stephen A. Smith has to be excited about this news. Now that Henry is back at practice, it opens up a 21-day window for the Chargers to decide whether or not to activate him or shut him down. We'd be shocked if Henry returns to the field in the regular season but a return in the postseason is not outside the realm of possibility. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins day-to-day]( Source: The Kansas City Star - Brooke Pryor Kansas City Chiefs WR [Sammy Watkins]( (foot) is considered day-to-day at this point and his status for Week 16 is uncertain. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watkins is day-to-day but the Chiefs just might shut him down until the playoffs. Fantasy GMs have different/better options out there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [KC - RB Spencer Ware making progress]( Source: The Kansas City Star - Brooke Pryor Kansas City Chiefs RB [Spencer Ware]( (hamstring) is making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury and is considered day-to-day. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ware can take all the time he needs. Damien Williams proved to be a great lead back for the Chiefs in Week 15. Darrell Williams does a nice job as a power/reserve back and Charcandrick West is a capable receiving back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [GB - RB Kapri Bibbs claimed by Packers]( Source: Packers.com The Green Bay Packers claimed RB [Kapri Bibbs]( off waivers from the Washington Redskins Monday, Dec. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bibbs was a receiving back for Washington while Chris Thompson (ribs) was banged up. He could provide the same type of help for the Packers now that they're likely moving on without Aaron Jones (knee sprain) for the rest of the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [ATL - RB Jeremy Langford to be promoted?](=) Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons RB [Jeremy Langford]( could be signed off the practice squad this week in light of RB [Ito Smith]( (knee) going on the Reserve/Injured list, according to ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Langford was just signed to the Falcons practice squad less than a month ago. A fourth-round pick out of Michigan State in the 2015 NFL draft, Langford has 210 carries for 737 and 10 rushing touchdowns during his career...but the last time he carried the ball was in 2016 for the Bears. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BUF - RB Marcus Murphy has elbow injury]() Source: WGR Sports Radio 550 - Joe Buscaglia Buffalo Bills RB [Marcus Murphy]( (elbow) suffered dislocated elbow in Week 15, according to head coach Sean McDermott. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That didn't last long. Murphy was the lead back for the Bills on Sunday due to LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory being banged up. He got hurt in the game which led the team to turn to Keith Ford. If McCoy and Ivory miss some more time, Ford could get the starting job in Week 16. Stay tuned for practice reports later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [ATL - RB Ito Smith done for the year](=) Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden Atlanta Falcons RB [Ito Smith]( (knee) will undergo surgery this week and is being placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Dec. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith got some work for the Falcons after Devonta Freeman was lost for the season. He finishes his rookie season with 90 carries for 315 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Smith also chipped in with 27 catches for 152 receiving yards. With Tevin Coleman likely to move on this offseason in free agency, Smith should have the leg up to win the backup job to Freeman in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [KC - CB Kendall Fuller could play](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Kansas City Chiefs CB Kendall Fuller (wrist) has a good chance to play this week despite having surgery on his broken wrist Friday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Fuller is active then he may share more duties with SS Eric Berry, who returned last week for the first time since Week 1 of 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [GB - WR Randall Cobb in protocol]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb]( (concussion) is in the concussion protocol. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is Cobb's first known concussion of his career. The Packers aren't going to the playoffs, so they may just shut Cobb down for the rest of the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon to be limited Monday]() Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) is expected to get in a limited practice and was close to playing in Week 15 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, according to head coach Anthony Lynn.'If we would have played that game on Sunday, he probably would have played,' Lynn told ESPN's Eric D. Williams. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon was close to returning last week and we're expecting him to play in Week 16 against the Ravens. It's a tough matchup but Gordon is a RB1 for Fantasy GMs if he plays. We should have a better feel about his status for Saturday in the near future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [HOU - WR Keke Coutee day-to-day]() Source: HoustonTexans.com - Deepi Sidhu Houston Texans WR [Keke Coutee]( (hamstring) is considered day-to-day and will likely be a game-time decision in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. Coutee is a talented rookie but this hamstring injury has plagued him most of the 2018 season as he's only appeared in six games so far this year. Fantasy GMs have other/better options even if Coutee plays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake not limited by injury in Week 15]( Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins RB [Kenyan Drake]( recorded only four touches in Week 15 versus the Minnesota Vikings, but head coach Adam Gase told reporters Monday, Dec. 17, that his running back was not held back due to injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Drake was the hero during the 'Miami Miracle' two weeks ago in the win over the Patriots....then he barely touched the ball on Sunday. When Grank Gore was banged up, the team chose to turn to rookie RB Kalen Ballage instead. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen expected to make full recovery](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Carolina Panthers TE [Greg Olsen]( (foot) underwent surgery on his foot in the last week and is expected to make a full recovery, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for the Panthers and the veteran tight end here. Olsen is under contract through the 2020 season and has a cap hit of $7.1 million. So long as he's healthy, Olsen could still be a TE1 for Fantasy GMs in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [MIA - RB Frank Gore unlikely to play again in 2018]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Miami Dolphins RB [Frank Gore]( (foot) is expected to miss the rest of the season with a sprained foot, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy GMs will be looking to see if rookie Kalen Ballage is on the waiver wire for Week 16. Ballage came through with 12 carries for 123 rushing yards and a touchdown on Sunday against the Vikings. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman could be active Week 16]() Source: HoustonTexans.com - Deepi Sidhu Houston Texans RB D'Onta Foreman (Achilles') 'could' see his first action of the season in Week 16 versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Foreman is a grinder who can wear down a defense. If active, Foreman would be worked into the mix behind starter Lamar Miller. Reports indicate that Miller's ankle injury is not serious. Foreman might get some short-yardage or goal-line work due to his size and powerful running style. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NYG - QB Eli Manning to make another start]() Source: The Athletic - Patricia Traina New York Giants QB [Eli Manning]( will remain in the starting lineup in Week 16 versus the Indianapolis Colts, according to head coach Pat Shurmur. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Shurmur believes that Manning gives them the best chance to win. The Giants had rookie QB Kyle Lauletta as a healthy scratch on Sunday and it doesn't seem like they'll turn to him at any point this season. Shurmur also said that Manning has 'years' left as a starter in the league. That's nice he said that, but we still expect the Giants to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. could return Week 16]() Source: Giants.com New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham]( Jr. (quad) is 'doing everything he can to get back,' and the team is hopeful he'll be able to return from a two-game absence in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to head coach Pat Shurmur. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants don't need to rush Beckham back into the lineup since they're out of the playoff race. Check back on Wednesday as we'll get the first clue about Beckham's status then. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [PHI - QB Carson Wentz will not go on injured reserve]( Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com - Dave Spadaro Philadelphia Eagles QB [Carson Wentz]( (back) is being considered 'week-to-week' and will take back starting quarterback duties when he is healthy, according to head coach Doug Pederson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wentz is not going to be shut down for the year and it might be because of positive information about his injury...and the fact the Eagles are still in the playoff hunt. We will see Nick Foles as the starter in Week 16 and we can only imagine Wentz returns if the Eagles somehow make it to the postseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette not benched in Week 15]( Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars RB [Leonard Fournette]( was not injured in Week 15 but ran only one time in the second half - for 25 yards - so the coaching staff could get a closer look at [David Williams](, according to head coach Doug Marrone. Fournette also served as the kickoff returner in Week 15 after not having played that role since he was a freshman in college. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams was plucked from the Broncos practice squad earlier this year and he's an interesting prospect but there's no way he should be getting carries over Fournette. The Jaguars are a mess right now, and Fournette is no longer a lock for RB1 production when healthy. Consider him more of a RB2 against the Dolphins in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler could be ready for Week 16]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Los Angeles Chargers RB [Austin Ekeler]( (neck) has a 'legitimate chance' to play in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll see if Ekeler can get onto the practice field at some point this week. Melvin Gordon may be able to return for the Chargers this week, and that would be a boost for the offense as they face a tough matchup against the Ravens in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [CIN - WR Tyler Boyd has MCL sprain](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating previous reports, Cincinnati Bengals WR [Tyler Boyd]( (knee) suffered a low-grade sprain of his medial collateral ligament in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a sprain, and those type of injuries usually take a couple of weeks to heal. Boyd could be done for the season as the Bengals lose yet another starting wide receiver to injury. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Boyd had a breakout season in 2018 with 76 catches, 1,028 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns so far. The Bengals could move forward with John Ross and Cody Core as their top two wideouts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [LAC - WR Keenan Allen could be ready]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating previous reports, Los Angeles Chargers WR [Keenan Allen]( (hip) could be ready to play Saturday, Dec. 22, against the Baltimore Ravens. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a tough matchup for the Chargers as they play the Ravens at home in Week 16. Allen may not be 100 percent healthy, but the team is competing for the no.1 seed in the AFC and they may push him out there at less than full strength. Fantasy GMs should look at Allen at least a WR3 or flex play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [ARI - QB Josh Rosen will start in Week 16]( Source: The Athletic - Scott Bordow Arizona Cardinals QB [Josh Rosen]( will serve as the team's starting quarterback in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Steve Wilks. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals were down 40-7 in the fourth quarter so Rosen was benched or 'rested' or whatever you want to say. Things have been rough for the rookie this year, but it's part of the growing pains when you go with a young quarterback. In 2018, Rosen has 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. If the 2019 NFL draft was today, the Cardinals would have the no.1 overall pick. [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: =