Footballguys #242 - 12/19 - Cam Newton OUT - Plus News And Notes From Around The League

[Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #242 - 12/19 - Cam Newton OUT - Plus News And Notes From Around The League Volume 20, #242 -- Wednesday Night, December 19th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Thursday to you. We've got some News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LAC - Full practice for RB Melvin Gordon](#1) 2. [PIT - RB James Conner unable to participate](#2) 3. [CAR - QB Cam Newton being shut down](#3) 4. [LAR - No practice for RB Todd Gurley Wednesday](#4) 5. [NYG - No practice for WR Odell Beckham](#5) 6. [CAR - QB Cam Newton not going on IR](#6) 7. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers will play](#7) 8. [SEA - RB Chris Carson limited Wednesday](#8) 9. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} sits out](#9) 10. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire takes part in practice](#10) 11. [LAC - WR Keenan Allen a limited participant](#11) 12. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler remains sidelined](#12) 13. [ATL - TE Austin Hooper limited in his work](#13) 14. [SF - RB Matt Breida has limited practice](#14) 15. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake able to go full](#15) 16. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage goes full Wednesday](#16) 17. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy has limited practice](#17) 18. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette practices in full](#18) 19. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton unable to practice](#19) 20. [IND - TE Eric Ebron nursing quadriceps injury](#20) 21. [DET - WR Kenny Golladay limited in practice](#21) 22. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota upgraded](#22) 23. [WAS - RB Adrian Peterson still limited](#23) 24. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon limited by wrist issue](#24) 25. [CIN - No practice for WR Tyler Boyd](#25) 26. [TB - WR DeSean Jackson limited](#26) 27. [CLE - TE David Njoku limited in practice](#27) 28. [PHI - TE Zach Ertz limited](#28) 29. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery doesn't practice](#29) 30. [CAR - Kyle Allen to be promoted](#30) 31. [OAK - QB Nathan Peterman on practice squad](#31) 32. [GB - No practice for TE Jimmy Graham](#32) 33. [GB - WR Randall Cobb doesn't practice](#33) 34. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed still sidelined](#34) 35. [MIA - RB Frank Gore to IR](#35) 36. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman done](#36) 37. [DET - RB Kerryon Johnson done for season](#37) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [LAC - Full practice for RB Melvin Gordon](=) Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon should be back for the Chargers this week and he's got a couple of games to knock off the rust before the playoffs. Against the Ravens we feel Gordon could put up RB1 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PIT - RB James Conner unable to participate]() Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers RB [James Conner]( (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Many thought Conner would be back this week but not practicing on Wednesday is not a good sign for his availability. We may see Jaylen Samuels again as the lead back for the Steelers as they travel to New Orleans to play the Saints in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [CAR - QB Cam Newton being shut down](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton]( (shoulder) is not practicing Wednesday, Dec. 19, and will not play again this season with the Panthers being out of playoff contention. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A good move for the Panthers here. Newton just wasn't himself and it was painful just watching him try to throw the football with a messed up shoulder. We'll have to wait and see if this latest shoulder injury will require surgery. Taylor Heinicke will start the Panthers' final two games at quarterback with Newton done for the year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [LAR - No practice for RB Todd Gurley Wednesday]() Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gurley should play this week but the team might choose to limit his reps. We'll know more about his status later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NYG - No practice for WR Odell Beckham]( Source: Giants.com New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham]( Jr. (quadriceps) was held out of practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Beckham hasn't been on the field over the last two games and the Giants have not shut him down for the year. If he plays on the road against the Colts in Week 16, Beckham should be projected as a WR2 due to this injury. We'll know more about his practice status later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CAR - QB Cam Newton not going on IR](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton]( (shoulder) will not be placed on the Reserve/Injured list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Newton won't be playing in the final two games of the year and we are waiting to see if he needs another surgery on his injured shoulder. He finishes the 2018 season with 3,395 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions...plus a career high 67.9 completion percentage. Taylor Heinicke will start the Panthers' final two games at quarterback with Newton done for the year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers will play]() Source: The Athletic - Josh Tolentino Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers]( (groin) will take the field this week despite speculation that he would be shut down while he deals with a groin injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Packers aren't going to the postseason but Rodgers wants to get out there. Fantasy GMs may be hesitant starting him this week due to the groin injury but if he's out there then he's a QB1. Rodgers cited his leadership and competitiveness as the primary reasons he wanted to play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [SEA - RB Chris Carson limited Wednesday]( Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle Seattle Seahawks RB [Chris Carson]( (non-injury) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Carson is just getting a bit of rest here. He's a RB2 with upside against the Chiefs in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} sits out]( Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle Seattle Seahawks WR [Doug {NAME}]( (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll see if {NAME} can practice later in the week. He's got WR2 upside if he plays against the Chiefs in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire takes part in practice]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Elijah McGuire]( (ankle, quadriceps) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McGuire should once again be the lead back for the Jets in Week 16. That's worth RB2 or flex status for Fantasy GMs as the Jets are at home playing the Packers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [LAC - WR Keenan Allen a limited participant](=) Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers WR [Keenan Allen]( (hip) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allen seems like he's on track to play. Don't lock him into your lineup now but wait until later in the week to see if his practice status changes. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler remains sidelined](=) Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers RB [Austin Ekeler]( (neck) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Melvin Gordon should return this week for the Chargers....we're not so sure about Ekeler. Make other flex options. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [ATL - TE Austin Hooper limited in his work]( Source: AtlantaFalcons.com Atlanta Falcons TE [Austin Hooper]( (knee, ankle) took part in practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hooper is not himself with these various injuries. Fantasy GMs have other options out there even if Hooper plays against the Panthers in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [SF - RB Matt Breida has limited practice]() Source: 49ers.com San Francisco 49ers RB [Matt Breida]( (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Breida has been bothered by this ankle injury and has seen his touches limited. Check back on his practice status later in the week as he's got RB2 potential in PPR leagues when near full strength. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake able to go full](=) Source: MiamiDolphins.com Miami Dolphins RB [Kenyan Drake]( (shoulder) took part in a full practice session Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Drake...but it would be better news if this coaching staff seemed to trust him more. When Frank Gore goes down last week it didn't lead to more touches for Drake, and instead we saw rookie Kalen Ballage get featured. Drake has low-end RB2 or flex value this week in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage goes full Wednesday](=) Source: MiamiDolphins.com Miami Dolphins RB [Kalen Ballage]( (hip) was able to take part in a full practice session Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ballage could be in line for a featured role in the Dolphins backfield...depending on what they want to do with Kenyan Drake. The rookie from Arizona State had a big game last week after Frank Gore went down and he could produce like a RB3 with upside for Fantasy GMs this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy has limited practice]( Source: Patriots.com Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy]( (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It looks like McCoy might be ready to return this week for the Bills. We'll know more about his status on Friday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette practices in full](=) Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars RB [Leonard Fournette]( (foot) was able to practice in full on Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a great matchup for Fournette this week provided he's not pulled for David Williams again (WTH?). Over the last three weeks, the Dolphins defense ranks 29th in the league by giving up an average of 165.0 rushing yards per game. Fournette is a RB2 for Fantasy GMs in Week 16 with the upside to finish as a RB1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton unable to practice]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts WR [T.Y. Hilton]( (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19 as he is nursing an ankle ailment. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hilton didn't practice at all last week but was able to play. The team might follow suit with the veteran receiver this week as well. Stay tuned to his practice status on Friday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [IND - TE Eric Ebron nursing quadriceps injury]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts TE [Eric Ebron]( (quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19 due to a quadriceps injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ebron is getting some rest but he should be out there on the field for the Colts in Week 16. That means he's a TE1 for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [DET - WR Kenny Golladay limited in practice]( Source: DetroitLions.com Detroit Lions WR [Kenny Golladay]( (chest) was listed as a limited participant for practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not much has gone right for the Lions this year but Golladay is a bright spot. He's got a tough matchup against the Vikings in Week 16 but should post WR2 numbers for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota upgraded]() Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans QB [Marcus Mariota]( (foot) put in a full practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Don't get too excited about Mariota's fantasy potential this week at home against Washington on Saturday. The offense is going to feature RB Derrick Henry as much as possible. That doesn't leave a lot for Mariota and the Titans passing game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [WAS - RB Adrian Peterson still limited]() Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Washington Redskins RB [Adrian Peterson]( (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peterson is going to be limited by this shoulder injury, especially in the middle of the week. Washington plays on Saturday against the Titans and Peterson should lead the way on the ground. He's an RB3 for Fantasy GMs in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon limited by wrist issue](=) Source: 1 No Source Cincinnati Bengals RB [Joe Mixon]( (wrist) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19 due to a wrist ailment. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] They're just giving Mixon a bit of rest here. Most likely without WR Tyler Boyd in the latest injury to an offensive starter, the Bengals should lead on Mixon more than ever. We've got him as a volume based RB2 with upside against the Browns in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [CIN - No practice for WR Tyler Boyd](=) Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals WR [Tyler Boyd]( (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19 and he is uncertain for Week 16 and beyond due to a sprained medial collateral ligament. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bengals are likely to be without Boyd. That means John Ross and Cody Core would be their top two wide receivers with Alex Erickson mixed in. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [TB - WR DeSean Jackson limited]( Source: The Athletic - Calvin Watkins Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR [DeSean Jackson]( (thumb) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson might actually return to action this week. He hasn't played since Week 12 against the 49ers due to this thumb injury. If Jackson is out there for the Bucs in Week 16, we've got him as a 'what the heck' flex against the Cowboys. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [CLE - TE David Njoku limited in practice]( Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns TE [David Njoku]( (knee, thigh) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We should see Njoku limited on Wednesday with a chance to be a full participant on Thursday or Friday. We like him as a low-end TE1 against the Bengals in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [PHI - TE Zach Ertz limited](=) Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles TE [Zach Ertz]( (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ertz was a disappointment in Week 15 (like multiple fantasy starters) but he should produce like a TE1 in Week 16. Check back on Friday just to make sure this ankle problem is not more severe than most think. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery doesn't practice](=) Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery]( (illness) was not able to practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jeffery should be feeling better by the end of the week. Against the Texans in Week 16, Jeffery should produce like a WR3 or flex play for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [CAR - Kyle Allen to be promoted](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt Carolina Panthers QB Kyle Allen will be signed from the practice squad to the active roster this week in light of QB [Cam Newton]( (shoulder) being shut down, according to general manager Marty Hurney. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Panthers had to make a move at the position with Newton done for the year. Taylor Heinicke will start the Panthers' final two games at quarterback with Allen backing him up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 31. [OAK - QB Nathan Peterman on practice squad](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating a previous report, Oakland Raiders QB [Nathan Peterman]( was signed to the practice squad, not the 53-man roster, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] On the practice squad Peterman can develop for Jon Gruden. Dynasty GMs have long ago moved on from any Peterman stock. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 32. [GB - No practice for TE Jimmy Graham]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers TE [Jimmy Graham]( (knee, thumb) missed practice Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's Wednesday, so Graham should just be getting some rest here. Aaron Rodgers is set to play at quarterback against the Jets this week but Graham is just a TE2 for Fantasy GMs if he's out there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 33. [GB - WR Randall Cobb doesn't practice]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb]( (concussion) is not practicing Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cobb is in the league's concussion protocol. He'll have to clear that protocol in order to play on the road against the Jets in Week 16. Fantasy GMs have other/better options out there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 34. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed still sidelined]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed]( (ankle, foot) did not practice for a second consecutive day Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd be surprised if Reed is out there on Saturday against the Titans. Fantasy GMs have other options. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 35. [MIA - RB Frank Gore to IR](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Miami Dolphins RB [Frank Gore]( (foot) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We hope this isn't the last we see of the veteran running back. He ran hard this year for the Dolphins, finishing the 2018 season with 156 carries for 722 rushing yards and 12 catches for 124 receiving yards. The Dolphins move forward with rookie Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake working in some sort of duo at the running back position. Against the Jaguars in Week 16, Ballage is a low-end RB3 or deep flex while Drake is a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 36. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman done]( Source: 92.9 The Game - John Fricke Updating previous reports, Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman]( (groin) will not return this season, according to head coach Dan Quinn. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeman injured his groin back in Week 5 and decided to undergo surgery. He was eligible to return this week but that's not going to be the case. Without Freeman, the Falcons roll forward with Tevin Coleman, Brian Hill, and Jeremy Langford in the backfield. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 37. [DET - RB Kerryon Johnson done for season](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Detroit Lions RB [Kerryon Johnson]( (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Dec. 19. He should make a full recovery in the offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson began the year in a rotational role with the Lions. When they eventually figured out he should be a featured back (what a concept!), Johnson came through with a few strong performances (two, 100-yard rushing games). The 2018 second-round pick finishes his rookie season with 118 carries for 641 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also added 32 catches for 213 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Johnson will be the lead back for the Lions in 2019. For the rest of this season, the Lions will go with LeGarrette Blount and Zach Zenner in a competition for carries. Theo Riddick continues as their primary receiving threat out of the backfield. [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](=). 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