News And Notes From Around The League

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #241 • Dec. 14th, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( Howdy {NAME}, Week 15, here we come. We've got some News and Notes for you so let's get to it. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( features a guaranteed prize pool with a $100,000 grand prize and $370,000 in total prizes. All prizes are fully guaranteed and the 2020 Challenge is capped at 12,500 teams. It's a simple yet challenging contest that runs from the start of the NFL playoffs through the Super Bowl. No salary caps, no weekly roster submissions, and no free agency to deal with. Just build your 12-player team once and watch it perform throughout the NFL playoffs. Players on your team are only eliminated when their NFL team loses, so target the high scorers who advance deep into the NFL playoffs. - Entry fee: $35 per team - $100,000 Grand Prize - $370,000 in guaranteed prizes (increased from $300,000) paid down to 1,800th place (increased from 1,600) - Contest capped at a maximum of 12,500 entries (increased from 10,000) - Entry Deadline: Saturday, January 9th at 4:30 PM ET It’s THE way to play playoff Fantasy Football backed by the people you know at Footballguys and the FFPC. [Sign Up Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford in doubt for Week 15?](#1) 2. [CAR - Carolina hopeful for RB Christian McCaffrey return](#2) 3. [PHI - Jalen Hurts to start Week 15](#3) 4. [HOU - RB David Johnson due back this week](#4) 5. [TB - RB Ronald Jones suffers finger injury](#5) 6. [JAX - Jacksonville turning back to QB Gardner Minshew](#6) 7. [HOU - WR Randall Cobb likely done](#7) 8. [NYJ - Denzel Mims back with the team](#8) 9. [NYJ - RB Frank Gore to keep his role](#9) 10. [BUF - WR John Brown ready to practice](#10) 11. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel out indefinitely](#11) 12. [NYJ - NYJ likely to get duo back in Week 15](#12) 13. [DEN - PK Brandon McManus headed to COVID list](#13) 14. [MIA - WR Jakeem Grant likely to miss some time](#14) 15. [MIN - RB Khalfani Muhammad en route to Minnesota](#15) 16. [SF - RB Raheem Mostert getting tests done on ankle](#16) 17. [HOU - QB Deshaun Watson to have input on next coach](#17) 18. [NYG - Doctor optimistic about RB Saquon Barkley's return](#18) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford in doubt for Week 15?](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions QB [Matthew Stafford](=) (ribs) has yet to be ruled out for Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans, but his status is 'in doubt' after suffering a rib injury in Week 14 versus the Green Bay Packers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Keep an eye on his status during the week of practice. We're sure he'll miss Wednesday as most banged up veterans do, so watch to see what he can do after that. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CAR - Carolina hopeful for RB Christian McCaffrey return]() Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers RB [Christian McCaffrey](=) (quad) is expected to spend some time at the team's facility for rehab Monday, Dec. 14, and the plan as of now is for him to play again this season, according to head coach Matt Rhule. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCaffrey was close to playing last week. He practiced and then tweaked his quad on Wednesday last week so the team shut him down for the Broncos game. Fantasy GMs would love to finally see him back in action in the second week of the fantasy playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [PHI - Jalen Hurts to start Week 15]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Philadelphia Eagles QB [Jalen Hurts](=) was confirmed the starter against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles got the spark they needed from Hurts. He was out there making plays with his arm, but his legs and rushing ability came into play on Sunday. A running quarterback always has fantasy potential, so Hurts can be considered a low-end QB1 option in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [HOU - RB David Johnson due back this week]() Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans RB [David Johnson](=) is expected to return from the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week, according to interim coach Romeo Crennel. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's back after being a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID. That means Duke Johnson can be dropped by Fantasy GMs. David Johnson should be in line for a starter's workload in Week 15...although that's not saying much considering the status of the Texans offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [TB - RB Ronald Jones suffers finger injury]() Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Ronald Jones](=) (finger) 'may have fractured a pinky' in Week 14, according to head coach Bruce Arians. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll see if Jones has to get a pin in his finger to help in the recovery. That procedure would not necessarily knock him out of action in Week 15. As per usual, watch for his status as the week of practice rolls on. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [JAX - Jacksonville turning back to QB Gardner Minshew]( Source: Jaguar Report - John Shipley Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Gardner Minshew](=) will return to the lineup in Week 15 versus the Baltimore Ravens after he was named the starter by head coach Doug Marrone on Monday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's the move that makes the most sense as the Jaguars play out the season. If Minshew performs well, then the team could consider him a nice backup. The days are past him proving himself as a starter as the Jaguars should be in the market for a franchise quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [HOU - WR Randall Cobb likely done]() Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop Houston Texans WR [Randall Cobb](=) (foot) is likely done for the season, according to interim coach Romeo Crennel. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's the way things were trending with Cobb, so the Texans continue to move forward without him. Keke Coutee has emerged as a WR2 options for Fantasy GMs in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NYJ - Denzel Mims back with the team]( Source: SNY - Ralph Vacchiano New York Jets WR [Denzel Mims](=) (personal) has entered the COVID-19 protocol and should be available to practice later in the week after attending to a personal issue in Texas over the weekend. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mims is an incredible talent we love in dynasty formats. His return does boost the Jets passing game, although Fantasy GMs likely have better options than the rookie out there in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYJ - RB Frank Gore to keep his role]( Source: ESPN.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Frank Gore](=) will continue to start and work in a rotation with all the running backs on the team's roster, according to comments made by head coach Adam Gase on Monday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gore is the banger the team can rely on. He's not flashy, but his game isn't about that. Instead, Gore can grind down an opponent while other backs bring a more dynamic nature to the field. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BUF - WR John Brown ready to practice]() Source: The Athletic - Matthew Fairburn Buffalo Bills WR [John Brown](=) (ankle) is expected to return to practice this week and is eligible to be activated from the Reserve/Injured list ahead of Week 15 versus the Denver Broncos. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bills are on a roll and getting Brown back will be a boost for their offense. His speed and connection with QB Josh Allen are what makes him a standout player who can flip the field on a single catch. We'll see what Brown can do during the week of practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel out indefinitely](=) Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers WR [Deebo Samuel](=) (hamstring) is expected to be 'out awhile' after straining his hamstring in Week 14 against the Washington Football Team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The 49ers have had banged up wide receivers all season long. Samuel is injured again and could miss the rest of the regular season. That makes Brandon Aiyuk a borderline WR1 for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NYJ - NYJ likely to get duo back in Week 15](=) Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg New York Jets RB La'Mical Perine (ankle) and PK Sam Ficken (groin) are expected to return to practice this week, according to head coach Adam Gase. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] They wanted to use Perine more before his ankle injury. Perhaps he can work his way back up the depth chart to regain that opportunity. We're only monitoring Perine in dynasty formats. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [DEN - PK Brandon McManus headed to COVID list]( Source: Twitter - Brandon McManus Denver Broncos PK Brandon McManus will be placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Dec. 14, after he revealed on social media that he was a 'close contact' of a person who tested positive. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Some kicker news to keep track of here in the fantasy playoffs. McManus also noted that he expects to play in Week 15 versus the Buffalo Bills. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [MIA - WR Jakeem Grant likely to miss some time](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins WR [Jakeem Grant](=) (hamstring) was diagnosed with a hamstring injury Monday, Dec. 14, and is being considered week-to-week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Speed guys like Grant can be put on the sidelines for some time with a hamstring injury. The Dolphins have a banged up WR corps so we could see more from guys like Lynn Bowden or Mack Hollins with Grant banged up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIN - RB Khalfani Muhammad en route to Minnesota]( Source: Vikings.com Free-agent RB Khalfani Muhammad was added to the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Muhammad has experience in a Shanahan/Kubiak system from his time with the Broncos. He's a reserve-level player with quickness and speed as a runner. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [SF - RB Raheem Mostert getting tests done on ankle](=) Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers RB [Raheem Mostert](=) (ankle) reportedly is undergoing further MRIs on his ankle, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mostert and Jeff Wilson are the team's preferred duo at this time. Jerick McKinnon isn't getting onto the field with those two performing the way they are. Mostert's status will be updated as the week of practice goes on. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [HOU - QB Deshaun Watson to have input on next coach]( Source: Houston Chronicle Houston Texans QB [Deshaun Watson](=) will be among a select group of people that chairman and chief operating officer Cal McNair will consult with as the team goes about the process of searching for a new head coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good! It's all about fit in the NFL and we all know that Watson has incredible talent. The team needs to work diligently to find the best fit for their young passer. With the right coach and the right moves in the draft and free agency, the Texans could be back in the playoff mix sooner than some think. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NYG - Doctor optimistic about RB Saquon Barkley's return]() Source: NJ.com - Darryl Slater New York Giants RB [Saquon Barkley](=) (knee) tore his anterior cruciate ligament in September and needed his meniscus to be repaired, but the doctor who performed the surgery (Neal ElAttrache) on his knee appeared on Adam Schefter's podcast Monday, Dec. 14, and said he is 'very optimistic' about Barkley's chances of being ready for the 2021 season opener. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is good news for the young running back. He was put on season-ending Injured Reserve back in September and has been on the road to recovery ever since. Barkley played through most of 2019 with a high-ankle sprain and had a lost season in 2020. If he can regain his form from his rookie season in 2018, Barkley can produce like one of the best in the NFL. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = = Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =