News And Notes From Around The League

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #260 • Jan. 2nd, 2021 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( Howdy {NAME}, It's Week 17 and it's wild. Also, make sure to get your entry in our Footballguys Playoff Challenge below. Just $35 per team. We sold out early last year so secure your spot and then set your roster once the playoffs are determined. Now let's get to the News and Notes. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( For just $35 per team, take your shot at Playoff Fantasy Football Glory with a $100,000 Grand Prize. 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 postseason. Players on your team are only eliminated when their NFL team loses, so target the high scorers who advance deep into the postseason. It’s THE way to play playoff Fantasy Football backed by the people you know at Footballguys and the FFPC. But hurry as it's closing soon. [Sign Up Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys Season Long Players Championship - Year In Review](=) Our friend Darren Armani of [FantasyMojo.com]() put together a nice recap of this year's Footballguys Players Championship. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [WAS - QB Alex Smith expected to start](#1) 2. [NO - RB Ty Montgomery back in backfield](#2) 3. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford likely to start](#3) 4. [ARI - WR Christian Kirk placed on COVID list](#4) 5. [DEN - KJ Hamler headed to IR](#5) 6. [WAS - Antonio Gibson on track to play](#6) 7. [ARI - QB Kyler Murray running more](#7) 8. [BUF - TE Tyler Kroft on COVID list](#8) 9. [NE - RB Damien Harris placed on IR](#9) 10. [WAS - WR Terry McLaurin's status 50-50](#10) 11. [NO - Tony Jones Jr. getting call-up](#11) 12. [SEA - RB Carlos Hyde to miss Week 17](#12) 13. [IND - Michael Pittman clears protocol](#13) 14. [NFL - Zach Wilson to enter 2021 NFL Draft](#14) 15. [NO - Four players placed on COVID list](#15) 16. [PIT - TE Eric Ebron lands on COVID list](#16) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [WAS - QB Alex Smith expected to start](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Washington Football Team QB [Alex Smith](=) (calf) is expected to start Sunday, Jan. 3 in the Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith returns as the starter in a must-win game on Sunday night. He may have RB Antonio Gibson (toe) and WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) out there with him. The Eagles secondary has been giving it up in recent weeks, so Smith may have a good game in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NO - RB Ty Montgomery back in backfield]() Source: FOX Sports - Jay Glazer New Orleans Saints WR/RB [Ty Montgomery](=) will be moved to running back with the team shorthanded at the position for Week 17 due to COVID-19 and the resulting contact tracing. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints are dealing with Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray on the COVID list. That means Montgomery is likely the lead back with QB Taysom Hill being more involved as a runner too. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford likely to start]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Detroit Lions QB [Matthew Stafford](=) (ankle, rib, thumb) is expected to start Sunday, Jan. 3, in the Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings, barring a setback, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stafford is as tough as nails. He's battled through various injuries this year and will stay out there as long as he can. As we've seen in previous weeks, Stafford may begin the game but that doesn't mean he will finish it. This could be his final game with the Lions. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [ARI - WR Christian Kirk placed on COVID list](=) Source: AZCardinals.com Arizona Cardinals WR [Christian Kirk](=) was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Jan. 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals are down another weapon on Sunday. Larry Fitzgerald is considered a game-time decision and so is RB Chase Edmonds. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is also less than 100 percent with a leg injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [DEN - KJ Hamler headed to IR](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler (concussion) on Saturday, Jan. 2, will be placed on the Reserve/Injured list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That ends Hamler's season, and his rookie season was mostly about flashes and not about consistency. Hamler has upside because of his elite speed, but he also showed improvement as a route runner. The 2020 second-round pick finishes the 2020 season with 30 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. We'll see Hamler continue to improve as a pro and appreciate his value in dynasty formats going forward. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [WAS - Antonio Gibson on track to play]() Source: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala Washington Football Team RB [Antonio Gibson](=) (toe) is likely to play Sunday, Jan. 3, in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington has monitored Gibson closely over the week of practice as he continues to deal with this toe injury. He is listed as questionable on the team's Week 17 injury report. He played 21 snaps last week and might get a larger role in the season finale. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [ARI - QB Kyler Murray running more]() Source: ESPN.com Arizona Cardinals QB [Kyler Murray](=) (leg) has a total of 29 rushing attempts in the last three games, logging at least eight carries in all three contests. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray is running more but he still doesn't look like himself. He's been battling this leg injury for some time and is trying to make the most of it. We'll see how much the Rams defense can get after him in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BUF - TE Tyler Kroft on COVID list](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills TE [Tyler Kroft](=) was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Jan. 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kroft works mostly as a blocking tight end for the Bills. For the season, Kroft has 12 catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NE - RB Damien Harris placed on IR]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Damien Harris](=) (ankle) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Jan. 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Harris was a thumper for the Patriots this season. The second-year pro finishes the 2020 season with 691 yards and two touchdowns on 137 carries. He was barely used as a receiver this year (five receptions total) but that might change with RB James White set to hit free agency. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [WAS - WR Terry McLaurin's status 50-50]() Source: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala Washington Football Team WR [Terry McLaurin](=) (ankle) is a 'toss-up' regarding his availability for the team's Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a report Saturday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team is hopeful they can be with their star receiver in the season finale. McLaurin is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and is listed as questionable on the team's Week 17 injury report. It's a must-win game for Washington and if McLaurin does play then he's likely going to have a limited role due to the nature of this injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NO - Tony Jones Jr. getting call-up](=) Source: The Athletic - Jeff Duncan New Orleans Saints RB Tony Jones Jr. is expected to be promoted to the active roster from the practice squad Saturday, Jan. 2, as a COVID-19 replacement. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones is a big-bodied rookie from Notre Dame. He was undrafted but Jones does have natural skill and instinct as a runner. In crazy deep dynasty formats we've been monitoring his progress. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [SEA - RB Carlos Hyde to miss Week 17]( Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks RB [Carlos Hyde](=) (illness) has been ruled out of the Week 17 game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Chris Carson is the lead back for Seattle but Hyde gives them some veteran punch off the bench. Although in recent weeks, Hyde hasn't been asked to do much playing just 30 snaps over the last two games. Without Hyde on the field as a reserve, the team will turn to Rashaad Penny. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [IND - Michael Pittman clears protocol](=) Source: The Herald Bulletin - George Bremer Indianapolis Colts WR [Michael Pittman](=) Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 2, cleared the league's concussion protocol and will be available to play Sunday in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The big-bodied rookie has flashed a bit during his debut season. He'll be out there against the Jaguars as the team's no.3 receiver behind T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [NFL - Zach Wilson to enter 2021 NFL Draft]( Source: NFL.com - Chase Goodbread Brigham Young QB Zach Wilson plans to forego his senior season and will be entering the 2021 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wilson is a first-round quarterback who has a chance to be selected in the top 10. He's a mobile quarterback who is not afraid to pull the ball down and run when he's in trouble and the play breaks down. Wilson is a threat to run, but he will first and foremost threaten a defense with his arm. He's got proper mechanics but can make off-platform throws if needed. Wilson's supreme confidence in his arm will get him in trouble from time to time as he'll try to get cute with some throws he won't be able to make in the pros. He has the looks of a quarterback a team will want to build around and could start from day one in the NFL. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NO - Four players placed on COVID list]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero New Orleans Saints RB [Latavius Murray](=), RB [Dwayne Washington](=), FB [Michael Burton](=) and S D.J. Swearinger were placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Jan. 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray was considered a close contact to Alvin Kamara, who is also on the COVID list. Both have a chance to return in the Wild Card Round. The Saints turn to Ty Montgomery and likely more Taysom Hill as a runner in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [PIT - TE Eric Ebron lands on COVID list]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Eric Ebron](=) on Saturday, Jan. 2, was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss the regular-season finale Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ebron was deemed a high-risk, close contact and that's why he's on the list. The Steelers are hopefully not dealing with a COVID outbreak as they head into the postseason. In Week 17, many starters are resting in a meaningless game against the Browns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. Don't forget that Playoff Challenge Team. 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: =