🏆 The Regular Season Close Is Almost Here

News and Notes from around the league  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [Footballguys Email Updates](=) [Go PRO]( | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 24, #270 • Jan. 4th[,](=) 2023 --------------------------------------------------------------- Howdy {NAME}, Welcome in. We're nearing the end of the regular season, and we've got some News and Notes for you. Please join us in continued prayer lifting up Damar Hamlin and the medical folks caring for him. Plus a season-ending Random Shots and more. Let's Go. J --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Thoughts On Deciding League Championships]( I wrote this last night: Lastly, a request and thought on the logistics of the NFL season and on Fantasy Football seasons: Please show some grace. I believe everyone from your local league Commissioner to the NFL Commissioner is doing their best here to do what's right. Please be patient. If you're playing DFS or one of the contests, they have strong incentives as a business to be as fair as possible. For your local league, please be especially patient. I'd urge you to keep your focus on why you're in the league in the first place. My guess is it's because you enjoy the people. So be kind to your Commissioner and fellow GMs and take your time working this out. There's no need to rush. Above all, I don't think you can go wrong with putting the highest value on unity and harmony, and camaraderie. Hopefully, that's why you're in the league. Don't let arguing over a ruling break up a good thing. Along those lines for local leagues, our Sigmund Bloom put together some thoughts on possible ways to handle things. This isn't a definitive or "must do" list. But it's some options and talking points to maybe kickstart the discussion with your league. B. [The Audible - Week 18 Preview](=) Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom preview the Week 18 games in the NFL. C. [The Dynasty Show - Offseason Storylines](=) Chad Parsons and Jordan McNamara look at storylines for the offseason, dynasty trades, and quotes from the Footballguys Shark Pool. D. [The Footballguys College Football Show](=) In this episode of the College Football Show, our hosts, Jeff Bell, Kevin Coleman, and Christian Williams talk about the upcoming College National Championship Game and more! E. [Best Of Random Shots]( The Best Of Random Shots. I hesitated on this with the heaviness of the Damar Hamlin situation. But began to realize this column is less about humor and more about shared experience. And I think we need that more than ever. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [CHI - QB Justin Fields out for season finale](#1) 2. [PHI - QB Jalen Hurts update](#2) 3. [WAS - Sam Howell to start Week 18](#3) 4. [ARI - WR DeAndre Hopkins ruled out](#4) 5. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson not spotted at practice](#5) 6. [ARI - QB David Blough to start Week 18](#6) 7. [SF - RB Elijah Mitchell designated to return](#7) 8. [WAS - Brian Robinson not on field](#8) 9. [DAL - WR James Washington released](#9) 10. [MIA - QB Tua Tagovailoa misses practice](#10) 11. [NYJ - Mike White takes part in practice](#11) 12. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson misses practice](#12) 13. [CHI - Equanimeous St. Brown inks extension](#13) 14. [ARI - QB Kyler Murray had successful surgery](#14) 15. [MIA - QB Mike Glennon inked to practice squad](#15) 16. [MIA - Limited practice for QB Teddy Bridgewater](#16) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [CHI - QB Justin Fields out for season finale]() Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano Chicago Bears QB [Justin Fields](=) (hip) has been ruled out for Week 18 with hip soreness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fields was just 64 yards short of the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks, but the team is focused on his long-term health. Nathan Peterman will start in his place against the Vikings on Sunday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PHI - QB Jalen Hurts update]() Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - EJ Smith Philadelphia Eagles QB [Jalen Hurts](=) (shoulder) is day-to-day but the team should know more when it has its first full practice of the week on Thursday, head coach Nick Sirianni said on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Philly will hold a walk-through on Wednesday, and Hurts is expected to take part in it. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Things have been trending on Hurts returning in Week 18. Those plans are all but cemented, but let's see what Hurts can do in practice. The Eagles have lost two straight games with QB Gardner Minshew under center. They need Hurts back in action to they can secure the NFC's no.1 seed. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [WAS - Sam Howell to start Week 18]( Source: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell will get the start in Week 18, head coach Ron Rivera said on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There was a time when Howell was considered to be a top first-round pick in the NFL draft. His final season with the North Carolina Tarheels knocked him off track, and he fell to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Howell does have some upside as a passer. There have been encouraging reports about Howell's development behind the scenes. With no playoffs (again) this year, the Commanders will see if Howell can flash as a future developmental player. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [ARI - WR DeAndre Hopkins ruled out]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Arizona Cardinals WR [DeAndre Hopkins](=) (knee) was ruled out for Week 18 on Wednesday, Jan. 4, head coach Kliff Kingsbury announced. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins missed last week's game, and in a meaningless Week 18 contest there was no need to get him out there. The 2022 season was an interesting one for Hopkins, as he was suspended for the first six weeks of the year. In 2023, the Cardinals could have a new coaching staff but so long as Hopkins is healthy (and QB Kyler Murray is healthy) he can be a WR1 for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson not spotted at practice]( Source: WNST.net - Luke Jones Baltimore Ravens QB [Lamar Jackson](=) (knee) was not seen at practice during the portion open to the media on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson may not play in Week 18 against the Bengals. The Ravens have a playoff spot wrapped up, so the team might want Jackson to get some rest before the team hits the postseason. We imagine Jackson should be out there on Wild Card Weekend. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [ARI - QB David Blough to start Week 18]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Arizona Cardinals QB [David Blough](=) will start in Week 18, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals are wrapping up the season with Blough as their starter. Kyler Murray had knee surgery, and Colt McCoy is finished this year due to a concussion. Blough started last week, and his presence is a downgrade for the Cardinals' offense. However, rookie TE Trey McBride was a security blanket for Blough and is an option for Fantasy GMs still playing in Week 18. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [SF - RB Elijah Mitchell designated to return](=) Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco San Francisco 49ers RB [Elijah Mitchell](=) (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell has appeared in four games this season, beginning the year as the 49ers' starter. Now, he'll return (likely in the postseason) to be a backup to RB Christian McCaffrey. In fact, Mitchell is talented enough to get more work than a traditional backup. He and McCaffrey give the 49ers a helluva 1-2 punch at the running back position. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [WAS - Brian Robinson not on field]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan Washington Commanders RB [Brian Robinson](=) Jr. (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Let's keep an eye on this situation. Washington has nothing to play for in Week 18, so they could shut Robinson and Antonio Gibson down for their game against the Cowboys. Veteran RB Jonathan Williams would get more work if Robinson and Gibson are out. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. [DAL - WR James Washington released](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Dallas Cowboys WR [James Washington](=) was released Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington worked his way back from a foot injury that forced him out of action for most of the 2022 season only to be essentially replaced by T.Y. Hilton. Only 26 years old, the former second-round pick (2018) will find a new team for next season where he can provide veteran depth. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [MIA - QB Tua Tagovailoa misses practice]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan Miami Dolphins QB [Tua Tagovailoa](=) (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa is not part of their plan in Week 18. We'll either see QB Teddy Bridgewater or QB Skylar Thompson as the starter against the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYJ - Mike White takes part in practice]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan New York Jets QB [Mike White](=) (rib) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] White was sacked four times in Week 17, so expect him to be sore during the week of practice. At this time, things look good for White starting in Week 18 against the Dolphins. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson misses practice]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Diontae Johnson](=) (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson was limited in practice last week, but he played with this hip problem. In the season finale against the Browns, Johnson should be out there once again. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [CHI - Equanimeous St. Brown inks extension](=) Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain Chicago Bears WR [Equanimeous St. Brown](=) signed a one-year, $1.25 million extension on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] St. Brown did some good things with the Bears this season. Instead of hitting free agency, St. Brown will get to build on what he started with QB Justin Fields in 2023. He's not a fantasy factor, but in crazy deep dynasty formats we'll monitor him to see if he begins to flourish or if he's just on board for veteran depth. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [ARI - QB Kyler Murray had successful surgery](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Arizona Cardinals QB [Kyler Murray](=) (knee) had successful surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscus, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] So many things are likely to change for the Cardinals in 2023. They could be looking for a new front office structure, including GM and head coach. Murray's contract means he's going to be their starter, and we'll see what kind of coach they get to work with him...if and when they fire Kingsbury. Murray's recovery timetable puts him on track for the start of the 2023 season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIA - QB Mike Glennon inked to practice squad]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent QB Mike Glennon (Giants) was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad on Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Dolphins have both Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and Teddy Bridgewater (finger) injured with the former out in Week 18 and the latter questionable to play. That means rookie QB Skylar Thompson could start, and that means the Dolphins needed another body at the position. That's why Glennon was picked up on Wednesday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [MIA - Limited practice for QB Teddy Bridgewater]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan Miami Dolphins QB [Teddy Bridgewater](=) (finger, knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team is going to have to see how Bridgewater can grip a football later in the week. If he can't throw as needed, the Dolphins will turn to rookie QB Skylar Thompson as their starter. [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 Footballguys Rewards - Be A Hero - Share The Love - Get Cool Swag - Share the Footballguys Daily Update -> Earn Rewards Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Want free stuff? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe and confirm their email. Just copy your unique referral code below, or click the button to simultaneously share and track your progress. [NAME}37b8a9]( [facebook]() [twitter](=) [linkedin](=) [email](=) Psst: You have referred 0 people so far [Click To Share]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Joe Bryant - Guide - Footballguys.com](=) Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! 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