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Raheem Morris, Falcons not overreacting to 3-game slide

Mon Dec 2 4:55pm ET
Field Level Media

A month ago, a postseason return for the first time since 2017 looked well on its way for the Atlanta Falcons.

Following a Nov. 3 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta sat at 6-3 with a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. Fast forward a month, and the Falcons have lost three in a row and are tied with Tampa Bay atop the division standings.

Of the three losses, Sunday's was arguably the toughest to swallow for Atlanta fans. The Falcons' much-maligned defensive front, which had mustered an NFL-worst 10 sacks heading into Week 13, brought Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert down five times in the backfield.

However, Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions, including the eventual game-losing pick-6 to Tarheeb Still with 1:39 left in the third quarter. In the Falcons' 17-13 home defeat, Atlanta outgained Los Angeles 350-187, but couldn't get out of its own way.

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a large group of Falcons fans were calling for the mid-game benching of Cousins, who tied his career high with the four picks. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in last year's NFL draft just a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Despite Cousins' struggles, first-year head coach Raheem Morris plans to stand pat.

"(Sunday) was Kirk's worst game or second-worst game in his career having a four-pick day," Morris said in Monday's press conference. "But I feel good about Kirk, just who he is and the faith that he has in his ability and the faith that he has to come back and lead this football team.

"... (Cousins) is really accountable. When things go wrong and it's something that he feels he should have done better, he'll be the first to tell you. This guy has carried us all year and has put us in this position."

Penix, speaking to reporters Monday, said he will be ready whenever his name is called but added "it's not up to me" to say he should step in as QB1.

"He's a vet," Penix said of Cousins. "He's been in a lot of different situations, so I have no doubt that he's going to bounce back from this and he's going to be great this weekend and for the rest of the season."

Cousins, who hasn't thrown a touchdown since the Nov. 3 victory, will try to rebound this Sunday in Minnesota against a Vikings team with whom he spent the 2018-23 seasons.

Atlanta still controls its destiny in the NFC South after sweeping Tampa Bay.

For the Atlanta pass rush that Morris said "showed a glimpse of what you'd like to see every week," Arnold Ebiketie tallied two sacks, while David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss and Kentavius Street each recorded a solo sack. Looking to help create momentum for the home stretch of the regular season, Morris said he expects rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) to return from the injured reserve.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Rashod Bateman Dec 2 5:50pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that wide receiver Rashod Bateman (knee) has a sore knee and is getting treatment after getting injured in the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. "It's not a long-term thing," Harbaugh said. Bateman avoided a serious injury on Sunday, and with the Ravens going on bye this week, it sounds as though the 25-year-old will have a good shot at returning for a Week 15 tilt against the New York Giants. He played only 18 snaps on offense on Sunday before getting injured and wasn't targeted at all. Surprisingly, neither Nelson Agholor or Diontae Johnson finished with a catch -- Johnson didn't even play an offensive snap -- after Bateman got hurt. In the event that Bateman isn't available coming out of the bye week, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely could benefit the most in the receiving pecking order behind top wideout Zay Flowers.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 2 5:50pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee) is "working through a couple things" and that the team will evaluate him as the week progresses. "We'll see," Harbaugh said when asked about the possibility of McConkey practicing in preparation for the Week 14 contest on the road on Sunday night versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old impressive second-rounder put up nine catches for 117 yards on 12 targets in Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he was injured late in the game and didn't return. McConkey's Week 14 status is now up in the air, and with the game being on Sunday night, it could make decisions very difficult for those that have McConkey rostered. The Georgia product has been a must-start in fantasy, but if he's out against KC, the Chargers will need Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark to step up.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Dec 2 5:40pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson didn't play a single offensive snap in the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and it doesn't sound like the Ravens are in any kind of a rush to make him a part of their offense anytime soon. "At this time, I'm going to have to wait. There are moving parts we're going to have to figure out and explore," head coach John Harbaugh said. Since joining the Ravens via trade from the Carolina Panthers, Johnson has one catch for a six-yard gain in five games played. The 28-year-old played 30% of the offensive snaps in his debut in the Week 9 win over the Denver Broncos, but he hasn't played more than 18% of the snaps since then and didn't see the field at all this past Sunday. Until further notice, Johnson is well off the fantasy radar while being behind Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 2 5:30pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

With both San Francisco 49ers running backs Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) landing on Injured Reserve on Monday, rookie Isaac Guerendo is now in line for lead-back duties heading into a Week 14 matchup against the visiting Chicago Bears this Sunday. McCaffrey and Mason won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, so they are effectively off the fantasy radar for the rest of the way in single-year leagues with championship matchups typically coming in Week 17. The 24-year-old Guerendo has a healthy 5.9 yards per carry on his 42 rushing attempts in his first year in the NFL while adding five receptions for 19 yards. Fantasy managers may not want to expect him to be that efficient moving forward in a lead-back role, but he should at least have weekly RB2 upside with a huge volume increase.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Dec 2 4:40pm CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Monday night's contest against the visiting Cleveland Browns and he will remain on Injured Reserve head into next week's bye. Reynolds' 21-day activation window closes on Wednesday, though, so if the Broncos have visions of him contributing again this year, they must activate him from IR before that date. He has not played since Week 5 due to a hand injury that required surgery, and he also suffered gunshot wounds during an off-the-field incident. At the time of his injury, the 29-year-old was an untrustworthy WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues as a distant No. 2 behind Courtland Sutton. Since the injury, rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin and Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Marvin Mims Jr. have stepped up, so a limited role in the passing game should be expected for Reynold when/if he returns in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Josh Paschal Dec 2 4:30pm CT
Josh Paschal

Detroit Lions defensive linemen Josh Paschal (knee), Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and DJ Reader (shoulder) all missed the team's first practice of the week on Monday. In addition, offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) was unable to practice, although cornerback Carlton Davis (knee) was able to practice after missing last Thursday's win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. The Lions have already lost All-Pro pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) for the remainder of the season and also placed linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) on Injured Reserve recently. Last Thursday's Thanksgiving game saw more injuries to their thinning defensive line. All three defensive linemen are in danger of missing this Thursday's contest against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, and their pass rush could be in an issue in postseason play.

From RotoBaller

Emmanuel Forbes Dec 2 4:30pm CT
Emmanuel Forbes

The Los Angeles Rams claimed former Washington Commanders first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers on Monday, according to a source. Forbes did not live up to his draft status with the Commanders after being the 16th overall pick out of Mississippi State in 2023. The 23-year-old cornerback saw action in 20 games (seven starts) in Washington and had 45 tackles (37 solo), two interceptions and 12 pass breakups. The Rams will be hoping to coach Forbes up to make him better in coverage as depth for their secondary moving forward. Forbes was waived by the Commanders on Nov. 30 but has quickly latched on with a new organization as he continues his NFL career. If he can shore up his coverage issues, Forbes could resurface on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Stephon Gilmore Dec 2 4:20pm CT
Stephon Gilmore

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) is dealing with a low-grade, left-hamstring injury and is being evaluated after getting hurt in the Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said he doesn't think Gilmore's injury is a long-term one. It's good news for Gilmore and the Vikings' defense, but it doesn't mean he'll be available to play this coming Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. The 34-year-old veteran's availability for Week 14 action will all come down to how much he's able to do in practice this week as the club prepares to take on Atlanta. Minnesota's secondary will be much more vulnerable if the five-time Pro Bowler isn't available. In his first season with the Vikings in 2024, Gilmore has recorded 47 tackles (32 solo), an interception and seven pass breakups in 12 starts.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Dec 2 4:10pm CT
Trenton Irwin

The Cincinnati Bengals waived wide receiver Trenton Irwin on Monday. The move comes a day after Irwin was a healthy inactive for the team's Week 13 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to a limited role on offense this year with rookie Jermaine Burton now around, the 28-year-old Irwin has seen fewer punt-return duties on special teams as well. Irwin had only been active in seven games for the Bengals in his sixth year with the team and had caught three of 10 targets for 15 yards before being let go. He'll now try to latch on with another organization for the remainder of the season and will be unlikely to have a significant role if he makes it back onto a 53-man active roster. In his five-plus seasons in the NFL with the Bengals, Irwin has put up 46 catches for 601 yards and five touchdowns in 41 regular-season games (nine starts).

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 2 4:00pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) is dealing with a PCL injury after getting hurt in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills and is facing a six-week recovery, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, and he will miss at least the rest of the regular season. The Niners have work to do just to get into the postseason, so we've most likely seen the last of CMC in 2024. In addition to McCaffrey, Jordan Mason (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday night and will miss at least the next four games. It means that rookie Isaac Guerendo should become San Fran's top back moving forward, making him a priority waiver-wire addition this week. It was a disastrous 2024 campaign for the 28-year-old McCaffrey after winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. He finishes with 50 carries for 202 yards and no TDs in four games.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 2 4:00pm CT
Jordan Mason

The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Monday after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills. It means that Mason will miss at least the next four games and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. With fantasy championships typically coming in Week 17, managers now won't have a reason to hold onto Mason in single-year leagues. Christian McCaffrey (knee) also suffered a PCL injury in the snow on Sunday night and is facing a six-week recovery, so his season is likely over. It all means that fantasy managers in need at RB should make rookie Isaac Guerendo their top waiver-wire priority heading into Week 14. Guerendo should now lead San Fran's backfield, with Patrick Taylor also getting involved.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 2 3:50pm CT
Dallas Goedert

After undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) is considered week-to-week moving forward, according to a league source. Depending on his recovery, Goedert could be a candidate to land on short-term Injured Reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games, but his knee injury isn't season-ending. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Goedert's knee injury wasn't deemed serious, with the Eagles hoping for just a sprain. If Goedert were to land on IR, he wouldn't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, which would do fantasy managers no good with championship matchups typically coming in Week 17. For however long Goedert is sidelined, it will make Grant Calcaterra an intriguing TE2 sleeper in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 2 3:20pm CT
Sauce Gardner

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner's (hamstring) status for next Sunday's divisional clash against the Miami Dolphins is up in the air due to a hamstring injury. Evidently, the team will see how he responds later in the week and "should know more." about his potential to play, too. Gardner picked up the injury during the Jets' 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Fowler also noted that the 24-year-old had missed just one game since being drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft -- an incredible run of consistency for the young corner. For now, monitor his practice status this week. If the Cincinnati product can't suit up, Qwan'tez Stiggers projects to see an uptick in snap share again for the road matchup.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Dec 2 3:13pm CT
Taysom Hill

Dynasty | Saints tight end and quarterback Taysom Hill is out for the season with a torn ACL. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. This really did look like the most realistic outcome after Hill went down yesterday. The team acknowledged as much yesterday in the post-game news conference, making this not much of a surprise. Hill still has one year left on his contract, but this injury is going to cloud his future greatly in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jalen Coker Dec 2 3:00pm CT
Jalen Coker

Per head coach Dave Canales, the Carolina Panthers are hoping to get wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) back in the lineup for next Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. Steve Reed of The Associated Press reported the news. Both players missed all of last week's practices before being promptly ruled out for Week 13's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, they could potentially be available for a bout with a tough Eagles squad that's been stout against opponent's pass attacks this season. Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, so it's challenging to project either player for a meaningful fantasy day. Still, their practice participation leading up to Week 14 will be telling of their status for Sunday. Keep an eye out for Wednesday's report.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 2 2:40pm CT
Romeo Doubs

According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) could play against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. "He has progressed to the point where he could possibly play vs. Detroit on Thursday." Rob Demovsky of ESPN notes that Doubs is still in the league's protocol, so he's not out of the woods just yet. Still, it's excellent news for the 24-year-old who has practiced for the second straight day. The Nevada product leads all Packers' receivers in snaps despite missing two complete games. If he can suit up, he'd be a boon against a Detroit defense exploitable by fantasy wide receivers, serving up the fourth-most points to the position (39.9). If he can't, expect teammate Dontayvion Wicks to fill in for him again, as he played a substantial 89% of snaps in their Thanksgiving win over the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 2 2:20pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Per Kainani Stevens of the team, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder, concussion) has had no decisions made about "if/when he will return this season." It's concerning news for Lawrence, who lasted only 19 snaps before exiting Sunday's outing after an unnecessary late blow to the head. That's on top of the shoulder surgery he's potentially still due for despite stating that he wants to play the rest of this season. It's truly a mess of a situation. With the 25-year-old still in the league's protocol, he may miss Week 14's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. If he does, teammate Mac Jones projects to serve in his stead again. Watch for news on Lawrence over the next few days ahead of the team's road tilt.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 2 12:30pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren has made it clear that the organization will retain general manager Ryan Poles after firing head coach Matt Eberflus following the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions on Friday, the first time in the history of the franchise the Bears have fired a head coach midseason. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," Warren said. Not only will Poles not get the axe, but he will run point on the Bears searching for their next head coach. The move to fire Eberflus came after the team's sixth straight loss to drop them to 4-8 and in last place in the NFC North division. The Bears cannot afford another failure at head coach after they just selected quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 2 12:20pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is unsure if wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will be ready to roll for a Week 15 showdown against the Denver Broncos after the bye in Week 14. Downs injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was unable to play in the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. It's telling that the Colts are unsure if Downs will be ready, even with the benefit of a bye this week. It was another low-volume passing game for quarterback Anthony Richardson against New England, as he attempted only 24 passes. Michael Pittman Jr. unsurprisingly led the team with only 42 receiving yards. Alec Pierce had only two catches for 16 yards but did find the end zone for a crucial TD, while rookie Adonai Mitchell couldn't convert on his two targets. Downs should be stashed in most fantasy leagues, but he might not be able to return until Week 16 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 2 12:00pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said he thinks quarterback Baker Mayfield (leg) will be fine for Week 14 against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders after he was cleated in the back of his right leg in the second half of the Week 13 overtime victory over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. However, Mayfield's practice status for the week is up in the air. Mayfield had a mild limp after Sunday's game but said he'd be OK moving forward. Our guess is he could miss some practice time this week but will ultimately play on Sunday in a plus matchup against Vegas. The 29-year-old ended up missing only two snaps due to the leg injury and finished 21-for-33 passing for 235 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against Carolina. We'll keep a close eye on Mayfield's status this week, but he should have low-end QB1 upside if he faces the Raiders in Week 14.

From RotoBaller