Guest of the League
Acme Trading Incorporated Est. 2019
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Chargers QB Justin Herbert dealing with ankle injury, leg contusion

Wed Dec 11 5:23pm ET
Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sustained two injuries -- a leg contusion and an ankle issue -- in their loss Sunday night to the host Kansas City Chiefs.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh revealed the ankle injury in meeting with reporters on Wednesday. He said it is a separate ailment from the high ankle sprain that Herbert played through earlier in the season.

"I'd like to give him some rest, but you know Justin. I don't control him," Harbaugh said ahead of Wednesday's team practice. "Sometimes he looks at me and he goes out there and a lot of times it's good for him. He's one of those type of guys where football is the treatment, is the medicine, and I get that."

The Chargers (8-5) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) on Sunday.

"He'll be doing everything and anything in his power to play on Sunday," Harbaugh said on Wednesday. "We'll see about (practice) today."

Herbert, 26, missed one play when he sustained the leg contusion near the end of the first half of the 19-17 loss to the Chiefs. Herbert said after the game that he thought he took a helmet to the knee.

He has completed 234 of 366 passes (63.9 percent) for 2,764 yards and 14 touchdowns with one interception -- a league-best rate of 0.3 percent -- in starting all 13 games this season.

Herbert has started all 75 games of his career since the Chargers selected him sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 19,987 yards, 128 TDs and 43 interceptions.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
Tony Pollard Dec 11 5:00pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to a foot injury. Pollard didn't suffer a noticeable ankle injury during the team's Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and handled 21 carries for 102 yards last Sunday, so the Titans could just be resting their lead back early in the week. While his status bears watching as the team prepares for Week 15 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Pollard could be back on track to play if he returns to practice on Thursday or Friday. If Pollard is actually in danger of missing this weekend's game, Tyjae Spears would be a popular waiver-wire pickup as Tennessee's likely lead back against a Bengals defense that has given up chunk play after chunk play in 2024. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Pollard's status later this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Dec 11 5:00pm CT
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) did not participate in practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Boyd is off on the wrong foot in terms of his availability for the Week 15 contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals, but he still has two more days to get back on the practice field. The 30-year-old veteran played 59 percent of the offensive snaps in last Sunday's loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars and hauled in just one of his four targets for seven yards. Boyd isn't rostered in most 12-team fantasy leagues in Tennessee's low-volume passing attack. In his first year with the team in 2024, he has only 33 receptions for 317 yards and no trips to the end zone in 13 games played. If Boyd's foot injury is serious enough to sideline him for Week 15 against Cincy, rookie Jha'Quan Jackson could start in the slot for the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Dec 11 5:00pm CT
Tutu Atwell

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell has multiple catches in three straight games coming into Thursday night's road clash with the 49ers. Against the Bills last week, he reeled in all three of his targets for 45 yards, his highest total since Week 7 against the Raiders. In his first matchup with the 49ers this season, Atwell hauled in four catches for a season-high 93 receiving yards. In that game, the Rams were without target magnets Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, though, who get most of the targets in the current offense. Atwell could still play an increased role again this week, though, with Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) both questionable. Atwell is RotoBaller's WR85.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 11 4:50pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle, leg) did not take part in the team's practice on Wednesday after head coach Jim Harbaugh said "we'll see" when asked if Herbert would practice. With Herbert out, Taylor Heinicke and Easton Stick saw action under center. The 26-year-old Herbert took a hard hit in Sunday night's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs and looked to be in quite a bit of pain, but he ended up missing only one play, finished out the contest, and didn't look to be slowed by his ankle/leg injury. Herbert is as tough as they come and should be available for a Week 15 tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, even if he misses a few practice sessions. Fantasy managers hoping for QB1 value this weekend from Herbert would like to see his top wideout, rookie Ladd McConkey (knee) return after missing Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 11 4:40pm CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has gotten early work in each of the Rams' last two games, but he remains a longshot to emerge as a strong fantasy play this Thursday against the 49ers. Corum has exactly eight carries in each of the last two weeks, and against the Bills, four of those came in the red zone. He wasn't able to get into the end zone, though, and is still searching for his first NFL touchdown. He played only 17% of snaps after playing 32% in the previous week and remains only moderately involved behind workhorse back Kyren Williams. At this point, Corum is mostly just a Williams handcuff and comes into this week as RotoBaller's RB60, well off the radar even as a flex play aside from in the deepest of leagues.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 11 4:40pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) remains on the team's Week 15 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Lamb suffered a sprained AC joint back in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons and has been managing it ever since. The 25-year-old All-Pro wideout has been seen grimacing often on the field when landing on it in recent weeks, but he hasn't missed any time. Barring a setback in practice later this week, he should be fine to play this Sunday in Carolina against the Panthers. Lamb doesn't have the normal kind of fantasy upside he'd have with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) healthy, but he remains a must-start in fantasy nonetheless. In five games with Cooper Rush at QB, Lamb has 32 catches on 47 targets for 313 yards and a touchdown, making him the WR20 in PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Dec 11 4:30pm CT
Josh Allen

The Los Angeles Rams defense/special teams were torn apart last week by the Bills, and they're in another tough divisional contest on a short week this Thursday against the 49ers. The Rams did have one special teams touchdown on a blocked punt return, but they allowed 42 points to the Bills on three rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns from Josh Allen. The Rams did not have a sack or takeaway for a second straight week. The 49ers are a slightly better matchup than the Bills, and the Rams had one sack and one fumble recovery in their Week 3 matchup. The Rams are RotoBaller's D/ST24 for this week, so are not a starting option in most formats

From RotoBaller

Davis Allen Dec 11 4:30pm CT
Davis Allen

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) has been ruled out for Week 15's Thursday night game against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, fellow TE Davis Allen (shoulder) is listed as questionable. Higbee hasn't played all year after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee in a playoff game in January last season, although he's practiced in full the last two weeks and is nearing his season debut, potentially in Week 16 against the New York Jets. If Higbee isn't activated before next weekend's game, he'll be forced to miss the entire season. With both Higbee and Allen potentially out on Thursday night, both Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long could be forced into bigger roles in the passing game. Parkinson would be the more attractive option, but as nothing more than TE2 sleeper. Parkinson has 27 catches for 267 yards and one touchdown in 13 games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 11 4:30pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and rookie Jordan Whittington (shoulder) are both listed as questionable to play in Thursday's divisional battle against the San Francisco 49ers. Both Robinson and Whittington missed practice on Monday and Tuesday before being limited on Wednesday. Robinson is the receiver that has generated some fantasy buzz in 2024 by already catching a career-high seven touchdown passes in 13 starts for the Rams. The 30-year-old eventually returned in the Week 14 win over the Buffalo Bills after injuring his shoulder, too, so he could be ready to go on a short week. Despite his seven TDs on the year, Robinson is only averaging 7.6 PPR points per game and is highly dependent on finding the end zone. The volume isn't there behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. If Robinson is out, expect Tutu Atwell to serve as LA's No. 3 wideout.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Dec 11 4:30pm CT
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty made all but one of his kicks last week, and he remains a high-risk option against the 49ers on Thursday night. Karty made his one field goal attempt and five of his six extra point attempts at home indoors against the Bills but he'll be outdoors in San Francisco on Thursday. The rookie is 17-for-22 on field goal attempts and 29-for-32 on extra point attempts this season, and his inaccuracy has him ranked as RotoBaller's K21 this week.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Dec 11 4:20pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) started off the practice week with a DNP on Wednesday as the team prepares for a Week 15 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Hall sat out of the Week 14 overtime loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins and his status is up in the air for this weekend as well. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said Hall is "struggling a bit" with his injury, so it would not be a surprise at all if he misses a second straight game. The Jets aren't shutting the 23-year-old down for the season, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues need to hold him. With Hall out in Week 14, both rookie Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis saw over 50% of the snaps on offense, with Allen carrying 11 times for 43 yards and adding four catches for 38 yards. Davis had 10 carries for 40 yards and a score and added three catches for 27 yards. Expect the two to split touches again against the Jags this weekend if Hall is out, making them both RB3/flex options in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Dec 11 4:10pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson could be lined up for more work than normal this week against the 49ers, but he's still well outside the starting rankings in standard leagues. Tyler Higbee (knee) is still out, and Davis Allen (shoulder) is questionable, which could open the door for Parkinson to handle most of the team's snaps at tight end on Thursday Night Football. However, he's still RotoBaller's TE39. He has exactly one catch in each of the last four weeks on a total of just five targets. He did find the end zone back in Week 11 against the Patriots for his only score of the season. He's a very unreliable fantasy option in Week 15 despite a potential increase in workload.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 11 4:10pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (knee) popped up on the Week 15 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's not what fantasy managers want to see from McBride right before the start of the postseason in many leagues, although the 25-year-old's injury doesn't appear to be too serious. McBride has been a fantasy beast at his position in 2024 and is currently the overall TE3 in PPR scoring with 80 catches and 851 yards despite not scoring a single touchdown this year. In the last three games, he's seen double-digit targets in each contest and has amassed 31 catches for 299 yards on 41 targets. We'll keep a close eye on McBride's status as the week moves on, but if he's active this weekend against the New England Patriots, he'll be a must-start. Rookie Tip Reiman would be forced into a bigger role if McBride were to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Dec 11 4:00pm CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has a tough road matchup against the 49ers on Thursday, but he remains a top-10 running back given his recent form and workload. While Blake Corum has been more involved, Williams continues to dominate opportunities and is coming off a season-high 29 carries last week against the Bills. Williams wasn't especially efficient with those carries, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and finishing with 87 rushing yards, but he saved his fantasy day with a pair of rushing scores. He has 14 touchdowns in 13 games this season and is over 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season. He had 89 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers in Week 3, and he's RotoBaller's RB7 for this week's divisional rematch.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Dec 11 4:00pm CT
Alvin Kamara

According to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (illness) did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the week in case the illness prevents him from practicing later on. Last weekend, during this victory over the New York Giants, the 29-year-old tallied 44 yards on 17 attempts and added 35 yards on five receptions. Despite not finding the end zone in each of his past seven contests, Kamara has still been very productive due to his high-volume role, averaging 16.0 PPR points per game. If Kamara cannot return to practice later in the week, fantasy managers should expect Kendre Miller to get the starting nod against the Washington Commanders. Last weekend, Miller ran for 32 yards and a score and would be a viable RB2 in Kamara's absence.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 11 4:00pm CT
Chris Olave

According to Erin Summers of ESPN, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is trying to "get back into the swing of things" and is "not closing the door on his return at some point this season." Olave suffered his second concussion of the season during their Week 9 tilt against the Carolina Panthers. While the star wideout may face an uphill battle to return down the stretch, it is promising to see that the team is keeping the door open for him. However, with the Saints out of the playoff picture, the team may opt to sideline their No.1 pass coach if he does not make any significant progress over the next few weeks. Before this second concussion, Olave averaged just 50.0 yards per game but did tally at least 75.0 yards in four of his eight games. While Olave remains out, fantasy managers should expect Marquez Valdes-Scantling to operate as the lead wideout in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 11 3:50pm CT
Brock Purdy

According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran left tackle has been unable to practice all week and will now miss his fourth-straight contest. As a result, Jaylon Moore will get the start once again. The 49ers could also be without running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) which could hinder their overall output on Thursday. In addition, with a potentially depleted running game, fantasy managers should expect Brock Purdy to see an increase in passing attempts, which could set up his pass catchers for productive showings, especially facing a Los Angeles secondary that has allowed the 11th-most PPR points to opposing WRs.

From RotoBaller

K.J. Osborn Dec 11 3:50pm CT
K.J. Osborn

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Washington Commanders have claimed free agent wide receiver K.J. Osborn. With Noah Brown (ribs) dealing with a significant injury, the Commanders are adding Osborn to add some depth to their wide receiver room. Osborn played a limited role in the New England offense earlier this season, catching just seven of his 18 targets for 57 yards and one score across ten games. While Osborn may eventually find a role in this offense, fantasy managers should expect Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie Luke McCaffrey to move up to a starting position in the short term. Brown is the likely candidate to be given an extended look, as he has consistently seen a higher snap share than Zaccheaus and McCaffrey and has shown flashes at the time, averaging 10.3 yards per catch this season.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Dec 11 3:30pm CT
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's divisional battle against the Los Angeles Rams. Bosa has been unable to practice all week and is now in danger of missing his fourth-straight contest. Bosa sustained this oblique injury during their Week 11 match against the Seattle Seahawks. Before the injury, Bosa was on pace to enjoy another strong season, tallying seven total sacks and averaging 3.6 tackles per game. If Bosa sits out again, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Sam Okuayinonu and Yetur Gross-Matos to continue to see an uptick in opportunities on Thursday evening.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 11 3:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee) was seen at practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign, as the Georgia product was unable to suit up last weekend due to a knee injury. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the week, but seeing him back at practice on Wednesday suggests he should be in line to return to action this weekend. Over his previous six games, the rookie has begun to find his footing at the professional level, as he has averaged 16.8 PPR points per game during this span with 91.7 yards per game. If McConkey can return this weekend, he should be started in all formats facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed the eighth-highest PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller