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Commanders TE Zach Ertz clears concussion protocol, will play vs. Eagles

Sun Dec 22 11:21am ET
Field Level Media

Washington tight end Zach Ertz has cleared concussion protocol and will play on Sunday against one of his former teams, the Philadelphia Eagles, Commanders coach Dan Quinn told ESPN.

Ertz, 34, was listed as questionable because of a concussion and a shoulder issue that limited him at practice this week. He suffered a concussion during Washington's 20-19 victory last Sunday at New Orleans.

Washington signed Ertz as a free agent in March. The three-time Pro Bowl selection (2017-19) has started all 14 games for the Commanders and has 54 receptions on 77 targets for 526 yards and four touchdowns.

Philadelphia selected Ertz in the second round (35th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He has 763 career receptions for 7,960 yards and 50 touchdowns in 165 regular-season games (127 starts) for the Eagles (2013-21), Arizona Cardinals (2021-23) and Commanders.

Washington (9-5) is hosting NFC East leader Philadelphia (12-2) with three regular-season games remaining and also is contending for a wild-card spot.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16

Player Notes
Travis Homer Dec 22 10:40am CT
Travis Homer

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. He was a late addition to the injury report on Friday, fetching a "doubtful" designation after logging a limited practice.Darrynton Evanswill operate as the Bears' No. 3 running back behind Swift and Johnson.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 22 10:40am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 16 game on Sunday versus the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Njoku injured his hamstring in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was unable to play in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited showing on Friday and is now returning this weekend. Receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) remains out for Cleveland, but Njoku isn't going to have the dependable high floor that he had for fantasy managers before his injury with the Browns moving from quarterback Jameis Winston to Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Week 16 and beyond. Also, the 28-year-old tight end could limited to fewer snaps if he's not 100 percent. Consider Njoku more of a shaky low-end TE1 option this weekend in fantasy in his return against Cincy.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 22 10:40am CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (concussion, shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had missed practice on Wednesday before finishing the week in a limited capacity. The veteran tight end was officially listed as questionable entering this weekend, but the expectation was that he'd be able to suit up. Ertz has appeared in 14 games this year, catching 54 passes for 526 yards and four touchdowns while ranking as the overall TE10 in PPR leagues. His best outing of the year came against the Eagles, so he'll look to replicate that big showing this week in Philadelphia. Ertz is a dependable mid-to-low TE1 option for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Dec 22 10:40am CT
Michael Penix Jr.

New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns (ankle, neck) is officially active for Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. It seemed unlikely that Burns would suit up after missing two practices, but he was able to improve his status by logging a limited practice session on Friday. The star defender entered this weekend listed as questionable, and in the end, he'll be able to suit up against Atlanta. Burns has appeared in all 14 games so far this year, making an impact with his 58 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles. His presence will be key as the Giants look to irritate Michael Penix Jr. in his first career NFL start.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Dec 22 10:10am CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) was forced to exit early during Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hill suffered a concussion after landing on his head during that second quarter. He was taken to the locker room and ruled out shortly after that. Afterwards, head coach John Harbaugh didn't sound optimistic about Hill being ready in time for their Christmas Day game on Wednesday. Honestly, it's tough to imagine Hill is going to get cleared from concussion protocol by Wednesday. Fantasy managers who were planning on using Hill should look elsewhere for help. Rasheen Ali would end up being the primary backup if Hill is unable to go. However, there's not many touches available with Derrick Henry being the workhorse back.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Dec 22 10:00am CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (back) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Allen was questionable coming into this game, but has now been cleared and will serve as the backup to Breece Hall in the backfield. Allen is unlikely going to offer much fantasy value with Hall back in the picture. Fellow back Isaiah Davis should also be in the mix, but Hall is the only player here worth starting in Week 16. Allen hasn't done enough in his backup role to be trusted in important fantasy playoff games.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 22 9:50am CT
Baker Mayfield

The Dallas Cowboys defense has offered solid fantasy value over the last few weeks. This unit has recorded 18 sacks over their last four games. Last week, the Cowboys defense recorded six sacks and two interceptions during their win over the Carolina Panthers. Now, Dallas heads into a matchup against the turnover-prone Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has tossed five interceptions over his last three games. The Bucs offensive line has struggled to protect Mayfield all season long. Fantasy managers should be able to get decent production from the Cowboys defense this week.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Dec 22 9:50am CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been perfect on all his kicks over the last four games. It appears that the Packers have finally found a reliable kicking option. Last week, McManus connected on all three of his field goal attempts and all three extra point attempts in the win over the Seattle Seahawks. McManus has been active lately and should continue to see plenty of work with the way this offense is playing right now. They head into a plus-matchup against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 16. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option in Week 16 should consider using McManus.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 22 9:13am CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (concussion, shoulder) is trending towards playing in Week 16's game versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a source.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz had been listed as questionable on the injury report after participating in two out of the team's three practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. If he receives clearance to play this afternoon, he can be deployed as a low-end TE1 option in fantasy lineups.

From TheHuddle

D'Onta Foreman Dec 22 9:10am CT
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman could see more snaps in the backfield with lead back Nick Chubb (foot) done for the season. Jerome Ford takes over as the primary back with Pierre Strong Jr. and Foreman to be the backups. It's worth noting that Foreman hasn't rushed the ball since Week 8, but with Chubb gone he could be more in the mix. However, a three-back committee is not a fun situation for fantasy managers. It's hard to imagine Strong or Foreman being a viable option ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 22 9:00am CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) has been cleared to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered a concussion last week, but has been trending in the right direction. Now, Ertz has been officially cleared to suit up, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The veteran tight end has hauled in three touchdowns in his last four games. Ertz also has two six-catch games during that span. Fantasy managers should consider Ertz a TE1 for this Week 16 contest.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 22 8:53am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to serve as the emergency quarterback for Week 16's game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a source. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be the starter.

Fantasy Spin: Winston had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging one full practice session and two limited sessions during the week. He had lost his job as Cleveland's starter earlier in the week to Thompson-Robinson because of his high turnover rate. Thompson-Robinson should not be considered as anything more than a low-end QB2 option in deeper fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Higbee Dec 22 8:50am CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (illness, knee) will make his NFL debut against the New York Jets in Week 16. Higbee was activated off the injured reserve earlier this week after missing the first three months of the season while recovering from a torn ACL. The Rams are going to ease Higbee into action as he's only going to play 20-25 snaps on Sunday. That being said, Higbee won't be on the fantasy radar this weekend and is unlikely to help fantasy managers this season.

From RotoBaller

River Cracraft Dec 22 8:40am CT
River Cracraft

Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in his first reception during last week's game against the Houston Texans. The veteran wideout missed the first nine weeks of the season due to a shoulder injury. Since returning, Cracraft has been primarily playing on special teams, but he could see more chances as a wideout in Week 16. Currently, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) is doubtful while Tyreek Hill (wrist) is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play. If one or both receivers sit out that could probably mean more run for Cracraft as a wideout. Despite the increased snaps, Cracraft remains an extremely risky fantasy option given he hasn't done much at all up to this point.

From RotoBaller

Quinnen Williams Dec 22 8:40am CT
Quinnen Williams

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The plan is for Williams to test out his hamstring pregame before making a final decision on his status. If active, Williams is going to play a limited role on defense as he's clearly not 100 percent healthy. Having Williams on the field would be a significant boost for this defensive unit. Williams has 35 tackles and six sacks through 14 games this season.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Dec 22 8:30am CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor hasn't been much of a factor on offense this season. Nailor hauled in his lone target for five yards during last week's win over the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old has finished with one reception or less in seven straight games. At this point, Nailor is the fourth option in the passing game, which isn't going to result in much fantasy value. He is only playing around 50 percent of the offensive snaps, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Dec 22 8:20am CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton was once again quiet during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Slayton hauled in his lone target for 16 yards as he continues to be a non-factor in the offense. In fact, Slayton has finished with two receptions or less and 27 yards or fewer in each of his last four games. The 27-year-old is far behind Wan'Dale Robinson and Malik Nabers on the pecking order. It's tough to imagine Slayton being a viable option for Week 16. He does have a good matchup against the Atlanta Falcons defense, but most fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option. Slayton should be considered a low-end flex option in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Dec 22 8:00am CT
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis has consistently occupied a depth role behind James Cook this season, but that hasn't stopped him from earning touches, especially when the Bills need a change of pace or have mounted a large lead. Davis could see a significant share of garbage-time opportunities this week against the New England Patriots, who have allowed an average of 24.1 points per game to opposing offenses amidst their 3-11 start. The Patriots have struggled against NFL backfields, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. This all bodes well for Cook more than Davis, but if Buffalo jumps out to an early lead as expected, we could see the rookie carve out a significant workload, too. He's worth considering as a low-end RB3/FLEX option in leagues with at least 14 teams.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Dec 22 7:30am CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught all three of his targets for a total gain of 16 yards during Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth seemed like he was in a great position to excel with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, but that didn't prove to be the case. Instead, Russell Wilson spread the ball around effectively, delivering a completion to three of his four tight ends, as well as connecting with four different wide receivers. Most notably, Freiermuth had a touchdown vultured by tight end MyCole Pruitt, who linked up with Wilson for a one-yard score. All in all, Freiermuth was productive when targeted, but he didn't have the volume or yardage needed to thrive in fantasy football. He'll drop back to the TE2 tier next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

MyCole Pruitt Dec 22 7:30am CT
MyCole Pruitt

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt caught one of two targets against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, finding the end zone from one yard out. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw to three of his four tight ends in the loss, but Pruitt was the only one to catch a touchdown pass from the veteran signal-caller. This game was somewhat of an outlier for the 32-year-old, who now has six catches, 40 yards, and one touchdown in 2024. He's off the fantasy radar going forward.

From RotoBaller