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Dolphins LT Terron Armstead to rest knee, 'cool down'

Mon Dec 9 4:00pm ET
Field Level Media

Largely unable to practice because of injuries this season, Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead could be headed for the bench.

He left Sunday's win before the sixth snap and was visibly emotional on the bench during the first quarter, leading to speculation he might need knee surgery.

"We will let it cool down a little bit," head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday of Armstead. "What that means for (playing Sunday), I will make sure my communication is steadfast with him."

Miami might not have a final decision in place early in the week, but McDaniel and the offense know they'll need to be fully prepared for a Houston Texans pass rush with 42 sacks.

Armstead weighed retirement at the end of the 2023 season and McDaniel said at the time he would afford the veteran enough space to make his own decision about the future. He ultimately decided to return for the 2024 season, but McDaniel said he was concerned Armstead was trying to play superhero Sunday against the New York Jets.

"I didn't want him to put himself or the offense in harm's way," McDaniel said Monday.

Armstead's replacement, Patrick Paul, played 67 snaps at left tackle and allowed two pressures and zero sacks.

Miami's top armor protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Armstead rarely participates in more than one practice per week but missed only one game this season -- a loss to the Titans -- while pushing through a knee injury.

A 12-year veteran who previously played for the New Orleans Saints, Armstead played a total of 23 games in his first two seasons with the Dolphins.

He will turn 34 in July 2025 and is in the third season of a five-year, $75 million contract he signed in the 2022 offseason.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 14

Player Notes
Charlie Jones Dec 9 7:20pm CT
Charlie Jones

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin), who was listed as questionable for Week 14 action, is officially out yet again for the Monday night contest against the Dallas Cowboys. It's the fifth straight game that Jones has missed. With the 26-year-old sidelined yet again, rookie Jermaine Burton should continue to see more involvement as the team's WR4 alongside Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas. Jones has seen a very little role in Cincy since he was taken in the 2023 draft in the fourth round. He has just one catch on his only target for a five-yard pickup in eight games that he's appeared in in 2024 and he caught seven of nine targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns in his first 11 NFL contests in his rookie campaign. Jones remains well off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 9 6:00pm CT
Jameis Winston

Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention with their Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns are sticking with Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Winston will start this coming Sunday against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, where he'll be a QB2 in superflex leagues against a tough KC defense. While Winston has helped upset the division-rival Baltimore Ravens and Steelers after taking over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) in Week 8, he's also thrown a league-high nine interceptions since. The Browns are 2-4 with Winston as the starter. Dorian Thompson-Robinson started three games as a rookie in 2023. Fantasy-wise, Winston has given desperate fantasy managers in superflex leagues more upside at the position than Watson did before his Achilles tear.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 9 5:40pm CT
Tee Higgins

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that the New England Patriots are going to be all in on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, based on simply reading the tea leaves. The Patriots have shown interest in established pass-catchers before, and Higgins is going to be the best receiving free agent next March. Graff expects New England to offer Higgins a lot for his services, the only question is whether Higgins will want to come and play with young quarterback Drake Maye. Seeing the 25-year-old Higgins paired with an emerging Maye would make a lot of fantasy managers want to target the current Bengals receiver in fantasy drafts. The former second-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson already has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt and would have high-end WR1 upside if he leaves Ja'Marr Chase's shadow, but he's also an injury risk, having only played in seven games this year and 12 in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 9 5:30pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

According to head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) suffered a sprained shoulder in Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills. McVay didn't have a definitive update on Robinson on Monday but was hopeful that he'll be available to play this Thursday night in a big divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. While the 30-year-old appears to have avoided a major injury and even returned to the game, fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't expect to have him available on a quick turnaround this Thursday. He failed to haul in his only target on Sunday before leaving, while both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp went off in a high-scoring contest. If Robinson doesn't get the green light to play in Week 15, or if he is limited, Tutu Atwell would be the Rams' WR3 after catching all three targets for 45 yards in the win over the Bills.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Dec 9 5:30pm CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (undisclosed) will start under center in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens unless he's not physically able to play, according to head coach Brian Daboll. It's unclear what exactly is wrong with Lock, but he's undergoing evaluation and testing on Monday after losing to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in his second straight start. The 28-year-old was extremely underwhelming in Week 14, going 21-for-49 passing for 227 yards with an interception in a 14-11 loss, while also coming out of the contest beat up. Despite two underwhelming performances from Lock, the G-Men are sticking with him over Tommy DeVito (forearm), who is nursing a right-forearm injury. The former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019 out of Missouri has completed only 51.85% of his passes the last two weeks. Fantasy managers in superflex leagues can only hope for some garbage-time production out of Lock if he faces the Ravens this week.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 9 5:20pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol, putting him up in the air to return for a Week 15 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tillman suffered a concussion on Thursday night in Week 12 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't practiced or played since. It doesn't mean the 24-year-old wideout won't get back on the practice field at some point this week, but fantasy managers that have advanced to the postseason in their leagues shouldn't plan on relying on him in Week 15 when the Browns battle the reigning Super Bowl-champion Chiefs this weekend. Since Tillman's head injury several weeks ago, Jerry Jeudy has gone off, while Elijah Moore and tight end David Njoku have also made plenty of noise. Michael Woods II joined the active roster in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh and had one catch for 12 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 9 5:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (leg) suffered a left-leg contusion in the Sunday night loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, but Herbert said he doesn't expect the injury to affect him going forward. He took a hard hit to his left lower thigh late in the second quarter and eventually limped to the sideline. Herbert took a play off but then return to action and finished out the game without any issues. "Tough as they come, warrior," head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Herbert. The 26-year-old finished 21-for-30 passing with 213 yards and one touchdown. Herbert should be fine to play in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his upside as a low-end QB1 in fantasy will likely come down to whether rookie receiver Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder) ends up missing his second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 9 5:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol. Doubs suffered a concussion in the win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12 and has missed the last two contests, but the good news is the 24-year-old pass-catcher has over a week to try and clear the NFL's concussion protocol before the team's Week 15 contest versus the Seattle Seahawks. It's not great news at all that Doubs is still in the concussion protocol, but he shouldn't be ruled out yet from returning this weekend. Doubs has only two touchdowns (both on Oct. 13) and is averaging 48.3 receiving yards per game in his third year with the Packers, making him an inconsistent WR4/flex in fantasy when he's healthy. Dontayvion Wicks has seen the biggest uptick in usage with Doubs out alongside Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Dec 9 4:20pm CT
Garrett Wilson

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt suggests that it might not be a matter of if, but rather when, frustrated New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson asks for a trade out of town. Only in his third season with the Jets, Wilson appears to be fed up with the losing after being eliminated from the postseason yet again in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Wilson will be eligible to negotiate a long-term contract extension for the first time in his career after the season, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him want to move on with it feeling like a full teardown is coming this offseason. The former first-rounder just has not been on the same page with quarterback Aaron Rodgers far too frequently. The 24-year-old has been solid in fantasy, though, averaging 12.2 half-PPR points (tied for 19th), although he hasn't scored since Oct. 31. Leaving the Jets would most likely give Wilson more long-term fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Aidan Hutchinson Dec 9 4:00pm CT
Aidan Hutchinson

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said on Sunday that Detroit Lions star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) has been doing some running on an underwater treadmill and can also walk without the assistance of a cane after breaking his leg back in Week 6 in the win over the Dallas Cowboys. If Hutchinson continues to progress in his rehab, there is hope that the Lions could have him available if they advance to the NFC Championship game. Initially, Hutchinson was hoping to maybe be ready if the Lions made it to the Super Bowl. The Lions will obviously need to still be alive in the playoffs for Hutchinson to have a shot at returning, but his potential return will also depend on how much time he's had to practice and get up to speed. Having Hutchinson back on the defensive line would be massive for the Lions defense after he racked up 19 sacks in the last two years.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 9 3:50pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle, hamstring, knee) has dealt with a lot more injuries than people know this season, although he's currently considered the healthiest he's been all year since Week 2. Rodgers has dealt with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, an MCL sprain and a high-ankle sprain in 2024, and the fact that he's battled through those injuries at his age has raised his standing with his teammates. Of course, the 41-year-old missed all of last year with an Achilles tear suffered on the first offensive series in Week 1. The future Hall of Famer isn't 100% and has only led the Jets to three wins all season. He's unlikely to be back in New York next season and has had a low fantasy ceiling as a QB2 while averaging 18 fantasy points a game, which is tied with Derek Carr for 25th among all QBs.

From RotoBaller

Zane Gonzalez Dec 9 3:20pm CT
Zane Gonzalez

According to head coach Dan Quinn, the Washington Commanders will stick with kicker Zane Gonzalez despite his struggles against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13 when he missed both of his field-goal opportunities. Austin Seibert (groin, hip) is on Injured Reserve and won't be eligible to come back until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, so the 29-year-old Gonzalez figures to continue kicking for Washington until then. In his three games with the Commanders this year for the first time kicking in the NFL since 2021 with the Carolina Panthers, Gonzalez has gone 3-for-5 on field goals and 10-for-10 on extra-point tries. Heading into a Week 15 matchup against the New Orleans Saints indoors on the road, Gonzalez will be a streaming option for fantasy managers in the first round of the playoffs in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 9 3:20pm CT
George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that it's likely the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in practice late last week and missed the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Pickens' injury is one that typically requires multiple weeks of rest, and the Steelers want to be cautious with their No. 1 wideout so that he's healthy for the playoffs. So fantasy managers that made the postseason shouldn't expect the 23-year-old pass-catcher to be available versus Philly. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver Van Jefferson benefitted the most from Pickens' absence in Week 14, but Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams will see more offensive snaps as well if Pickens misses a second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 9 3:10pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) has been diagnosed with a foot sprain and is considered day-to-day this week to "see if he's got a shot" to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 15, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 24-year-old rookie said himself he was removed in the second half of Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears as a precaution and that he felt fine, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him held out on a quick turnaround. In his first start of the year with both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) out, Guerendo looked great for his fantasy managers, racking up 128 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 17 touches. Guerendo has become a must-start in fantasy as the 49ers' lead back, but he could be out or limited this Thursday, paving the way for Patrick Taylor Jr. to make a start.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Dec 9 2:50pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (knee) returned to the team's unofficial practice on Monday as they come out of their bye week. Bateman played only 18 offensive snaps in the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to a knee injury. The 25-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, though, so with the benefit of a Week 14 bye, he could be ready to play in Week 15 against the New York Giants. Diontae Johnson will be suspended during Week 15, so it would be Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace serving in three-wide sets for the Ravens if Bateman is held out this week. We'll have a better idea of Bateman's Week 15 status once the Ravens return to official practice on Wednesday. Bateman has had a much bigger role on offense in 2024 but is still averaging only 8.7 half-PPR fantasy points, which ranks him 48th among all wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Dec 9 2:40pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee, an MRI exam confirmed on Monday morning, according to sources. The Raiders were initially fearing a season-ending knee injury for O'Connell after he was hurt late in the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with promising MRI results, O'Connell isn't yet being ruled out of next Monday night's game versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15. If O'Connell can't go, Desmond Ridder would get the nod in primetime against his former team. The 26-year-old O'Connell had an air cast on his leg and was carted off on Sunday, but it appears his season won't come to an end. It remains to be seen when O'Connell might play again, but he should remain Vegas' starter the rest of the way if he's able to return before the Week 18 regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Dec 9 2:20pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Per head coach Antonio Pierce, if Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) is not healthy enough to suit up for their meeting with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, Desmond Ridder would start against his old team in Week 15. New reports of O'Connell are that tests reveal he's picked up a bone bruise in his knee. Admittedly, it is a much less severe outcome than we could have imagined yesterday. Still, while the 26-year-old hasn't been ruled out of the Monday night matchup, it hasn't explicitly been said that he's starting. With his status in doubt, Ridder would slot in as the team's QB1, just as he did this past Sunday in their loss to the Buccaneers. We'll see how this shakes out with an extra day of rest in store for Las Vegas ahead of Week 15. Keep an eye out for the Raiders' first practice report of the week on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Cade York Dec 9 2:00pm CT
Cade York

The Cincinnati Bengals elevated kicker Cade York from their practice squad to the active roster on Monday ahead of Week 14's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. With Evan McPherson (groin) landing on injured reserve last Wednesday, Cincinnati was due to get their kicking situation straightened out. They'll turn to York to do so. The 23-year-old is on his second team in 2024 -- having kicked for the Washington Commanders earlier this season back in Week 1. He made both extra-point attempts but missed both field goal tries. It was his only appearance with the team. He'll get another chance now for at least this week. York is a bit tough to trust right away, but the Bengals score a lot, and if you're suddenly in need of an emergency kicker, there's an option for you.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Dec 9 1:40pm CT
Derek Carr

Per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) sustained a "significant" fracture in his left hand during Sunday's 14-11 win over the New York Giants. Rapoport noted that Carr will miss multiple weeks with the injury, and it's "almost certainly season-ending." It will be the second time in 2024 that the 33-year-old will miss a stretch of time (abdomen [Weeks 6-8]). According to interim coach Darren Rizzi, the team has no plans to place the Fresno State product on IR -- giving him a chance to make a comeback at some point. Quarterback Jake Haener took over for Carr in Week 14 and projects to be the next man up as it is now. Haener will get a home tilt against the Washington Commanders as his first test.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Dec 9 1:30pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

According to head coach Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss the remainder of the season after re-tearing his right knee in Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported the news. Wow. What an unfortunate end to a very short rookie season. Brooks will now again begin the long road to recovery. Oddly enough, he tore his ACL in college around the same time last year, so maybe we can expect him to follow the same schedule as he did this season. It's a massive disappointment after it appeared he was finally finding his legs in the NFL. For now, teammate Chuba Hubbard should regain his massive touch load from the beginning of 2024 and continue to be a strong weekly play.

From RotoBaller