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Chiefs OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) sits; Harrison Butker returns

Wed Dec 11 3:34pm ET
Field Level Media

New Kansas City Chiefs left tackle D.J. Humphries will miss practice on Wednesday while the team welcomed the return of kicker Harrison Butker after sitting out a month following knee surgery.

Humphries, 30, injured his hamstring in his first game with the Chiefs, a 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

"We're just going to take it day by day and see how he does," coach Andy Reid said of Humphries, who played 60 offensive snaps.

The Chiefs (12-1) signed the Pro Bowl tackle on Nov. 23 after Humphries worked his way back from a torn ACL sustained last season while playing with the Arizona Cardinals.

Humphries started 15 games last season and all 98 in which he's played since the Cardinals selected him with the 24th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was released in March.

Butker, 29, has not played since the Chiefs' 16-14 home win over the Denver Broncos on Nov. 10. He had surgery on his left knee and went on injured reserve.

"We're going to see how he does. He has a chance," Reid said of Butker playing in Sunday's road game against the Cleveland Browns.

Butker is 18 of 20 on field-goal attempts (long of 53) and 21 of 22 on extra-point attempts this season. He has won three Super Bowl titles with Kansas City.

The Chiefs replaced Butker with rookie Spencer Shrader, then he went on injured reserve due to a right hamstring injury. Kicker Matthew Wright stepped in for Shrader and made all four field-goal attempts against the Chargers, including the game-winning 31-yarder off the left upright as time expired.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
Will Dissly Dec 11 2:50pm CT
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he does not expect tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) to practice on Wednesday. Dissly injured his shoulder on the final play of the first half in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night and is expected to miss multiple weeks, so the fact he's not practicing on Wednesday is not a surprise at all. The 28-year-old has been dropped in many fantasy leagues already and almost certainly will be ruled out on Friday for the Week 15 game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dissly is likely to avoid Injured Reserve, though, which means he could return before the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Stone Smartt should operate as LA's top pass-catching TE for as long as Dissly is sidelined, putting him on the TE2 streaming map for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 11 2:50pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been on a nice roll lately, and he brings intriguing upside as he leads the Rams into a critical matchup with the 49ers on Thursday. Stafford has thrown multiple touchdowns with no interceptions in four straight games, totaling 10 touchdowns over that span. Since getting Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back in Week 9, he has averaged 272 passing yards per game while posting at least 290 passing yards in four of those six games. He's up to 3,303 passing yards on the year coming into this matchup with San Francisco, who ranks in the top 10 at limiting fantasy production for QBs. Stafford is RotoBaller's QB20, but he has QB1 upside based on his current form.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 11 2:50pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) is considered day-to-day. There have been positive signs for Walker, and his injury isn't considered long-term. Walker will not undergo anymore tests, which will give him a chance to play in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football after he was inactive for the Week 14 win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old's availability for this Sunday will likely come down to how much he can do in practice this week, so check back on his status. Seattle shouldn't be in a rush to get him back on the field after backup Zach Charbonnet went off for 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding seven receptions for 59 yards last week against Arizona. If Walker does return to face the Packers, he'll be a much riskier RB2 in fantasy at risk of losing more touches to Charbonnet.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 11 2:40pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle, leg) is dealing with a leg contusion in addition to an "ankle injury." "He'll be doing everything and anything in his power to play on Sunday. We'll see about (practice) today," Harbaugh said. Herbert took a shot to his leg in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night but only ended up missing one play and downplayed the injury after the game. The 26-year-old is also dealing with an ankle injury, though, and his status should be closely monitored heading into Sunday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Herbert is one of the toughest QBs in the league, so we'd expect him to be out there in Week 15, but his practice reps could be limited this week and he might not be as mobile outside the pocket against Tampa. He'll be on the QB1/2 borderline in Week 15 if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Dec 11 2:30pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is in a tough matchup in a divisional road game on Thursday Night Football against the 49ers. He had a good game last week with seven catches on seven targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. That total was a big bounce-back performance for Kupp after he totaled just 77 yards in his two previous games. He is averaging 9.3 targets per game in his last six games and has scored four touchdowns in his last four games, so he does have potential WR1 upside if he finds the end zone. However, he's clearly behind Puka Nacua in terms of targets in the Rams' offense, and with all 32 teams in play, he ranks outside the top 10 this week against the 49ers, who have allowed the fourth-fewest points to wide receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Dec 11 2:20pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has established himself as one of the most elite fantasy receivers in the NFL, and he is a must-start in all formats as he faces the 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Last week against the Bills, he caught 12 of 14 targets for 162 receiving yards and a touchdown while also getting a second touchdown as a rusher and totaling 16 rushing yards on five carries. His five rushes were all plays where he went in motion and then caught a lateral, and it was clear that coach Sean McVay was committed to getting the ball in his playmaker's hands. Nacua has four touchdowns in his last four games and has averaged 12.5 targets and carries in his six complete games this season. The 49ers are a tough matchup for receivers, but Nacua's high volume and touchdown ability keep him an elite play.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 11 2:10pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was listed as a full participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Coker also began last week with a full practice on Wednesday before being limited on Thursday and sitting out on Friday. The 23-year-old then missed his third straight game in the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. If he can avoid a setback this week, he could return to action this Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Even if the first-year pass-catcher avoids setbacks later this week and is active for Week 15, fantasy managers will want to avoid him as a starting lineup option. Coker did have a season-high eight targets in his last game played in the Week 10 win over the New York Giants in London, but he's been minimally involved in his first NFL season and has only 17 total catches (26 targets) for 263 yards and one touchdown in seven games played.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 11 2:00pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) is practicing on Wednesday after missing the last two practices with a shoulder injury. The veteran has been banged up over the last few weeks, but his return to practice suggests he could play against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Robinson has hauled in 28 receptions for 433 yards and seven touchdowns this season. His lack of volume makes him a touchdown-or-bust flex option every week, but the 49ers have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts. With no teams on a bye, most fantasy managers can likely find better options to flex, even if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Dec 11 1:50pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday after having his practice window opened to return from Injured Reserve. The 2023 second-round pick has not played since Week 4 after suffering an ankle injury that required surgery. The Packers will now have 21 days to activate him to the roster. Even if Musgrave returns before the regular season wraps up, he's unlikely to be on the fantasy football radar after the emergence of fellow second-year tight end Tucker Kraft. Kraft was playing more snaps than Musgrave before his injury, so we should expect that to continue into the late quarter of the season. So far this year, Musgrave has totaled just five receptions for 22 yards. That said, his usage will be worth monitoring, and he could make an impact in the NFL postseason.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 11 1:50pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday ahead of the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickens picked up a hamstring injury last week and was a surprise inactive ahead of last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. Given his lack of practice participation to begin the week, he's at real risk of missing another contest. Since Russell Wilson has taken over at quarterback, Pickens has hauled in 29 passes for 487 yards and three touchdowns in six games. He's been a strong option for fantasy football, so his potential absence is not ideal with the playoffs set to start in Week 15. Assuming he's out, Mike Williams or Calvin Austin III can be considered in flex spots, but in 12-team setups, there are likely better available options. The Eagles are one of the stingiest defenses against fantasy wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Dec 11 1:30pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) is likely to return to action in Week 15 to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. However, Pierce said Sincere McCormick is the new starting running back, and Mattison will serve as his backup. Zamir White (quad) is out for the season after being placed on Injured Reserve. This likely marks the end of Mattison as a viable fantasy option, though he has been underwhelming to this point. Mattison has averaged just 9.5 fantasy points per game in half-PPR setups behind 97 carries for 320 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 25 receptions for 245 yards and a score through the air.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Dec 11 1:30pm CT
Sincere McCormick

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick is the new starter in the backfield even when Alexander Mattison (ankle) returns, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He deserves it," Pierce said. "He has run his tail off." The second-year back out of UTSA has rushed 32 times for 175 yards in four games this season. His 5.5 yards-per-carry average outpaces both Mattison and Zamir White (quad) by over two full yards. While this is an exciting development for the young player, fantasy expectations should be tempered. Las Vegas has one of the worst offensive in the NFL, and McCormick's Week 15 matchup (Atlanta Falcons) has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. That said, he draws better matchups against the Jaguars and Saints in Weeks 16 and 17.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Dec 11 1:20pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) will not practice on Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 14's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Humphries was picked up by the Chiefs on November 25 and made his first start for the team last week. The nine-year NFL veteran was brought in to fill an important position and protect Patrick Mahomes' blind side, but he could be at risk of missing the Week 15 game against the Cleveland Browns. If he can't go, Wanya Morris will likely draw another start.

From RotoBaller

Myles Gaskin Dec 11 1:10pm CT
Myles Gaskin

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed free-agent running back Myles Gaskin to the practice squad on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. The former seventh-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington is set to join his fourth NFL organization. In 43 career games for the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings, he has rushed 364 times for 1,354 yards and seven touchdowns. He's also hauled in 102 receptions for 712 yards and six scores. However, he has not handled more than three touches in a season since 2022 and is not likely to make an impact for the Jaguars unless its running back room gets decimated by injury.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Dec 11 1:00pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip) practiced on the side on Wednesday. At the very least, Nabers will be listed as limited on the first practice report of Week 15. The first-round pass-catcher missed practice last Friday with a hip-flexor injury and was questionable to play in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, but he ended up suiting up and caught five of his 10 targets for a healthy 79 yards while playing all but three offensive snaps. As long as the 21-year-old wideout doesn't suffer a setback with his hip in practice this week, he should be a good bet to play this Sunday versus the Baltimore Ravens. Nabers is expected to be taking passes from quarterback Tommy DeVito this weekend. In the loss to the Buccaneers on Nov. 24 with DeVito at the helm, Nabers caught six passes for 64 yards. Fantasy managers should keep Nabers in their lineups as long as he's active.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Dec 11 12:40pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) will take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. As far as O'Connell's availability for the Monday night game in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, Pierce said it will depend on how O'Connell looks this week. The Raiders won't hold their first official practice until Thursday this week, but it's a good sign that O'Connell will be on the field on Wednesday after the Raiders initially feared he suffered a season-ending left-knee injury in the Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's officially dealing with a bone bruise. If O'Connell plays on Monday night, he'll be a low-end QB2 with upside in superflex leagues against a Falcons defense that was torched by the Vikings in Week 14. If O'Connell is ruled out, Desmond Ridder would make his first start in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Dec 11 12:30pm CT
Jake Haener

The New Orleans Saints are down to quarterbacks Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler with Derek Carr (concussion, hand) potentially done for the season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler thinks Haener is well positioned to get the start in Week 15 against the Washington Commanders after replacing Carr in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants. The Saints have yet to make a decision on their starting QB for this Sunday, though, and want to gauge how both Haener and Rattler handle the practice week. New Orleans remains bullish on the future of Rattler after he started three games for an injured Carr earlier this season. However, Haener has more experience and knows how to move the ball downfield, which could give him the nod, at least this week. Either way the Saints go, their QB will be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues, at best.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Dec 11 12:20pm CT
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that kicker Harrison Butker (knee) will return to practice on Wednesday, but his status for the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns is still up in the air. Butker's 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve is being opened, but the Chiefs don't necessarily have to activate him for this weekend. The 29-year-old has missed four games after having surgery on his left meniscus. His status for this weekend will depend on how he looks in practices this week. In Butker's absence, the Chiefs have used Spencer Shrader (hamstring), who is also on IR, and Matthew Wright, who was clutch in the Week 14 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers by making all four of his field goals and an extra point. Whoever is the Chiefs' kicker in Week 15 will be worth a starting lineup spot in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Dec 11 12:10pm CT
Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will be a full participant in practice on Wednesday coming out of the bye week. While nothing is official yet, a full practice to begin the week of preparation is a good sign that Lattimore could make his debut with the Commanders in Week 15 against his former team, the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders acquired Lattimore from the Saints at the trade deadline to beef up what had been a shaky secondary in the beginning of the year. However, the 28-year-old defensive back has missed five straight games and has yet to debut in D.C. Barring a setback this week, he'll have a good shot at returning this weekend, although the Commanders could ease him back in after he missed so much time. Regardless of Lattimore's status, the Commanders' D is a nice streaming play in Week 15 against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Dec 11 12:10pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (shoulder) will not practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday, but head coach Doug Pederson expects him to play in Week 15 against the New York Jets on Sunday. It appears that Engram's shoulder injury isn't serious enough to keep him out of action this weekend, but we'll keep a close eye on his status the rest of the week. As long as the 30-year-old veteran returns to practice in the next two days, he'll be on track to be active for fantasy managers against the Jets. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence (concussion, shoulder) out for the year, all of Jacksonville's offensive weapons will have a lower fantasy floor and ceiling for the final four games of 2024, including Engram. In the Week 14 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Engram had four catches for 33 yards.

From RotoBaller