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Steelers' T.J. Watt on playing status vs. Ravens: 'We'll see'

Thu Dec 19 4:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt was noncommittal about his playing status for Saturday's game against the host Baltimore Ravens.

"We'll see Sunday -- or Saturday I guess I should say -- but I felt pretty good this week," Watt said Thursday in regard to his recovery from an ankle injury. "Obviously it's a short week but felt pretty good."

Watt rolled his left ankle with 4:46 left in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 27-13 loss to the host Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. He didn't participate in Tuesday's walk-through session, was a limited participant Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday. He does not carry an injury designation into the contest against the Ravens.

"There's not a lot of things you do on practice in a short week like this to push it, so I want to see how it feels on Saturday," Watt said. "But I feel pretty good right now."

Watt, 30, had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Watt has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

Wide receiver George Pickens will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury. He joined quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) in being ruled out while safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) is doubtful after being limited in practice on Thursday.

Cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are questionable to play against the Ravens.

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Player Notes
Jaylen Waddle Dec 19 4:40pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

According to David Furones of Sun Sentinel, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Waddle sustained this knee injury during last weekend's loss to the Houston Texans. He was unable to return to the game after the injury. Seeing Waddle miss the first two practices of the week does not put him in a good position to be available for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's report in case Waddle can make a quick turnaround but should begin to find an alternative option. During Weeks 12 through 14, Waddle was beginning to find his footing on what had been a disappointing season, as he averaged a strong 98.7 yards per game during this span. If Waddle cannot play, Malik Washington would operate as the No.2 wideout and could be a viable flex option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Dec 19 4:40pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for the wideout as he was a non-participant on Wednesday. Pittman has battled a lingering back injury throughout the season and has only missed one game due to it back in Week 10. Since Week 11, Pittman has averaged 5.5 receptions per game while tallying 60.5 yards per contest. This is a nice improvement compared to the 40.5 yards he averaged per game during the first nine contests of the season. Fantasy managers should monitor his stats on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he is currently on track to be a full-go on Sunday. This weekend, he will face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 19 4:30pm CT
Tyreek Hill

According to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) returned to practice on Thursday. Hill sat out during Wednesday's session. The veteran wideout has battled this lingering wrist injury throughout the season but has yet to miss time due to it. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he is currently on track to be full-go this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. Last weekend, Hill tallied only 36 yards as the entire Miami offense was very unproductive. However, over his previous four games, Hill averaged a strong 19.3 PPR points per game while tallying at least 76.8 yards per game. Fantasy managers should still view him as a low-end WR1 despite facing a tough San Francisco secondary that has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 19 4:23pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (back), DE Shelby Harris (elbow) and TE David Njoku (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday, Dec. 19. Also, CB Martin Emerson (concussion), DB Cameron Mitchell (knee), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) and QB Jameis Winston (shoulder) were limited and WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Drew Lock Dec 19 4:20pm CT
Drew Lock

According to Dan Salomone of Giants.com, quarterback Drew Lock (heel/elbow) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice. After logging a limited session on Wednesday, Lock is now on track to suit up on Sunday to face the Atlanta Falcons. Lock was unable to suit up last weekend due to these injuries but should be expected to reclaim his starting duties on Sunday. While sidelined, Tommy DeVito got the starting nod and tallied only 68 passing yards during their loss to the Baltimore Ravens before exiting early. In his two previous starts, Lock posted a 51.9% completion rate, averaging 202.5 yards per game with one rushing score. Lock should only be viewed as a desperation QB2 in deep Superflex formats this weekend, facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the seventh-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Dec 19 4:13pm CT
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals RB Trey Benson (ankle), OL Paris Johnson Jr. (knee), LB Jesse Luketa (thigh), CB Elijah Jones (ankle), LB Kyzir White (illness) and LB Mack Wilson (concussion) did not take part in practice on Thursday, Dec. 19. Also, OL Kelvin Beachum (rest), S Joey Blount (knee), LB Zaven Collins (neck), DL Roy Lopez (ankle), CB Max Melton (shin), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (hand), PK Matt Prater (knee) and DL Darius Robinson (calf) were limited.

From TheHuddle

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Dec 19 4:13pm CT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

New Orleans Saints WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation because Valdes-Scantling has been productive since joining the Saints. He is a risky option since the Saints play on Monday Night Football, but he can be at least a flex option in leagues if he is cleared to play.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson Dec 19 4:13pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals OT Orlando Brown (fibula), WR Tee Higgins (rest, knee), DE Sam Hubbard (knee), DT Kris Jenkins (illness) and DT Sheldon Rankins (illness) did not take part in practice on Thursday, Dec. 19. Also, QB Joe Burrow (knee, wrist), TE Tanner Hudson (knee), WR Charlie Jones (groin), OG Alex Cappa (concussion), OG Cody Ford (illness), DE Trey Hendrickson (finger) and S Geno Stone (shoulder) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dec 19 4:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

According to Dan Salomone of Giants.com, rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) was a limited participant again during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his status during Friday's session as he will likely need to log a full practice to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game. Tracy has battled a lingering ankle injury throughout the season but he has yet to miss any time due to it. Last weekend, Tracy only logged ten carries as the Giants were trailing heavily throughout. Over his past nine games, the rookie running back has averaged 4.4 yards per carry while scoring 14.1 PPR points per game. If Tracy is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a low-end RB2 facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Dec 19 4:03pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19.

Fantasy Spin: The Saints have named Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback for Week 16, and it is not known if Carr will play again this season. Fantasy players should probably avoid all Saints quarterbacks at this point.

From TheHuddle

Alvin Kamara Dec 19 4:03pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (groin) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara is believed to be questionable at best for Week 16 since his injury is more serious than expected. Fantasy players can monitor the situation over the next few days but will need to look for other options to use. Kendre Miller could be a flex option in fantasy leagues if he receives the start.

From TheHuddle

Malik Nabers Dec 19 4:00pm CT
Malik Nabers

According to Dan Salomone of Giants.com, wide receivers Malik Nabers (knee/foot) and Wan'Dale Robinson (shoulder) practiced in full on Thursday. Both wideouts were able to upgrade from their limited status on Wednesday, putting them both in a great position to suit up this weekend to face the Atlanta Falcons. Nabers has battled several injuries throughout his rookie campaign. Last weekend, Nabers brought in ten of his 14 targets for 82 yards and a score. Robinson was only able to bring in four of his nine targets for 38 yards. Fantasy managers should monitor their status on Friday in case they face a setback. Nabers should be viewed as a high-end WR2 facing a weak Atlanta secondary, while Robinson is a solid flex option in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Dec 19 3:53pm CT
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers S Javon Bullard (ankle) and LB Quay Walker (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19. CB Corey Ballentine (knee) and TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) were limited during practice. CB Jaire Alexander (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Geno Smith Dec 19 3:50pm CT
Geno Smith

According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee) expects to play on Sunday. When asked about his potential availability, he noted that he expects to be available. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on the injury report in case he faces a setback. Smith suffered this knee injury during last weekend's loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, he opened the week as a full participant in practice, which is a positive sign for his availability. Before exiting last weekend's game, Smith went 15-for-19 with 149 yards and an interception. If Smith can suit up, fantasy managers in Superflex formats should view him as a solid QB2 facing a Minnesota defense that has allowed the 16th-most points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Dec 19 3:43pm CT
Nick Folk

Tennessee Titans PK Nick Folk (abdomen), LB Luke Gifford (concussion), LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring) and LB Otis Reese (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19. WR Colton Dowell (knee) was limited during practice. DT Jeffery Simmons (non-injury), DT T'Vondre Sweat (shoulder), S Daryl Worley (calf), OT Jaelyn Duncan (hamstring) and CB Roger McCreary (shoulder) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Marquise Brown Dec 19 3:40pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) is off the injury report and set to make his season debut on Saturday evening against the Houston Texans. Brown has been sidelined all season after undergoing shoulder surgery before Week 1. Brown was able to log three consecutive full practices this week suggesting that he is past this injury and ready for a full workload. Fantasy managers should consider adding Brown wherever he is available as he could be a viable flex option over the final weeks of the regular season. Last season, Brown tallied 504 yards and four scores on 51 receptions with the Arizona Cardinals. He is also worth a look in DFS formats this weekend as he will face a Houston secondary that has allowed the eighth-most PPR points to opposing wide receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 19 3:33pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rest) was a full participant in practice on Thursday, Dec. 19, after not taking part the day before.

Fantasy Spin: Wednesday was just a rest day for St. Brown, so there was never any worry. Coming off his best game of the season, St. Brown is a WR1 play entering Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Nelson Agholor Dec 19 3:33pm CT
Nelson Agholor

Baltimore Ravens CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring) and WR Diontae Johnson (personal) did not take part in practice on Thursday, Dec. 19, and were ruled out for Week 16. Also, WR Nelson Agholor (concussion) and WR Rashod Bateman (foot) did not practice but are questionable, OG Daniel Faalele (knee) and LB Odafe Oweh (ankle) were limited and are questionable and RB Justice Hill (personal), LB Adisa Isaac (hamstring), S Sanoussi Kane (hamstring), CB T.J. Tampa (ankle) and S Ar'Darius Washington (ankle) practiced in full and were removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Boyd Dec 19 3:33pm CT
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (foot) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 19.

Fantasy Spin: Boyd missed some practice time last week but was able to play in Week 15, so he still has a chance to be available for Week 16. He will see a few targets if he plays but can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Rashod Bateman Dec 19 3:30pm CT
Rashod Bateman

According to Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Banner, wide receivers Rashod Bateman (foot) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) are listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bateman popped up on the injury report on Wednesday but was downgraded to a non-participant earlier this afternoon. However, seeing him with a questionable tag keeps the door open for him to suit up, even though he may face an uphill battle. Agholor suffered a concussion last weekend during their victory over the New York Giants. He could not practice all week and will need a quick turnaround to clear the league's protocol in time for kickoff. If one of the wide receivers sits out, fantasy managers should expect Zay Flowers to see a start increase in targets as well as tight end Mark Andrews.

From RotoBaller