According to a source, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Week 15, is not expected to play on Monday Night Football versus the division-rival Chicago Bears. Despite returning to a limited practice session on Saturday, the 34-year-old veteran defensive back is probably not going to be active on Monday night. It's good news for Bears wideouts DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze as they look to pull the upset on the road. This will be Gilmore's second straight missed contest after also sitting out the Week 14 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has started 12 games in his first year in Minnesota and has racked up 47 tackles (32 solo), an interception and seven pass breakups. Fabian Moreau is likely to see a bigger role at corner for Minnesota on Monday.

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The Baltimore Ravens announced on Monday that recently suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the team have mutually agreed to excuse him from team activities this week. Johnson was suspended for the Week 15 win over the New York Giants due to conduct detrimental to the team when he refused to enter the Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 28-year-old has been unhappy with his role in Baltimore since being acquired at the deadline from the Carolina Panthers and now is unlikely to play in Week 16 when the team takes on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. In four games active with Baltimore, he has just one catch on five targets for six yards. Johnson should have been dropped from fantasy rosters long ago, and it remains to be seen if he'll even see the field again in 2024.

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (knee) suffered a PCL injury to his knee in Sunday's Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans and will likely miss the rest of the season, according to sources. Hubbard has already been ruled out for the Week 16 contest against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, and he'll likely also miss the final two games of the season as well. The 29-year-old pass-rusher will at least go out on a high note in 2024 after scoring an offensive touchdown in Sunday's victory for the Bengals. Hubbard will finish his seventh season in the NFL (all in Cincinnati) with 41 tackles (25 solo), two sacks, nine QB hits, his first career interception and a forced fumble in 14 starts. Although Hubbard wasn't on the map in fantasy IDP leagues because of his lack of sacks, it's more bad news for an already bad Bengals defense.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (knee) didn't have any issues with his surgically repaired knee in the Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Burrow was wearing a sleeve on his knee in last Monday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys and dealt with some soreness after that game, but he was fine to play on Sunday against the Titans. The 28-year-old former first overall pick had a mixed bag in the victory, going 26-for-37 for 271 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble, but the Bengals defense forced six turnovers to help the team overcome a sloppy performance. Burrow fell just shy of his fifth straight game with at least 300 yards passing. Burrow leads the league in both yardage (3,977) and passing touchdowns (36). Despite throwing for only 181 yards in Week 7 against the Browns, he'll be a must-start QB1 against them in the rematch in Week 16.

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos with a head injury. Pierce hit the ground hard in the first half while going after a deep ball and was later ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion. The 24-year-old was targeted four times before his injury but failed to come down with any of them, giving any fantasy managers that started him a donut. Ashton Dulin (ankle) was inactive for the game, so rookie Adonai Mitchell played just shy of half of the offensive snaps. Mitchell didn't take advantage of Pierce's injury, failing to catch any of his four targets and also throwing a pick-six on a trick play in the fourth quarter. Pierce's status for Week 16 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans is now firmly up in the air.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that running back David Montgomery (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee. The 27-year-old tore his MCL in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "We're going to miss him," Campbell told reporters. Oof. Detroit has been marred by injuries this season, and they continue to accrue on both sides of the ball as defensive back Carlton Davis III (jaw) and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) also picked up long-term injuries in Week 15. With Montgomery out, fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs projects to shoulder most of the backfield touches. Additionally, at least one of his backfield mates Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki, will see an elevated snap share moving forward. The Lions will line up against the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 16.

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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reports that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) avoided a serious injury in Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. David Furones of Sun Sentinel reports. "Not major, not surgery-related," said McDaniel. It hasn't been the season Miami envisioned thus far, but the 26-year-old walking away with a favorable prognosis is undoubtedly a silver lining for the team. Still, per his head coach -- Waddle's status for next Sunday's matchup against the visiting San Francisco 49ers is uncertain. We'll likely learn more about his availability when the Dolphins host their week's first practice on Wednesday. Fellow wideout Grant DuBose (head) was also injured in Week 15 and reportedly remains hospitalized. If neither is available for Week 16, WRs River Cracraft and Malik Washington would be due for all the work they could handle.

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During his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports 710AM, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald noted that quarterback Geno Smith (knee) "seemed optimistic" regarding his injury when the two exchanged texts on Monday morning. "He seemed optimistic this morning texting with him, so we've got that going for us," Macdonald said. The head coach also reported that, as of now, there's a possibility Smith could play in Week 16 when Seattle hosts the visiting Minnesota Vikings. The good news is that the 34-year-old has no breaks, and his knee is structurally intact. However, Macdonald was still awaiting test results at the time of his appearance on air. Quarterback Sam Howell filled in for the veteran in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 15 and would do so again if Smith weren't healthy enough for the meeting with Minnesota. Expect an update on him shortly.

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According to interim head coach Darren Rizzi, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) is dealing with a "groin abductor situation" that he sustained in Sunday's 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. Saints beat writer Ross Jackson reported the news. Per Jackson, Rizzi declined to note the severity of the injury and expects more tests for the 29-year-old. It's an unfortunate situation for Kamara and fantasy managers, though he hasn't been ruled out yet, which is at least a silver lining. With more testing on the way, keeping tabs on Kamara ahead of the team's Week 16 meeting with the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football is recommended. Backfield mate Kendre Miller figures to step in for the veteran if he's required to miss more time, with Jamaal Williams working as a change-of-pace option.

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According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (groin) will likely be inactive for Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals and is considered week to week. The rookie wideout was forced from Week 15's loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the second half and did not return. In addition to his most recent ailment, Legette has also been dealing with a wrist injury that stems from his 2021 collegiate season. Reportedly, he's expected to have surgery to repair ligaments in his wrist after the regular season. While it apparently has yet to affect his play, being hurt rarely ever boosts your productivity. With the 23-year-old probably sitting out in Week 16, wide receivers Deven Thompkins and David Moore project to pick up extra snaps.

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Per Kole Musgrove of USA Today, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is hopeful that Kenneth Walker III (calf) will be able to return for next Sunday's outing against the Minnesota Vikings. The third-year back has been shelved for a few weeks now since injuring his calf and ankle in Week 13's win over the New York Jets. While Walker has dropped the ankle injury, he is still working through the former. Backfield mate Zach Charbonnet has been effective in the 24-year-old's stead, piling up 259 yards and three touchdowns over the last two weeks. Charbonnet would be in store for a large workload again this weekend if Walker isn't able to suit up for the home tilt against the visiting Vikings, with teammates George Holani and Kenny McIntosh backing him up.

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he's "hopeful" that wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) can return and play in Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. Stefanski said that Tillman is "getting better" after sustaining a concussion in the team's Week 12 upset win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old second-year wideout has not played since, although he appears to be getting close to clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. We'll keep a close eye on Tillman's practice status this week. If he does make it back to play this weekend, it might be quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson running the offense after Jameis Winston was benched in the Week 15 loss to the Chiefs. Tillman had a nice run from Weeks 7-9 (21-255-3 line), but his fantasy value could be negatively affected by a QB change in Cleveland upon his return.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) has been diagnosed with a mild high-ankle sprain following tests on Monday and is still considered week-to-week after being injured late in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to sources. With the Chiefs facing the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16 and then with another short turnaround in Week 17 with a Christmas Day game the following Wednesday versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, it wouldn't be a surprise if Mahomes misses a game or two to make sure he's fully healthy heading into the postseason. Fantasy managers still alive in the playoffs that have been starting Mahomes need to formulate a backup plan quickly. If the two-time MVP misses any time, backup Carson Wentz would be thrust into starting duties for the Chiefs.

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he's "hopeful" that tight end David Njoku (hamstring) can play in Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Stefanski said that Njoku is "getting better" after he was forced to sit out of the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after injuring his hamstring the previous week in the loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old's fantasy value had received a boost with quarterback Jameis Winston under center -- he had 16 reception on a whopping 30 targets for 94 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. However, Winston was benched in the 21-7 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday, so it could be Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center against the Bengals this weekend, which could make Njoku a shakier TE1 option for fantasy managers if he returns to the field.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore didn't stand out at all in the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, catching two of his four targets for 19 receiving yards. In a game in which the Panthers offense struggled against the rejuvenated Cowboys defense, Moore failed to capitalize after rookie receiver Xavier Legette left the game with a groin injury. Rookie Jalen Coker led the team with 110 receiving yards and a touchdown thanks to an 83-yard touchdown reception. All four of Moore's targets came in the fourth quarter with Legette on the sidelines. If Legette is forced to miss time, Moore should enter the starting lineup alongside Coker and veteran Adam Thielen, potentially giving him deep-league flex value in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. Moore caught 11 of 19 targets for 121 yards and a TD in Weeks 12 and 13 with Coker sidelined.

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal on the team's starting quarterback for their upcoming Week 16 contest versus the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. "Anything related to Cincinnati I'll update you guys as we get into the week," Stefanski said. The Browns benched Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter of their 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday after he went 16-for-25 for 146 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. The 30-year-old was also sacked five times against a stout Chiefs defense. He was replaced by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who went 4-for-9 for 18 yards while carrying the ball three times for 16 yards. If Cleveland turns to DTR, it will be his first start in 2024 and just his fourth career start since debuting in 2023. The Bengals defense presents a nice matchup, but Thompson-Robinson would only be a desperation low-end QB2 play in superflex leagues.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins snapped a two-game touchdown streak in the 48-42 win over the Detroit Lions on the road in Week 15 on Sunday. Hollins was targeted just three times in the high-scoring affair and was able to come down with one grab for a gain of seven yards. The dud performance coincided with both rookie wideout Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid returning from their respective injuries. Coleman and Kincaid combined for five catches on nine targets. Meanwhile, running back Ty Johnson surprisingly led the team with five receptions for 114 yards through the air. The 31-year-old Hollins had five catches on seven targets for 64 yards and two touchdowns the previous two games, but that may be the high point of his production this year now that Coleman and Kincaid are healthy. Hollins is a nice red-zone target, but he won't be a recommended flex play moving forward.

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Given how well quarterback Sam Darnold has played in 2024, the Minnesota Vikings have not ruled out offering him a contract for next season despite widespread belief that they will let Darnold walk and hand the job to J.J. McCarthy (knee), who was drafted in the first round in April, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking. Darnold is in the midst of a career season and has thrown for 1,158 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the last four games. In that span, he's led three game-winning drives and has led the NFL in completions on passes of at least 15 air yards. Darnold is on pace for a 4,100-yard, 35-touchdown season. "There's no other place I'd rather play. Just so grateful to be a Viking," Darnold said earlier this month. It remains to be seen where Darnold will be playing in 2025, but right now he has been a solid QB1 in fantasy heading into a Monday night game against the Bears.

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Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) suffered a torn MCL in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and could miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs, according to sources. Montgomery is undergoing further testing on Monday and will also receive a second opinion to confirm the injury, but the Lions and fantasy managers are looking at not having Monty the rest of the way. At least in fantasy leagues, which typically end with the championship in Week 17, Montgomery won't be available for the rest of the year. It makes sense now why the 27-year-old only had five carries for four yards in Sunday's loss to Buffalo, adding four catches for 31 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs should now see the lion's share of touches in Detroit's backfield moving forward, with Craig Reynolds spelling him when needed.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to make his first start of the season on Monday night against his old team, the Atlanta Falcons, according to sources. Aidan O'Connell (knee) is listed as questionable with a bone bruise in his knee. He's expected to work out before the game to test his knee, but the expectation is that the Raiders will go with Ridder in this one. The Raiders initially feared that O'Connell suffered a season-ending injury in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it ended up just being a bone bruise, which means he could return in Week 16 to face the Jacksonville Jaguars if he can make more progress in practice on a short week. Ridder went 12-for-18 for 101 yards without a TD or interception in relief of O'Connell against the Bucs. The turnover-prone signal-caller has a good matchup against Atlanta but has limited fantasy upside as a low-end QB2 on Monday evening.

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