Falcons in Kirk Cousins' corner, not planning to play Michael Penix Jr.
Thu Dec 12 3:38pm ET
Field Level Media
Six interceptions in the past two games and zero wins since Nov. 3, quarterback Kirk Cousins is on the hot seat with fans in Atlanta. But he's still on firm footing as the starter with the only one that matters, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
Morris remains committed to Cousins and delivered his strongest statement yet on resisting the temptation to install rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. as the starter any time soon.
"I told you right from the beginning, he's our future," Morris said of Penix. "... And to be able to have the respect, to be able to have the confidence, to be able to have the wherewithal to support Kirk and all this stuff, too, it's a great learning lesson for him as well. So, when you go through all that process, you can look at different organizations [that have] pulled the trigger and put guys out there too early and it's gone terrible, and I don't want to be that guy."
Morris said Penix will play "when it's time" without expounding on his timeline for the rookie, or the organization's view on when it could consider a switch.
The Falcons were 6-3 after back-to-back wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys when the wheels fell off for Cousins and the Atlanta offense. The Falcons have scored 57 points in the past four games, all losses, since combining for 58 points in those consecutive victories.
Atlanta is on the road this week for a "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder could be on the field for the Raiders if Aidan O'Connell is ruled out with a knee bruise. O'Connell said he's "hoping to get there" after being carted off the field last week.
Morris said the Falcons are supporting Cousins but did suggest he's throughly involved in reviewing the performance of all positions.
"So to say benching doesn't cross your mind, you've always got to consider those things if you feel like it's something that's ... irreparable or whatever the case may be," Morris said. "But I don't feel that way. I feel like (Cousins) is going to come out of this thing and he's going to go on a run here and get us to do the things that we need to do."
The Buccaneers have won three consecutive games and are in sole possession of first place in the NFC South at 7-6.
Atlanta's remaining four-game schedule features the Raiders (2-11), New York Giants (2-11), Washington Commanders (8-5) and Carolina Panthers (3-10).
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The Paur Report
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after opening the week with a limited showing on Wednesday. Hill has been battling a wrist injury for the majority of the 2024 campaign but hasn't missed any time because of it. He actually has missed the first practice of the week in previous weeks, so his participation this week has been an upgrade, potentially indicating that his wrist is feeling better. The 30-year-old speedster needs to be locked into all fantasy lineups as a surefire WR1 for this weekend's contest against the Houston Texans. After a frustrating start to the year, the Cheetah has come on strong of late after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from Injured Reserve. Since Tagovailoa's return in Week 8, Hill has 35 receptions (46 targets) for 403 yards and four touchdowns in six games played. He's back to being a safe WR1.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) stayed limited in the team's second practice of the week on Thursday as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday in Week 15 action. Lamb continues to battle a sprained AC joint in his shoulder that he suffered back in Week 9, but it hasn't caused him to miss any time. Instead, the 25-year-old's fantasy stock has taken a bit of a hit in the second half due to quarterback Dak Prescott's (hamstring) season-ending injury. Since his shoulder injury, Lamb has caught 32 of his 47 targets for 313 yards and a touchdown with Cooper Rush leading the offense, which has made him the WR20 over that stretch. The Panthers defense has stiffened up since earlier in the season, but they remain vulnerable, and Lamb still has enough fantasy upside to make him worth a WR2 play. We're expecting him to be removed from the final injury report on Friday.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, an upgrade over his limited session on Wednesday. Downs did not play in the team's win over the New England Patriots in Week 13 and had last week's bye to rest up. The extra rest appears to have done the 23-year-old well, as he's currently on track to make his return versus the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 15. Downs has improved in his second NFL season, but he had a higher fantasy ceiling when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was running the offense. Anthony Richardson's accuracy issues are well-documented, giving Downs more bust potential as a WR4/flex. In his last two games with Richardson under center, Down has eight catches for 111 yards and a TD. The Week 15 matchup in Denver isn't an ideal one, either.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (knee, wrist) was listed as limited for the second straight day this week in Thursday's practice. Burrow was seen wearing a sleeve on his surgically repaired knee in the Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night and came out of the game with some soreness. The 28-year-old might not be exactly 100 percent heading into a Week 16 game against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, but he's not expected to be in any danger of sitting out. He's likely to practice in full on Friday and be removed from the final injury report. Tennessee hasn't been a friendly matchup for opposing QBs in fantasy this year, but Burrow's body of work in 2024 has made him a must-start, high-end WR1. Burrow is the overall QB3 in fantasy points through 14 weeks, he leads the NFL with 3,706 passing yards and also leads the NFL with his 33 passing touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa (oblique) will likely return to action on Thursday evening to face the Los Angeles Rams. Schefter noted that the team will test him during pregame to ensure he is ready to suit up but the star defensive lineman is expected to snap his three-game absence. Before the injury, the former second-overall selection was enjoying another strong campaign totaling 36 tackles (24 solo) with seven sacks, one pass deflection, and one interception. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should feel comfortable putting Bosa back in their lineups, as he is one of the top pass rushers in the sport.
From RotoBaller
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Dissly will now have just one more opportunity to log a practice session before the weekend. Earlier in the week, it was reported that Dissly would likely miss a "couple of weeks." However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Friday, as he has not officially been ruled out for this weekend's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After averaging a solid 11.7 PPR points per game during Weeks 10 through 12, the veteran tight end took a step back over the past two weeks, tallying just two catches for 19 yards. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect to have Dissly. Instead, Stone Smartt could be a sneaky TE2 streamer in DFS.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (knee) remained limited during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday because if he cannot log a full session, he may carry an injury designation into the weekend. Over the past three weeks, McBride has seen a heavy volume of targets his way, eclipsing double-digits in each of these games and averaging 13.7 per game. During this span, he has averaged an impressive 99.7 yards and 10.3 receptions per game. Before this dominating stretch of weeks, McBride was still very productive, averaging 61.3 yards and 5.4 receptions per game. If McBride can suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end TE1 facing the New England Patriots, who have allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (shoulder) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Engram will now have one more opportunity on Friday to return to the field to potentially avoid an injury designation. Head coach Doug Pederson noted earlier in the week that he expects his top tight end to be ready for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. However, fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as Engram may have faced a potential setback. Last weekend, Engram brought in four of his six targets for 33 yards. While he has not produced as well as he did last season, the veteran tight end is still seeing a high volume of targets (7.5 per game), which should make him a low-end TE1 in all matchups. This weekend, he faces a tough New York secondary that has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle/thigh) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Herbert was unable to practice on Wednesday, and seeing him back on the field just one day later is a positive sign for his availability over the weekend. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on the injury report later on Thursday in case he was only able to log a limited session. Herbert sustained these injuries during last weekend's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In this game, Herbert tallied only 213 yards and a score. However, in his previous six contests, the Oregon product has averaged a solid 21.2 PPR points per game and tallied nine total scores during this span. If Herbert can suit up this weekend, he should be viewed as a solid QB1 facing a weak Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
For the second straight day this week, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Nabers was limited in two practices last week before missing practice last Friday, but the 21-year-old first-rounder out of LSU still played in the Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints and played 93 percent of the offensive snaps while catching five of his 10 targets for 79 yards. Barring a setback the next few days, we're pretty confident the rookie pass-catcher will be active to take on the Baltimore Ravens this weekend in a plus matchup. Fantasy managers aren't thrilled with New York's QB situation -- Tommy DeVito is expected to make his second start on Sunday -- but Nabers still has WR2 upside. Despite New York's putrid offense, Nabers enters Week 15 as the WR18 in PPR scoring, and his 126 targets on the year rank fourth among all receivers.
From RotoBaller
According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice for the second-straight day. Pickens now has one more opportunity on Friday to practice in some capacity. Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that his No.1 wideout would be unlikely to suit up this weekend, and his current trajectory reinforces that claim. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday in case he can practice in some capacity. Since Russell Wilson has taken starting duties, Pickens has averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game and averaged 81.2 yards per game during this span. If Pickens misses his second-straight contest, fantasy managers should expect tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receivers Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III to see an uptick in targets.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (illness) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday due to an illness. Kamara is under the weather so far for Week 15 preparation and is now up in the air to suit up this Sunday when the Washington Commanders come to town. However, if the 29-year-old lead back is able to get onto the practice field on Friday, we will like his chances of being active on Sunday. Kamara has been a top-10 fantasy RB in 2024 with 223 carries for 938 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games, adding 64 receptions for 485 yards and another touchdown via the air. His 223 carries are tied for fifth among RBs, while his receptions and receiving yards lead all backs. It makes him a must-start RB in fantasy when he's healthy, although his upside won't be nearly as high with quarterback Derek Carr (concussion, hand) likely out in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) made his return to practice on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant for the first practice session of Week 15 on Wednesday. Boyd's return on Thursday puts him on track to at least have a shot at playing this Sunday when the team takes on the visiting Cincinnati Bengals and their suspect secondary. Even with the excellent upcoming matchup, the 30-year-old veteran wideout probably shouldn't be trusted as a starting fantasy option in the first round of the postseason in most league. In his first year in Tennessee, Boyd has struggled for fantasy relevance in a low-volume, inconsistent offense, catching 33 passes for only 317 yards. If Boyd isn't given the green light to suit up on Sunday, rookie Jha'Quan Jackson could be the team's starting slot receiver next to Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) put in another full day of practice on Thursday and looks primed to make his return in a Week 15 tilt on the road in Detroit against the Lions. Coleman has not played since suffering a wrist injury back in Week 9, but he's tracking towards a return this weekend, barring a setback on Friday. In addition to Coleman, Buffalo should get tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) back from an injury that has kept him out the last several weeks. It means that receivers Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir will have more competition for targets in what should be a shootout at Ford Field. Tight end Dawson Knox will go back to the No. 2 role. The 21-year-old Coleman has had a decent role in his first nine NFL games, catching 22 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns, but his per-week PPR average has him outside the top-50 receivers. He'll be a WR4/flex with upside if he returns to face Detroit in what should be a high-scoring affair.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was listed as a full participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Kincaid has been held out of each of the team's last three games due to a knee injury, but barring a setback in Friday's practice, the 25-year-old second-year player should be available for Sunday's big road contest against the Detroit Lions. In the last three games with Kincaid sidelined, Dawson Knox has seen an expanded role on offense, catching seven of his nine targets for 101 yards and no touchdowns. Kincaid returning would make him avoidable again in fantasy, though. Kincaid has had a disappointing sophomore season in 2024, though, so fantasy managers may want to keep him benched in the first week of the playoffs. He's averaging only 6.5 half-PPR points, which is tied with the Saints' Juwan Johnson for 23rd at the position.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (wrist) said he will likely undergo surgery to repair ligaments in his left wrist following the Week 18 season finale. The rookie said his wrist injury dates back to his 2021 season with South Carolina, but he is not using it as an excuse for his critical drop against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. Legette, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has hauled in 39 of his 47 targets for 432 yards and four touchdowns in his first 13 games. It hasn't been a record-breaking rookie campaign, but he has shown flashes in a subpar offense. He could be a sleeper pick in next year's fantasy drafts, but it will depend on how he finishes his 2024 season.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was not seen at the start of Thursday's practice after missing practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. His absence is notable, but he has played this season after sitting out an entire week of practice, so fantasy managers should follow his status on Friday and heading into Sunday afternoon's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have allowed 130.3 rushing yards per game this year, so the former Dallas Cowboy is a must-start if he's active despite any risk of a limited workload. The Memphis native is averaging 12.2 half-PPR fantasy points per game behind over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. If he cannot suit up on Sunday, backup Tyjae Spears will enter the fantasy radar as a potential flex option, but Julius Chestnut could see some action behind him.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden is facing a misdemeanor DUI charge stemming from a Tuesday arrest, according to NFL.com. The 26-year-old has a court date set for April. The Raiders are in contact with the NFL and local authorities about the incident. Snowden has played in all 13 games this season and has racked up 30 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three pass deflections. It's unknown at this time if he will face discipline this season from the team or the NFL.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown (fibula) is missing another practice on Thursday due to a leg injury. The four-time Pro Bowler missed last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys and could be inactive for the game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Luckily, the Titans have generated the sixth-fewest sacks (27) in the NFL this season, so his absence is unlikely to dramatically affect the Bengals' offensive output. If Brown is out again, backup Cody Ford will likely draw another start and be tasked with blocking Harold Landry and Arden Key.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (back) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a back injury. This is Minnesota's first official practice of the week heading into the Monday Night Football contest against the Chicago Bears, so there is time for Jones to get prepared to play. So far this season, Jones has rushed for 893 yards and four touchdowns while catching 37 passes for 302 yards and two more scores. He's been a steady producer for most of the season and slots in as a mid-tier RB2 for Week 15. If he surprisingly cannot play, Cam Akers would likely lead the backfield, but Ty Chandler should see some touches behind him. For now, there is nothing to suggest Jones will not be ready to go.
From RotoBaller
