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Colts Pro Bowl C Ryan Kelly returns to practice

Wed Dec 11 1:32pm ET
Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts designated four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly for a return from injured reserve on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window.

The Colts placed Kelly on IR with a knee injury on Nov. 6. The team also opened the practice window for rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who was on IR with a fibula injury.

The expectation is that Kelly will play Sunday when the Colts (6-7) return from their bye week at Denver (8-5). He last played in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.

However, starting right tackle Braden Smith (personal), who was inactive in Week 13, will not practice Wednesday and is unlikely to face the Broncos. Head coach Shane Steichen said he's unsure if Smith, 28, will play again this season.

Kelly, 31, has started all 121 regular season and postseason games of his nine-year career, all with the Colts. Kelly earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019-21 and 2023 and was a second-team All-Pro choice in 2020.

Carlies, 23, has 21 tackles and one sack in seven games (three starts) since being selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Steichen also said that wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will practice on Wednesday after missing the Week 13 win at New England. Offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini (concussion) is also set to practice.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
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

Joe Burrow Dec 11 12:10pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (knee) will practice this week. "Just sore," head coach Zac Taylor said. Burrow was seen wearing a sleeve on his surgically repaired left knee in Monday night's 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. It's something to keep an eye on down the stretch of the season, but Burrow will practice this week and should be fine to start in Week 15 versus the Tennessee Titans. Despite facing a Titans defense that has been surprisingly good in 2024, Burrow should remain a top-five fantasy QB in Week 15 fantasy lineups. The 28-year-old has been dicing up opposing defenses most of the year and enters the week as the QB3 in overall fantasy points, behind only Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Burrow has a total of 3,706 passing yards and has thrown 33 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2024. Leave him locked into your starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Dec 11 12:00pm CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Noah Brown (ribs) is "going to be out for a while." Brown injured his ribs in the Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans, but apparently the team's Week 14 bye wasn't enough time for him to heal up. The 28-year-old will miss practice on Wednesday and will most likely be ruled out later this week to play this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. For however long Brown is sidelined, the Commanders will be hoping one of Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown and rookie Luke McCaffrey will be able to step up behind WR1 Terry McLaurin. None of the three really stand out as a waiver-wire pickup with Brown injured. Tight end Zach Ertz is most likely to be the biggest beneficiary in terms of targets and production with Brown set to miss time. In his first year in D.C., Brown has brought in 35 of his 56 targets for 453 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.

From RotoBaller

Tommy DeVito Dec 11 11:50am CT
Tommy DeVito

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that quarterback Drew Lock (heel) is dealing with a heel injury and is in a walking boot. As a result, Tommy DeVito is expected to make the start this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15. DeVito made his first start of the year in the Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwhelmed, going 21-for-31 for 189 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also picked up a right-forearm injury and was inactive the following week. Lock similarly underwhelmed in his two starts at QB and is now banged up, so the G-Men will turn back to DeVito, who is apparently recovered from his forearm injury. The Ravens defense has allowed lots of big plays in the passing game this year, but it's unclear if DeVito and the Giants offense will be able to take advantage. At best, DeVito is a desperation low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Dec 11 11:40am CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that kicker Dustin Hopkins will kick for the team this weekend in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Hopkins struggling mightily for most of the year, the Browns signed Riley Patterson to their practice squad this week. "Dustin's our kicker but we'll work through it this week," Stefanski said. The 34-year-old veteran will start this Sunday, but if he struggles again, the Browns could decide to make a change going into Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Hopkins missed two field goals in last week's loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and has made just 16 of his 25 field-goal attempts this year. Especially in a tough matchup against the Chiefs' stingy defense, fantasy managers should be avoiding Hopkins as their kicker in Week 15.

From RotoBaller