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Lions RB David Montgomery (knee) may suit up in playoffs

Thu Dec 19 9:09pm ET
Field Level Media

There's hope in Detroit that injured Lions running back David Montgomery, who suffered a torn MCL in his right knee on Sunday, could return in the postseason, ESPN reported Thursday.

Montgomery had been ruled out for the season on Monday and slated for surgery, but for now, he won't be placed on injured reserve following a third medical opinion.

Per the report, the sixth-year running back "might have avoided season-ending surgery" after going down in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills.

On Wednesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn't ready to rule out Montgomery, who leads the team this season with 12 rushing touchdowns.

"It is one of these injuries that's unique because you need to know is it stable? OK, is it fixed, or will it scar? And then be certainly stable for now and for later, and then you've got to rely on him, like, ‘Hey man, I'm good. I can do this,'" Campbell told reporters.

"So, it's a combination certainly the doctors then him as well, where he thinks he can go with it and can he protect himself and play at a high level. So, we're in a holding pattern, which as of right now is a positive."

Montgomery, 27, has rushed for 775 yards in 14 games this season, forming a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs (1,047 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns).

Taking over for now as Detroit's workhorse, Gibbs won't change his outlook or game plan while preparing for Sunday's game against the rival Bears in Chicago.

"Basically, the same, it's nothing different," the 22-year-old second-year running back said. "I've been doing this my whole life, so I don't look at it any differently."

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16

Player Notes
Cedric Tillman Dec 19 9:10pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Tillman has a chance at returning to the field this weekend for the first time since Week 12. However, Tillman is likely going to need to get through a full practice session on Friday in order to get cleared for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. If active, Tillman is likely going to lose some streaming appeal since he was last on the field. Quarterback Jameis Winston has been benched in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The expectation is that the Browns are going to do more running and read options with Thompson-Robinson under center. That being said, Tillman will probably fall into the low-end WR3 range, assuming he's active for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Dec 19 8:50pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. O'Connell has now made it through back-to-back full practice sessions without a setback, which is great news ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Another full session on Friday should get O'Connell cleared to play for this weekend. He sat out of last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons after suffering a bone bruise in his knee in Week 14. The return of O'Connell should boost the fantasy value of both Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. O'Connell would be a lower end QB2 if he is able to return this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Dec 19 8:50pm CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into this considering Strange looked fine during his 11-catch performance last week. This could be the Jags just limiting Strange to keep him fresh for the Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of his status following Friday's practice. If active, Strange holds high-end TE2 value in a plus-matchup against a shaky Raiders secondary.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 19 8:40pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news after Fant was a limited participant to open the week. Possibly, the Seahawks were just being cautious with the veteran tight end to begin the week. Another full practice session should get Fant cleared ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Fant has struggled since returning to the field in Week 13. He has three straight games with 26 receiving yards or less, which makes him a low-end TE2 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 19 8:30pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Metcalf sat out of practice on Wednesday, but that was likely just a rest day for the superstar wideout. That being said, Metcalf appears to be extremely likely to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. That is good news for fantasy managers, but Metcalf's value hinges on the status of Geno Smith (knee). Smith has practiced in full each of the last two days, so hopefully he'll be removed from the injury report on Friday. If that happens, Metcalf can be started as a WR2 for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Dec 19 8:20pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is positive news after Charbonnet sat out of practice to begin the week. The 23-year-old picked up an oblique injury during last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Charbonnet has started each of the last two games, but figures to return to his backup role with Kenneth Walker III (calf) likely returning this weekend. Walker practiced in full on Thursday and appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. If active, Charbonnet is unlikely to have much of a role, assuming Walker is back in the mix now.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 19 7:50pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is fresh off of a humongous performance against the New York Giants in Week 15 where he threw five touchdowns. In Week 16, however, the Pittsburgh Steelers present a bigger challenge. The only week that Jackson finished outside QB1 territory this season was against the Steelers in Week 11. He averages one fumble and a bit over one interception (1.1) per game in seven starts against the Steelers to go along with 153.9 passing yards on a 56.97% completion percentage. While this doesn't mean fantasy managers should bench Jackson by any means, expectations shouldn't be as high as the rest of the year.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Dec 19 7:40pm CT
Joe Mixon

Now that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is officially off the Week 16 injury report, fantasy managers can comfortably pencil him in as an RB2 option against the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran back has had a nice first year as a Texan, but faces a Chiefs defense that ranks first in the NFL against fantasy running backs. Kansas City sits second in the league in yards per attempt allowed and is among the five teams allowing under 100 overall rushing yards per game. Mixon is still starting worthy, especially with 32 catches in 11 games played, but managers should think of him more as a second option in fantasy given the tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 19 6:30pm CT
C.J. Stroud

The struggling Houston Texans' passing game combined with the blitz-happy Kansas City Chiefs should have fantasy managers dialing back expectations for quarterback C.J. Stroud in Week 16. The second-year quarterback has been sacked the fifth-most times in the league this year, which is not a great sign against a Kansas City defense that knocks down quarterbacks and blitzes at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Last year's Rookie of the Year hasn't logged a top-10 quarterback finish since Week 4 or passed for 300 yards since Week 5. The fantasy playoffs and a game at the defending champs probably is not the time or place to bet on a rebound for managers in one-QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Dec 19 6:20pm CT
Nico Collins

The Houston Texans' offense has been a bit of a letdown this season, but wide receiver Nico Collins has been every bit as good as advertised, maintaining his WR1 status against Kansas City in Week 16. The Michigan Man has played at least 70% of Houston's snaps in seven games and finished in the top 15 among receivers in five of them. Even when things have gone awry, he has produced, as evidenced by last week's game in which he had a season-low 17 yards, but still scored two touchdowns. This week, he'll take on a Kansas City defense that blitzes the second-most of any team, but ranks 12th against fantasy receivers. Managers should feel confident knowing that Collins has delivered in challenging settings before and can do it again.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Dec 19 6:10pm CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is yet again a top kicking option with his team set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The UCLA product is coming off back-to-back perfect weeks, has not missed an extra point this season, and is the overall No. 2 at his position for fantasy points. Kansas City ranks a sturdy fourth against fantasy kickers, but 13 of Fairbairn's 33 made field goals have come from beyond 50 yards this season, making him fantasy relevant week-in and week-out. He's a worthy starting option for managers in the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Dec 19 6:10pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Despite a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz should be considered a TE2 in Week 16. The former Dallas Cowboy is reliably playing 80% of Houston snaps and averaging three catches per contest, but rarely delivering big performances, finishing in the top 10 for fantasy tight ends just once in 14 games. The Chiefs' otherwise strong defense has been most vulnerable against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to them this year. Managers rostering Schultz, however, are likely having a difficult time trusting him to make a difference in the fantasy playoffs. He should be saved only for formats that play more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Dec 19 6:10pm CT
Tank Dell

Even by boom-or-bust standards, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has been an extreme case this year, making him a low-end WR4 option in Week 16 against Kansas City. The second-year receiver has failed to surpass 50 yards receiving eight times in 13 games and logged just one top-15 finish among receivers all season. This week, he goes up against a Kansas City defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest total yards and knocked down the quarterback at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Attached to a Houston passing game that has looked out of sorts for large portions of the season, Dell shouldn't be relied upon in standard formats.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 19 6:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) went from missing practice on Wednesday to practicing in full on Thursday, signaling he could be ready to return from a two-game absence to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Week 16. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet, who missed Wednesday with an oblique injury, was limited on Thursday. The way things are currently trending, it could be a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that have one of or both Walker and Charbonnet rostered. Charbonnet saw 30 carries for 188 yards (6.27 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding eight catches for 71 yards the last two weeks with Walker sidelined. If Seattle has both Walker and Charbonnet active against Minnesota, this backfield could easily be split more in half with Walker returning, potentially lowering both RB's fantasy upside in an already bad matchup.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 19 6:00pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday a day after he was limited on Wednesday. Smith was just being rested in the first practice of the week on Wednesday and should be just fine to play in Week 16 against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday. The 26-year-old disappointed in Weeks 10 and 11 with a combined six catches for 43 yards on nine targets. He then missed Weeks 12 and 13 due to a hamstring injury. In two games since returning in Weeks 14 and 15, Smith has caught 15 of 18 targets for 146 yards and two touchdowns. He had his first 100-yard game of the year in the Week 15 win over the Steelers and is riding high into Week 16, albeit against a Washington defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to receivers in the last five weeks. Smith will be in play as a WR2/3 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Dec 19 5:40pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Meanwhile, receiver Trey Palmer (illness) sat out of practice on Thursday due to an illness. Shepard didn't practice for the first time last week until Friday but still played in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and caught his only target for 16 yards. The 31-year-old hasn't been as intriguing as a flex play in fantasy with Mike Evans healthy, but Shepard could see more targets come his way this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night if tight end Cade Otton (knee) is unable to play. Even if Otton is out, Shepard will be an uninspiring WR4/5 in deeper leagues with a lot on the line in Week 16. Shepard has only scored one TD this year, and it came all the way back on Oct. 3. He also hasn't had more than five catches or 63 yards in a game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 19 5:40pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee, rest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Brown was rested on Wednesday, but his knee injury wasn't listed. It's a reminder that Brown tweaked his knee during a tackle in the Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. It's something to keep an eye on, but it's an issue that shouldn't compromise his availability for the Week 16 matchup against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday. We'd be surprised if Brown wasn't available to play this weekend. The 27-year-old reportedly hasn't been happy with the Eagles' lack of a passing attack this year, so naturally Philly fed him the ball last Sunday. Brown had season-highs of catches (eight) and targets (11) while going for 110 yards and a score. Look for the Eagles to continue feeding him this Sunday, giving him WR1 upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 19 5:30pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving missed a few practices last week and was questionable to play, but he suited up in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and played 44 percent of the offensive snaps. He saw 15 carries and went over 100 yards rushing for the second time in the last three games. The 22-year-old basically proved that as long as he's active, he needs to be in starting fantasy lineups. He should be active again this Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers will want to check back on his status on Friday. Irving is averaging 19 touches and 124.2 scrimmage yards per game while scoring three times in the last five games as Tampa's most productive fantasy back in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Dec 19 5:30pm CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is trending in the wrong direction in Week 16 after missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Otton has been wearing a brace on his knee this week after apparently injuring his knee in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. If the 25-year-old can't return to practice on Friday, he'll be ruled out for Sunday night's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In the event that happens, the Bucs are expected to roll with a committee approach at TE with Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp. Kieft is probably the best bet for sleeper production at the position against Dallas' defense, but fantasy managers should probably avoid the situation entirely. Otton was putting up high-end TE1 numbers when receiver Mike Evans missed a few games due to injury, but his production has fallen since Evans' return.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 19 5:20pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Lamb suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder all the way back in Week 9 but has played through it and hasn't missed any time. He'll be ready to roll on Sunday night in Week 16 when the team hosts the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) being out for the year, Lamb has remained a must-start in fantasy lineups while working with backup Cooper Rush. The Buccaneers defense has been better of late, but on the season as a whole, they've been a good matchup for receivers in fantasy. Lamb had his second 100-yard game of the year in the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers and has scored in back-to-back weeks. He's seen double-digit targets in seven of the last nine games. Start Lamb against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller