Thu Nov 27 9:52am ET
Field Level Media
The Seattle Seahawks will be facing what amounts to a rookie quarterback when they play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Minnesota is all too familiar with the quarterback at the controls of the Seahawks' offense.
J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024 who missed all of last season after surgery for a torn meniscus on his knee and several weeks earlier in this campaign with a high ankle sprain, was placed in the concussion protocol following last Sunday's 23-6 loss at Green Bay.
With veteran backup Carson Wentz on injured reserve after shoulder surgery, that means the Vikings (4-7) might have to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
McCarthy was cleared to take part in individual drills in midweek practices but not work out with the full team, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said.
"As far as a zero hour, I don't necessarily know if we're looking at it like that," O'Connell said. "But you do want to take into account what has (McCarthy's) preparation been like, what has the practice week been like with what he's able to do, while also knowing that ultimately this is not a hand or an ankle or anything like that. We're talking about his head."
Brosmer has attempted eight NFL passes since completing his collegiate career at Minnesota after being a graduate transfer from New Hampshire of the Football Championship Subdivision.
"We have nothing but confidence in him and what he can do as a player," Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said, "and it'll be a good opportunity for all of us."
Brosmer might be playing behind a rag-tag offensive line. The Vikings had their full complement of starters for the first time all season at Green Bay before left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) and left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) left with injuries. Darrisaw is listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, while Jackson has been ruled out.
The Seahawks (8-3) are coming off a 30-24 victory at Tennessee in which they built a 20-point lead in the third quarter and coasted from there.
Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks in the offseason after resurrecting his career in Minnesota last year, completed 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Both TDs went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had eight catches for a season-high 167 yards.
Smith-Njibga leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,313 and already has eclipsed the franchise record. With six games remaining, he could become the NFL's first 2,000-yard receiver.
"It means a lot," Smith-Njigba said of the team record. "This is a great organization, and great receivers have come through here. Honestly, I look at it as a team award, because, without Sam (Darnold), without the protection, without (fellow wideouts) Sheed (Rashid Shaheed) and Coop (Cooper Kupp), this doesn't happen."
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who missed last week's game with a knee injury, was a full participant in practice this week, while running back George Holani (hamstring), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle) and safety Ty Okada (oblique) sat out. Holani has been ruled out, Okada questionable, while Jones and Nwosu have no injury designations on the final report.
With Jones, the Seahawks' defensive play-caller, sidelined, Patrick O'Connell was promoted from the practice squad and made a career-high nine tackles with a sack.
"Whoever it is, whatever number it is, whatever guy it is, when they are being called on and it's their time to go, they've been ready," Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas said. "So, credit to the guys that we have and the leadership really to get everybody ready to go for their moment."
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) will not practice on Wednesday during the team's walkthrough, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Herbert had surgery to fix a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday, and the Chargers are not ready to say whether he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 14 versus the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. The Bolts won't hold their first official practice of the week until Thursday. Herbert said he plans on playing through his broken hand, although he's probably not going to see much practice time this week. With a tough matchup looming against Philly and the injury to boot, Herbert is trending as more of a QB2 for fantasy managers this week if he's active. Backup Trey Lance, who will see first-team goal-line reps this week in practice, would make his first start of the year if Herbert isn't cleared.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) has been cleared from the injury report and will play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Pickens was listed as a limited participant on Monday with multiple injuries, but he was upgraded to full on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has excelled in his first season in Dallas, recording 73 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns on 105 targets in 12 games. He is one of just three wide receivers to already clear 1,000 yards, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Pickens again profiles as an elite fantasy football option in a matchup with the highest projected point total of the week versus the Lions on Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Marks exited early during Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts due to a foot injury, but he was eventually able to return and finished with 19 carries for 64 yards while adding one reception (one target) for three yards as a receiver. It's not a great sign that the rookie missed practice to open the week, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice before Sunday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Marks has served as the Texans' workhorse over the last four games, playing 67.1% of the snaps while averaging 18 touches per game. The USC product hasn't been dynamic with the increased workload, though, averaging just 9.4 PPR points per game during that time. Marks' status will continue to be monitored as the week goes along. If he's limited or out in Week 14, veteran Nick Chubb would see an elevated workload.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Dani Sureck of AZCardinals.com. Demercado missed the past two games due to a high-ankle sprain, but he is trending in the right direction to suit up in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Trey Benson (knee) still on Injured Reserve and seemingly not making much progress after missing Wednesday's practice, Demercado could have a key role if he his able to return on Sunday. Bam Knight and Michael Carter have split the backfield duties in his absence, but Demercado has been their most dynamic back, averaging 7.8 yards per tote on 31 carries this season. We should know more about Demercado's status for Sunday in the next two days.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had the most touches and his highest snap share (59.4%) in a game since Week 8 in the team's Week 13 win over the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 17 carries for 83 yards while adding two receptions (two targets) for 41 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Dave Canales has found the right balance between Rico Dowdle and Hubbard, using Hubbard as the third-down back while leaning on Dowdle for early downs. "We've been using Chuba primarily as our third-down back, and then he gets series as we go," said Canales. The head coach added that, especially with how good Hubbard has looked in the past few weeks, they are "making sure that he's a weapon for us in different ways." Hubbard should continue to be a big factor for the Panthers down the stretch and is firmly back on fantasy radars. The 26-year-old projects as a viable flex option when Carolina comes out of their Week 14 bye to face the division-rival New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee), who remains on Injured Reserve, is not practicing on Wednesday, according to The Arizona Republic's Theo Mackie. Benson had his 21-day practice window opened two weeks ago, but this will be his third straight missed practice since last week, which doesn't bode well for him making his return in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 23-year-old second-year back has been sidelined since Week 4 after undergoing knee surgery. Benson figures to be Arizona's lead back when he finally returns, which makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy football leagues, but he'll also be a pretty shaky play in his first game back. If Benson makes it back onto the practice field this week and gets clear to play this weekend, fantasy managers should expect him to be eased back into the offense alongside Bam Knight.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is not practicing on Wednesday, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Harrison made his return in last Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing two games following an appendectomy, but he picked up a heel injury late in the game and is now in danger of missing more time. It's extremely frustrating for Harrison's fantasy managers, especially since he had a solid game with six catches for 69 yards on seven targets in his return. The 23-year-old former first-rounder still has two more days to return to practice, but a DNP to start the week is an ominous sign. Fantasy managers need to have a backup plan at the ready. If Harrison misses another game in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, Michael Wilson would be in line for another massive workload in what will likely be a pass-heavy game script against L.A.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings are opening the 21-day practice window for running back Ty Chandler (knee) on Wednesday, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. While Chandler isn't guaranteed to come off Injured Reserve to play in Week 14 against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, it's notable after Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury in the blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Chandler, 27, suffered a knee injury in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears and has been out ever since. When he's ready to return, he'll provide the Vikings with RB depth, but his biggest contributions will most likely come as a return man on special teams. In his third year in the league in 2024, Chandler had 56 rushing attempts for 182 yards (3.3 yards per tote) and no touchdowns, adding six catches for 42 yards in 17 regular-season games.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Higgins is making progress from a concussion that kept him from playing in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday, but he's still in the league's concussion protocol and needs to check a few more boxes before he can be cleared to return this Sunday to face the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals got Ja'Marr Chase back from a one-game suspension last week, and they could have both of their star receivers this weekend against a banged-up Bills defense. If Higgins is able to get the green light to play in Week 14, it would push Andrei Iosivas back to WR3 duties and make him avoidable as a flex play in most fantasy football leagues. The 26-year-old Higgins is a must-start when active, as he's caught 40 passes for 575 yards and seven touchdowns this year on 70 targets.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is doing well physically and has been running, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The Bucs will now see how Evans handles contact and running routes in practice this week before they decide whether to activate him from Injured Reserve to have him play this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer broke his collarbone back on Oct. 20 against the Detroit Lions and has been sidelined ever since. While Evans might not be ready to play this weekend, fantasy managers should be adding him ASAP off the waiver wire if he's available, as he could be a difference-maker in the fantasy playoffs from Weeks 15-17. Before his injury, Evans had caught 14 of 32 targets for 140 yards and a touchdown.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will get a lot of reps in practice on Wednesday, but the team will re-evaluate him on Friday after he's had a full week of practice, per John Keim of ESPN. Daniels is getting closer to making a return, but he still hasn't been cleared for contact, and his status for Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings will depend on how he handles the next three days. When the second-year signal-caller suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow back in Week 9, it seemed like he'd be lost for the season, especially considering the Commanders' record. However, the 24-year-old avoided any broken bones or ligament damage, and he's pushing to return this year. The Commanders will play this one very cautiously, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Marcus Mariota get one more start this weekend after a strong performance against one of the league's best defenses in a near upset over the Broncos in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring) is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury, per Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com. "Joey's intent on getting back as soon as he can," McDermott said. Bosa apparently picked up the hamstring injury in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which he played just 24 defensive snaps. McDermott said that the 30-year-old pass-rusher could miss up to five weeks, which means he might not be able to return before the end of the regular season. At the very least, he won't be active this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. A.J. Epenesa will be asked to do more as a pass-rusher for however long Bosa is out. It's definitely bad news for a Bills defense that has been mediocre at getting to the QB in 2025. That could be a serious issue while going up against quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Palmer is not on the right track to play this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14 after he was ruled out for last Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 26-year-old is a receiver that belongs on the waiver wire in all 12-team fantasy football leagues anyway, as he just has not had a big enough role in Buffalo's offense in his first year with the team. Palmer currently has only 18 receptions on 29 targets for 272 yards, and he's still searching for his first touchdown. The fact that he wasn't able to do anything with Keon Coleman out for two games due to disciplinary reasons -- tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) was also out -- tells you all you need to know. Gabe Davis and recent acquisition Brandin Cooks will be more involved deep down the field this weekend if Palmer misses a second straight game.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals have been non-committal on running back Trey Benson (knee) coming off Injured Reserve to play in Week 14 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. When asked if Benson has a chance to play this Sunday, head coach Jonathan Gannon said, "We'll see." The 23-year-old second-year back has been out since Week 4 after needing surgery on his knee, but he practiced last week and is nearing a return to action. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Benson all of this time are chomping at the bit to get him back into their starting lineups with the fantasy playoffs just around the corner. However, he should be considered questionable for a bad matchup this weekend against L.A., and even if Benson does make his return, we won't be surprised if he's eased into more of a timeshare with Bam Knight in his first game back.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com. Kincaid has been sidelined with a balky hamstring since Week 10. The 26-year-old was limited in practice all of last week, but he was ultimately held out for the third straight game in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kincaid will probably need to upgrade to a full practice in the next two days to gain clearance to play in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Kincaid's absence, Dawson Knox hasn't done enough to be considered much more than a low-upside, touchdown-dependent TE2 in fantasy football. When Kincaid returns, he should immediately go back to being one of quarterback Josh Allen's top aerial targets. Kincaid has 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns on the year on 36 targets.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) is absent from practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury, according to Demetrius Harvey of Jaguars.com. Washington injured his hip in the Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and is now up in the air to play in a crucial Week 14 divisional game against the Indianapolis Colts. The 23-year-old had just one catch on three targets for 26 yards last weekend before getting hurt and never returning. Washington has displayed some nice chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence this year and has been useful as a sneaky flex play here and there, but his fantasy stock had already taken a hit with the return of Brian Thomas Jr. last week. If Washington cannot go in Week 14, Tim Patrick should start in three-wide sets alongside Thomas and Jakobi Meyers.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that wide receiver Drake London (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, but he remains day-to-day, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "We will check him out. He'll be doing some running on the side," Morris said. It's not a great start for London, but he still has two more days to get back on the field as he tries to get cleared to play in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old has not played since spraining his PCL in the Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Although London's fantasy ceiling won't be as high when he returns with quarterback Kirk Cousins running the offense for the rest of the year, he'll still be a must-start in all fantasy lineups. If London misses a third straight game this weekend, it will keep Darnell Mooney on the WR4/flex radar while also elevating the ceiling of tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a monster game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets against the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old has been a stable producer in recent weeks, recording at least four catches and 42 receiving yards in each of his last four games. Perhaps most importantly for Ertz's production upside, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back from injury in the coming weeks, possibly even as soon as Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. Across 23 career games where Ertz has shared the field with Daniels, he's recorded 11 touchdown catches. While Ertz's fantasy value still mostly comes from his stable floor, his touchdown upside skyrockets with Daniels on the field. Ertz could establish himself as a consistent low-end starting fantasy tight end if Daniels does indeed return in early December.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary started the season as the RB3 in New York behind Cam Skattebo (ankle) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip). However, Skattebo is on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury, and Tracy Jr. suffered a hip injury in the Giants' Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots. While Tracy Jr. said he merely suffered a hip contusion and should be good to go following New York's Week 14 bye, the 2-11 Giants could still choose to shift more work towards Singletary going forward. Even with Tracy Jr. healthy, Singletary has logged at least 14 touches in each of the team's last three games. The 28-year-old has also provided solid production in that span, recording 196 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. As long as he continues to see a similar workload following the Giants' bye week, Singletary should provide flex-worthy production for fantasy managers down the stretch of the season.
From RotoBaller