Colts CB Sauce Gardner (calf) is week-to-week

Mon Dec 1 12:08pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts star cornerback Sauce Gardner's MRI on his calf revealed that he will be sidelined week-to-week with the injury, multiple media outlets reported Monday morning.

It is not expected to be a long-term injury for Gardner, who was hurt two defensive snaps into Indianapolis' 20-16 loss to the visiting Houston Texans on Sunday. The Colts hope he can return prior to the end of the regular season, per NFL Network.

"Felt like I got shot in the calf or something," he said after the game. "But it was high. I wasn't thinking the worst."

Gardner, 25, hobbled away from a pass completion on Houston's second play from scrimmage. He had to be helped to the locker room.

"I think it's a strain," he said. "I don't think it's an Achilles or nothing like that."

Houston led 3-0 after the first quarter when Indianapolis officially ruled Gardner out for the rest of the game. The two-time All-Pro returned to the sideline with a walking boot on his left foot.

Gardner was acquired from the New York Jets on Nov. 4 in a trade deadline deal that cost Indianapolis two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

The Jets selected Gardner with the fourth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 75 tackles, two interceptions and a league-leading 20 passes defensed in 17 starts.

He was first-team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Gardner played seven games for the Jets this season before missing time due to a concussion. Sunday was his third game with the Colts.

Indianapolis (8-4) visits Jacksonville (8-4) next Sunday in a game between the co-leaders of the AFC South.

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Player Notes
Alec Pierce Dec 1 11:00am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce posted a nice bounce-back effort in Sunday's 20-16 home loss to the Houston Texans, coralling 4-of-5 looks for 78 yards and a touchdown. The former Cincinnati Bearcat was a letdown in a tough Week 12 meeting with the Chiefs, but he rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him this past weekend and remains a critical piece of the Colts' attack. Pierce's TD -- his second of the campaign -- was another impressive downfield contested catch. While it may be difficult for him to surpass his career-high in touchdowns (seven) with only five games remaining, the 25-year-old is well on his way to smashing the rest of his personal bests. Currently, Pierce is still available in over 40% of leagues, and is a top waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of aid at the WR position.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 1 10:50am CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner (calf) is considered week-to-week after injuring his calf in Sunday's 20-16 loss to their division-rival Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Gardner was forced out of Week 13's home clash early due to a non-contact injury, so the fact that it's just a sprain is excellent news for the team. However, the issue is considered "mild," and the "hope" is that the fourth-year pro will be able to return by the end of the regular season, Rapoport notes. For now, teammates Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones figure to see increased playing time in Gardner's stead. While he'll miss some time, it's fortunate that the 25-year-old avoided a significant injury.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 1 10:40am CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the team in their rain-soaked 31-28 win against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, compiling a 4/74/1 line on six targets. The second-year pro was a key contributor in the upset victory, posting team-highs across the board, while snagging his first touchdown of the campaign. Since returning from a quad injury seven games ago, Coker has racked up 18 receptions and 224 yards (25 targets). The numbers are modest at best, although he's just 63 receiving yards behind teammate Xavier Legette, who is only ten catches ahead of him despite making four more appearances. Quarterback Bryce Young has been up and down, but he looked good on Sunday in a tough matchup with less-than-ideal conditions, and Coker has displayed explosiveness getting off the line. He's firmly on the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Dec 1 10:20am CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III may have been a disappointment for fantasy in Week 13, but he's still trending positively with the team's offensive attack finally gaining some traction in the campaign. The 25-year-old continued his heavy utilization in New York's 27-24 home win over the Atlanta Falcons, nabbing 4-of-8 passes for 19 yards. It isn't what managers expected, particularly after Metchie III strung together two double-digit fantasy-point outings. Even with the down game, though, the usage was there, and veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been a decent boost for the Jets' offense, making the former Houston Texan a decent prospective waiver claim. Teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) may return in two weeks, but Metchie III looks to be carving out a solid role with his new team. He'll get the Dolphins at home in Week 14.

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Jordan Mason Dec 1 10:10am CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has recorded single-digit touches in each of his last four games. However, the 26-year-old may step into a much more prominent role going forward after fellow Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Across the four games that Jones Sr. missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Mason recorded 301 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 66 touches. Minnesota's offense as a whole has spiraled downwards in recent weeks, recording six points combined over its last two games. However, Minnesota could get quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) back in Week 14, and the Vikings have a far more favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. is forced to miss time, Mason would have starting fantasy appeal in Week 14. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire even if more clarity around Jones Sr.'s status does not come until later in the week.

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Bhayshul Tuten Dec 1 10:00am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten recorded his fifth touchdown of the season in his team's Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans, but he recorded just 19 scrimmage yards on nine touches. After his breakout 74-yard game in Week 11, Tuten has now been held under 20 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks. The 23-year-old has flashed upside throughout the year, but he remains firmly behind Travis Etienne Jr. in the Jaguars backfield pecking order. Still, Tuten has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and would immediately profile as a must-start fantasy running back if Etienne Jr. were to suffer an injury. Tuten's standalone value is as a low-end flex, at best. However, he's worth targeting on the waiver wire as a priority handcuff option heading into Jacksonville's Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Dec 1 9:50am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight recorded 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 14 touches in his team's Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knight has now recorded double-digit touches in five out of his last six games and scored a touchdown in each of the last three weeks. Arizona should get running backs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) back from injury in the coming weeks, which will likely impact Knight's playing time. However, neither back is guaranteed to play in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even if one or both of Benson and Demercado return, Knight may have done enough in their absence to remain in a flex-worthy role. The 24-year-old has proven capable as both a rusher and receiver, hauling in 11 catches on 12 targets over his last three games. In fantasy leagues where he's still available, Knight is a must-add waiver-wire running back heading into Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 1 9:40am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai delivered a statement performance in his team's massive Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Monangai has been stealing touches away from veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift for multiple weeks, but Week 13 may signal a more permanent shift in the Chicago backfield. Monangai has now earned more carries than Swift in back-to-back weeks, although it's worth noting that Swift also dominated against Philadelphia with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. Monangai's ceiling is limited by his lack of receiving work, as he's failed to record a catch in three out of his last four games. Still, the rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry this season and appears to be emerging as the lead rusher in an increasingly impressive Chicago offense. Monangai is a must-add player off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues where he remains available heading into a Week 14 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 1 9:30am CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had a breakout game in his team's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, recording eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. Since being acquired by the Jets in early November, Mitchell has established himself as a key piece in the team's offense. Across his last three games, the 23-year-old has earned 25 targets. Mitchell has also played at least 85% of New York's offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks. With star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve through at least Week 14, Mitchell should continue to have opportunities to contribute. Mitchell should be a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 1 9:20am CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) has been diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert suffered the fracture during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was able to finish the game after a brief absence. Rapoport reports that Herbert is scheduled to undergo surgery, but that the plan is for him to be active for the Chargers' Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If Herbert were to suffer a setback or be unable to play in Week 14, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to start for the Chargers against the Eagles. For now, fantasy managers should proceed as though Herbert will play, although he likely won't be at full strength.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 1 9:10am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Michigan Sports Writer Dave Birkett reported that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke on Costa & Jansen with Heather on 97.1 The Ticket and said that Amon-Ra St. Brown's (ankle) availability vs. Dallas, he probably won't know till gameday or the day before. St Brown suffered a tough ankle injury early in Week 13's contest against the Green Bay Packers and did not return, as the Lions went on to lose 31-24 and are now a few games out of first place in the NFC North. The Lions' star receiver has been a rock for this team and city over the past few seasons, and his absence will undoubtedly hurt the team's chances of being at the top of their game. The Cowboys (6-5-1) are also coming off back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6), and are looking to make a strong push in the NFC, so with the Lions sitting at (7-5), this matchup in Week 14 is massive between the two squads fighting for a Wild Card spot. Fantasy managers with St. Brown will want to keep their eyes on his progress throughout the week. If he can't go, Jameson Williams would operate as the Lions' No. 1 receiver, and Isaac TeSlaa could be a sneaky play in Week 14.

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Christian Watson Dec 1 9:00am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson gave his Packers fans and his fantasy managers something to cheer about on Thanksgiving Day, as he hauled in four of his 10 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 10 targets were the most he has seen all season, and with the Packers desperately looking for a No. 1 wide receiver to help out sixth-year quarterback Jordan Love, Watson stepped up in a big way in Week 13. Wastson started the season on the Injured Reserve; however, since being activated in Week 8, he has produced 363 receiving yards, hauled in 21 receptions, and scored three touchdowns. As the weeks have progressed, and Watson has continued to ramp up, he has become the clear go-to target for Love with Tucker Kraft (knee) out for the rest of the season. If Watson is on your waiver wire, he is a must-add in all formats and can be started in your lineups moving forward as a low-end WR2/flex play. Outside of a Week 15 matchup with the Denver Broncos, he gets some solid matchups against the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens for the rest of the fantasy season.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 1 8:50am CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams second-year running back out of Michigan, Blake Corum, had himself a fantastic Week 13 with 81 rushing yards (11.57 YPC) on 11 carries and a touchdown. More importantly for Corum fantasy owners, Kyren Williams left the game for a bit with an ankle injury. However, he eventually returned, scored a touchdown, and finished with 13 carries on the afternoon, nearly doubling Corum in total touches. Regardless, it's difficult to ignore Corum's production on Sunday, combined with the fact that since Week 7, he has seen at least seven carries and played between 28 and 40 percent of the snaps during that stretch, which is more than last year or anytime earlier in this season. Corum remains one of, if not the best, handcuffs in fantasy football. If Williams were to miss time, Corum would immediately become a top-20 running back on one of, if not the best, offenses in the NFL in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 1 8:40am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. continues to lead the Commanders in running back touches in Week 13's 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos with 11 carries. Backfield mates Jeremy McNichols had six, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt only had four. Rodriguez has clearly cemented himself as the running back to own in this Commanders backfield, as over the last two games, he has earned 26 carries, rushed for 120 yards, and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Moving forward, not only is he the only Commander running back that can be started in fantasy football, but he can confidently be started as an RB3 or flex play in deeper leagues. As we take a look at the next few weeks, Rodriguez gets matchups with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys in three of the next four weeks, all matchups that are far better than what he faced on Sunday Night Football against the Broncos, in which he still scored over 10 fantasy points. Rodriguez is a must-add off the waiver wire and can be plugged into lineups if you have players who are going on a bye in Week 14 or are dealing with multiple injuries in your lineups.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 1 8:20am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals second-year running back out of Florida State, Trey Benson (knee), was close to returning in Week 13, but was ruled out on Friday after participating in practice for the second straight week. It was frustrating news for fantasy managers, as most owners were expecting Benson back by now, and had been holding him on their Injured Reserve spot since Week 5. With Week 14 being the last week of the fantasy football regular season in many leagues, fantasy managers will be tasked with the tough decision of playing Trey Benson if he's active, which most signs point to being the case. Suppose Benson has been dropped to the waiver wire in your leagues. In that case, he is a priority add heading into the last few weeks of the fantasy season, as he looked sharp before his injury (5.52 YPC) and was drafted in the third round of the 2024 draft to be James Connor's (foot) eventual replacement. Additionally, Bam Knight (3.45 YPC) and Michael Carter (3.04 YPC) haven't done enough to earn the starting role once Benson is healthy and cleared to return, making Benson a lower-end RB2 when he does return.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 1 5:40am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) had six catches for 69 yards on seven targets in Sunday's crushing 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13. Harrison quickly reasserted himself as the No. 1 wide receiver in the Cardinals' offense in his first game back from his appendectomy surgery by hauling in three catches on the opening drive. The 23-year-old will have all eyes on him the rest of the season as fantasy managers hope to see the former Ohio State superstar break out with Jacoby Brissett under center. Brissett has managed to take the Cardinals' passing attack to the next level during Harrison's absence. According to the Cardinals, Harrison left the game in the second half due to a heel injury and was unable to return. If Harrison can play in Week 14, he should be viewed as a WR2 in a home rivalry matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 1 5:30am CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter had five carries for 17 yards in Sunday's crushing 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13. Carter also had five catches for 47 yards on six targets. The 26-year-old was able to get involved in the passing game in Sunday's matchup to stay fantasy relevant in Half-PPR and Full-PPR leagues. Week 13 marked the first time Carter had gotten double-digit touches in a game since Week 6. Carter's fantasy value will be left up in the air with Trey Benson (knee) potentially coming off injured reserve and Emari Demercado (ankle) potentially returning in Week 14. If Benson or Demercado returns, Carter will fall to RB3 duties in the Cardinals offense.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Dec 1 5:30am CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch had two catches for 14 yards on two targets in Sunday's crushing 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13. The 27-year-old had seen 15 targets in his previous two games. Dortch was the odd man out of the Cardinals' passing attack in Marvin Harrison Jr.'s first game back from his appendectomy surgery. With Harrison's return, the Cardinals' pass-catching room has become crowded with over five different receiving options for quarterback Jacoby Brissett to get the ball to. Dortch will be a touchdown-dependent flex option in deeper leagues heading into a difficult Week 14 matchup against rival Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 1 5:30am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson had three catches for 36 yards on seven targets in Sunday's crushing 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13. The 25-year-old came falling back to earth on Sunday after having two outerworldly performances in his previous two games. Wilson took a statistical back seat to Marvin Harrison Jr. in his first game back after his appendectomy surgery. Harrison almost doubled up Wilson in catches and receiving yards on Sunday. However, quarterback Jacoby Brissett did keep his eyes out for Wilson throughout the game and forced a couple of targets Wilson's direction in key situations. Brissett and Wilson have a connection worth keeping an eye on, even with Harrison back in the fold. Wilson should remain a flex option in a pass-heavy offense despite heading into a tough Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Dec 1 4:50am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight had 11 carries for 62 yards in Sunday's crushing 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13. Knight also had three catches for 36 yards with a receiving touchdown on three targets. The 24-year-old put together his best performance of the season by earning season highs in rushing yards, yards per carry, receiving yards, and his first receiving touchdown this season. Knight's performance came after being a limited participant in practice every day this week due to a knee issue. Despite having his best game this season, Knight's role in the offense will be cloudy heading into Week 14, with the potential of Trey Benson (knee) returning from injured reserve looming.

From RotoBaller