Commanders turn back to QB Jayden Daniels vs. Vikings

Fri Dec 5 1:21pm ET
Field Level Media

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his first start in a month when he faces the host Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis, head coach Dan Quinn announced Friday.

Daniels last started for Washington on Nov. 2 when he sustained a dislocated left elbow during the late stages of Washington's 38-14 setback to the Seattle Seahawks. The Commanders were trailing 38-7 with just over seven minutes in the game when Daniels was injured while attempting to brace for his fall following a tackle.

He was a full participant in practices Thursday and Friday for the Commanders (3-9), who are mired in a seven-game losing streak heading into the clash versus the Vikings (4-8).

"It's important for him, for his teammates," Quinn said of Daniels being back on the field on gameday despite Washington being well out of wild-card reach.

"All these (games) matter. As he's developing there are certain things he has to work on, too, to be as competitive and take care of things."

Daniels, 24, has completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,184 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions in six games this season.

He threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns while rushing for 891 yards and six scores last season to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Rome Odunze Dec 5 12:20pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson sounded unsure of wide receiver Rome Odunze's (foot) status for Week 14 this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, according to Chris Emma of 670 The Score. Odunze did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, putting his availability for this weekend's big divisional game in question. The 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher's status against Green Bay will depend largely on whether he's able to get back on the practice field on Friday. Check back a bit later for Odunze's final status. If he is officially ruled out, it will mean much bigger roles for DJ Moore and rookie Luther Burden III, as well as for tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in a tough matchup on the road against a lockdown defense. Odunze's recent slump could very well be in direct relation to his foot injury.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 5 12:10pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and is a full-go for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Higgins suffered a concussion late in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots and was forced to sit out of the Thanksgiving night win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday. The 26-year-old will return this weekend in a crucial game on the road in Buffalo and will have quarterback Joe Burrow throwing him passes for the first time since Week 2. Ja'Marr Chase's presence and high target share are always worrisome for Higgins' fantasy managers, but Higgins still has a pretty high fantasy ceiling, especially now that Burrow is back running the offense. Even with Burrow out for most of the year, Higgins has been a top-30 fantasy wideout in half-PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 5 12:00pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 14, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Evans returned to practice this week for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, but he's just not ready yet. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer could be ready to go next Thursday night against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, though, depending on how much progress he can make early next week in practice. The Bucs could ease Evans back into the fold when he's ready, but he absolutely needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues for his ability to help carry teams in the fantasy playoffs, which start in most leagues next week. With Evans and Jalen McMillan (neck) out another week, Tampa will move forward with Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka as their top wideouts, with Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson battling for WR3 duties.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 5 12:00pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck), who returned to practice this week, will not come off Injured Reserve to make his 2025 debut in Week 14 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. McMillan resumed practicing this week for the first time since suffering three fractures in his neck as well as ligament damage during a preseason game in August. The Bucs are bringing McMillan along slowly, so he might not be ready for game action for another couple of weeks. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) is much closer, with his return potentially coming next Thursday night against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. When/if McMillan returns this year, he will most likely struggle to find consistent targets in the team's crowded WR picture.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Dec 5 11:50am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, according to head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels will be active this weekend for the first time since a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9 in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old has missed the team's last three games but will take over starting duties in Minnesota, sending veteran Marcus Mariota back to the bench. Washington got top wideout Terry McLaurin back from a nagging quad injury last week, so Daniels will have a pretty healthy offense around him for his return. Daniels wasn't playing quite like he did in his amazing rookie season this year before hamstring and elbow injuries sidelined him, but he definitely makes the Commanders' offense more dynamic. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations in Daniels' first game back, though, especially since the Vikings have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs in 2025.

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Kyler Murray Dec 5 11:40am CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday that quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) will not return this year after recent tests on his injured foot showed that he is not progressing, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. When asked whether Murray will be the team's starting QB in 2026, Gannon said, "I'm focused on the Rams." The Cardinals are out of the playoff picture, and veteran QB Jacoby Brissett has played much better than Murray did before he sprained his foot back in Week 5. It's uncertain if Murray will need surgery on his injured foot, but either way, it's clear that the 28-year-old signal-caller's future in the desert is very tenuous. The former first overall pick back in 2019 out of Oklahoma is one of the most talented rushing QBs when healthy, but he hasn't progressed enough as a passer and will finish 2025 with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in five games played. Murray added 173 rushing yards and a TD on 29 carries.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 5 11:40am CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) returned to practice on Friday and is on track to play on Sunday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jackson was limited for the second straight week on Wednesday due to an ankle issue, and it raised eyebrows when he was held out of Thursday's practice entirely. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken said on Thursday that he expected Jackson to play this weekend, and it looks like he will. But with the 28-year-old already missing games earlier this year due to a hamstring strain and being listed on the injury report with other lower-body ailments in recent weeks, it's fair to wonder just how healthy Jackson actually is. Fantasy managers shouldn't be benching him, but his lower-body injuries could be responsible for the fact that he's the QB15 in average fantasy points through 13 weeks.

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Terrel Bernard Dec 5 11:30am CT
Terrel Bernard

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott notes that edge rusher Joey Bosa (hamstring, wrist) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) will not be active for Sunday's home clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. Bernard missed the team's Week 13 win over Pittsburgh with an elbow injury and had yet to participate in practice since sustaining it in the game prior. On the other hand, Bosa had been listed on the injury report with a wrist issue for a while, but he had not missed time because of it. The hamstring designation is new, however, and it's held him out of practice twice now as they gear up for a pivotal matchup with Cincinnati. Javon Solomon figures to see a decent amount of work in place of Bosa this weekend, while Shaq Thompson and Matt Milano should fill in for the injured Bernard.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 5 11:30am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) will not come off Injured Reserve to play this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, AZCardinals.com's Darren Urban reports. Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that he doesn't know if Benson will return this season. The writing was on the wall for Benson to miss yet another game after he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but it's pretty surprising that he could miss the rest of the season after it looked like he was on the cusp of a return. It's very possible that the 23-year-old second-year RB suffered a setback with his surgically repaired knee while ramping up for a return. Emari Demercado could make his return from an ankle injury in Week 14, but fantasy managers in need of RB help might want to scoop up Bam Knight right away. Knight is rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues and should continue to see most of the backfield opportunities in Arizona if Benson remains out.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 5 11:20am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Harrison missed Weeks 11 and 12 following an appendectomy, but he returned in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to catch six of his seven targets for 69 yards before injuring his heel. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2024 out of Ohio State will miss another game this weekend, continuing his frustrating season for his fantasy managers. Greg Dortch (chest) hasn't practiced this week, either, and could also be held out, which would make Michael Wilson a must-start in all fantasy formats despite the tough matchup against L.A. In Weeks 11 and 12 with Harrison out, Wilson had an eye-opening 25 catches (33 targets) for 303 yards. Harrison's next chance to return will be in Week 15 against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Dec. 14.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Dec 5 11:10am CT
Josh Palmer

According to head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee, ankle) has been deemed doubtful for Sunday's outing with the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer missed the team's Week 13 win over the Steelers with an ankle injury. Although he did not play, the 26-year-old picked up a knee issue, which has led to him being listed as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. It would appear that Palmer is trending toward being inactive, meaning teammates Gabe Davis and Brandin Cooks will continue to see opportunities behind Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Tyrell Shavers in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Dec 5 11:10am CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets backup quarterback Justin Fields (knee), who reported soreness in his knee on Wednesday, has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Rookie Brady Cook will serve as the backup to veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields began the year as the Jets' starting QB, but he has been benched for the last two games in favor of Taylor, who has given the passing attack a small boost. The 26-year-old Fields' disappointing 2025 season will hit a new low point now that he's out with an injury. Even when Fields returns from his knee injury, it seems likely that the Jets will close out the year with Taylor starting under center. In his nine starts in his first year in New York, Fields completed 62.7% of his 204 pass attempts for just 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception while adding 71 rushing attempts for 383 yards and four more TDs.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 10:50am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) has entered concussion protocol, ESPN's Todd Archer reports. Lamb was on a tear before exiting Thursday's 44-30 loss to the hosting Detroit Lions, posting his second consecutive 100-yard outing despite playing less than half of the team's snaps (46%). Unfortunately, he'll now be faced with clearing the league's protocol as he attempts to avoid missing his fourth contest of the campaign. A silver lining for the 26-year-old is that Dallas' next matchup is still over a week away, giving the superstar wideout a few extra days to get right before they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. If he's unable to play, fantasy managers can expect teammates Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin to work behind George Pickens in three-wide-receiver sets.

From RotoBaller

Brian Branch Dec 5 10:40am CT
Brian Branch

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Thursday's 44-30 home win against the Dallas Cowboys. It's an enormous blow to the defense, as the third-year pro had led all Lions' safeties in snaps by a wide margin, and ranks third on the team with 75 tackles (48 solo). Teammate Daniel Thomas entered the game in Branch's stead, as Detroit also lost Thomas Harper (concussion) in the outing, and the former figures to continue working in his absence for the remainder of the campaign until Kerby Joseph (knee) returns from an injury of his own. Thomas has played a total of 17 defensive snaps in two appearances this season.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Dec 5 10:30am CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 20 yards and a touchdown on three targets in his team's 44-30 Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the 23-year-old has just eight receptions on the season, four of them have come in the end zone, including two in the last two weeks. TeSlaa has seen extended playing time thanks to the absence of Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), who has missed two straight games with an ankle injury. Raymond's return timeline is uncertain, but his return would almost certainly cut into TeSlaa's chances in the future. Still, Detroit may continue to utilize TeSlaa as a big-body threat in the red zone with tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. Fantasy managers interested in TeSlaa should monitor Raymond's injury status heading into Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Dec 5 10:30am CT
RJ Harvey

When asked on Wednesday about running back RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hinted that the rookie has not yet been fully unleashed and has a "rare running skill set." "There's that saying, 'You haven't seen anything yet,'" Payton noted to reporters. The 24-year-old has kept his fantasy value afloat with touchdowns while finding little room to work on the ground. Fortunately, Harvey has carved out a decent role in the passing game, picking up at least three targets in all but four outings. Payton's insinuation suggests the rookie is set to take off like a rocket ship, but he'll need to improve his efficiency as a rusher before that becomes a reality. Even with all that said, Harvey's workload has remained steady, and he has the athletic profile to be a successful NFL and fantasy asset. Look for him to continue improving this Sunday in a road clash with the Raiders. He's a high-end RB2 for that outing.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dec 5 10:20am CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to bounce back in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. After being the most consistent player in fantasy through his first 11 games, JSN finally came back down to Earth in Week 13. He logged just two receptions for 23 yards. These types of games happen relatively often for wide receivers. Week 13 was also a very strange game for Seattle. Quarterback Sam Darnold was relatively ineffective, but the Vikings' offense was completely inept. Seattle ultimately kicked a lot of field goals and scored on defense, which propelled them to victory. Although Smith-Njigba's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 is not ideal, he has proven to be matchup-proof in just about every game this year. Darnold's play should improve. It cannot get much worse than it has been over the last few weeks. Even with Darnold playing poorly, JSN has still managed to produce in fantasy. Start Smith-Njigba as a top-five option once again in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Dec 5 10:20am CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a riskier option in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the Falcons' terrible record, they have been solid against the pass this season. Darnold himself has hit a serious skid over the last several weeks. He has only cracked double-digit fantasy points once in the last four weeks. The recent run of bad games has been primarily caused by a plethora of turnovers and a lack of touchdown passes to make up for them. Darnold's 10 interceptions and five fumbles lost are already one turnover shy of his total from 2024. The Seahawks should have plenty of success running against the Falcons, which may be a better game plan for the team while Darnold works through his struggles. Of course, the Seahawks have great offensive potential, and Darnold could get back on track in any given week. There are some desperate fantasy managers out there with the Patriots and Giants on bye this week. Darnold is a risky play with an extremely low floor, but with a solid ceiling as well.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 5 10:20am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was listed as questionable to play entering his team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after missing practice all week with a low ankle sprain. However, the 26-year-old gritted through the injury and provided a solid performance, hauling in six catches for 92 yards on nine targets. Even while almost certainly playing at less than 100%, St. Brown proved he can still be a reliable pass-catcher. With the Lions playing on Thursday night, he'll now have a few extra days of rest before Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday. Across 13 games this season, St. Brown has hauled in 81 receptions for 976 yards and nine touchdowns on 117 targets. As long as he comes out of Week 14 healthy enough to keep playing, St. Brown profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 5 10:00am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson went off in a two-game stretch across Weeks 11 and 12, recording 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets. Wilson's production was buoyed by the absence of Cardinals WR1 Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel), who missed those games after undergoing an appendectomy. Harrison Jr. returned to the field in Week 13, and Wilson recorded just three catches for 36 yards on seven targets. However, Harrison Jr. has yet to practice this week heading into the team's Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to a heel injury. If Harrison Jr. goes back on the shelf, Wilson could re-emerge as Arizona's lead wide receiver. The Cardinals are averaging 48.6 pass attempts per game over the last three weeks, so Wilson could be a good bet to see double-digit targets and profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver for as long as Harrison Jr. is sidelined.

From RotoBaller