It's almost to the point where it'd be easier to write about who's healthy, rather than walk through the probably 50+ guys with yellow or red flags. Players like T.Y. Hilton, Julio Jones, and even JuJu Smith-Schuster are not locks to suit up, based on recent news. What would otherwise be construed as "maintenance days" in the heart of the regular season now take on greater significance, especially with teams that are out of the postseason hunt.
Most notably yesterday, the NFL suspended Josh Gordon for what could be the final time. I've written extensively about him this year -- mostly in July and August. You know where I've come down on this. When the Browns traded him and a seventh rounder to the Patriots in exchange for merely a fifth rounder, you knew something was up, especially in light of reports that he'd been showing up late for practice and "wasn't himself" this preseason, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It was apparent earlier in the summer when he took an extended leave of absence.
There's no judgment here. Once again, I hope he gets the help he deserves. Addiction is horrendous and uncontrollable . . . up to the point where it's under control (for some undetermined amount of time), or you're dead.
But let's be clear: the Browns wouldn't have traded Gordon if they didn't think there was a problem. They wouldn't have stuck with him all these years, just to hand him off to a Super Bowl contender for a fifth rounder, if he was in control. Let's also remember that he was late to multiple Patriot practices in October, leading to a partial-game suspension (which didn't amount to much in the end).
It is very safe to drop Gordon in dynasty leagues. If he ever returns, he's unlikely to be better than he was this year, and there's no reason to believe he'll come close to recapturing the magic of his rookie campaign.
His departure is relatively good news for Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. It's better news for the boom-bust Chris Hogan, who's got a shot at reclaiming a starting role and returning to the WR3 conversation. Automatic? Not nearly. But if you're desperate, I'd definitely take a chance on him in a plus matchup against Buffalo.
The "questionable" RB contingent includes Todd Gurley, Lamar Miller, Matt Breida, Spencer Ware, and Rashaad Penny, among others. Joe Mixon and Adrian Peterson are nicked up, but so far they're looking good for the weekend.
In addition to the receivers mentioned above, DeAndre Hopkins and Odell Beckham, Jr. remain question marks along with Alshon Jeffery, Sammy Watkins, and (for those still keeping tabs on him) Keke Coutee. At least a dozen other receivers have either missed practice this week or are dealing with a late-season ailment. We'll probably know more about the status for most of them by tonight.
No top-16 TE is at serious risk of missing Week 16, though several are battling injuries. Again, pretty standard for this time of year.
Tomorrow I'll share thoughts on Saturday's unexciting and exciting contests. I'll let you guess which is which. Hint: unless you have Derrick Henry, it's hard to see how any offensive player on Washington or Tennessee is worth starting.
Most notably yesterday, the NFL suspended Josh Gordon for what could be the final time. I've written extensively about him this year -- mostly in July and August. You know where I've come down on this. When the Browns traded him and a seventh rounder to the Patriots in exchange for merely a fifth rounder, you knew something was up, especially in light of reports that he'd been showing up late for practice and "wasn't himself" this preseason, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It was apparent earlier in the summer when he took an extended leave of absence.
There's no judgment here. Once again, I hope he gets the help he deserves. Addiction is horrendous and uncontrollable . . . up to the point where it's under control (for some undetermined amount of time), or you're dead.
But let's be clear: the Browns wouldn't have traded Gordon if they didn't think there was a problem. They wouldn't have stuck with him all these years, just to hand him off to a Super Bowl contender for a fifth rounder, if he was in control. Let's also remember that he was late to multiple Patriot practices in October, leading to a partial-game suspension (which didn't amount to much in the end).
It is very safe to drop Gordon in dynasty leagues. If he ever returns, he's unlikely to be better than he was this year, and there's no reason to believe he'll come close to recapturing the magic of his rookie campaign.
His departure is relatively good news for Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. It's better news for the boom-bust Chris Hogan, who's got a shot at reclaiming a starting role and returning to the WR3 conversation. Automatic? Not nearly. But if you're desperate, I'd definitely take a chance on him in a plus matchup against Buffalo.
The "questionable" RB contingent includes Todd Gurley, Lamar Miller, Matt Breida, Spencer Ware, and Rashaad Penny, among others. Joe Mixon and Adrian Peterson are nicked up, but so far they're looking good for the weekend.
In addition to the receivers mentioned above, DeAndre Hopkins and Odell Beckham, Jr. remain question marks along with Alshon Jeffery, Sammy Watkins, and (for those still keeping tabs on him) Keke Coutee. At least a dozen other receivers have either missed practice this week or are dealing with a late-season ailment. We'll probably know more about the status for most of them by tonight.
No top-16 TE is at serious risk of missing Week 16, though several are battling injuries. Again, pretty standard for this time of year.
Tomorrow I'll share thoughts on Saturday's unexciting and exciting contests. I'll let you guess which is which. Hint: unless you have Derrick Henry, it's hard to see how any offensive player on Washington or Tennessee is worth starting.