A.J. Minter Could Be Closer In 2019

The Atlanta Braves may use an in-house reliever as their closer to open the 2019 season, and A.J. Minter could be the best long-term option with Arodys Vizcaino having durability issues with his right shoulder. Edwin Diaz was acquired in a trade by the Mets and free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel's asking price is currently too […]

Yu Darvish Weeks Away From Throwing

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish (elbow) has been looking strong and healthy and is a few weeks away from throwing, according to president Theo Epstein. Those that paid up for the Japanese right-hander in 2018 certainly had buyer's remorse, as Darvish didn't make it past May and made just eight starts because of his […]

Kris Bryant To Begin Hitting In January

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (shoulder) is progressing without limitations and is expected to begin hitting in January, according to president Theo Epstein. Bryant's left shoulder injury was the story of his disappointing 2018 season, as it limited him tremendously in the second half. He hit .272/.374/.460 and his counting stats (13 homers, 52 […]

Ryan Switzer On Track To Play

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver/returner Ryan Switzer (concussion) got in his second straight full practice on Thursday and looks to be on track to play in Week 14 against the Raiders after suffering a concussion last Sunday night. Switzer is more of an asset to the Steelers on special teams than he is in the offense, […]

Seth Roberts Added To Injury Report

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (concussion) was added to the Week 14 injury report and was limited in practice on Thursday. It's not a good sign that Roberts is listed with a concussion in the middle of the week, but he still has a chance to play against the Steelers this weekend. Roberts hasn't […]

Chris Carson Limited In Practice

Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson (finger) was limited in practice on Thursday after dislocating his index finger in Week 13. The Seahawks expect Carson to play on Monday night in a tough matchup against the Vikings. He remains the team's lead back, but rookie Rashaad Penny, who had a good game last Sunday, could […]

Doug Baldwin Misses Practice Thursday

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (hip) did not practice on Thursday. Linebacker K.J. Wright (knee) and offensive guard D.J. Fluker (hamstring) also missed practice and are not expected to play Monday night against the Vikings in a big game with playoff implications. Baldwin has been beat up all year, but the team could be […]

Rays Showing Interest In Charlie Morton

The Tampa Bay Rays have shown interest in free-agent starting pitcher Charlie Morton. Morton dealt with arm troubles down the stretch last season and turned 35 last month, but the veteran right-hander went 15-3 for Houston last year with a solid 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 201 strikeouts and just 64 walks in 30 starts. […]

Pierre Garcon Downgraded Thursday

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Pierre Garcon (knee) wasn't seen at practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Garcon didn't play last week after being limited in practice all week, so he may be looking at another missed game. The 32-year-old hasn't played since Nov. 1 and has just one touchdown on the season […]

Marshawn Lynch Officially Out For Rest Of Year

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (groin) is officially out for the rest of the season after the team designated right tackle Donald Penn (groin) as their second player to return from Injured Reserve. Beast Mode made it only six games in his second and final year with the Raiders, rushing the ball 90 times […]

Brandon Morrow Undergoes Elbow Scope

Chicago Cubs closer Brandon Morrow (elbow) underwent a scope on his elbow a month ago, and it could impact his availability for the start of the 2019 season. Morrow missed all of the second half last season due to elbow issues, but he was very good in the first half, posting a 1.47 ERA, 1.08 […]

Michael Brantley Willing To Play 1B

The representatives for free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley are telling teams that he is willing and able to play first base for the first time in his big league career. Teams aren't looking at Brantley as a full-time first baseman, but those that are interested are aware of his versatility. He played 53 games at first […]

14 Teams Interested In J.T. Realmuto

No fewer than 14 teams are interested in trading for Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto this winter. The Marlins wouldn't mind holding onto him since he'd help their young pitching staff, it's still likely that Realmuto gets traded. The Nationals are the only team in the National League East that aren't in on him. The […]

Twins Signing Jonathan Schoop, Ronald Torreyes

The Minnesota Twins are signing free-agent second baseman Jonathan Schoop to a one-year deal worth about $7 million on Thursday and are also signing infielder Ronald Torreyes to a one-year deal. Schoop was a bust after the Brewers traded for him last summer, hitting .202 with four homers and 21 RBI in 46 games for […]

Jonathan Stewart Won't Come Off Injured Reserve

New York Giants running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) will remain on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season. J-Stew had six carries for 17 yards (2.8 yards per carry) in his three games this season. He'll turn 32 next March and won't even be an attractive handcuff to Saquon Barkley in his second and […]

Melvin Gordon Remains Sidelined At Practice

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (knee) remained out of practice again on Thursday. The Chargers were hoping that Gordon would be able to return in Week 14 against the Bengals after just one missed game, but that doesn't look like it'll happen. Austin Ekeler and rookie Justin Jackson should split the touches in […]

Dontrelle Inman, Mo Alie-Fox Not Practicing

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (shoulder) and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (calf) both missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Neither player looks to be on track to face the Texans this Sunday. Alie-Cox has missed the last two games. Erik Swoope should continue to serve as the backup to Eric Ebron […]

T.Y. Hilton Expected To Play Against Texans

While Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton's (shoulder) status against the Texans for Week 14 is a concern, The Athletic's Stephen Holder can't imagine Hilton sitting out this weekend. He'll probably need to get in some practice work Friday to have a chance of playing, however. Hilton had four catches (six targets) for 115 yards […]

Michael Thomas Back At Practice Thursday

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday after missing the session on Wednesday. Thomas was likely just being rested on Wednesday and he'll be out there for a mouthwatering matchup in Week 14 against Tampa's soft secondary. Although he was held in check in last Thursday's loss to […]

Xavien Howard Could Be Out Beyond Week 14

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (knee) is not on crutches but remains week-to-week and is expected to be out in Week 14 against the Patriots and possibly longer. Head coach Adam Gase wouldn't discuss if Howard had surgery but said the cornerback watched practice on Thursday. Howard will almost certainly miss this Sunday against the […]

Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard Practice In Full

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) and wide receiver Sterling Shepard (rib) both practiced in full on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Engram seems primed to return after a two-game absence. However, he'll be more of a TE2 option for fantasy owners in the first week of the fantasy playoffs with quarterback […]

Isaiah Crowell Still Not Practicing

New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell (toe) missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday, putting his status for Week 14 against the Bills in jeopardy. Crowell could be legitimately questionable for this Sunday. If he plays, he'll remain a touchdown-dependent RB2 with a low floor. He had 21 carries for 98 yards […]

Cam Newton Expected To Play Against Browns

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner said he expects quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) to play in Week 14 against the Browns despite concerns about his surgically-repaired right shoulder. Newton is once again dealing with right shoulder pain and is considering another offseason surgery, but he's expected to play through it in the final four games […]

Royals Looking Hard At Billy Hamilton

The Kansas City Royals are looking hard at free-agent outfielder Billy Hamilton, who was recently non-tendered by the Reds. The Royals were interested in trading for Hamilton in the past, so this isn't a huge surprise. The rebuilding Royals don't have too many set positions heading into 2019, so Hamilton could carve out a decent […]

Indians Reach Extension With Carlos Carrasco

The Cleveland Indians exercised starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco's $10.25 million option for the 2020 season and signed him to a two-year extension for 2021 and 2022 with a vesting option for the 2023 season, according to sources. Between Carrasco, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, Carrasco has the best chance of sticking with the Tribe this […]

Reds Pursuing A.J. Pollock

The Cincinnati Reds are among the teams pursuing free-agent outfielder A.J. Pollock. Cincy is looking for a replacement in center field after non-tendering Billy Hamilton and making him a free agent. Pollock would definitely be an upgrade, as he possesses a nice power/speed combination despite being injury-prone as a 31-year-old. Pollock hit .257/.316/.484 with 21 […]

Julio Jones Says He'll Play Against Packers

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (foot) said he will play in Week 14 against the Packers. “I’ll be ready to go when Sunday comes around," Jones said. He has been held out of practice so far this week, but Atlanta is just being cautious with their star receiver at the end of the season. […]

Duke Johnson, Denzel Ward Not Practicing

Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (personal) and cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) are both missing practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Johnson may not play in Week 14 against the Panthers at this rate. Cleveland has failed to get him involved in the offense on a consistent basis, though, making him a very […]

Kerryon Johnson Out Again Thursday

Detroit Lions rookie running back Kerryon Johnson (knee) remained out of practice for the portion open to the media on Thursday for the second straight day. Johnson has missed the last two weeks and doesn't appear close to returning for a Lions offense that continues to fade as the season progresses. LeGarrette Blount should once […]

T.Y. Hilton, Eric Ebron Still Not Practicing

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) and tight end Eric Ebron (illness) both appear to not be practicing for the second straight day on Thursday. The Colts may just being cautious with their two best pass-catching playmakers, but this could be concerning for the Colts offense heading into Week 14 against the Texans. They […]