December 23, 2025
The New England Patriots signed veteran free-agent running back
Elijah Mitchell to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Mitchell quickly latches on with another team after the Kansas City Chiefs waived him last weekend. Patriots rookie RB
TreVeyon Henderson suffered a concussion in Sunday night's win over the Baltimore Ravens and is in danger of missing the Week 17 game against the New York Jets, so the Pats will bring in Mitchell to give the team more RB depth at the end of the regular season. If Henderson doesn't clear the league's concussion protocol by this Sunday, Mitchell could be elevated to the active 53-man roster to serve as the RB3 behind
Rhamondre Stevenson and
D'Ernest Johnson. Unless Stevenson also misses time with an injury, Mitchell is unlikely to become a major contributor in New England's offense. He was active for just one game with KC this year and didn't have a single rushing attempt.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
December 23, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) was absent from Tuesday's practice and is trending in the wrong direction to play on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys. He's now missed two straight practices after being forced to exit early during Washington's Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. If he's able to play, the 32-year-old profiles as a quality streaming option against Dallas' 32nd-ranked pass defense, though there is real uncertainty that he plays. Dallas' defense continues to struggle against the pass and just allowed Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert to have his best fantasy performance of the season. If Mariota can't go, Washington is likely to turn to journeyman
Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
December 23, 2025
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Caris LeVert (knee) will be active on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings, as the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Due to his knee problem, Detroit has regularly listed LeVert on the injury report this season, but he has missed only three games since the start of November. Sadly, the 10-year veteran is averaging under 10 points per game for the first time since his rookie campaign, and his recent performances have been especially disappointing. LeVert has failed to make a field goal in back-to-back games, totaling just two points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Detroit Pistons forward
Ron Holland II (knee) won't be available against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. His status has been downgraded from doubtful to out. A left knee sprain will keep Holland II sidelined for a second consecutive game.
Javonte Green saw increased minutes in Monday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers and will likely continue to carry a heavier workload until Holland II is back. Unfortunately, Green has not been a dependable fantasy option when coming off the bench and should not be considered by managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers center
Robert Williams III (knee) will miss Tuesday's encounter with the Orlando Magic. The injury-prone big man will get the night off to rest his bad knee after making a fourth consecutive appearance in Monday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. With Williams III sidelined,
Duop Reath will probably get a slight bump in playing time behind starting center
Donovan Clingan. The Portland bigs are in a tricky spot on Tuesday, as Orlando generally contains centers well. However,
Goga Bitadze's (knee) absence will work in their favor.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (hip) will be available on Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The defensive specialist is managing a hip injury and was initially considered questionable for the game. With
Franz Wagner (ankle),
Tristan da Silva (shoulder), and
Goga Bitadze (knee) shelved, Isaac may play a more important role for Orlando on Tuesday. However, due to his injury history, Isaac hasn't logged 20-plus minutes in a game since February, so he's unlikely to see enough court time to matter for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
The Chicago White Sox and free-agent left-hander
Sean Newcomb have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Sammon also reported that Newcomb "will at least get the chance to start" for Chicago. Newcomb was a first-round pick by the Angels in 2012 and had his best season with the Braves in 2018. That year, the 32-year-old southpaw posted a 3.90 ERA (3.69 xERA) with 160 strikeouts across 164 innings. Unfortunately, he struggled in 2019, eventually getting demoted to Triple-A and moving into the bullpen when he returned. Since then, he's been going back and forth between starting and relieving without much luck, until last year. In 2025, Newcomb struck out 91 batters in 92 1/3 innings while posting a career-low 2.73 ERA with the Red Sox and Athletics. For 2026, he will join a White Sox rotation that includes
Shane Smith,
Davis Martin,
Sean Burke, and
Anthony Kay. Right now, Newcomb can be safely left off your fantasy radar, but he's worth keeping an eye on since he's a lefty who once showed some potential.
--Marty TallmanSource: Will Sammon
December 23, 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander
Levi Stoudt have agreed to a minor-league deal, reports Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH. Stoudt was a third-round pick in 2019 by the Seattle Mariners. Shortly after being drafted, the 28-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the shortened 2020 season. Since then, he has spent nearly his entire career in the minors, pitching to a 5.06 ERA with 341 strikeouts, 177 walks, and a 1.42 WHIP across 389 1/3 innings. His only brief stint in the majors came in 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a 9.58 ERA (5.23 xERA) with nine strikeouts in 10 innings. Stoudt may never see the majors again, so he can safely be left off your fantasy radar.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ari Alexander
December 23, 2025
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent right-hander
Jacob Webb that includes a club option for the 2027 season, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Per Will Sammon, Webb will earn $1.5 million in 2026, with a $2.5 million club option for 2027. Incentives could increase those totals to $2 million in 2026 and $3 million in 2027. The 32-year-old reliever comes off a season with the Texas Rangers where he posted a 3.00 ERA (3.09 xERA), a 14.6% K-BB rate, and a 1.03 WHIP across 66 innings. Overall, Webb's arsenal generates more weak contact than strikeouts. With the Cubs, he is expected to serve as a middle reliever and currently has no fantasy relevance for 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Patrick Mooney
December 23, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Javon Small (toe) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz. He landed on the shelf in early November due to a toe injury. The second-round pick has not seen much usage during his rookie campaign, averaging 12.4 minutes per game. Currently, he has a chance to play a more prominent role in the rotation, as Memphis hits the court on Tuesday without several backcourt players. It's a perfect matchup for Small, as Utah gives up the second-most fantasy points to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Orlando Magic forward
Tristan da Silva (shoulder) won't play on Tuesday versus Portland, marking his fourth-straight absence. He was getting consistent work before injuring his shoulder in the loss to the New York Knicks on December 13. However, now that da Silva will miss another contest,
Jett Howard and
Noah Penda should remain more involved, even if
Jonathan Isaac (hip) sheds his questionable designation and suits up. With that said, Howard and Penda aren't reliable contributors, so fantasy managers shouldn't consider either player for streaming purposes.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Orlando Magic
December 23, 2025
Orlando Magic center
Goga Bitadze (knee) won't play on Tuesday against Portland. This will be his first absence of the year. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day, with his next chance to suit up coming on Friday versus the Charlotte Hornets. Without Bitadze in the mix, that could mean even more minutes for
Wendell Carter Jr. Jonathan Isaac (hip) might also spend time in the middle, although the Magic may need to run smaller than usual if he isn't available.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Orlando Magic
December 23, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) will be out of action for a third consecutive game on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz. He is dealing with left patellar tendinitis, and it's unclear if Williams Jr. can return to the lineup before the calendar flips to 2026. Williams Jr. has joined a long list of injuries for Memphis, making players like
Cam Spencer,
Jaylen Wells, and
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope more appealing fantasy options.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
The New York Mets are showing interest in free-agent outfielder
Austin Hays, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Hays, 30, slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 60 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 416 plate appearances in 2025. Hays has posted a 105 wRC+ or better in five of his last seven seasons. The right-handed hitter's biggest flaw has been his inability to stay on the field. Over the past two seasons, he's dealt with multiple hamstring and calf injuries and finished last year on the bench due to back spasms. Right now, the Mets have their No. 2 prospect,
Carson Benge, penciled in as the starting left fielder. With that said, they need as much outfield depth as possible after losing
Cedric Mullins,
Starling Marte,
Jesse Winker,
Jose Siri, and
Jose Azocar in free agency, along with trading
Brandon Nimmo and
Jeff McNeil. If Hays signs with the Mets, he'll be most fantasy relevant in 15-team fantasy leagues.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jon Heyman
December 23, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies forward
Cedric Coward (heel) won't play on Tuesday against Utah, marking his first absence of the 2025 campaign. The Grizzlies are also down
Ja Morant (ankle),
Brandon Clarke (calf), and
Vince Williams Jr. (knee), meaning fantasy managers could see additional statistical contributions from
Jaylen Wells,
Cam Spencer,
Jaren Jackson Jr.,
Santi Aldama, and
Jock Landale, making them all must-start fantasy options on Tuesday night.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had 16 points in Monday's loss to OKC, should also be more involved than usual.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Grizzlies PR
December 23, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Aaron Wiggins (adductor) has been upgraded to available for Tuesday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He was initially listed as questionable for the game. Wiggins has missed two contests due to an adductor injury. His return comes at a good time, as the Thunder have lost
Ajay Mitchell (concussion) from the rotation for Tuesday night. While Wiggins' numbers tend to fluctuate, he has done a decent job for his team, averaging 11.9 points and 3.1 rebounds for the season, with 40.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Free-agent first baseman
Ryan O'Hearn and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed on a two-year, $29 million contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal also includes $500,000 in performance bonuses for each season. For the Pirates, O'Hearn should split time between first base and designated hitter and slide right into the middle of the lineup. In 2025, the 32-year-old left-handed hitter posted a .272 xBA with a 10.7% walk rate while hitting 21 home runs across 544 plate appearances for the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres. Even though the Pirates aren't a great offensive team, O'Hearn should have the freedom to play every day. Overall, you don't need to bump him up your board much, but you should feel more confident clicking his name on draft day.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
December 23, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds have re-engaged in trade talks for Chicago White Sox outfielder
Luis Robert Jr., according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Robert is under contract for $20 million in 2026 with a club option for 2027. In return, the White Sox are reportedly looking for young talent and prospects who are close to MLB-ready. Over a year ago, the Reds showed interest in Robert, and now it appears they're even more serious about making a deal happen. The 28-year-old is a former Gold Glove Winner and All-Star who hasn't been able to recapture the success he had earlier in his career due to injuries and underperformance. Last year, Robert slashed .223/.297/.364 with 14 home runs, 53 RBI, 52 runs scored, and a career-high 33 stolen bases across 431 plate appearances. Right now, the Reds outfield consists of
TJ Friedl,
Noelvi Marte,
Gavin Lux, and
Will Benson. Robert would be a clear defensive upgrade, and hitting in Great American Ball Park would be a huge boost for his fantasy value. At an ADP around 133, you're drafting a potential 30/30 candidate without spending an early pick. If he does get traded, don't be surprised if he starts moving up draft boards pretty quickly.
--Marty TallmanSource: Gordon Wittenmyer
December 23, 2025
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) will sit out a third consecutive game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. His status has been downgraded from doubtful to out. Royce O'Neale figures to remain in the starting lineup as Allen's replacement, while
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin also have a larger workload without him. From a fantasy perspective, Gillespie has been the best of the bunch, averaging 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in December.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Sacramento Kings guard
Zach LaVine (ankle) will be re-evaluated in one week. He's already missed three games as a result of a sprained left ankle. Fortunately, he's progressing, although the latest update means he won't suit up for upcoming meetings with the Pistons, Mavericks, Lakers, and Clippers, at the very least. With
Domantas Sabonis (knee) also sidelined,
DeMar DeRozan and
Keegan Murray will need to do even more of the heavy lifting on the offensive end.
Russell Westbrook, averaging 14.9 points, 7.7 assists, 7.6 boards, and 1.6 steals in 23 starts this season, should also continue to benefit statistically while LaVine isn't on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: James Ham
December 23, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (calf) will be active on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team initially listed Wembanyama as questionable for the game but has now upgraded him to available. Wembanyama has not played more than 25 minutes in five games since returning from a calf injury. Yet, he has still averaged a double-double, producing 19.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. His first game back from injury was against the Thunder, and even the NBA's best defense couldn't handle him, as Wembanyama finished his comeback game with 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Paul Garcia
December 23, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice. Mariota has missed two straight practices after he was forced to exit early during Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to injury. Mariota is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If he sits out,
Josh Johnson figures to make his first start of the season. The Commanders have also signed
Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad to add depth at the position. The fantasy value of the Commanders' pass-catchers would be downgraded if Johnson is forced to start in Week 17. As of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be planning on having Mariota available on a short turnaround in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Dwight Powell (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The Canadian big man has to sit this one out due to illness. However, Powell has not been in the rotation recently, so his absence likely won't change Dallas' plans.
Anthony Davis and
Daniel Gafford will head out for a fascinating battle in the middle against
Nikola Jokic and
Jonas Valanciunas. This season, Denver has held opposing centers to the ninth-fewest fantasy points in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard
Jaden Hardy will start on Tuesday versus Denver. With
Klay Thompson (knee),
P.J. Washington (foot), and
Max Christie (illness) sidelined, the Mavs need others to step up. This will be Hardy's first start of the 2025 campaign. Although he hasn't been productive this season, he certainly has more than enough streaming potential to justify starting him in all fantasy formats. In three starts last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Mike Curtis
December 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf will miss the remainder of the regular season after the league upheld his two-game suspension. Metcalf was suspended after a confrontation with a fan during Sunday's win against the Detroit Lions. The 28-year-old appealed his suspension but was unsuccessful as the league upheld the decision on Tuesday. The Steelers will now be without their top wideout for the final two games of the regular season.
Adam Thielen and
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) should see larger roles in the receiving game. Also, running back
Kenneth Gainwell could take on an even larger role as he has tallied five or more receptions over each of his last three games. If Austin can move past his hamstring injury, he could hold WR3 upside in deeper leagues in a tilt against the Browns, as he should take on the WR1 role in the offense.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) will skip the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran gets some well-deserved rest after producing one of his best outings of the season in Monday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Thompson posted 20 points with five makes from downtown. Since Thompson has only sat out games during back-to-back sets this season, it appears likely he will be available to return on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. With Thompson and
Max Christie (illness) sidelined on Tuesday,
D'Angelo Russell may see increased usage.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 17 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Tuesday that Rivers would make his third straight start this weekend. The 44-year-old has earned himself another start after a promising outing during Monday's blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rivers has performed fairly well against two tough teams and will get at least one more start with the Colts technically still in playoff contention. The veteran signal-caller will be on the lower end of the streaming radar for this Sunday's game against the streaking Jags. In Monday night's loss to San Fran, Rivers went 23-for-35 passing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 23, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (illness) will be in action on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. The team has upgraded him from probable to available. Despite dealing with an illness, Valanciunas posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in just 16 minutes during Monday's win over the Utah Jazz. It could be another good bench outing for the Lithuanian giant on Tuesday, as Dallas gives up the second-most rebounds to second-unit players.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (side) has been cleared to play in the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. He returned from a two-game absence in Monday's win over the Utah Jazz, registering an impressive 20 points in 28 minutes. With Watson returning to the lineup,
Tim Hardaway Jr. shifted to a bench role but remained effective, netting 21 points with six triples.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Jaden McDaniels (oblique) won't play on Tuesday versus the New York Knicks. He suffered an oblique contusion in Sunday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Fantasy managers will need to await an update ahead Minnesota's next contest, which will be on Christmas night against the Denver Nuggets. For now,
Naz Reid should see more work, potentially entering the starting lineup, giving him an even higher upside for fantasy participants.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
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