December 4, 2025
The Chicago Cubs have shown renewed interest in All-Star free-agent third baseman
Alex Bregman this offseason after a failed bid to sign him last spring training, according to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Pitching is the Cubs' primary focus this winter, but they are also looking to add a bat, with All-Star outfielder
Kyle Tucker fully expected to depart in free agency. Chicago's ownership group authorized president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to make Bregman a four-year, $115 million offer last year that included opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons. The 31-year-old veteran ultimately signed with Boston for three years and $120 million and opted out after 2025 following a 3.5 WAR season. Bregman, who still plays Gold Glove defense, is the type of two-way player the Cubs have repeatedly targeted. Bregman rebounded in 2025 after a career-worst .768 OPS in 2024, but he hit just 18 homers, and durability is a concern as he enters his age-32 season. Despite the obvious concerns for a player his age, Bregman still has some upside if he's playing in Chicago or Boston in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma
December 4, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant with a hamstring injury, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Bryant was fully healthy on Wednesday, so this means that the 22-year-old likely suffered an injury in practice on Thursday. It's definitely something to watch for fantasy managers as the Broncos head into a rematch against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on the road this Sunday. Bryant has become much more involved in the offense in the last five games, and he had eight catches on 13 targets for 124 yards in the last two contests. In his first 12 NFL games, Bryant has recorded an 18-273-1 line as the WR3 for the Broncos behind
Courtland Sutton and
Troy Franklin. If Bryant is unable to play in Week 14, Franklin would become a much more attractive WR4/flex play in fantasy, with
Marvin Mims Jr. also becoming a more attractive big-play threat in deeper formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: 9 News - Mike Klis
December 4, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Greg Dortch (chest) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Dortch apparently suffered a chest injury in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is firmly in danger of missing the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. In addition to Dortch,
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) looks iffy to play this weekend as well, which would leave
Michael Wilson as the target hog once again in Arizona's passing game.
Xavier Weaver and
Andre Baccellia would be included in the starting lineup if both Dortch and Harrison are ruled out. Dortch is extremely hard to trust when he's the WR3 for the Cardinals, but he did deliver fantasy-relevant numbers in the two games that Harrison missed after having an appendectomy in Weeks 11 and 12, catching 12 of 15 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 4, 2025
Golden State Warriors center
Quinten Post (ankle) will be active against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He has shaken off a questionable tag on the initial injury report for a left ankle sprain. Post will go up against a Sixers frontcourt that will have
Joel Embiid (knee) back in action, which puts him in an unfavorable position to perform well fantasy-wise. The 22-year-old big man is averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 16.1 minutes per game during 22 outings this campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), who was listed as questionable for Week 14 after not practicing all week, is officially active for the Thursday night game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. St. Brown suffered a low-ankle sprain in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers a week ago and was considered to be on the wrong side of questionable to play this week, especially after not practicing at all Monday through Wednesday. The Lions are battling to stay in playoff contention, though, so the 26-year-old wideout will tough it out and play in a plus matchup against a Cowboys defense that allows the third-most passing yards per game (251.5). The risk fantasy managers run by leaving St. Brown in their lineups is that he'll serve as a decoy for Dallas' defense at less than 100%. On the flip side, St. Brown has been a top-five fantasy WR in half-PPR scoring in 2025, so he's probably still a better gamble than a potential replacement, especially in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Lions
December 4, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hampton returned to practice last Tuesday for the first time since suffering a fractured ankle back in Week 5, but he was ultimately held out for the team's win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Although the 22-year-old first-rounder was only limited in the first practice of the week, head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that Hampton was tracking towards making his return for a Week 14 Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. Hampton will probably need a full practice on Friday or Saturday to avoid a questionable tag going into Monday's game. The North Carolina product should work up to being L.A.'s primary RB again in time, but in his first game back, he figures to be in more of a timeshare with
Kimani Vidal, making him more of an RB3/flex for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 4, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Thursday versus Golden State. The 31-year-old hasn't played the best throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he's at least been showing signs of life of late, averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in three appearances in November. While Embiid will presumably be limited from a minutes standpoint, he's a must-start in all formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (back) will play Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Horford has been out of action for four consecutive contests due to sciatica. Through 10 outings this season, the 38-year-old veteran center is averaging 21.8 minutes per game. However, he may be assigned a heavier workload than expected upon his return, with veterans
Stephen Curry (quad) and
Jimmy Butler III (knee) sidelined.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Sam Gordon
December 4, 2025
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will play on Thursday in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old has played sparingly since returning from a seven-game stint on the shelf. However, with
Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and
Jimmy Butler III (knee) both sidelined, Kuminga could be a top offensive contributor for the Dubs on Thursday night, especially if he ends up getting the start.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Joseph Dycus
December 4, 2025
In the first official practice of Week 14, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert (hand) was listed as limited on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Herbert had surgery on Monday to fix a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand and had a plate and screws inserted to stabilize the fracture. The 27-year-old plans to play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, and the Chargers' coaching staff is very optimistic he'll be ready. Herbert should be active in Week 14, but he'll be more of a QB2 option for fantasy managers while playing behind a shaky offensive line against a strong Eagles defensive front. If Herbert is active on Monday night, as expected, he's likely to take most, if not all, of the offensive snaps out of the shotgun formation to limit the strain on his injured left hand. That could be an issue near the goal line, and it was announced that backup
Trey Lance would be taking the goal-line reps under center this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 4, 2025
The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday before their game against the Dallas Cowboys that they placed tight end
Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. In corresponding moves, the team signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and also elevated wide receiver
Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. Wright will join
Sam LaPorta (back) on IR and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Jan. 4. With both Wright and LaPorta sidelined,
Ross Dwelley figures to see the most TE snaps for the Lions, with
Anthony Firkser also being involved. Both tight ends are more of blockers than pass-catchers, though, and should be avoided in most fantasy football leagues. In last week's loss to the Packers, Dwelley and Firkser combined for two catches on four targets for just seven yards.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Lions
December 4, 2025
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (ribs) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Due to a rib contusion, Nurkic will miss the first half of a back-to-back set this evening. While the 31-year-old big man is sidelined, 22-year-old
Kyle Filipowski will take on extra playing time. Filipowski provided 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block across 29 minutes in his last appearance on Monday against Houston. He could potentially give fantasy managers a productive option with the extended minutes during Nurkic's absence.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Brooklyn Nets guard
Terance Mann (ribs) will play on Thursday versus Utah after missing the last two games. The 29-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 19 appearances this season. Without question, those statistical contributions aren't the best. However, with
Michael Porter Jr. (back) resting, Mann might be in line for a much more productive night against one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Meghan Triplett
December 4, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (knee) has been cleared for action and will return from a four-game absence on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. He will return to the top six and work on the first power-play unit. After putting together a 12-game point streak, Marchenko has gone scoreless in each of his last three appearances. Nonetheless, he continues to be Columbus' highest-scoring forward, boasting 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) through 22 appearances. Marchenko has finished four straight outings without a point only twice in 2025.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both
Rachaad White and
Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.
--Keith HernandezSource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) is getting healthier following a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. Godwin returned from his fibula injury in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams to catch two of his four targets for just nine yards. The 29-year-old saw the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and caught three of five targets for a season-high 78 yards. He was still limited with his leg injury in Wednesday's practice, but he upgraded to a full practice on Thursday and should continue to see his role grow as he heads into the Week 14 divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin has WR3/flex appeal for fantasy managers in his third game back, although his target share could be negatively affected if
Mike Evans (collarbone) comes off IR to play for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7.
--Keith HernandezSource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) is available for Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. He hasn't played in nearly a year after suffering a partially torn ACL during a game versus the Dallas Mavericks last December, resulting in surgery. Melton will likely have some rust to shake off in his first game back from a lengthy layoff, so it's unknown how impactful he will be offensively. However, the 27-year-old could at least make life a little more difficult on the defensive end for
Tyrese Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and others. With head coach Steve Kerr indicating Melton will be capped at 20 minutes of action, he should be considered a desperation streaming option (at best) for deep-league fantasy participants.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Anthony Slater
December 4, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe (personal) has rejoined the team and will play on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. He missed Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs due to the birth of his son. Verhaeghe is close to becoming the fourth Panther this season with 20-plus points. He has managed four goals and 12 assists in 24 outings. Recently, Verhaeghe has been red-hot, notching six points (two goals, four assists) during a three-game point streak. On Thursday, Verhaeghe will skate on the second line with Sam Bennett and A.J. Greer. He will also rejoin the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (back) will not dress for Thursday's tilt against the New York Islanders. The veteran netminder exited Tuesday's win over the Vancouver Canucks early due to a back issue, and while Wedgewood is not expected to miss much time, he will have the night off on Thursday. Wedgewood's emergence has been one of the stories of the season in the NHL, as he currently holds a league-best 13-1-3 record. He has allowed 2.07 goals with a .920 save percentage and one shutout. Mackenzie Blackwood, who is 6-0-1 for the campaign, will get the start on Thursday, with Trent Miner providing backup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Orlando Magic forward
Paolo Banchero (groin) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Miami Heat after missing the last 10 games. There's likely some hurdles he'll need to clear before getting the green light to suit up. However, the questionable designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. The 23-year-old out of Duke averaged 21.7 points in his 12 appearances before being sidelined with the groin strain, down from the 2024 campaign. Still, he's certainly missed by fantasy managers in all formats. With that said, if Banchero doesn't play on Friday evening,
Tristan da Silva, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 38.3% shooting from deep in 10 starts, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Minnesota Wild center Danila Yurov (undisclosed) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. The 21-year-old was filling in as the first-line center when he suffered an undisclosed injury. He has notched seven points (three goals, four assists) in 21 games during his rookie campaign, including five points (one goal, four assists) in his last seven outings. Marco Rossi (lower body) is expected to miss at least three more games, putting pressure on Ryan Hartman to perform well. He took over the top-line center role on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jalen McMillan (neck) was limited for the second straight day on Thursday due to a neck injury, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. McMillan returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering three neck fractures and significant ligament damage during a preseason game in August. The 23-year-old has been on Injured Reserve all year and is not expected to return for this Sunday's game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 14. McMillan is no longer wearing a neck brace, though, and he continues to make improvements towards a return before the regular season is over. Fantasy managers can continue to avoid him, though, as it might be another couple of weeks before the Bucs officially activate him. McMillan is likely to have a small role for Tampa when he returns, too, in a suddenly crowded WR room.
--Keith HernandezSource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
James Madison is hiring former Florida head coach Billy Napier after it was announced that Bob Chesney is leaving the program to become the head coach at UCLA. The school is working to finalize a deal with Napier, according to Chris Low of On3Sports. The 46-year-old was excellent at the University of Louisiana, tallying a 40-12 record and qualifying for the Sun Belt Championship Game in each of his four seasons with the program. His tenure at Florida was far different, as he went 22-23 despite recruiting at a high level. Napier is known as a talented recruiter, but his unwillingness to give up play-calling duties and lack of effectiveness on that side of the ball ended up being his undoing. Still, his track record of success in a lower conference could bode well for his future with James Madison.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) won't play on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jonas Johansson will guard the crease, while Brandon Halverson has been called up from the minors to serve as the backup. Fortunately, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said that Vasilevskiy isn't dealing with anything serious and is expected to return to action on Saturday against the New York Islanders. The Islanders ended the former Vezina Trophy winner's six-game winning streak on Tuesday. Vasilevskiy holds an 11-6-2 record with a 2.31 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage, and one shutout. Five of his eight losses came in his first five starts of the campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Florida is hiring former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to the same role under new head coach Jon Sumrall, according to On3Sports. Faulkner spent the last three seasons as Georgia Tech's play-caller after three seasons as Georgia's quarterbacks coach. In 2025, he led the Yellow Jackets' offense to the No. 2 total offense, No. 2 rushing offense, and No. 5 scoring offense in the ACC. Faulkner is credited with helping develop quarterback Haynes King, who tallied 2,697 passing yards, 922 rushing yards, and 27 total touchdowns during the 2025 regular season. He will presumably have full control over the offense, as Sumrall is a defensive-minded head coach. It remains to be seen if DJ Lagway will remain in Gainesville after the firing of Billy Napier.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to manage an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder that he suffered in Week 12, but he was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. In the Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Mayfield went 18-for-28 passing for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while running for 27 yards. The 30-year-old veteran might be dealing with his left-shoulder injury the rest of the year, but he will be active for a Week 14 divisional contest this Sunday against the 2-10 New Orleans Saints. Don't be fooled by the Saints' record. Their defense is their strength, and they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs the last three weeks. In the first meeting with New Orleans, Mayfield went 15-for-24 passing for 152 yards with no TDs or interceptions. He'll be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy this weekend, and he could be getting top receiver
Mike Evans (collarbone) back from IR.
--Keith HernandezSource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
According to Mavs PR, Dallas Mavericks center
Dereck Lively II (foot) will seek "multiple opinions" regarding further treatment of his right-foot injury. The 2023 No. 12 overall pick underwent surgery on the foot in the offseason. While it appeared the injury was behind him, he is now back on the shelf without a return timetable. Lively has played sparingly this season, also missing time with a knee sprain. In his seven appearances, he's averaged only 4.3 points, 5.3 boards (both career-lows), and 1.6 blocks. With
Daniel Gafford (ankle) and
P.J. Washington (ankle) also dealing with ailments of their own,
Anthony Davis may need to handle most of the work at the five.
Moussa Cisse could also find himself starting at some point, which may give him streaming value. As far as Lively is concerned, he's not worth stashing in redraft formats, especially since it may be a while before he is back on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Mavs PR
December 4, 2025
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (undisclosed) is not ready to return to action on Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. The Czechia star exited the lineup last week and will miss a fourth consecutive game. Pastrnak remains day-to-day. Following three successive 100-point campaigns, Pastrnak's scoring rate has dropped in 2025-26, and he likely won't be able to extend the streak this season. However, Pastrnak has still been among Boston's leading scorers, producing 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 25 games. Alex Steeves, who scored twice in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, is filling in for Pastrnak on the first line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension on Thursday. The veteran rearguard was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026. McDonagh has made close to 400 appearances with the Lightning over two stints at the club, including 15 this season. He has missed nearly a month of action due to an undisclosed injury. After posting back-to-back 30-point campaigns, McDonagh is unlikely to extend the streak. He currently sits on six points (three goals, three assists), and it's unclear when McDonagh can return to action.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 4, 2025
Golden State Warriors center
Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's tilt with the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson-Davis was out of action for two games due to soreness in his right knee. With
Al Horford (back) and
Quinten Post (ankle) listed as questionable for this evening, it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old big man will have an expanded role in his return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Warriors PR
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