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
December 4, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (collarbone), who remains on Injured Reserve after breaking his collarbone in Week 7, was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Evans is trying to get back up to speed after having his 21-day practice window opened this week. Although the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer has been out for an extended period, he has a real chance to make his return for a Week 14 divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. When he's back to full speed, Evans should be Tampa's No. 1 receiver, although he has more competition for targets than ever with
Chris Godwin Jr. also back and rookie first-rounder
Emeka Egbuka involved. If Evans returns in Week 14, he could be on a snap count, which would make him pretty volatile as a fantasy play in his first game back.
--Keith HernandezSource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports that Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (calf) is now considered day-to-day after missing nine consecutive contests due to a Grade 1 right calf strain. The star point guard was active during parts of Thursday's practice, and his next chance to play comes Friday against the Clippers. However, Morant will have to get in a few full practices under his belt and realistically, he will likely return to the floor in mid-December.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mike Wallace
December 4, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) logged his second straight limited practice on Thursday. The 31-year-old suffered a shoulder injury during Minnesota's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks that forced him to exit the game early. However, it appears Jones Sr. may be able to avoid missed time and suit up for his team's Week 14 contest against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. were to suffer a setback or see his usage limited, fellow Vikings back
Jordan Mason could see an increase in playing time. However, both backs have struggled to be productive in recent weeks due to the overall struggles of the Minnesota offense. Jones Sr. profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14 against Washington if he's healthy enough to play.
--Will BradySource: Minnesota Vikings
December 4, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins (concussion) logged a full practice on Thursday after being limited in practice on Wednesday, per Jay Morrison of Sports Illustrated. The 26-year-old suffered a concussion towards the end of Cincinnati's Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots that led to him being sidelined for the team's Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. While Higgins will still need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol, it appears he could be trending towards returning to the field for the Bengals' Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Across 11 games this season, Higgins has recorded 40 catches for 575 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 targets. If he's able to return in Week 14, Higgins will share the field with Bengals QB1
Joe Burrow for the first time since Week 2. As long as he's active, Higgins profiles as a must-start wide receiver on Sunday against Buffalo.
--Will BradySource: Sports Illustrated - Jay Morrison
December 4, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday due to ankle and knee injuries, per Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Kamara suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons and missed the Saints' Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Based on his lack of practice participation so far this week, it appears the 30-year-old could be trending towards his second straight missed game in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Kamara sidelined, Saints rookie running back
Devin Neal served as the team's RB1 against Miami, recording 69 scrimmage yards on 17 touches. Neal profiles as a low-end RB2/high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14 if Kamara does indeed remain out.
--Will BradySource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forward
Jimmy Butler III (knee) is unavailable versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Butler played only 15 minutes during Tuesday's clash with Oklahoma City, exiting the contest due to a sore left knee.
Gary Payton II started the second half in Butler's spot, posting 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Buddy Hield was assigned extra time on the floor as well while Butler was out of action, logging 28 minutes. Hield also collected 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals in the 124-112 Warriors loss. Both players provide fantasy value with Butler sidelined this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Anthony Slater
December 4, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave (back) is listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report after being held out of practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old followed a similar practice progression due to the ongoing back issue last week and was ultimately able to play in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, recording four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Assuming Olave can avoid any setbacks, he could be trending towards playing through his back troubles again in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave has been targeted a whopping 115 times this season across 12 games, hauling in 73 catches for 781 yards and five touchdowns. As long as he's active, Olave profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver.
--Will BradySource: Louisiana First News - Sara Palczewski
December 4, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The 22-year-old missed Minnesota's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears he's on track to return to the field for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders. McCarthy has struggled mightily across six starts this season, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, with McCarthy injured in Week 13, backup quarterback
Max Brosmer threw four interceptions and Minnesota was shut out by the Seattle Seahawks. McCarthy at least remains a credible threat with his legs, as he's rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 23 rushing attempts this season. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 in Week 14 against Washington.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Kevin Seifert
December 4, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (elbow) practiced in full on Thursday, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. Daniels has been sidelined since Week 9 after suffering a dislocated left elbow, but it appears he may be nearing a return to the field in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old has been limited by multiple injuries to just six games this season. However, Daniels remains one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks when healthy, as he's thrown for 1,184 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for 262 yards and two scores. While Washington has not officially announced that Daniels is cleared to play in Week 14, his return to full practices is undoubtedly a positive sign. If he remains sidelined for another week, veteran quarterback
Marcus Mariota will make another start for the Commanders on Sunday against the Vikings.
--Will BradySource: 106.7 The Fan - Grant Paulsen
December 4, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Dylan Sampson (calf) missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a calf issue, per Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. Sampson suffered the calf injury during Cleveland's Week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While the 21-year-old is reportedly considered day-to-day, his inability to practice could indicate that he's trending towards being inactive for the Browns' Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Sampson has largely served as the RB2 in Cleveland this season behind
Quinshon Judkins, recording 307 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 65 touches across 12 games this season. If Sampson is inactive in Week 14, Browns running backs
Jerome Ford and
Raheim Sanders will likely see an increase in playing time.
--Will BradySource: BrownsZone - Scott Petrak
December 4, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs (hip, knee) was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday after he was held out on Wednesday with hip and knee injuries. It looks like Downs will be able to play in a crucial divisional game this weekend on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he's become very hard to trust in weekly fantasy football lineups. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of North Carolina has seen a healthy 12 targets the last two games, but he has turned that into only four receptions for 54 yards and no touchdowns while he continues to see fellow wideout
Alec Pierce take on a bigger role in the passing attack. Downs is still an integral part of Indy's offense, but he ranks just inside the top 50 receivers in half-PPR points this year on 40 catches, 370 yards, and three touchdowns. He hasn't done much outside of a three-week stretch from Oct. 12 through Nov. 2, where he caught all three of his TDs on the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Indianapolis Colts
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