December 24, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Dylan Sampson (hand) is in line to see more volume upon his return, following the injury to teammate
Quinshon Judkins (leg, knee) in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. Sampson is dealing with injuries of his own, but according to Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski, he reported on Tuesday that Sampson is improving by the day. Sampson has not played since Week 14, and when healthy, was still involved in the offense primarily as a receiver in passing situations. Still, with Judkins placed on the Injured Reserve, Sampson could earn the RB1 carries and should provide RB3 fantasy value in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, although they have been better against opposing running backs of late, would still be on the fantasy radar and a decent option in Week 17 for fantasy managers. At this time, it's unclear how involved
Trayveon Williams or
Raheim Sanders would be; however, Sampson has been the only running back involved since the start of the season, giving him the upper hand should he be active.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (ankle) missed the final few minutes of Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers, Cory Lavalette of The North State Journal reports. The Russian blue-liner exited with 3:46 remaining in regulation and was spotted icing his right ankle after the game. Carolina's defense has taken several injury hits throughout the campaign and just lost Jaccob Slavin (upper body) for the second time this season. Nikishin is having a fine debut campaign, logging 13 points (four goals, nine assists), 60 shots, 46 blocks, and 69 hits with a team-best plus-13 rating in 35 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Cory Lavalette
December 24, 2025
Washington Commanders rookie running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has scored in back-to-back weeks for the first time this season. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, played only 11 snaps in last week's loss to the Eagles, but handled eight carries for 25 yards and a score. The rookie seventh-rounder was still firmly behind
Chris Rodriguez Jr. in snaps and touches, but he earned more work on the goal line, outcarrying Rodriguez four to three inside the 10. The Commanders could be starting
Josh Johnson at QB this week, with
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play on a short week. That would limit the fantasy appeal for Croskey-Merritt. Plus, he has a tough matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense that is allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game since acquiring Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. JCM projects as a desperation flex option for Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 24, 2025
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson could potentially see most of the running back opportunities on Sunday with rookie
TreVeyon Henderson (head) currently working his way through the concussion protocol after leaving the game early in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Since Stevenson's return from injury in Week 12, his snap share has increased each week, from 31 percent to 58 percent, 67 percent, and 84 percent, respectively. Combine that with Henderson potentially being out on Sunday, Stevenson would climb up the RB ranks and become a borderline RB1 against the New York Jets, who have been reeling of late and are allowing the fourth most points on the season to the running back position. Regardless of Henderson's status for Week 17, Stevenson will provide fantasy value given the matchup.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Philadelphia Flyers forward Denver Barkey (undisclosed) missed the third period of Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. He was injured on a hit from behind and will be re-evaluated over the holiday period. Barkey played his third career game on Tuesday night. He has slotted well into the middle six and registered two assists in his NHL debut against the New York Rangers last week. Before making a step up into the big league, the 20-year-old registered 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 26 AHL appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jackie Spiegel
December 24, 2025
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim was removed from Tuesday's matchup against the Blackhawks by a concussion spotter, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Sanheim wasn't available for the final 12:33 of action in a tightly-contested 3-1 road win. Speaking to reporters after the game, Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet didn't seem too concerned about Sanheim's status, suggesting that he might not have to miss additional time. With the league taking a Christmas break, the 29-year-old will have some additional time to recover. Philadelphia will return to work on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken. Sanheim has produced 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 36 games and shares the team lead with 65 blocked shots.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jackie Spiegel
December 24, 2025
Washington Wizards forward
Cam Whitmore (shoulder) will be out indefinitely after being diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Whitmore recently dropped out of the lineup due to a shoulder issue, and now we know why. The 21-year-old is playing his first season in Washington after being traded by the Houston Rockets in the offseason. He has averaged 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game across 21 outings. Prior to his exit from the lineup, Whitmore had fallen out of the rotation, so his absence won't have an impact in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been productive since taking on a bigger workload in Week 9. The third-year back has totalled 69 carries for 316 yards and four touchdowns while adding two catches (three targets) for 12 yards as a receiver. Rodriguez has been the head of a three-man committee in Washington's backfield, playing 43.1% of the snaps, with rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (31.7%) staying involved on early downs and
Jeremy McNichols (33.3%) handling passing-down duties. Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt both found the end zone last week against the Eagles, but the Commanders' offense could be starting
Josh Johnson at QB on Thursday against the Cowboys, with
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured and uncertain to play. That downgrades the status of all Washington players in fantasy. Facing a Dallas defense that is allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game since acquiring Quinnen Williams, Rodriguez profiles as a low-upside flex option in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 24, 2025
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Corey Kispert (hamstring) was limited to 13 minutes in Tuesday's 126-109 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He couldn't finish the contest due to left hamstring tightness. This was Kispert's first appearance since sustaining a fractured thumb in late November. He notched nine points on 3-for-8 shooting and had three assists. While the injury doesn't appear to be serious, Kispert may have to take some more time off.
Justin Champagnie and
Tre Johnson could then get more work off the bench, especially if
Bub Carrington (foot) also has to exit the lineup. He missed the final few minutes on Tuesday due to foot soreness.
--Taavi PailkSource: Washington Wizards
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) left Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns early due to left ankle soreness, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports. The big man logged only five minutes off the bench, scoring two points and grabbing one rebound. Hayes was back in the second unit due to
Deandre Ayton's return to the lineup. Ayton collected a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double on Tuesday while snagging three steals. If Hayes misses time,
Maxi Kleber is likely to receive more opportunities to play, but he doesn't hold any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Khobi Price
December 24, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) played only five minutes in Tuesday's 111-94 win over the Indiana Pacers. He sustained a left calf contusion late in the first quarter.
Ryan Rollins and
Gary Harris shared Trent Jr.'s minutes on the night, with the former finishing as Milwaukee's second-highest scorer. Rollins posted 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Harris contributed only five points and should be ignored by fantasy managers even if Trent Jr. faces a spell on the sidelines.
--Taavi PailkSource: Milwaukee Bucks
December 24, 2025
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (leg) was injured during Tuesday's tilt against the Atlanta Hawks, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He appeared to injure his leg when he stepped on Hawks forward
Asa Newell's foot and was subbed out with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Buzelis went straight to the locker room. Buzelis soon returned to the bench but didn't re-enter the contest. The Chicago native finished a 126-123 victory with 15 points, two rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes.
Patrick Williams, who saw only six minutes of action on Tuesday, may receive the largest bump in playing time if Buzelis has to exit the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Lauren L. Williams
December 24, 2025
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (calf) missed the second half of Tuesday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. Murray had two points and two blocks in 20 minutes during the first half of action but didn't return for the second due to a right calf injury. Rookies
Nique Clifford and
Dylan Cardwell helped to fill the void in the rotation, with Clifford starting the second half. Both may see increased playing time going forward if Murray is forced to miss time, especially with
Zach LaVine (ankle) out for at least another week. The Kings will return to action this weekend with a back-to-back set.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sacramento Kings
December 24, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (knee) will undergo an MRI after injuring his right knee in Tuesday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He was hurt early in the fourth quarter, with the team announcing that Johnson had sustained a right knee sprain. The 29-year-old is averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes during his first year in Denver.
Bruce Brown and
Tim Hardaway Jr., who posted a second consecutive 20-point game on Tuesday, will likely see increased minutes if Johnson has to miss time.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (face) made an early exit against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports. He was hit in the face by teammate
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and missed the final 4:43 of a 130-110 loss. The defending champions were already down by 20 at that point, so Holmgren's exit could have been for precautionary reasons. However, we won't know for sure until the team provides an update on him. The Thunder return to action on Christmas Day with a rematch against the Spurs.
--Taavi PailkSource: Justin Martinez
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that Willis was "pretty sore" after injuring his shoulder while filling in for an injured
Jordan Love (concussion) during Saturday night's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 2022 third-rounder finished the game, but there's a possibility that Willis won't be able to play in the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Willis was excellent in relief of Love, completing nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 carries for 44 yards as a runner. If Willis and Love can't go, the Packers would be forced to elevate
Clayton Tune from the practice squad to start against the Ravens.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Tom Pelissero
December 24, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence has completed 60.8% of his passes for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdown passes while adding 112 yards and a couple of scores on the ground in the hottest four-game stretch of his career. Lawrence also hasn't turned the ball over in a career-best four straight games, which have all been wins. "He's able to just go out and play freely," head coach Liam Coen said, "now that he's more comfortable with the operation." The former first overall pick threw three touchdowns and ran one in during the impressive 34-20 victory in Denver against the Broncos on Sunday. The Jags have averaged 33 points per game since Week 9, second-most in the league during that span. "We haven't changed a single thing from the moment we started coaching him," Coen said. "Sometimes, it just takes time to click." Now that he's clicking in Coen's offense, Lawrence will look to keep his hot streak going in Week 17 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, where he'll be a midrange QB1 in fantasy football.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (shoulder, concussion) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Love exited early during Green Bay's loss to the Bears last Saturday after suffering a concussion and is still in the league's concussion protocol. The star quarterback's status for the Week 17 game remains uncertain until he clears protocol. The 27-year-old has put together the best season of his career so far through 15 games, completing 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions while posting a career high 72.9 QBR. With backup QB
Malik Willis (shoulder) also getting injured in the game against the Bears, the Packers could have to resort to promoting
Clayton Tune from their practice squad to the active roster to start Saturday's game against the Ravens. More will be known about Love's and Willis' statuses in the next few days of practice.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Tom Pelissero
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) was listed as limited on Tuesday's estimated injury report ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Jacobs suited up for last Saturday's matchup against the Chicago Bears but had his playing time managed, splitting touches and snaps with
Emanuel Wilson. Wilson outsnapped Jacobs 33 to 28 and outgained him 82 to 48 on the same number of carries (14). It's a positive that the 27-year-old workhorse came out of the game without a setback, and he should be expected to handle a bigger workload on Saturday versus the Ravens if everything goes well in practice this week. Jacobs could carry a questionable tag for the third straight week going into Saturday's contest, but he should be able to play through it, barring a setback with his knee in practice on Wednesday.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Tom Pelissero
December 24, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) was a non-participant in practice on Tuesday. For the second straight day, Bryant was absent from practice and is trending in the wrong direction to play on Christmas night on Thursday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie third-rounder was released from the hospital on Monday after suffering a scary injury during Denver's loss to the Jaguars in Week 16 on Sunday. It seems unlikely that he'll be able to clear the league's concussion protocol in time to play on Christmas Day. Without Bryant, the Broncos will lean more on receivers
Troy Franklin,
Marvin Mims Jr., and
Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind
Courtland Sutton for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Matt McMullen
December 23, 2025
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said on Tuesday that wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) still has "a little irritation" in his knee, but the news was positive on his injury as it relates to him playing on Christmas Day against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. St. Brown was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report, but he was upgraded to limited for Tuesday's walkthrough, a positive sign that he's trending in the right direction to be active in Week 17. The 26-year-old disappointed in the Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers when considering he had a season-high 164 receiving yards the week prior in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He caught four of nine targets for 54 yards on Sunday. If St. Brown is active for Thursday, he'll be a must-start for all fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
December 23, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (back) was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, according to Josh Tolentino of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson bruised his back in Sunday night's loss to the New England Patriots in the second quarter and never returned. As of right now, the two-time MVP is being considered day-to-day heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. If the 28-year-old signal-caller doesn't improve enough to get the green light to play this weekend,
Tyler Huntley would make the start at Lambeau Field. It's been an injury-plagued 2025 campaign for Jackson, which has made him less explosive as a dual threat for fantasy managers. You'll need a backup plan in Week 17 at QB. If Huntley makes the start, he'll merely be a low-end QB2 option in superflex formats in a tough matchup on the road.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Sun - Josh Tolentino
December 23, 2025
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced on Tuesday that quarterback
Justin Fields (knee) will be placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Fields will be shut down for the final two games of the season after already missing each of the last three contests due to a knee injury. Before the 26-year-old injured his knee, he had been benched in favor of veteran
Tyrod Taylor. It was an extremely disappointing 2025 campaign for Fields, who was brought in as a free agent last offseason to be the Jets' starter this year. Fields ended up making only nine starts, completing 62.7% of his 204 pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He ran for 383 yards and four touchdowns on 71 attempts while also losing three fumbles. If he remains with the Jets in 2026, Fields will have to show lots of improvement to be in contention to win the starting gig back.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Jets
December 23, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Josh Johnson could be in line to make his first start since Week 16 of the 2021 season if
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) can't play on Thursday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Johnson filled in for Mariota after exiting last week's game against the Eagles, completing five of nine passes for 43 yards and a horrible interception. The 39-year-old journeyman will draw the best matchup he could ask for in Week 17 against the Cowboys and their 32nd-ranked pass defense coming to town on Christmas Day. Even with the favorable matchup, it's tough to trust Johnson as anything more than a desperation QB2 play in superflex and two-QB leagues if he starts.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
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
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