January 12, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Justin Watson has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return to Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He initially exited during the third quarter and was initially listed as questionable while being evaluated. However, the team later downgraded him to out. Watson, who returned from injured reserve prior to Week 18, had not been targeted before his departure on Monday night. He primarily operates on special teams and does not have much of a role within the Texans' offense. With that being said, his absence, coupled with the departure of
Nico Collins (concussion), will test Houston's wide receiver depth going forward. Watson faces an uphill battle to clear the NFL's five-stage concussion protocol over the next six days before the Texans' Divisional Round clash with the New England Patriots.
--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
January 12, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return to Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He exited after hitting his head on the turf on an incomplete pass during the third quarter. Collins was initially listed as questionable while being evaluated, but the team eventually downgraded him to out. He finishes the Wild Card game with seven targets, three catches, and 21 receiving yards. In addition to Collins, fellow wide receiver
Justin Watson (concussion), who primarily plays on special teams, has also been ruled out. The Texans will play the final few minutes with
Jaylin Noel,
Jayden Higgins,
Dalton Schultz, and
Christian Kirk operating as
C.J. Stroud's top targets. Collins is officially in concussion protocol and will have just six days to get healthy before the Texans' Divisional Round game against the Patriots, assuming Houston holds on to defeat Pittsburgh.
--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
January 12, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Justin Watson (head) exited during the third quarter of Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is being evaluated for a concussion and is officially listed as questionable to return. Watson returned from a calf injury prior to Week 18, but he didn't log a target in the regular season finale. Similarly, he hadn't been targeted before exiting the Wild Card game on Monday night. The 29-year-old is buried on the depth chart at wide receiver, and most of his contributions come on special teams. It's worth noting that Houston suddenly finds itself shorthanded at the position after
Nico Collins (head) was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion, too.
--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
January 12, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins (head) exited after hitting his head on the turf on an incomplete pass during the third quarter of Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was quickly listed as questionable, and medical personnel carted Collins to the locker room for a concussion evaluation. At the time of his departure, the 26-year-old receiver had caught three of seven targets for 21 yards. The Texans are leaving the door open for him to return, but he'll first have to clear the NFL's concussion check. In the meantime,
Jayden Higgins,
Jaylin Noel, and
Christian Kirk should command more targets from
C.J. Stroud. If Collins is diagnosed with a concussion, he'd miss the remainder of today's game and would also be at risk of missing the Divisional Round in New England, should Houston advance.
--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
January 12, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired left-hander
Ken Waldichuk and infielder
Brett Wisely from the Atlanta Braves on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to Rays Communications. Waldichuk will head back to the American League after the Braves claimed the 28-year-old southpaw off waivers last week. He missed the entire 2024 season and some of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. The former fifth-rounder had a rough 8.65 ERA, 2.06 WHIP, and a 64:42 K:BB ratio in 51 innings at Triple-A in 2025. In his two MLB seasons with the Athletics, Waldichuk had a 5.28 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with a 21% strikeout rate and 10.3% walk rate in 175 2/3 innings in 42 appearances (29 starts). Waldichuk will most likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Durham, where he'll provide starting and long-relief depth for Tampa.
--Keith HernandezSource: Rays Communications
January 12, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) has been listed as out for Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Braun appears to have suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury. Prior to Sunday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team initially listed Braun as probable on the injury report, but he ultimately missed the game. Unfortunately, Braun must now sit out a second consecutive matchup. In Braun's absence, the Nuggets will lean more on
Tim Hardaway Jr. and
Bruce Brown.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He is expected to remain in the lineup for a fourth consecutive appearance. Despite being on a minutes restriction, Gordon logged 32 minutes in Sunday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists. It's an encouraging sign that he is nearing 100 percent. However, Gordon's workload may again be limited against New Orleans, as it's the first game of a back-to-back.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks (head) exited during the second quarter of Monday's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. The Texans briefly listed him as questionable to return, but he checked back into the contest later in the quarter. Ultimately, he missed just one offensive play due to the injury. At the time of his departure (and his return), he had 51 rushing yards on nine carries, equating to an impressive average of 5.7 yards per attempt. The rookie ascended into a large role as a rookie this year, and by the end of the regular season, he was locked in as Houston's primary running back. While
Nick Chubb and
Jawhar Jordan are serviceable fill-ins, the Texans are excited to see Marks return to the contest. He should continue to lead the backfield for the remainder of Monday's contest, barring an injury.
--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
January 12, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) remains questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's encounter with the New Orleans Pelicans. He's battling an illness and an ankle issue, and the team has ruled Murray out for back-to-back games after initially listing him as questionable.
Jalen Pickett has seen an increased workload lately due to Murray's ongoing health issues, averaging 14.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over the last four games. If Murray sits again on Tuesday, Pickett will be an attractive fantasy target with a favorable matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) won't play on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. The Bulls begin a back-to-back, and White will miss the first game to manage a right calf injury.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) isn't ready to return either, meaning the trio of
Tre Jones,
Ayo Dosunmu, and
Kevin Huerter will continue to feature more prominently in the rotation. Due to the Rockets' recent struggles, this looks like an attractive fantasy matchup for the Bulls.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will be sidelined for a seventh consecutive game on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. He was only a limited participant in Monday's practice. However, Giddey's return to the lineup could be near, as the team plans to re-evaluate him this week. In the meantime,
Tre Jones will continue to work as Chicago's primary playmaker. The 26-year-old has averaged 10.8 points and 7.7 assists per game since taking over the starting point guard position.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (back) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Phoenix Suns. He's experiencing soreness in his lower back and may be absent for a second consecutive game.
Pelle Larsson filled in for Powell in the first unit on Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, registering 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. He will presumably roll with the starters again on Tuesday if Powell doesn't return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran appears to be making progress in his attempt to return from an Achilles problem. Still, the doubtful tag suggests Grant will sit out his 14th consecutive game on Tuesday.
Sidy Cissoko is poised to maintain a more prominent role against Golden State, especially with
Deni Avdija (back) out of the lineup for this one.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Avdija sat out the end of Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks due to a back injury, and unfortunately, he will miss more time on Tuesday. Fortunately for Portland,
Jrue Holiday returned on Sunday and will help cover for Avdija. Meanwhile,
Caleb Love will continue to have a significant role in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Tsung-Che Cheng was designated for assignment by the organization on Monday. He was claimed off waivers by the Rays from the Pittsburgh Pirates last week. The Rays needed to open up roster spots after acquiring infielder Brett Wisley and pitcher
Ken Waldichuk in a trade with the Atlanta Braves. Cheng spent the majority of his time in the minor leagues last season. He slashed .207/.305/.267 with one home run, 36 RBI, and 20 steals across 110 games in Triple-A. The 24-year-old has above-average speed and should be able to find another opportunity elsewhere.
--Andy WebbSource: Rays PR
January 12, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans point guard
Jose Alvarado (oblique) is set to miss approximately two more weeks, Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune reports. The defensive specialist has already been sidelined for three games with left oblique soreness.
Bryce McGowens has held a steady role in the rotation during Alvarado's absence, but he's had a couple of duds after a 20-point effort against the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday. There are also additional minutes available for
Jordan Poole and
Jordan Hawkins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Rod Walker
January 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher
Osvaldo Bido was designated for assignment by the organization on Monday. Bido was recently picked up on waivers by the Rays, but he won't make it to camp. The Rays acquired infielder Brett Wisley and pitcher
Ken Waldichuk from the Atlanta Braves, so they needed to make cuts from their 40-man roster. In 2025, Bido registered a 5.87 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and a 68/35 K/BB ratio across 26 games (10 starts) with the Athletics. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 16 appearances with the A's during the 2024 campaign. He offers enough upside in a swingman role that someone should give him an invite to Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Rays PR
January 12, 2026
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (illness) will be unavailable for a second consecutive game on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. He continues to experience the side effects of an illness, and the team ruled out Williams for Monday's game after initially listing him as doubtful. Williams' absence has allowed
Ryan Nembhard to gain some momentum again, and
D'Angelo Russell re-entered the rotation on Saturday night against the Bulls. However, Dallas's point guards have a tough matchup on Monday, with Brooklyn allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to the position.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Moussa Cisse (shoulder) will be active on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Earlier in the day, Dallas upgraded Cisse's status from questionable to available, and he is now officially listed as available for the game. Cisse could play a big role against the Nets, as the Mavericks are short of bodies at the center position. He and
Dwight Powell will be the only healthy bigs available. The matchup is appealing for the duo, as Brooklyn has given up the 12th-most fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Rodolfo Castro was released by the organization over the weekend. Castro recently signed a minor-league deal with the Jays in November. He wasn't even able to make it to camp before getting let go by the organization. His upside in the power department should be able to land him another opportunity. Last season, Castro slashed .235/.324/.421 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI in 133 games in Triple-A with the Philadelphia Phillies. Castros hasn't played at the MLB level since the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Phillies. The 26-year-old doesn't hit for average, but has enough pop in his bat to warrant stashing as organizational depth.
--Andy WebbSource: heavy.com
January 12, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) won't be available against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. He was a late addition to the injury report and will miss at least one game due to a right ankle sprain. Gafford's exit from the lineup leaves the Mavericks' frontcourt down to bare bones.
Moussa Cisse (shoulder) and
Dwight Powell are the only natural big men left and are set to share the minutes at center on Monday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) is expected to return in a week, Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban reports. Washington will miss a fourth consecutive game on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Monday's update suggests that he will sit out at least three more games.
Naji Marshall,
Klay Thompson, and
Caleb Martin will keep logging extra minutes while Washington remains sidelined. Of the trio, Marshall has delivered the steadiest fantasy production.
--Taavi PailkSource: Noah Weber
January 12, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed relief pitcher
Corbin Martin to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. Martin is a former second-round pick who hasn't been able to establish himself at the big league level. Last season, Martin registered a 6.00 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, and a 23/9 K/BB ratio across 17 appearances with the Baltimore Orioles. This is a low-risk move by the Cubs to bolster their relief pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season. The Cubs have a good track record of turning around struggling pitchers. Martin figures to spend most of his time in Triple-A, but we'll see what he can do in camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Lance Brozdowski
January 12, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to interview former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon for their open defensive-coordinator position, a source told Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys will also interview former Baltimore Ravens DC Zach Orr. Gannon will also interview for the Washington Commanders' DC job on Thursday and the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job on Sunday. During his time with the Cardinals, Gannon went 15-36, including a disappointing 3-14 in 2025. Arizona started 2-0 in 2025, but they lost 14 of their last 15 games, leading to Gannon's firing. Gannon spent two years as the Philadelphia Eagles' DC before getting the head-coaching job in Arizona. If he gets the job in Dallas, he'll be looking to clean up a defense that allowed a league-high 30.1 points per game and the third-most yards per game (377).
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Joseph Hoyt
January 12, 2026
Boston Celtics small forward
Baylor Scheierman will make his first start of the season in Monday's contest against the Indiana Pacers.
Sam Hauser will also be a fresh face in the starting five, with
Jaylen Brown (back) unavailable and
Hugo Gonzalez dropping to the bench. Last season, Scheierman made two starts, averaging 11.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals. It's a very small sample size, but the Creighton product can make a significant impact in a starting role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sean Grande
January 12, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons interviewed former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh for their head-coaching position on Monday, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. The Falcons are looking for both a head coach and a new general manager after firing Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, respectively, following the 2025 season. Reports suggest that Harbaugh could be down to the Falcons and New York Giants as he searches for a new head-coaching gig. Because Atlanta could let Harbaugh in on the decision to hire a new GM, it could be more attractive than the Giants' job. He was with Baltimore for 18 years from 2008-25 and helped take the Ravens to 12 playoff appearances, including four AFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl win. The Falcons' quarterback situation is unsettled, but they have nice building blocks on offense in running back
Bijan Robinson, receiver
Drake London, and tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr.--Keith HernandezSource: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
January 12, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (thumb) will rejoin the lineup on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He's back after missing two games with a sprained right thumb. Ingram will start the contest alongside
Immanuel Quickley,
Jamal Shead,
Scottie Barnes, and
Collin Murray-Boyles. In two early-season meetings with Philadelphia, Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, shooting an impressive 51.9 percent from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that the team is opening the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Ed Oliver (biceps, knee) this week, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. In addition to a torn biceps, Oliver is also recovering from meniscus surgery on his knee. The 28-year-old interior defensive lineman will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve to play in the AFC Divisional Round this Saturday against the Denver Broncos. Whether Oliver is actually active this weekend will depend on how he looks in practice this week. Getting Oliver back would be a big boost for the Bills' defense against a Broncos offense that hasn't been great at running the football since the midseason injury to RB
J.K. Dobbins (foot). In just three games played in 2025, Oliver had 12 tackles (10 solo), three sacks, seven tackles for loss, five QB hits, and a forced fumble.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
January 12, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) will play in Monday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. He was a late scratch on Sunday against Toronto due to knee soreness, but luckily, George will make a quick return to the lineup. The veteran has averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals through his first five outings in 2026.
Kelly Oubre Jr., who logged 34 minutes as a starter on Sunday, will drop back to the bench with George's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 12, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Monday against the Toronto Raptors. He missed Sunday's meeting with Toronto to manage a left knee injury, and the team initially listed Embiid as questionable for Monday's tilt. Embiid has averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 33.0 minutes per game this month. He's looking to dominate against an inexperienced Raptors frontcourt on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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