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Lions expect RB David Montgomery back for playoff run

Tue Jan 7 4:33pm ET
Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions plan for running back David Montgomery to be back for their first playoff game in the NFC divisional round.

Asked Tuesday whether he expected Montgomery (knee) to be ready to play next week, normally fiery head coach Dan Campbell kept it short and said, "I do."

Montgomery injured the MCL in his left knee in Week 15 during the Lions' 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Originally thought to be a season-ending injury, Montgomery received other medical opinions and instead rehabbed his knee with an eye on a postseason return.

Montgomery, 27, rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 4.2 yards per carry average in 14 games this season, complementing lead rusher Jahmyr Gibbs (1,412 yards, 5.6 average, 16 TDs).

The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 in Week 18 to clinch not only the NFC North title but also the top seed in the conference, the first time the franchise has accomplished that.

That comes with a bye week that will give Montgomery even more time to recover. Detroit will host a game in the divisional round on Jan. 18 or 19.

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Player Notes
J.K. Dobbins Jan 7 6:20pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Dobbins missed four games earlier this season due to an MCL sprain but now appears to have a minor ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Since returning in Week 17, Ekeler has averaged 18.5 attempts per game and tallied 69.5 rushing and 9.5 receiving yards per game over this stretch. Before his knee injury, Dobbins averaged a similar 69.6 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone eight times over his first 11 games. If he can take on his typical workload, the 26-year-old should be viewed as an elite running back option in all playoff competitions.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Jan 7 5:57pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dynasty | The Chargers have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: It's a fun story to watch, but dynasty managers aren't exactly thinking they have the next LaDainian Tomlinson here, either. Elliott will join the practice squad and could be elevated should Gus Edwards be unable to play in the playoffs, but this could be a short tenure for Elliott in Los Angeles. He'll likely attempt to sign on with a team next season, but it's clear he's lost most of his burst at this point and isn't really effective in much other than short yardage situations. Elliott belongs on dynasty waiver wires at this point.

Russell Gage Jan 7 5:53pm ET
Russell Gage

Free-agent OL Isaac Alarcon, WR Russell Gage Jr., WR Isaiah Hodgins and OT Jalen McKenzie signed Reserve/Future contracts with the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Tuesday, Jan. 7.

From TheHuddle

Christian Watson Jan 7 5:13pm ET
Christian Watson

Dynasty | Packers receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL in this week's game. Dynasty Analysis: Watson's third season ends with a 29/620/2 line. Believe it or not, that's a career high in yardage. He'll miss the postseason, but the bigger concern with dynasty managers is the fact he's unlikely to be ready for the beginning of next season. Outside of a crazy stretch of touchdown scoring his rookie season, Watson has been tough to rely on in dynasty leagues. Now entering his fourth season, his injury history and inconsistent production is going to send his dynasty value south all off-season. He could be a decent buy this Spring, but it's going to certainly come with some real risk.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Denzel Perryman Jan 7 5:13pm ET
Denzel Perryman

Los Angeles Chargers WR Josh Palmer (foot) did not practice Tuesday, Jan. 7. RB Gus Edwards (ankle), WR Simi Fehoko (elbow), OG Zion Johnson (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (groin), OT Trey Pipkins (oblique), OT Rashawn Slater (knee) and DB Ja'Sir Taylor (oblique) were limited participants at practice.

From TheHuddle

Antonio Pierce Jan 7 5:00pm ET
Antonio Pierce

After the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be looking at former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to replace Pierce, among others. In addition to Vrabel and Coen, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Peter Carroll's name could be involved. Vrabel could be a front-runner given his popularity as a head-coaching candidate this cycle and his familiarity with Brady, as the two previously won Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Formulating a plan to find a franchise quarterback is priority No. 1 for Vegas' front office and whatever new head coach they bring in. Vrabel is already scheduled to interview for head-coaching openings with the Patriots and Chicago Bears, while Coen has a request from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Jan 7 4:50pm ET
Josh Palmer

According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, wide receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) is not expected to take part in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Palmer suffered a heel injury in the Week 17 win over the New England Patriots and sat out of the victory of the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in the Week 18 regular-season finale. If the 25-year-old doesn't return to practice in the next two days, he'll be headed for a second straight absence when the Bolts face the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs this Saturday. With the 25-year-old out last weekend, DJ Chark caught his first touchdown pass of the year. Regardless of whether Palmer returns this Saturday, rookie Ladd McConkey should continue to draw most of the aerial targets from quarterback Justin Herbert and will be a popular DFS play this weekend versus Houston on the road.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Jan 7 4:50pm ET
Gus Edwards

According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, running back Gus Edwards (ankle) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparing to face the Houston Texans on Saturday in the wild-card playoff round. An ankle injury kept Edwards out for the final two regular-season games, but a return to practice early in the week is a good sign that he'll have a chance to be active this weekend for the start of the postseason. The 29-year-old was a big fantasy disappointment in 2024 in his first year in LA after he scored a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in Baltimore in 2023. He ran for a career-low 365 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries in 11 games (six starts). If Edwards is active against the Texans, he'll be a low-volume, touchdown-dependent flex play, at best, while working as the clear backup to J.K. Dobbins in the Chargers' backfield.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jan 7 4:40pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said on Tuesday that there is "no concern at all" for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (hip) long-term health after a unique hip injury sidelined him for the final two games of the 2024 season. It's good news, but it also doesn't mean the 26-year-old former first-rounder won't be one of the biggest injury risks at the QB position in 2025. Tagovailoa missed four games while on Injured Reserve this season due to yet another scary concussion and finished with 2,867 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a league-best 72.9% completion percentage in 11 starts after his breakout 2023 campaign. In addition to his injury concerns, the Dolphins could have trouble retaining star wideout Tyreek Hill after he voiced his willingness to leave the organization. Injuries and lack of downfield passing will push Tagovailoa down to the QB2 ranks in fantasy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Jan 7 4:30pm ET
Royce Freeman

The Los Angeles Rams placed rookie running back Blake Corum (forearm) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday and signed veteran running back Royce Freeman from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster in a corresponding move. Corum is out for the rest of the season after fracturing his forearm in the loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Kyren Williams will continue to work as the Rams' No. 1 RB for the playoffs, with Ronnie Rivers now likely serving in the top backup role with Corum sidelined. The 24-year-old third-round pick out of Michigan had a small role behind Williams all year in his first season in the NFL and finished with only 58 rushing attempts for 207 yards (3.6 yards per carry), adding seven catches for 58 yards. If he's ready to go for the start of the 2025 season, Corum will likely be a top fantasy handcuff for Williams.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jan 7 4:30pm ET
Daniel Jones

The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones from their practice squad to the active 53-man roster on Tuesday and waived quarterback Brett Rypien in a corresponding move. Jones was waived by the Giants in November and latched on quickly with the Vikings' practice squad, but now he'll be on the active roster as QB insurance for the postseason behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens. It will be the first time the 27-year-old Jones is on the team's active roster since joining the organization late in November. Depending on the future of Darnold in Minnesota after this season, Jones could very likely be playing for another team in 2025. Remember, the Vikes also drafted rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) in the first round in April of 2024. It's unlikely that Jones will be on the fantasy radar in single-QB fantasy draft in the fall.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Jan 7 3:53pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery (knee) is expected to recover from the medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee in time to play in the team's first playoff game - the NFC Divisional Round - according to comments made by head coach Dan Campbell on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Fantasy Spin: The Lions' offense should be in good shape regardless of whether Montgomery is able to play, although it is undeniable that he is one of the best power runners in the league. The bigger question is if Montgomery will be fully recovered just over a month after suffering the injury. If not, he could play more of a complementary role to Jahmyr Gibbs, who once again proved he is more than capable of being a featured back during Montgomery's absence.

From TheHuddle

David Montgomery Jan 7 3:00pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is expected to play in the NFC Divisional Round, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 27-year-old suffered an MCL injury in the Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills and has missed each of the last three contests. Early reports suggested Montgomery would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season, but that is not the case. While it's an exciting development for Detroit, Montgomery could be limited by his lower-body ailment upon his return to action. Luckily, the Lions have a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs, giving Montgomery extra time off to rehab and prepare.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Jan 7 2:53pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton recorded 13 catches on go routes - tied for most in the league - for 304 yards (eighth) and five touchdowns (tied for fourth) during the 2024 regular season, according to Next Gen Stats.

Fantasy Spin: Bo Nix entered the league with a reputation for being a dink-and-dunk quarterback based on the offense he ran at the University of Oregon, but his deep-ball prowess unlocked a part of Sutton's game that had been dormant for years. What makes Sutton's 81-1,081-8 line on a career-high 135 targets for the 2024 regular season even more impressive is that he was not targeted at all in a Week 7 rout of the New Orleans Saints. Sutton should be a solid fantasy WR2 investment in 2025 drafts even as he turns 30 in October.

From TheHuddle

Tyreek Hill Jan 7 2:50pm ET
Tyreek Hill

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have cleared the air with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and the eight-time Pro Bowler did not formally request a trade. Following the Week 18 loss to the New York Jets, Hill said "I just gotta do what's best for me and my family. If that's here or wherever the case may be...I'm out. At the end of the day, I need to do what's best for my career." This certainly sounded like the 30-year-old was set to try to force his way out of Miami after he missed the playoffs for the first time in his career. Hill posted 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns this season while playing much of the year without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Surely, this story has more developments to unfold, so fantasy managers and NFL fans should stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Jan 7 2:40pm ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness) returned to practice on Tuesday after missing last week's game against the Cleveland Browns with a concussion and illness. Hill suffered a concussion in the Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the 27-year-old has played second-fiddle to Derrick Henry this season, he has been important in the passing game with 42 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown in 2024. With Zay Flowers (knee) banged up and at risk of missing the Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hill could be asked to do more as a pass-catcher on Saturday. The statuses of both players are worth monitoring.

From RotoBaller

Deonte Harty Jan 7 2:30pm ET
Deonte Harty

The Baltimore Ravens are opening the practice window of wide receiver/return specialist Deonte Harty (knee), officially designating him to return from Injured Reserve. The Maryland native was placed on Injured Reserve in October due to a knee injury and has not played since Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. Harty did not catch a pass for Baltimore during the regular season, but he returned eight punts for 85 yards and four kickoffs for 98 yards. Harty was named first-team All-Pro in 2019 as a return specialist, and he could make an impact in that aspect of the game if he can return for postseason action. It remains to be seen if he will suit up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jan 7 2:30pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) did not practice on Tuesday after suffering a knee injury in the Week 18 win over the Cleveland Browns. The second-year player appeared in all 17 games during the regular season, catching 74 passes for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns. He was named to his first career Pro Bowl last week. Needless to say, the timing of his injury is far from ideal, and his status should be monitored ahead of Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he cannot play, tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Rashod Bateman should see additional targets from Lamar Jackson. Flowers' injury status could loom large in whether Baltimore can get to the Super Bowl for the first time since Jackson took over at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Laviska Shenault Jr. Jan 7 2:20pm ET
Laviska Shenault Jr.

The Los Angeles Chargers released wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. from the practice squad on Tuesday to make room for the signing of veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. Shenault was released by the Seattle Seahawks in the middle of the regular season and was picked up by Los Angeles. The 2020 second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars appeared in just one game for the Chargers but did not log a touch. Shenault has totaled 163 receptions for 1,587 and six touchdowns to go along with 253 rushing yards and a score across 63 career games with four organizations. Needless to say, he's unlikely to be a key contributor anytime soon for any team.

From RotoBaller