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FFL: Week 12 | NFL: Week 12

Raiders activate QB Aidan O'Connell (wrist) from IR

Wed Nov 19 7:28pm ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders activated quarterback Aidan O'Connell from a three-month spell on injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday.

O'Connell fractured his right wrist in the Raiders' preseason finale on Aug. 23 and was placed on the injured list the following week, delaying the start of his third NFL season.

He was on track to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Las Vegas starter Geno Smith, who has thrown for a 66.3% completion rate, 208.2 yards per game, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while piloting the Raiders to a 2-8 record.

Pivoting when O'Connell was hurt, Las Vegas sent a fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 25 to acquire Kenny Pickett.

The Raiders host the Browns on Sunday.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll told reporters that O'Connell practiced against the first-team defense this week, indicating he has leapfrogged Pickett -- who has three pass attempts this season -- on the depth chart.

"He's had quite a bit of practice opportunity to get going," Carroll said Tuesday. "He's done all right with it, too."

O'Connell, 27, was a fourth-round draft selection in 2023 and started stretches of his first two seasons for the Raiders after taking the job from Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew II.

His record in 17 career starts is 7-10, and he has completed 62.6% of throws for 3,830 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Raiders have dropped their last four games and are the last-place team in the AFC West by three games.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12

Player Notes
John Metchie III Nov 19 8:50pm CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III made the most of his increased playing time during last week's game against the New England Patriots. Metchie hauled in all three of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The 25-year-old has been a non-factor in the offense all season, but could start seeing an expanded role now. The Jets are without Garrett Wilson (knee), so they need someone to step up on offense. Metchie showed that he was capable of making plays when called upon. Fantasy managers should look for him to have a bigger role in the offense going forward.

From RotoBaller

Charvarius Ward Nov 19 8:40pm CT
Charvarius Ward

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Charvarius Ward (concussion) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. Ward had his 21-day practice window opened this week as he works his way back into the mix. He has missed the last five games due to a concussion he suffered during pre-game warmups in Week 6. Before going down, Ward recorded 13 tackles and three passes defended in his first five games. Once healthy, Ward and Sauce Gardner should make for one of the most dangerous secondaries in the league.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Nov 19 8:40pm CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is coming off an excellent performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. Barner hauled 10 of his 11 targets for 70 yards in the loss. It was a bit shocking to see Barner get double digit targets, but he made the most of his chances. Sadly for fantasy managers, Barner will continue to split up the reps with Elijah Arroyo. That means, Barner is probably going to have a limited ceiling, but he can still offer fantasy value. The 23-year-old should be able to give fantasy managers at least TE2 value for the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Lake Nov 19 8:30pm CT
Quentin Lake

Los Angeles Rams defensive back/safety Quentin Lake (elbow) was placed on the injured reserve on Wednesday. This comes as no surprise after Lake underwent surgery on his elbow on Tuesday. He'll now miss at least the next four games, but is hopeful that this won't be a season-ending injury. Lake was in the middle of a breakout campaign, so his absence will certainly hurt this defense. The expectation is that Josh Wallace will take over as the primary slot corner until Lake returns. The loss of Lake will give this defense a slight downgrade ahead of their upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Nov 19 8:20pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Shepard will join fellow wideouts Chris Godwin (leg) and Emeka Egbuka (illness) on the injury report to begin the week. Shepard appears to be dealing with a minor shoulder injury, but it shouldn't stop him from suiting up in Week 12. His fantasy value is likely dependent on whether or not Godwin is able to return this weekend. Last week, Shepard hauled in four of his five targets for 54 yards in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran wideout would take a backseat in the passing game if Godwin and Egbuka are both healthy.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 19 8:00pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. He continues to manage a foot issue that limited him during practice last week. However, Okonkwo still played during last week's game against the Houston Texans. He hauled in all three of his targets for 56 yards in the loss. He figures to be fine for Week 12, but Gunnar Helm would see an expanded role if Okonkwo was unable to play against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 19 7:50pm CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (ankle) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about the ankle issue right now. However, Knight could be losing playing time soon with Trey Benson (knee) having his practice window opened this week. The eventual return of Benson is going to cloud up this backfield situation even more. Right now, Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 12. That means, Knight and Michael Carter should split up the reps unless Benson returns this week. Barring any setbacks, Knight figures to be out there this weekend, but his fantasy value is unclear at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Nov 19 7:43pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (ankle) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Fantasy Spin: With Higbee sidelined, Colby Parkinson could step into a bigger role, but that isn't necessarily saying much. The Rams' passing attack runs through Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and Parkinson would likely need to catch a touchdown to post a useful stat line for fantasy owners.

From TheHuddle

Romeo Doubs Nov 19 7:40pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (wrist) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. He pops up on the injury report with a wrist injury, which seems to be new for him. It doesn't sound like a serious issue, but fantasy managers should monitor the injury report throughout the week. Doubs could be asked to take on a bigger role this weekend with Christian Watson (knee), Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist), and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) all on the injury report as well. Fantasy managers should check the injury report on Thursday and Friday, but Doubs figures to be good to go for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Nov 19 7:30pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (shoulder) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. This is good news after Love was briefly forced to exit the game during Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Barring any setbacks, Love should be ready to go versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12. The Packers have a bunch of banged up players on offense, which could impact the fantasy value of Love, assuming they sit out. Fantasy managers who have Love rostered should monitor the injury report throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Nov 19 7:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This comes as no surprise given the Packers have been cautious with Watson since he returned to the field a few weeks ago. Watson returned in Week 8 after recovering from a torn ACL from last year. He posted his best game of the season last week when he hauled in four of his five targets for 46 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the New York Giants. Fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about as Watson being limited is likely just a precaution. The Packers wideouts are extremely banged up right now, so Watson could be looking at a heavy workload in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 19 7:20pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was given a limited tag in Wednesday's practice. Godwin wasn't seen during the portion of practice open to the media, but he eventually got in some work as he continues to work his way back from a fibular injury that has kept him out since Week 5. The 29-year-old was also limited in three practices last week before he was ruled out for the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that Godwin was "ramping up" his activity level, but he's probably going to need to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday or Friday to have a realistic chance at returning to action on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams. With only two games played so far in 2025, Godwin will most likely be eased back into the offense when he's cleared, which might not be for another couple of weeks.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Nov 19 7:20pm CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (quadriceps) missed his team's last two games with a quad injury, but he was back at practice this week and has no injury designation for Thursday night's home game against the Bills. Fairbairn has been one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL over the last few seasons, making 22 of his 25 field goal attempts, including two from over 50 yards. He also converted all 12 extra point attempts. He'll retake his starting job from Matthew Wright and will be kicking at home indoors this week against the Bills, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season. If someone dropped Fairbairn, he can be a nice pickup based on his reliability, and he is the K17 in RotoBaller's rankings this week in his return.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 19 7:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Last week, Jackson missed practice time due to a knee issue. Despite that, Jackson did suit up for last week's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The assumption was that he missed practice to begin the week due to the same issue. That isn't the case as Jackson appears to be now dealing with an ankle problem. There isn't a ton of context on the issue, so fantasy managers will need to check back for more updates throughout the week. The assumption is that it's a minor issue, but fantasy managers will know more later in the week.

From RotoBaller

Russell Gage Nov 19 7:13pm CT
Russell Gage

Free-agent PK Matt Gay was signed to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad Wednesday, Nov. 19. In a corresponding move, WR Russell Gage Jr. was released.

From TheHuddle

Emeka Egbuka Nov 19 7:10pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (illness) was one of six players who didn't practice on Wednesday due to an illness, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also wasn't feeling well, but both players should be ready to go in time for a Sunday night affair against the hosting Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is nearing a return from a fibular injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 5, but even if Godwin is back this weekend, Egbuka should continue to be Mayfield's go-to target through the air. Egbuka has lived up to the hype so far in his first NFL season and leads the Bucs in catches (45), targets (85), receiving yards (717), and touchdowns (six) through 10 games. The matchup against the Rams isn't ideal, but Egbuka will still have WR1 upside for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Nov 19 7:10pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been extremely consistent this season, getting plenty of volume for PPR leagues. He has at least five catches in seven of his last eight games and has 20 targets from backup QB Davis Mills over the last two weeks. Mills will make another start against the Bills on Thursday Night Football with C.J. Stroud (concussion) still sidelined. The Bills have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, so it's a tough spot for Schultz, despite his regular production. RotoBaller has Schlutz ranked as the No. 12 TE this week, making him a fringe starter in standard-sized leagues and a great TE2. He has more value in leagues where his number of receptions can help him compensate for low yardage totals.

From RotoBaller

Cade Stover Nov 19 7:10pm CT
Cade Stover

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover missed nine weeks with a foot injury, returning in Week 11 after originally being placed on IR after Week 1. He caught four of his four targets for 22 yards in the season opener, but he didn't have a target or catch against the Titans. He played 14 snaps (20%) and didn't report any setbacks, so he should be ready for more work in Week 12 against the Bills. He'll continue to back up Dalton Schultz and could eventually eat into his snaps and targets as the season goes on. For now, he's well off the fantasy radar, but it's worth monitoring his involvement, especially after his college teammate QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) is ready to return for the Texans.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Nov 19 7:03pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Chris Braswell (foot), OG Ben Bredeson (hamstring), CB Jamel Dean (hip), PK Chase McLaughlin (non-injury) and LB Haason Reddick (ankle, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 19. C Graham Barton (illness), WR Emeka Egbuka (illness), OG Dan Feeney (illness), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), OT Luke Goedeke (illness), DE Logan Hall (illness), RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), QB Baker Mayfield (illness), WR Sterling Shepard (shoulder) and OT Tristan Wirfs (shoulder) were limited during practice. LB Markees Watts (hand) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Baker Mayfield Nov 19 7:00pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (illness) was under the weather on Wednesday with an illness and did not practice, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN. There is a bug going around Tampa's locker room right now, which is something to keep an eye on heading into Sunday night's showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Mayfield should be good to go by the time Sunday rolls around. The 30-year-old signal-caller is just outside the top 10 QBs in overall fantasy points so far in 2025 with 2,365 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in 10 games played. However, he has failed to top 200 yards passing in two of the last three games and will have his hands full this weekend in L.A. against a Rams defense that just forced Seahawks QB Sam Darnold into four picks. Mayfield will be more of a high-end QB2 for fantasy managers if he's active on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller