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Chargers LB Denzel Perryman loses appeal of 2-game suspension

Tue Dec 23 11:49pm ET
Field Level Media

Linebacker Denzel Perryman will miss the Los Angeles Chargers' last two regular-season games after his appeal of a league-issued suspension was denied on Tuesday.

The punishment resulted from "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," according to the NFL.

Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, a former NFL wide receiver, turned down Perryman's appeal. Nelson was jointly appointed by the league and the players association.

Among the plays the NFL cited in handing down the suspension was a hit to the helmet of Ryan Flournoy after the Cowboys receiver was down following a catch on Sunday. The play drew a 15-yard penalty in a game Los Angeles won 34-17.

Perryman, 33, had 47 tackles, four for loss, and three passes defensed in 10 games this season. He began his second stint with the club in 2024, having played for the Chargers from 2015-20. In between, he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection for the Raiders in 2021, then played for Las Vegas again in 2022 before spending 2023 with the Houston Texans.

He was suspended two games in 2023 and has received multiple fines related to impermissible use of the helmet.

In 129 career games (109 starts), Perryman has 764 tackles, 57 for loss, along with 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

The Chargers (11-4) have clinched a playoff berth, but they are one game behind the Denver Broncos (12-3) in the AFC West. Los Angeles plays host to the Houston Texans (10-5) on Saturday before concluding the regular season at Denver the following weekend.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 17

Player Notes
Josh Jacobs Dec 23 11:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

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.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Dec 23 11:30pm CT
Pat Bryant

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.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 23 11:00pm CT
Lamar Jackson

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.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 23 11:00pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

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.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Dec 23 10:50pm CT
Justin Fields

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.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Mitchell Dec 23 10:40pm CT
Elijah Mitchell

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.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Dec 23 9:03pm CT
Royce Freeman

Free agent RB Jaret Patterson was signed to the active roster with the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Free agent RB Royce Freeman was also signed to the practice squad.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Mason Dec 23 9:00pm CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Mason suffered an ankle injury during last week's win over the New York Giants. Mason has been a non-participant during the first two practices of the week. He's considered a long shot to suit up for Week 17 as a result. The absence of Mason would mean that Aaron Jones Sr. should see more work as the lead back in Minnesota. His fantasy value will certainly be on the rise, while Zavier Scott should see more chances as the backup as well. Fantasy managers should check back for more updates, but they should be prepared for Mason to miss this divisional clash on a short week.

From RotoBaller

Philip Rivers Dec 23 9:00pm CT
Philip Rivers

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 17 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Tuesday that Rivers would make his third straight start this weekend. The 44-year-old has earned himself another start after a promising outing during Monday's blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rivers has performed fairly well against two tough teams and will get at least one more start with the Colts technically still in playoff contention. The veteran signal-caller will be on the lower end of the streaming radar for this Sunday's game against the streaking Jags. In Monday night's loss to San Fran, Rivers went 23-for-35 passing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Dec 23 9:00pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice. Mariota has missed two straight practices after he was forced to exit early during Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to injury. Mariota is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If he sits out, Josh Johnson figures to make his first start of the season. The Commanders have also signed Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad to add depth at the position. The fantasy value of the Commanders' pass-catchers would be downgraded if Johnson is forced to start in Week 17. As of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be planning on having Mariota available on a short turnaround in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Dec 23 8:53pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz (knee) was a limited participant in practice Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Schultz has two more days before the Texans play the Chargers so fantasy managers who intend on playing him should stay informed on his progress. He's part of that Tier 2 tight end contingent.

From TheHuddle

George Kittle Dec 23 8:50pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) was forced to make an early exit from Monday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The good news is that Kittle appears to have avoided any serious issues. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Kittle suffered a mid-to-low ankle sprain during Monday's blowout victory at Indy. His status for the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears is up in the air right now. The 49ers will monitor Kittle during practice throughout the week before making a final decision. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week for more updates on his status. Jake Tonges would be in line for increased playing time if Kittle is forced to miss any action, and he'd be in play as a TE2 streamer in deeper leagues if Kittle is unable to face Chicago on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Dec 23 8:50pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) didn't participate during Tuesday's walkthrough. Allen is dealing with a foot issue that he suffered during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. It seems like the issue is still bothering him a few days afterwards, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, as the expectation is that Allen will still be able to suit up for the Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week in case the superstar QB faces any type of setback. The absence of Allen would certainly be devastating to many fantasy managers playing in their championship games this weekend, given his elite weekly ceiling. If Allen were to miss Sunday's game, veteran Mitch Trubisky would take over QB1 duties in Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 23 8:50pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will miss the remainder of the regular season after the league upheld his two-game suspension. Metcalf was suspended after a confrontation with a fan during Sunday's win against the Detroit Lions. The 28-year-old appealed his suspension but was unsuccessful as the league upheld the decision on Tuesday. The Steelers will now be without their top wideout for the final two games of the regular season. Adam Thielen and Calvin Austin III (hamstring) should see larger roles in the receiving game. Also, running back Kenneth Gainwell could take on an even larger role as he has tallied five or more receptions over each of his last three games. If Austin can move past his hamstring injury, he could hold WR3 upside in deeper leagues in a tilt against the Browns, as he should take on the WR1 role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Dec 23 8:13pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery (illness) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Fantasy Spin: The Lions play Minnesota on Thursday so Montgomery has a few days to feel better. At this point, his situation isn't a major concern.

From TheHuddle

Denzel Perryman Dec 23 8:03pm CT
Denzel Perryman

Los Angeles Chargers LB Denzel Perryman had his two-game suspension appeal upheld by the NFL on Tuesday, Dec. 23. He was suspended for 'repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.'

From TheHuddle

Lamar Jackson Dec 23 7:23pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson suffered a back contusion in the Week 16 loss to New England. The Ravens still have three days to keep tabs on their star quarterback, who has had a disappointing season. He would be an iffy play if deemed healthy enough to play Saturday against the Green Bay Packers.

From TheHuddle

Lamar Jackson Dec 23 7:13pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 23. CB Chidobe Awuzie (foot), RB Keaton Mitchell (calf) and OL Andrew Vorhees (foot) were limited participants. S Kyle Hamilton (ankle) and LB Jay Higgins (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Keenan Allen Dec 23 7:03pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen (rest), OG Mekhi Becton (knee), WR Derius Davis (ankle), OLB Khalil Mack (rest), S R.J. Mickens (shoulder), OG Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), DT Teair Tart (groin) and RB Kimani Vidal (neck) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 23. OLB Bud Dupree (back) was a limited participant. QB Justin Herbert (left hand) and OT Trey Pipkins (ankle) were full participants.

From TheHuddle

Denico Autry Dec 23 6:53pm CT
Denico Autry

Houston Texans DE Denico Autry (knee), OT Trent Brown (ankle, knee), OT Aireontae Ersery (thumb), LB Jake Hansen (chest), DE Dylan Horton (hip), CB Kamari Lassiter (foot), DT Sheldon Rankins (knee), CB Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 23. LB Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle, knee), CB Ajani Carter (hamstring), TE Dalton Schultz (knee) were limited participants. LS Austin Brinkman (knee), LB Jamal Hill (wrist), RB Woody Marks (ankle) and WR Justin Watson (calf) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle