Fantasy News

Kirk Cousins has tested positive for COVID-19.

Cousins is out on Sunday night, which obviously is a huge blow to Minnesota’s playoff chances ahead of a matchup versus Green Bay. Backup Sean Mannion is already on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so the Vikings could start either third-round pick Kellen Moore or Kyle Sloter this week if he’s not cleared. This news is an obvious downgrade to the entire offense, though perhaps the team going with Mond and his playmaking ability would lead to them finding a way to put up enough points for a game with temperatures forecasted in the single digits.

12/31/21 - 10:53 AM ET

Jared Goff (knee) is doubtful for Week 17.

Goff was thought to be returning following a week on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but Tim Boyle will likely start again in his place. Hopefully Detroit is able to get Goff back for the season finale, as the offense has played much better down the stretch and is set to get D’Andre Swift (shoulder) back for the final two games.

12/31/21 - 10:32 AM ET

The Jaguars activated Laviska Shenault Jr. from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Jacksonville still has a bunch of players on the COVID list ahead of Week 17 against the Patriots, but at least Shenault and several others were cleared today. The second-year receiver is not a highly recommended fantasy option in championship matchups.

12/31/21 - 09:45 AM ET

Mike Williams has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Williams would have missed two games if not for the NFL’s updated COVID protocols, so Los Angeles has him back for a huge game against Denver this weekend. Players returning from the virus have sometimes been less than themselves for their first game back, but Williams will practice to close the week and brings major upside for fantasy lineups. We rank him as a top-20 option in Week 17.

12/30/21 - 04:49 PM ET

Randall Cobb (core) has been designated to return from injured reserve.

It’s a great sign to already have Cobb back with potentially three weeks until the playoffs for Green Bay (if they earn a first-round bye), and he could even have a shot to return as soon as Sunday night. That said, you can probably leave the veteran on the waiver wire in redraft leagues, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling should remain the No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams.

12/30/21 - 01:52 PM ET

Parris Campbell (foot) has returned to practice.

Team owner Jim Irsay just tweeted the news, so we can assume Campbell was designated to return from injured reserve and will have a chance to get back into game action for the playoff-hopeful Colts. If so, the former Ohio State standout would be a definite boost between Michael Pittman Jr. and T.Y. Hilton (along with Zach Pascal and others)—with his speed at least giving opponents another weapon to account for.

12/30/21 - 01:32 PM ET

The Ravens have activated Tyler Huntley from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Huntley could be in line for another start if Lamar Jackson (ankle) is unable to go, and it sounds like that might be the way things are trending based on how the former NFL MVP looked at practice. If so, the second-year quarterback will carry significant upside because of his dual-threat ability, which would make him a borderline QB1 against the Rams.

12/30/21 - 11:17 AM ET