Fantasy News
JuJu Smith-Schuster | Chiefs WR
JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder) has returned to practice.
This is an unforeseen surprise with Smith-Schuster thought to be done for the season, but he’ll now have a chance to return for Pittsburgh in the playoffs if he’s eventually activated from injured reserve. If nothing else, JuJu being back at practice will give Kansas City something else to think about when they game plan this week, and Smith-Schuster’s presence could be an added morale boost for the underdog Steelers.
Darwin Thompson | Raiders RB
The Buccaneers released Darwin Thompson.
Thompson couldn’t work his way into a role in the Tampa Bay offense, and the team is going in another direction to start the postseason. Thompson shouldn’t have much trouble finding a new squad.
John Brown | Free Agent WR
The Buccaneers signed John Brown to the practice squad.
With Tampa Bay banged up at receiver, this is an intriguing signing for the defending champs. Brown knows Bruce Arians’ offense from their time together with the Cardinals, and the veteran receiver has the experience to step in as a deep threat if called up for the Bucs.
Giovani Bernard | Retired RB
Giovani Bernard (hip) has been designated to return from injured reserve.
Bernard will be back to join a now-crowded backfield alongside Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones II, Le’Veon Bell, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn, but Tampa Bay should lean on a combination of them with Chris Godwin (knee) out and Antonio Brown off the team. Still, we’d expect Fournette will be featured as both a runner and pass-catcher this month.
Leonard Fournette | Free Agent RB
Leonard Fournette (hamstring) has been designated to return from injured reserve.
Fournette was expected back for the playoffs, and that should be the case if he gets through practice healthy over the next three days. “Playoff Lenny” will obviously be a big boost to Tampa Bay’s offense (especially without Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown), and the team should also be getting Giovani Bernard (hip) back.