NFL Player News
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Jalen Coker WR | CAR
Panthers' Jalen Coker: On track to play Week 16
Coker (quadricep) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Coker missed three straight games with a quad injury before returning to action in last week's loss to the Cowboys. The undrafted rookie then popped back up on Thursday's injury report with a quad issue, ending the week as a limited participant in two straight practices. Though the quad may still be nagging him a bit, Coker looks like he'll still be able to suit up and play consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 9 and 10. With Xavier Legette (hip) having already been ruled out, Coker and Moore (concussion) -- who is also listed as questionable but expected to play -- should fill top-three roles at receiver alongside veteran Adam Thielen.
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Zach Ertz TE | WAS
Commanders' Zach Ertz: Likely to be cleared for Sunday
Ertz (concussion/shoulder) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday versus the Eagles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Ertz sustained a concussion during the Commanders' Week 15 win over the Saints, and he was a limited participant while taking no contact for all three of the Commanders' practices this week. Despite the lack of full activity this week, Ertz is still expected to gain clearance from an independent neurologist and clear the five-step protocol. Ertz won't be formally cleared until Washington releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but assuming he's good to go, he should handle his usual duties as the Commanders' top tight end.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. RB | NYG
Giants' Tyrone Tracy: Expected to go Sunday
Tracy (ankle) remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons but is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Tracy logged three limited practice sessions Wednesday through Friday before carrying a designation into the weekend. Despite the lack of full activity this week, Tracy looks like he'll be formally cleared to play when the Giants release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Tracy has compiled 151 carries and 30 catches for 915 total yards this season, and he's been the Giants' clear lead back since Week 5. If Tracy is active but still limited in some capacity, then Devin Singletary could see increased usage out of New York's backfield.
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Tony Pollard RB | TEN
Titans' Tony Pollard: Looks in line to play Week 16
Pollard (ankle) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Colts, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Pollard has played in every game for the Titans this season despite dealing with lingering foot and/or ankle injuries for over a month. The 27-year-old has been in and out of practice for much of this time period, and he did not practice Wednesday or Thursday before logging a limited session Friday. Pollard is still listed as questionable, so his status won't be confirmed until Tennessee releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Given his limited involvement in practice this week, Pollard -- even if he's active -- could cede a higher volume of snaps and touches to backup Tyjae Spears in Week 16.
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Tyreek Hill WR | MIA
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill: Likely to play Sunday
Hill (wrist) is listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday versus the 49ers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Hill is dealing with a lingering wrist injury that kept him sidelined during practice Wednesday. He logged a full session Thursday before downgrading to limited activity Friday, resulting in him taking a designation into the weekend. Though all signs point to Hill suiting up Sunday as Miami looks to keep its playoff hopes alive, the wideout won't be formally cleared until the Dolphins release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. With Jaylen Waddle (knee) considered doubtful to play, it's likely that Hill, Malik Washington and River Cracraft will line up as Miami's starting wideouts while tight end Jonnu Smith continues to factor heavily into the passing game.
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Pat Freiermuth TE | PIT
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth: Quiet in loss to Baltimore
Freiermuth recorded three receptions on three targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens.
Freiermuth had either topped 50 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in four straight games, though his momentum was halted in Saturday's loss. His longest gain went for just seven yards, and two of his catches came with Pittsburgh down multiple scores in the fourth quarter. Freiermuth should be more involved in Week 17 against the Chiefs, though his ability to rack up stats remains inconsistent.
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Calvin Austin III WR | PIT
Steelers' Calvin Austin: Leading receiver again
Austin recorded four receptions on five targets for 65 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens.
Austin led the Steelers in receiving yards and tied for the team lead in targets due to George Pickens (hamstring) still being sidelined. The former had only six yards at halftime, though he came alive on Pittsburgh's second possession of the second half with two catches totaling 60 yards -- highlighted by an impressive toe-tapping catch that went for 44 yards. Austin has topped 60 receiving yards in consecutive games and half of his last six contests.
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Najee Harris RB | PIT
Steelers' Najee Harris: Role decreases against Ravens
Harris rushed the ball nine times for 42 yards in Sunday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens. He did not record a catch on one target.
Harris took a surprising secondary role to Jaylen Warren in the contest, as he had nine touches compared to Warren's 17. It's unclear whether that was due to his recent ineffectiveness -- he's averaged only 3.2 yards per carry since Week 10 -- or because of a miscue in Pittsburgh's Week 15 loss to the Eagles. Regardless of the explanation, Harris has 16 total touches in his last two games, making it difficult to trust his role in a Week 17 showdown with the Chiefs.
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Jaylen Warren RB | PIT
Steelers' Jaylen Warren: Works as lead back in Week 16
Warren rushed the ball 12 times for 48 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens. He added five receptions on five targets for 44 yards.
Warren has had inconsistent usage throughout the season, almost always working behind Najee Harris and even behind Cordarrelle Patterson on occasion. However, Warren led the backfield in Saturday's loss, totaling 17 touches compared to nine for Harris. He was particularly effective as a pass catcher, tallying long gains of 13 and 12 yards. It's unclear whether this usage will carry forward, though Harris has struggled with inefficiency for the last several weeks.
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Russell Wilson QB | PIT
Steelers' Russell Wilson: Key mistakes in loss to Ravens
Wilson completed 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens. He added three rushes for 27 yards while also losing a fumble.
Wilson's stat line was mediocre, perhaps forgivable considering he remained without George Pickens (hamstring). He was able to get rid of the ball quickly on several occasions, allowing Jaylen Warren and others to pick up yards after the catch while also connecting on deep shots of 44 and 21 yards to Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson, respectively. However, two key mistakes overshadowed the positives, the first of which was when he lost a fumble deep in Baltimore territory after a 19-yard scramble early in the second quarter. Wilson then threw a pick-six early in the final quarter in what turned out to be the decisive sequence of the game. Wilson has now failed to throw for at least 225 yards in his last three matchups -- all of which have come without Pickens.