| | Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has ruled linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (shoulder) out for the Week 16 meeting with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday due to a stinger that he suffered in Sunday's overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. The Cowboys have already clinched a postseason berth, so they could play it safe with some of their injured players down the stretch. The good news for Vander Esch is his injury isn't related to a neck issue that almost forced him into early retirement several years ago. It's not considered a long-term injury, so the 26-year-old could be back on the field for Dallas' D before the playoffs even begin. With the Cowboys playing on a short week next Thursday night, though, there's a good chance LVE won't be available for that game, either. |
| | Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder) suffered an injury late in their victory over the Bears on Sunday. After the game, reports emerged that the 24-year-old could miss the next two or three weeks. While it seems unlikely he'll play on Saturday against the Cowboys, head coach Nick Sirianni was not prepared to rule him out. On Tuesday, he described their young superstar as "attacking his rehab," stating, "we'll see what happens this week," but did confirm it's "not something we deem long term." The Eagles only need to win one of their final three games to clinch the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, so there is no reason for them to rush him back this week. Gardner Minshew will serve as the team's starter if Hurts is out, which would be a downgrade for the offense and their playmakers. |
| | Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (shoulder) has been activated from Injured Reserve and to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, according to the team. Goedert will play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday for the first time since he injured his shoulder in Week 10. The 27-year-old was close to play in Week 15 against the Chicago Bears, but the Eagles played it safe and held him out one more game. Before his injury, he was a must-start TE1 in Philly's high-scoring offense. Goedert should once again be attractive as a starting option for fantasy managers at the thinnest position, but he could face snap limitations this weekend and could also be without quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder), which will make him a more volatile fantasy option. |
| | Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder) does have a chance to play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, so head coach Nick Sirianni said on Tuesday that he will get both Hurts and backup Gardner Minshew ready this week. "There's a chance he could play this week. He's one of the toughest guys I know. His body is not like yours or mine. He heals fast. I will not rule him out. I will not put a timetable on him. We'll see what happens," Sirianni said. The 24-year-old Hurts is dealing with a right shoulder sprain, so there's still a pretty good chance it will be Minshew under center in a big divisional clash this weekend. Fantasy managers need to prepare a backup plan at QB in case Hurts is inactive. We'll have a better idea of his status on Thursday. |
| | Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (shoulder) was listed as a DNP on Tuesday's estimated practice report. Backup Gardner Minshew was also a DNP due to a personal issue. Hurts sprained his right shoulder in the Week 15 win over the Chicago Bears and is up in the air to face the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday in Week 16. The Eagles are saying he has a chance to play, but the MVP candidate is very iffy for fantasy managers this week and possibly in Week 17 as well. We'll have a better idea of his Week 16 status after two more practice days, but fantasy managers need to have an alternate plan at QB this week. If Hurts is unable to play against Dallas, Minshew would get the start and be in play in two-QB superflex leagues. |