NFL Daily Dive — Dec. 4, 2025
Injury news is hitting the league from every direction, and the updates are stacking up fast enough to reshape Week 14 before it even starts. Stars on the fence. Workloads shifting. Coaches hinting at roles that could swing fantasy matchups. This is the stretch where every designation matters, so let’s dive in and break down the updates that move the needle.
Want more fantasy football goodness? Check out all our fantasy football content. Hit up our fantasy football rankings and fantasy football projections for everything you need. We also have the best League Sync on the market, the game changing Waiver Wire Tool, the often imitated, but never duplicated WR/CB Matchups Tool. And if you’re into the numbers, don’t miss Aaron Schatz’s legendary content and our StatsHub advanced stats research tool for next-level insights.
Amon-Ra Questionable for Tonight
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 27: Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a low catch while tightly defended by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Ibraheim Campbell (33) and Indianapolis Colts defensive back Andre Chachere (36) during the Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts preseason game on Friday August 27, 2021 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire)
Amon-Ra St. Brown miss all three practices this week and heads into Thursday Night Football with a questionable tag. He’s absolutely the type who can play without practice, but the ankle has clearly limited him. If he’s active, you still start him, but you need to expect a slightly muted version of the Sun God. If he’s out, Jameson Williams becomes the clear top option in Detroit’s passing game.
Herbert Prepping Like He’ll Play Monday
Justin Herbert said he’s preparing as if he’ll go Monday after having his left hand surgically stabilized earlier this week. He’s past the structural concern, but comfort and functionality are the real questions. Even if he suits up, this matchup is rough for the Chargers’ passing game, which keeps Herbert in mid-range QB2 territory and dings everyone around him.
Hampton On Track for Week 14
Jim Harbaugh said Omarion Hampton is on track and looking good, though he stopped short of confirming he’ll play. The tone suggests optimism. If he’s active, he steps right back in as an RB2 against an Eagles front that just got shredded on the ground. If he’s still not ready, Kimani Vidal vaults into RB2 territory for the final week of the fantasy regular season.
Dowdle Sticking as Early Down Lead
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 05: Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) celebrates scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers on October 5, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire)
Dave Canales said Rico Dowdle will remain the early down lead after the Panthers’ bye. Chuba Hubbard still controls the receiving work and scored last week, which limits Dowdle’s upside to volume-dependent RB2 territory. Hubbard keeps deeper league value thanks to his passing role.
Benson Still Not Practicing
Trey Benson was again not seen at practice, and Jonathan Gannon didn’t offer any clarity. Benson seemed close last week before a sudden DNP. That could mean a setback, meaning his Week 14 outlook doesn’t look encouraging. The Cardinals have to activate Benson by Dec. 10 or he’ll revert to season-ending IR.
Evans’ Return Window Opens
The Bucs opened Mike Evans’ 21-day return window and got him medically cleared to ramp up. He practiced in a limited capacity, which isn’t a good sign for a return this week, but once activated he instantly takes over as Tampa’s No. 1 receiver and will slide right back into the WR2 conversation in fantasy. His return will also give Baker Mayfield real life.
Watson Back on the Field… Sort Of
The Browns opened Deshaun Watson’s practice window as he continues rehab from his offseason Achilles re-rupture. Shedeur Sanders is still expected to start the rest of the way, but the move adds another layer to Cleveland’s already bizarre quarterback saga. Watson isn’t a fantasy option this season regardless of activation.
ATLANTA, GA Ð DECEMBER 04: Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin reacts on the sideline during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons on December 4th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
Mike Tomlin said the Steelers plan to reestablish physicality and get back to a big-man brand of football. That usually means more running and fewer risks. Jaylen Warren should benefit the most. Kenneth Gainwell could also see a bump, and Kaleb Johnson may finally have a path to meaningful snaps. But don’t get your hopes up there. Warren remains the safest fantasy play in the group.
Injury Ward
- Kyren Williams (ankle) was limited to open the week. Rams are managing him for the playoff stretch. He’s still an RB2, with Blake Corum creeping into flex territory.
- Davante Adams (hamstring) went DNP, but Sean McVay expects his limited and DNP players to suit up. Adams’ red zone role remains strong.
- Tee Higgins (concussion) was limited Wednesday. He’s still in protocol but trending the right direction.
- Drake London (knee) went DNP. Week 14 doesn’t look promising. With London out, Kyle Pitts Sr. has led the team in targets.
- Jayden Daniels (elbow) was limited and still isn’t cleared for contact. Marcus Mariota starts if Daniels can’t go and would be a mid-range QB2.
- Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited to start the week and is trending toward playing. Jordan Mason will handle the load if he sits.
- J.J. McCarthy (concussion) was a full participant in practice. He’s set to return, but not a fantasy option even in a great matchup.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) did not practice and is trending toward not playing. Michael Wilson becomes a WR2 play if MHJ is out.
- Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder) was limited and has not been activated off IR. He could return soon, but expectations should stay modest in Green Bay’s low-volume passing game.
- MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) was limited in practice and is still ramping up. Even when active, he’ll sit behind Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson.
- Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) went DNP and is likely trending out for Week 14.
- Chris Olave (back) was not seen at practice but is expected to play through the injury. He’s a high-volume WR2 with a massive target share.
- Woody Marks (foot) went DNP. This could be rest or something more. If he’s out, Nick Chubb would start but be a low-end RB3.
- Rome Odunze (foot) went DNP to start the week. This is likely his usual early-week maintenance. Should trend toward playing.
- Kyle Monangai (ankle) went DNP in a walkthrough. It’s hard to read severity after just one practice. If he’s out, D’Andre Swift becomes a strong RB2.
- Parker Washington (hip) was DNP Wednesday. He’s likely out for Week 14.
- Aaron Rodgers (wrist) went DNP, which is the same pattern as last week. Should still start against Baltimore.
- Dylan Sampson (calf) went DNP and is expected to miss at least one game.
A massive wave of injury news just hit right as fantasy managers are fighting for playoff spots, and every one of these updates could swing a matchup. Stay glued to practice reports, stay flexible with your lineups, and keep chasing any edge you can find.
