Mon Nov 24 11:34am ET
Field Level Media
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar is being discharged from a hospital Monday, one week after receiving a liver transplant.
"Blessed to be getting discharged today, and appreciative of all the support that's carried me to this point. Just in time for my birthday tmrw!" he posted on X.
Kosar, who turns 62 on Tuesday, spent more than year on the transplant waiting list and endured various delays and medical complications before undergoing the procedure on Nov. 17 at University Hospitals in Cleveland.
Kosar's donor was identified as 21-year-old Browns fan Bryce Dunlap, who died after a medical emergency.
"That's probably the biggest struggle of it right now. We're still doing this with heavy hearts with what happened with Bryce Dunlap and his family," Kosar told ESPN. "I can't tell ya how much my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can't thank you enough. I'm not taking this gift for granted."
Kosar told Cleveland Magazine last year that he had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.
Kosar played 12 seasons in the NFL from 1985-96 after leading the University of Miami to a national championship in 1983.
The Youngstown, Ohio, native began his career with the Browns, leading them to a 12-4 season in 1986 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1987. He took Cleveland to the AFC Championship Game three times, losing to the Denver Broncos in 1986, 1987 and 1989.
Kosar retired with a record of 53-54-1 as a starter, completing 59.3% of his passes for 23,301 yards, 124 touchdowns and 87 interceptions in 126 games with the Browns (1985-93), Dallas Cowboys (1993) and Miami Dolphins (1994-96). He won a ring in Super Bowl XXVIII as a backup for the Cowboys' Troy Aikman.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that running back Jaleel McLaughlin had a number of good runs in the team's big Week 11 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and pointed to him "being important down the stretch," per Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. McLaughlin played only 13% of the offensive snaps before the team's Week 12 bye and had six carries for 19 yards, but he did find the end zone for the first time this year in just his second game played. Rookie RJ Harvey is expected to lead Denver's backfield the rest of the way with J.K. Dobbins (foot) done for the year, but it sounds like McLaughlin is going to have a bigger role to close out 2025. At the very least, McLaughlin could become the Broncos' preferred goal-line back, which would give him streaming appeal in deeper leagues as a touchdown-dependent option. McLaughlin is currently rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has caught 12 of his 15 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games, with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy. In the Week 12 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the 27-year-old caught six of a season-high nine targets for 53 yards and scored for the second week in a row. He also carried the ball twice but lost five yards as a runner. Dortch has come alive the last two weeks with Harrison sidelined, and with Harrison's status unknown for a Week 13 date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dortch is worth a look on the waiver wire this week as WR depth. In deeper leagues, Dortch could continue to be an option as a WR4/flex play, even when Harrison returns, as the Cardinals' offense has become very pass-heavy with Jacoby Brissett under center.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe that quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder in the Sunday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN. Mayfield is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, but he doesn't have a fracture or structural damage. The Buccaneers "are not ruling out" Mayfield being available to play on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. However, Monday's MRI exam will give the team a clearer picture of Mayfield's timetable. The good news is the 30-year-old's injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, although that doesn't mean he won't be forced to miss time. If Mayfield cannot play this weekend, Tampa's offense would take a big hit with backup Teddy Bridgewater running the offense. Fantasy managers should have a better idea of Mayfield's Week 13 status once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will practice all week before the team re-evaluates him on Friday, according to the Pewter Report. Irving hasn't played since Week 4, but he has practiced the last two weeks and is expected to make his return in Week 13 versus the Arizona Cardinals. The 23-year-old has been rehabbing from a subluxated shoulder and a foot sprain. The Tampa offense could use a boost, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) now injured, but Irving could be eased back into a crowded backfield that also includes Sean Tucker and Rachaad White. Before his injury, Irving was the team's clear RB1, recording 165 scrimmage yards in four games. He should be rostered in all fantasy leagues, but he'll be a shaky fantasy play in his first game back in what could become a committee backfield the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson put up another exceptional performance in Sunday's 27-24 OT loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and profiles as one of the week's biggest pickups if teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) remains sidelined for another contest. Wilson has racked up gaudy numbers despite the team dropping their last two games. Over that stretch, the 25-year-old has posted 25 receptions and 303 scoreless yards on a whopping 33 targets. As of now, it's unclear how much longer the team will be without Harrison Jr., although it's possible that even his return may not knock Wilson down that many pegs. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is averaging 43.5 pass attempts per game since becoming the starter. That figure has jumped to 50 over the last three, supporting three solid fantasy options in two of them. Expectations will need to be tempered with the second-year pro coming back from an appendix issue, but Wilson has made a case to remain involved even when that happens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson didn't have a huge day in the team's Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but he led the Packers in receiving in the convincing 23-6 victory. Watson led the team in targets (seven), receptions (five), and receiving yards (49). He didn't make his season debut until Week 8 while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 18 of last year, but he has slowly developed into quarterback Jordan Love's most trusted option through the air. The 26-year-old former second-rounder has seen at least four targets in each of his five games this year, and he has caught at least four passes in three of those contests. Watson had a season-high 85 receiving yards in his debut back on Oct. 26, and he found the end zone twice in last week's win over the Giants. His target share could take a hit whenever Jayden Reed (shoulder, foot) returns from IR, but at the very least, Watson deserves to be rostered as an explosive deep threat. He's still rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25-of-35 passes for 273 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win over Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Stafford now has a ridiculous 30:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season. It's a tribute to both his talent and intelligence that he can pull this off at his age. While Stafford's dynasty value can't go up much more based on the fact any season could be his last, he'll be a QB1 the rest of the way as dynasty managers don't have to worry about the quarterback position.
Dynasty | Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield completed just 9-of-19 passes in a loss to the Rams before going down with a shoulder injury. Dynasty Analysis: Tampa Bay is in the middle of performing tests at the moment and their season likely hinges on the results. Mayfield hasn't been spectacular this year but clearly good enough to keep them in the running in a tough NFC. We'll wait to see exactly how long he may be out but any time missed will result in a drastic downgrade to everyone on this offense.
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike was a solid option in Week 12 amid injuries to the team's wide receiver room, punching in two touchdowns (one on special teams), while tying for the team lead in targets with seven. Tight end Gunnar Helm was the team's top receiver in terms of yardage on the day. However, Dike was impactful anyway, posting the first two-TD game of his career. In fact, the former Florida Gator has notched a special teams touchdown in two of his previous three outings, while acting as a reliable outlet for rookie QB Cameron Ward. With Calvin Ridley (fibula) out at least a few more games, and uncertainty around Elic Ayomanor's (hamstring) timetable for return, Dike has a chance to make a name for himself, particularly against an exploitable Jaguars' pass defense in Week 13. He's shaping up to be a nice high-floor PPR asset, and gets a boost in formats that account for return yards.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) has been on Injured Reserve since Week 2, when he suffered a broken collarbone. Reed is also recovering from surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. However, the Packers opened his 21-day practice window last week, and the 25-year-old former second-rounder is nearing his return. It's unclear if he'll be activated from IR to play in Week 13 on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday against the division-rival Detroit Lions, but fantasy managers need to look into picking Reed up off the waiver wire this week. Reed, who has scored 18 total touchdowns (15 receiving, three rushing) in 35 career games, is only rostered in 36% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. The Packers could ease Reed back into a crowded WR room when he's activated, but for his TD upside alone, he could help WR-needy fantasy managers down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal rushed for 18 yards on seven carries in Sunday's 24-10 home loss to their division-rival Atlanta Falcons. He added 43 yards through the air on 5-of-7 receiving. The rookie took on an elevated workload in Week 12 in the wake of backfield mate Alvin Kamara's (knee) injury. Neal didn't find much room on the ground to run, and it's noteworthy that tight end Taysom Hill saw three more carries than him. However, Hill's efficiency was worse (1.7 YPC), and the former tied two others for second on the team in targets. Kamara's injury has been deemed an MCL sprain, though it's unclear how much time he will miss, if any. While Neal may not be the team's only rushing option in his teammate's absence, New Orleans began working him in on passing downs a few weeks ago, notching at least three receptions in three of his last four outings. If Kamara is inactive next Sunday, the 22-year-old would be in a smash spot against a sieve-like Dolphins' rush defense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell posted another solid fantasy effort in Week 12's loss to the hosting Chicago Bears, making the team's backfield situation less clear than it was a few weeks ago. Gainwell might not have had as much success as a receiver on Sunday as he did in Week 11's win, though he's now logged at least six receptions in back-to-back games and four or more in three of four. The 26-year-old's elevated workload in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati two Sundays ago can be explained away by teammate Jaylen Warren's mid-game injury. However, it's notable that Gainwell retained his passing game role with Warren fully healthy, particularly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sang the praises of the former earlier in the week. As it stands, both Steelers' RBs may boast a bit of value. However, Gainwell currently plays a more valuable part in PPR leagues. It's a backfield worth monitoring ahead of the fantasy playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Sports Illustrated's Alain Poupart reports that Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) is expected to practice this Wednesday as the team gears up for a home meeting with the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller has been out since picking up a pectoral sprain in Week 7, although he's apparently progressing well. For what it's worth, he's within the initial time frame of his return, and if all goes well at practice this week, the veteran might be able to suit up for Sunday's clash. There are still a few hurdles for him to clear before being activated from IR, but the Dolphins could certainly use him, considering the offense moved a bit better while he was out there on the field. Fantasy managers should monitor Waller's practice status over the coming days, as he'd be an intriguing play against a vulnerable Saints' defense if active.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints are hosting kicker tryouts, and free agent Justin Tucker is among the players invited, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Tucker served a 10-game suspension to start the 2025 season for violating the NFL's conduct policy after being the target of multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The 35-year-old is now free to sign with any team, and New Orleans is apparently interested in giving him a look after kicker Blake Grupe missed two field goal attempts in the team's Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 35-year-old Tucker is a five-time All-Pro who made 89.1% of his 468 career field goal attempts over 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2024. However, he had his worst NFL season by far in 2024, making just 22 of 30 field goal attempts and just 11 out of 19 from 40-plus yards out. Even if he gets a second chance in the NFL with New Orleans, Tucker should likely remain off fantasy radars.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai recorded 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown in his team's 31-28 Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. After veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift coughed up a fumble early in the game against Pittsburgh, Monangai worked as the team's feature back for much of the remainder of the contest. There's no question that the 23-year-old is emerging as a key piece in the Bears' offense. Monangai has now scored a rushing touchdown in three straight weeks. For the season overall, he's recorded 461 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 99 carries. While Swift should be expected to remain the passing-downs back in Chicago, Monangai may be establishing himself as the team's preferred early-down and goal-line option. In any fantasy league with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Monangai should be a priority waiver-wire target heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
In his final game before his team's Week 12 bye, Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. recorded 79 rushing yards on a season-high 15 carries against the Miami Dolphins. The Commanders have operated with a committee backfield of Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Jeremy McNichols for most of the 2025 season. However, Rodriguez Jr. has recorded 33 carries and two rushing touchdowns over the team's last three games and could be emerging as the team's lead back on early downs. The 25-year-old has just one reception across nine games played, so his fantasy upside is limited in PPR leagues. However, Rodriguez Jr. is still worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Washington's Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
With star Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase sidelined by suspension in Week 12, Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas recorded four catches for 61 yards on seven targets against the New England Patriots. While Chase will be back in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, Iosivas could spend a second straight game in the WR2 role in Cincinnati. Bengals wideout Tee Higgins (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury late in the game on Sunday against New England. Cincinnati faces a short week before playing Baltimore on Thursday night, which may make it difficult for Higgins to play in Week 13. Iosivas has proven that he can step up and provide solid fantasy production when either of Cincinnati's star wide receivers is out. In PPR leagues with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Iosivas should be a waiver-wire target.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III had one of the best games of his young career in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, hauling in six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in his team's 23-10 loss. Metchie III has now caught touchdown passes in back-to-back weeks and looks to be emerging as one of the top pass-catchers in New York, with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) currently sidelined by a knee injury. In another encouraging development, the Jets' passing game as a whole looked significantly more competent in Week 12 after making the switch at quarterback from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor. Taylor threw for 222 yards against Baltimore in Week 12, while Fields had failed to reach even 125 passing yards in four out of his last five starts. Given the clear opportunity for Metchie III in New York, he could be a player for deep-league fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been on Injured Reserve since Week 4 due to a knee injury. However, Benson was able to practice in a limited capacity heading into Week 12 and could be on track to make his return in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Benson is cleared to play against Tampa Bay, Arizona may not be able to afford to work him in slowly. Running back Emari Demercado (ankle) missed Week 12 due to an ankle injury, and fellow Cardinals back Bam Knight (leg) suffered a lower leg injury late in Week 12 that could put his status for Week 13 in jeopardy as well. Across four games before getting injured, Benson recorded 224 scrimmage yards on 42 touches. Even in shallow leagues or leagues without IR roster slots, Benson should be a waiver-wire target heading into Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was an absolute workhorse in Week 12, recording 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 26 yards in his team's overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Isiah Pacheco (knee) sidelined by a knee injury, the Chiefs have leaned on Hunt as their feature back in recent weeks. Pacheco has a chance to return for Kansas City's Week 13 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. However, even when Pacheco returns, Hunt could maintain his status as the lead back in Kansas City. While Hunt hasn't been particularly efficient this season (3.9 yards per carry), he's been a reliable goal-line presence (seven rushing touchdowns). In any fantasy league where Hunt remains available on the waiver wire, he should be a priority target for fantasy managers heading into Week 13.
From RotoBaller