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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

Ex-No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired, accused of theft

Sat Jun 29 11:55am ET
Field Level Media

JaMarcus Russell, the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has been fired from his volunteer high school assistant coaching job and accused in a lawsuit of stealing donations meant for the school, according to multiple reports.

The firing apparently came several months ago but was just confirmed by school officials in Mobile County, Ala.

"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public Schools said in a statement tod WKRG Sports on Friday.

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback also is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school -- his alma mater -- and keeping the money for himself.

According to reports, local business owner Chris Knowles said Russell approached him to help fund new weight room equipment for the school's football team. Knowles alleged Russell deposited the money into a credit union, immediately withdrawing $55,000 for himself.

Russell, 38, has now been ordered to stay away from the campus.

"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG, after Russell reportedly showed up to a school football team event.

Russell played three seasons at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns before signing a six-year deal with the Raiders worth close to $68 million.

However, Russell flopped in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He appeared in 31 games (25 starts) over three seasons, finishing with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His record was 7-18.

After he was released before the 2010 season, Russell and the Raiders spent the next several years in disputes over the contract, with the Raiders trying to recoup some of their losses. Ultimately the Raiders paid Russell $3 million in a 2013 settlement, making a total of approximately $40 million for Russell's three years of service.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Noah Fant Nov 13 7:40pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was unable to practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday in the first practice of the week coming out of the bye. Fant suffered a groin injury in the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills and did not play in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 26-year-old most likely would have sat out in Week 10 if the team wasn't on bye, and the fact that he's still not practicing is a bad sign for his availability in this Sunday's divisional contest versus the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Fant to suit up in Week 11. With Fant sidelined in Week 9, tight end AJ Barner had a bigger role on offense and finished with four catches on seven targets for 27 yards. Barner will once again see more snaps if Fant is inactive, but fantasy managers should consider him a highly volatile TE2.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 13 7:32pm ET
Tank Bigsby

After injuring his ankle in the Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition, fellow back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was limited. After re-entering the game on Sunday, Bigsby only saw two offensive snaps the rest of the way and could be in danger of sitting out this Sunday versus the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old second year back has been more efficient than backfield mate Travis Etienne Jr. this year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry while putting up 519 rushing yards and four TDs in 10 games. However, his injury is now a concern this week and the fantasy upside of all of Jacksonville's offensive weapons will take a pretty big hit as long as quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is out. Bigsby is currently lining up as a shaky RB3/flex this week for fantasy managers.

D.K. Metcalf Nov 13 7:30pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Updating a previous report, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday after head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier that he expected Metcalf to be limited. The Seahawks are coming off their bye after Metcalf missed the previous two games due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 7. Seattle has been optimistic all along that Metcalf would be able to return following the bye for an important divisional game in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. With Metcalf practicing in full in the first practice of the week, it pretty much ensures he'll return this weekend, barring a setback later in the week. Metcalf has been a must-start fantasy wideout when healthy in 2024, averaging 13.3 half-PPR points per game. His return is bad news for both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 13 7:23pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle, hip) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Mahomes is coming off a good Week 10 performance but has thrown for at least two touchdowns in only two of his last six games. He should be a starting option in all two-quarterback leagues and could be a possible low-end No. 1 QB in deeper standard leagues.

From TheHuddle

Kareem Hunt Nov 13 7:23pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt (knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Hunt was held to a season-low 35 rushing yards last week but had 65 receiving yards during the game. He will continue to receive most of the carries in the running game for now and can be a starting option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

DeAndre Hopkins Nov 13 7:23pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Hopkins is averaging just under five receptions per game since joining the Chiefs and has posted at least 50 yards in each of the last two games. He will see a good amount of targets this week and should be a starting option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jalen Hurts Nov 13 7:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles activated left tackle Jordan Mailata (hamstring) from Injured Reserve on Wednesday in advance of their Thursday night divisional clash against the Washington Commanders. Mailata practiced in full from Monday to Wednesday and was removed from the final Week 11 injury report, so he will in fact make his return to the field on Thursday evening as the blind-side protector for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The 27-year-old offensive lineman missed the minimum four games while on IR for a hamstring injury that he suffered in the win over the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 13. It's a positive development for an Eagles offense that appears to be finally putting it all together at the right time with a big divisional matchup upcoming.

From RotoBaller

Montez Sweat Nov 13 7:20pm ET
Montez Sweat

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat (ankle) and defensive backs Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and Tarvarius Moore (concussion) all missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Sweat has been disappointing for the Bears in his first full season with the team, providing 3.5 sacks and 16 tackles (10 solo) in his eight games played in 2024 after recording a career-high 12.5 sacks in 17 games with Chicago and the Washington Commanders a year ago. The 28-year-old is in danger of missing Week 11 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers unless he returns to practice on Thursday or Friday. Brisker is considered week-to-week and has already been ruled out for this weekend. The 25-year-old safety last played on Oct. 6 in the win over the Carolina Panthers and will now try to clear the concussion protocol in order to play in Week 12 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Nov 13 7:13pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster has not been available for several weeks because of the injury but seems to have a chance to return to the lineup this week. He will see a handful of targets if he plays and could be a possible flex option in leagues.

From TheHuddle

Arden Key Nov 13 7:03pm ET
Arden Key

Tennessee Titans LB Arden Key (back), CB Roger McCreary (knee), DT Jeffery Simmons (non-injury), CB L'Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) and OT Leroy Watson (back) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. CB Justin Hardee (groin) was limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Josh Reynolds Nov 13 7:03pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (hand) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Reynolds is still on the Reserve/Injured list but has a chance to be active for Week 11 if he does not have any setbacks. He should see a handful of targets when he returns to the lineup, but fantasy players may want to see him play in a game before considering him for their lineups.

From TheHuddle

Hunter Henry Nov 13 7:00pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Henry has been a productive tight end in 2024, especially with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Until Week 10, Henry had scored at least 9.5 fantasy points in four straight games. Maye looks to Henry as a safety valve, and Henry is delivering for both the Patriots and fantasy managers. While Henry has only scored one touchdown in 2024, he is on pace for a career-high 728 receiving yards. That is impressive considering how lackluster the Patriots' passing offense is. Still, Maye has proven himself capable of delivering the ball to his top options. Henry's appearance on the injury report this week is notable. However, considering he played 89% of the snaps in Week 10, this is likely a maintenance/rest day for the ninth-year pro. As long as Henry keeps up his activity in practice this week, he should be good to go on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Nov 13 7:00pm ET
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Edwards missed four games with the injury before returning in Week 10 so his presence on the injury report this early in the week is no surprise. Edwards was solid in his return in Week 10. He rushed 10 times for 55 yards. He only played 25% of the snaps so the Chargers were intentional with his playing time. Edwards has racked up 168 yards rushing on 3.5 yards per carry in five games this season. He was superseded by running back J.K. Dobbins before his injury earlier in the year. Additionally, Dobbins received eight more opportunities than Edwards in Week 11. As such, Edwards has been relegated to a status as a high-quality insurance running back. If anything were to happen to Dobbins, then Edwards would likely see a huge boost in volume. Unfortunately for Edwards, he will not see a significant enough role as long as Dobbins is healthy. Edwards appears on track to play on Sunday, but he should either be at the end of your bench or on waivers.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Nov 13 6:50pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) did not practice on Wednesday. Williams has not played since Week 8 and his status for Week 11 is not off to an auspicious start. Williams has been a nonfactor for fantasy football all season. With starting running back Alvin Kamara seeing high volume, Williams has not received much work in 2024. Williams has 124 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. His 3.88 average yards per carry is also very poor. Williams' days as a fantasy-relevant player with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are long behind us.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Nov 13 6:33pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints OG Lucas Patrick (ankle), LB Pete Werner (hand) and RB Jamaal Williams (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. S J.T. Gray (hip), S Jordan Howden (shoulder), C Erik McCoy (groin) and CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring) were limited during practice. LB Nephi Sewell (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Mike Hughes Nov 13 6:23pm ET
Mike Hughes

Atlanta Falcons CB Dee Alford (hamstring), CB Antonio Hamilton (pectoral), DE James Smith-Williams (leg), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and DT Ta'Quon Graham (pectoral) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. LB Lorenzo Carter (concussion), CB Mike Hughes (neck), LB JD Bertrand (concussion), LB Troy Andersen (knee), OG Chris Lindstrom (knee), OG Ryan Neuzil (calf) and DT Zach Harrison (Achilles) were limited during practice. C Drew Dalman (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Falcons did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Cedrick Wilson Nov 13 6:23pm ET
Cedrick Wilson

New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson (shoulder) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Fantasy Spin: Wilson has not been available for a few weeks but could return to the lineup this week. He should receive a good role in the passing game since the team is without several of their receivers and could be a possible flex option in some deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Josh Allen Nov 13 6:20pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through. Allen is battling a left hand injury that is clearly not bothering him very much given his full participation in practice. Allen's injury is also to his non-throwing hand so there is not much cause for concern here. Allen is enjoying another excellent season in 2024. He currently sits as the QB5 in fantasy football through Week 10. Most importantly, Allen only has six turnovers this season after giving the ball away 22 times in 2023. He will face a tall task in Week 11 when the annual Bills vs. Chiefs game is played. This game will be played in Buffalo, and while the Chiefs have an excellent defense, Allen should still be a QB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Nov 13 6:13pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins (elbow, shoulder) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Falcons did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Cousins appears to have a decent chance to play in Week 11, but fantasy players will know more later in the week. He threw for 306 yards last week but was held without a touchdown for only the second time this season. He is facing a good Denver Broncos defense and is probably only an option in two-quarterback leagues.

From TheHuddle

Sam Darnold Nov 13 6:10pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. Darnold picked up the injury after throwing an interception during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that Darnold was estimated as a limited participant and not a DNP suggests that the hand injury should not be too serious. Darnold has experienced a resurgent season as the Vikings' quarterback in 2024. He has thrown for 2,141 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games. However, Darnold has faltered in recent weeks as opposing teams appear to be figuring him out. He has thrown six interceptions since the Vikings' Week 6 bye. He has only thrown six touchdowns in that same timeframe. Still, Darnold is the Vikings' best option so hopefully his injury does not affect him or the Vikings' skill position players too much.

From RotoBaller