Raiders QB Kenny Pickett could start with Geno Smith hurting

Thu Dec 11 4:34pm ET
Field Level Media

Kenny Pickett inched closer to starting Sunday's game for the Raiders on Thursday, the second day in a row without Geno Smith on the practice field.

Smith is nursing a right shoulder injury and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, ceding first-team snaps in practice to Pickett, who replaced Smith after he was hurt in a 24-17 home loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday.

Smith was injured during the third quarter. Pickett entered the game in the fourth quarter and threw a TD pass, going 8 of 11 for 97 yards.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll described Smith's injury as a "jammed" throwing shoulder. Imaging of the shoulder showed no structural damage, Carroll said.

The Raiders (2-11) acquired Pickett, 27, from the Browns after training camp was completed in August. Cleveland acquired Pickett from the Eagles, where he was the backup to Jalen Hurts for the Super Bowl champions last season. But the Browns didn't have a need at the position after drafting two quarterbacks in a span of 50 picks -- Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, Dillon Gabriel in the third -- and signing Joe Flacco in free agency.

With the Raiders, Pickett is 10 of 14 for 105 yards and one touchdown in three games as a reserve this season.

"He came in with some good energy. He was able to put some points on the board -- just execution," Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty said of Pickett. "He practices well. Whether he goes or not (Sunday), I know he'll work hard and be ready."

Pickett has completed 481 of 769 passes (62.5%) for 4,870 yards, 16 TDs and 14 picks in 33 games (25 starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23), Eagles (2024) and Raiders. He is 15-10 as a starter.

The Steelers selected him 20th overall in the 2022 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.

The Raiders have lost seven straight games heading into Sunday against the Eagles (8-5).

Smith, 35, has passed for 2,648 yards and 16 touchdowns and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 interceptions. He is in his first season with the Raiders after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection (2022, 2023) and 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Smith has thrown for 21,791 yards, 121 touchdowns and 86 interceptions in 12 seasons for the New York Jets (2013-16), New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018), Seahawks (2020-24) and Raiders.

The Jets selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Riley Leonard Dec 11 3:50pm CT
Riley Leonard

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday. Leonard is reportedly batting a low-grade PCL sprain in his knee, but his ability to fully participate in practice could mean he's trending towards being active for Indianapolis' Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. With Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) done for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon, the team made waves by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement earlier this week. It's unclear at this point whether the team is planning to start Rivers or Leonard in Week 15, regardless of Leonard's health status. Either way, fantasy managers would likely be wise to avoid whoever is playing quarterback for the Colts in a tough matchup against Seattle.

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Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 11 3:40pm CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was able to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday after being held out on Wednesday due to a groin injury. While Rodriguez Jr.'s status for the team's Week 15 matchup against the New York Giants is still in question, his ability to practice on Thursday is obviously a positive sign. Across 11 games this season, the 25-year-old has recorded 81 carries for 372 yards and four touchdowns. Rodriguez Jr. appears to be emerging as the lead back in Washington, as he's earned double-digit carries in four out of his last five outings. If he's sidelined against the Giants, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols would likely handle the majority of the team's backfield snaps. If active, Rodriguez Jr. profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 11 3:30pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday. Odunze is battling a stress fracture in his left foot that sidelined him for Chicago's Week 14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. While Odunze's status for his team's Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns is up in the air, his ability to get on the practice field in a limited capacity could indicate he will try to give it a go. Across 12 games this season, the 23-year-old has recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. Odunze's production has tailed off a bit in the second half of the year, as he's recorded more than three catches in just one game since Week 8. Still, he profiles as a borderline WR2/WR3 if active against Cleveland. If Odunze remains sidelined, Bears wideouts Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheaus would both be in line for more work.

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Alvin Kamara Dec 11 3:20pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the team's open portion of practice on Thursday, according to Ross Jackson of Locked On Saints. The 30-year-old has missed each of New Orleans' last two games due to knee and ankle injuries, and could be trending towards a third straight absence in Week 15 when the Saints take on the Carolina Panthers. Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (abdomen) has taken over as the team's lead back with Kamara sidelined, but Neal began the week as a limited practice participant. If both Kamara and Neal were to miss time, New Orleans could be forced to turn to Audric Estime and Evan Hull in the backfield. The 3-10 Saints have little reason to rush Kamara back from injury, so he may be on track to miss more time.

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Josh Palmer Dec 11 3:10pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is listed as a limited practice participant with an ankle injury for the second straight day on Thursday. Palmer has missed two consecutive games due to the ailment, and his status appears to be in question for Buffalo's critical Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots. Across eight games played in 2025, the 26-year-old has recorded 18 receptions for 272 yards on 29 targets. While Palmer does not profile as a fantasy-relevant wideout even if active, his status could affect the target share and playing time for Bills wide receivers Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Tyrell Shavers. Unless he can practice in full on Friday, Palmer appears likely to head into the weekend with a questionable designation.

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Mike Evans Dec 11 2:50pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone), who is questionable to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, is expected to be active, sources tell Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. However, Evans isn't expected to play every snap in his first game back since breaking his collarbone back in Week 7. With the future Hall of Famer likely to be on a pitch count in Week 15, it makes him extremely hard to trust in starting fantasy football lineups, especially for those who are in playoff matchups. The 32-year-old six-time Pro Bowler has been limited to only four games in 2025 and has 14 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown for the Bucs. The former first-rounder could absolutely be a difference-maker later in the fantasy football playoffs once he's back up to speed, but he'll be a major dice roll on Thursday Night Football.

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D.K. Metcalf Dec 11 2:40pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (stomach), who went to a Baltimore hospital as a precaution after Sunday's win over the Ravens due to stomach pain, returned to practice on Thursday, according to Mike DeFabo. Head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that he expects Metcalf to be available for the team's Week 15 contest on Monday night versus the visiting Miami Dolphins. The 27-year-old went off for Pittsburgh on Sunday, setting season-highs in catches (seven), targets (12), and receiving yards (148) in the 27-22 victory. It was the first time that Metcalf hit the 100-yard mark since Sept. 28, and only the second time all year in his first season in Pittsburgh. His fantasy managers will be hoping that he can keep it going into the fantasy playoffs in a plus matchup against Miami in primetime. Metcalf should be treated as a low-end WR2 in fantasy in Week 15.

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Josh Jacobs Dec 11 2:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee), who missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday, said his knee stiffened up during the second half of Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Jacobs had another scan on his knee on Monday, and everything is structurally intact. Despite not having practiced yet this week, he's calling himself day-to-day ahead of Sunday's clash in Denver against the Broncos. The 27-year-old initially injured his knee in the Week 11 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium, forcing him to miss Week 12. He has handled 37 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown while catching three passes for 14 yards in the last two games in his usual lead-back role. Jacobs is trending toward being questionable for Week 15, but fantasy managers would feel a lot better if he can practice on Friday. Emanuel Wilson might be worth a speculative waiver-wire pickup in case Jacobs cannot go this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ben Sinnott Dec 11 2:20pm CT
Ben Sinnott

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott is excited to "do what I know I can do" in the final four games of the 2025 season with an expanded role now that Zach Ertz (knee) is out following a torn ACL that he suffered in the Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, according to Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Sinnott was the second TE off the board in the 2024 NFL draft when Washington took him 53rd overall. He was praised for his route-running but also for his potential as a blocker. More than a third of Sinnott's snaps in the NFL have come on special teams, and he's caught all nine of his targets for 69 yards and two touchdowns in 29 games. The 23-year-old's speed makes him intriguing, and the Commanders have a good matchup this Sunday against a poor New York Giants defense. However, with Sinnott likely sharing playing time with John Bates, he's still not worth a roster spot in 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 11 2:10pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was very contemplative about his future during a press conference on Wednesday, leading to many raised eyebrows around the league. "If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this. I have been through a lot. If it's not fun, then what am I doing it for? That is the mindset I am trying to bring to the table," Burrow said. The star QB also added that he has "a lot of things going on" right now, both personal and football-related. We don't know exactly what Burrow is thinking, but he could be losing trust in the Bengals' front office or wondering how long he wants to continue to play football if he keeps getting beaten up. The 29-year-old suffered the third serious injury of his career in Week 2 -- a turf-toe injury that required surgery. ESPN's Adam Schefter points out that Burrow has been sacked a whopping 203 times in 73 career games. It's something to keep an eye on going forward, but for fantasy football purposes, Burrow will continue to be a strong QB1 option as long as he's in Cincy.

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Maxx Crosby Dec 11 2:00pm CT
Maxx Crosby

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reports that it's sounding like Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (foot) will need another week before he can return. The Eagles aren't in a rush to bring him back in Week 15 with a date against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. Philly has lost three straight games with Johnson out, and they've gone 14-27 when the future Hall of Famer has not played in his career. The 35-year-old missed Wednesday's practice as he continues to deal with a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot. If Johnson misses another game this weekend, Fred Johnson is expected to make another start at right tackle. While we'd still be surprised if the Eagles don't end their losing streak against the hapless Raiders, it's worth noting and could give the Eagles' offensive line problems defending All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby.

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CeeDee Lamb Dec 11 1:50pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) was on the practice field on Thursday for a second straight day as he works his way back from a concussion that he suffered in last Thursday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Barring a setback, it looks like Lamb will be able to play on Sunday night versus the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old was limited in Wednesday's practice and still needs to gain clearance from an independent neurologist, but that should come later this week. Lamb has been outproduced by George Pickens this year, but he had a season-high 121 receiving yards on six receptions last week before suffering a concussion in the second half, showing that he still has plenty of big-play upside when he actually catches the ball. If Lamb is cleared for Week 15, he needs to be in all fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 11 1:40pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) was back on the field for practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. Higgins slammed his head down hard on the turf towards the end of the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and was put in the concussion protocol for the second time in the last couple of weeks. The 26-year-old pass-catcher also suffered a concussion in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots and was forced to miss the Thanksgiving night win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. He is trending in the right direction, but Higgins still has boxes to check and must be cleared by an independent neurologist later this week to play on Sunday against the division-rival Ravens. Higgins, who has 667 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on the year, is a must-start in fantasy if he's active. If he's ruled out, Andrei Iosivas will be a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex option in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 11 1:10pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is back at the team's practice on Thursday, as expected, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson missed a few games early this year with a hamstring injury, and he's been listed on the injury report for several weeks with various lower-body injuries. The 28-year-old has played through an ankle issue of late and should do so again this weekend in another crucial divisional matchup against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old two-time MVP hasn't looked quite like himself in 2025, and he probably hasn't been 100% healthy. The good news is that Jackson had seven carries for 43 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the Steelers. Although Jackson didn't throw a touchdown pass two weeks ago in the loss to Cincy, he did throw for 246 yards. Fantasy managers need to stick with him in Week 15 as a midrange QB1 in a good matchup.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 11 1:00pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is missing another day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Harrison will need to return to practice on Friday to avoid missing a second straight game with a heel injury that he suffered in Week 13. Before that, the 23-year-old missed two games following an appendectomy. He's very much in danger of missing a fourth game in the last five weeks. It's been that kind of disappointing year for the former first-rounder. Harrison has a 40-594-4 line on 69 targets in his second year in the NFL. If Harrison misses another contest, receiver Michael Wilson will be a must-start as a target hog, while tight end Trey McBride will also continue to have a crazy-high floor in fantasy. In the three games that Harrison has missed, Wilson has a ridiculous 36 receptions on 49 targets for 445 yards and two touchdowns.

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Cedric Tillman Dec 11 12:50pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion, ribs) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Tillman is in the league's concussion protocol and is also dealing with a rib injury, making it unlikely that he'll be able to play this weekend on the road in Chicago against the Bears. The 25-year-old sustained both injuries in the Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, when he caught just one of three targets for 23 yards. Tillman hasn't made much noise in 2025 and has dealt with injuries that have limited him to nine games. The former third-rounder hasn't had more than three catches in a game since Week 1, and he hasn't had more than one reception since Nov. 16. Overall, he has an 18-197-2 line and is not worth rostering right now in 12-team fantasy leagues. Rookie Isaiah Bond could see more looks deep down the field in Chicago if Tillman is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 11 12:40pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday due to a knee injury, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Njoku was also on last week's injury report with a knee injury, but he was active in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 29-year-old aggravated his knee injury on a touchdown grab versus the Titans, and now he's on the wrong side of questionable to play in Week 15 against the hosting Chicago Bears. He will need to return to practice on Friday to have a chance of playing this weekend. Njoku has taken a back seat to impressive rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. this year, making him a weekly TE2 streaming option in fantasy. He has caught 33 passes on 48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns through 14 weeks. Fannin will be an even more attractive TE1 if Njoku is ruled out against Chicago.

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Dylan Sampson Dec 11 12:40pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) is missing from practice on Thursday for a second straight day this week, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. The Browns placed RB Jerome Ford (shoulder) on season-ending Injured Reserve this week, so Cleveland's backfield could be thin behind rookie starter Quinshon Judkins on Sunday against the Chicago Bears if Sampson is unable to play. Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams would likely split backup duties behind Judkins if Sampson cannot go. Sampson, a fourth-round pick out of Tennessee, had five catches on six targets for a season-high 64 receiving yards in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and he will have a bigger role in the Browns' backfield the rest of the year if he's healthy. He's worth stashing in PPR leagues despite his status being up in the air for Week 15.

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Nick Chubb Dec 11 12:30pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) is missing another day of practice on Thursday due to a rib injury, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Rookie RB Woody Marks (ankle) also missed practice on Wednesday, but he has returned to the field on Thursday. The 29-year-old Chubb is in real danger of missing the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. He has already lost lead-back duties to Marks, with Chubb not seeing double-digit carries in a game since back on Nov. 2 against the Denver Broncos. With Chubb getting injured in the Sunday night win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Marks saw a season-high 26 carries for 68 yards while also catching two passes for eight yards and a touchdown. Marks should have an even bigger workload in a plus matchup this Sunday if Chubb is ruled out, with Dare Ogunbowale jumping into the RB2 role for Houston.

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Woody Marks Dec 11 12:30pm CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (ankle) returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. Marks was held out of Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, but his return to the field on Thursday suggests he should be fine to play this weekend in a strong matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old fourth-rounder has been the Texans' lead back for most of the year, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) never able to make it back. He has seen double-digit carries in each of the last eight games, culminating in a season-high 26 rushing attempts in the Week 14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nick Chubb (ribs) was injured in that game, and he's in danger of missing Week 15 after having not practiced yet this week. Marks will be a high-volume RB2 in fantasy football, regardless of whether Chubb is active this weekend.

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