Vikings TE Ben Ellefson retires at age 26

Thu Jun 1 5:43pm ET
Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Ellefson, citing injuries, retired from football on Thursday after three NFL seasons.

Ellefson, 26, appeared in four games with one start for the Vikings last season, when he had three receptions on three targets for 26 yards. Primarily a blocking tight end and special teams player, he was placed on injured reserve in October and was unable to return to action.

"Injuries are part of the game and although they are a big reason for me moving on, I am fortunate to be in a spot where I can still walk away from the game as a player, ready to tackle whatever is next in my life," Ellefson wrote on his Instagram account.

For his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2020) and Minnesota (2021-22), Ellefson totaled 16 games (five starts) with four receptions on eight targets for 36 yards. Each season ended on the injured reserve list.

Ellefson, a native of Hawley, Minn., played at North Dakota State and signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He signed with the Vikings after the Jaguars released him in September 2021.

"Thank you football for the people you've brought into my life and the opportunities you've given me to pursue my dreams to the fullest," Ellefson wrote. "I've been blessed on my path to have people who believed in me, which has drowned out those who doubted. So, thank you believers, for the chances you've taken on me, helping and supporting me in my drive to give this game all I could and to reach my fullest potential. The list is long and I am fortunate.

"Everybody's story is different, and I'm proud to say I've given the game of football everything I have."

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The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 12

Player Notes
Matthew Golden Nov 23 10:40am CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He was listed as questionable after being a limited participant in practice. The rookie has been disappointing during his first pro season, catching just 24 passes for 286 yards through nine games. He is also still looking for his first career touchdown. Golden's second absence in three weeks will lead to more opportunities for Dontayvion Wicks (calf) in his role behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 23 10:40am CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is officially active for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson will return to the Patriots' backfield after a three-game absence due to a toe injury. With the 27-year-old out, rookie TreVeyon Henderson thrived in the team's lead-back role, scoring five total touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) while also averaging 88 rushing yards per game. New England has been non-committal on what Stevenson's role will be upon his return. Before getting hurt, Stevenson was operating as the RB1 and had 83 carries for 279 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while adding 169 receiving yards. However, after Henderson's strong performances the last three weeks, Stevenson will likely see his role reduced. Treat him as more of a shaky RB3/flex in his return this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Nov 23 10:40am CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) is officially active for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after popping up on the injury report as a limited participant this past Friday. Despite the last-minute injury scare, Walker will suit up as the Seahawks' primary back. He's coming off an impressive game against the Los Angeles Rams in which he had 16 carries for 67 rushing yards and one touchdown, plus three catches for an additional 44 receiving yards. Amid a relatively inconsistent campaign in which he has shared the workload with Zach Charbonnet, Walker finds himself as the overall RB23 in fantasy scoring this season. He has a great opportunity to strengthen his fantasy value against a Titans defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025. Walker ranks as the overall RB18 in RotoBaller's Week 12 fantasy rankings.

From RotoBaller

Will Howard Nov 23 10:38am CT
Will Howard

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Will Howard will serve as the backup quarterback to QB Mason Rudolph for Week 12's game against the Chicago Bears, as a result of QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) having been ruled out.

Emanuel Wilson Nov 23 10:30am CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson is expected to start Sunday's Week 12 game against the Minnesota Vikings after Josh Jacobs (knee) was ruled out for the contest. Jacobs was a game-time decision coming into this weekend, and the Packers ultimately decided to hold him out. Wilson will remain the Packers' primary running back, which is the role he occupied after Jacobs departed last Sunday's game early in the second quarter. The 26-year-old finished that game with 11 carries, 40 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown, plus a nine-yard reception. The trip to the end zone salvaged his fantasy performance, and he'll look to contribute even more this Sunday with greater volume, more passing-down work, and perhaps more goal-line opportunities. He ranks as a fringe top-24 fantasy running back against a Vikings defense that has allowed the 10th-most rushing yards to running backs in 2025, but the 11th-fewest fantasy points to the position.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Nov 23 10:30am CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He was listed as questionable after being a limited participant in practice all week long. The rookie has been disappointing during his first pro season, catching just 24 passes for 286 yards through nine games. He's also still looking for his first career touchdown. Golden's absence on Sunday will lead to more opportunities for Dontayvion Wicks (calf) in his role behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Nov 23 10:20am CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is headed for unrestricted free agency next March, but the team wants to bring him back following a career-best season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Cowboys are "more likely" to franchise tag Pickens than allow him to test unrestricted free agency. By tagging him, the team would lock him into a one-year deal worth more than $28 million while gaining the exclusive rights to negotiate a longer-term extension with him. The 24-year-old is worth every penny, catching 58 passes for 908 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with the Cowboys after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He ranks as the overall WR4 in PPR leagues and has complemented CeeDee Lamb quite nicely in Dallas' high-powered offense.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 23 10:13am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will not play in Week 12's game versus the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited participant in two of Pittsburgh's three practice sessions during the week but the Steelers will err on the side of caution and have him sit out today's game. He is expected to play in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. QB Mason Rudolph will face the Bears Sunday afternoon but should not be a starting option outside of deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers Nov 23 10:13am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph will start Week 12's game versus the Chicago Bears in place of injured QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist), according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

Fantasy Spin: Rudolph was solid during a Week 11 relief appearance against the Cincinnati Bengals, going 12-for-16 with 127 passing yards and one touchdown but will be facing a tougher defense Sunday afternoon. He should not be started outside of deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Josh Jacobs Nov 23 10:10am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is inactive for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. Jacobs was listed as questionable and deemed to be a true game-time decision on Sunday morning. In the end, he won't be able to suit up for a key divisional battle at home. Jacobs, who first suffered the injury during the second quarter of last week's game against the New York Giants, will be replaced in the first-team offense by Emanuel Wilson. Wilson led the Packers' backfield after Jacobs departed last Sunday, tallying 40 rushing yards, nine receiving yards, and one touchdown through the final three quarters. This week, he ranks as a fringe top-24 running back in fantasy football. Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr. should also earn some touches in their respective depth roles.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 23 10:03am CT
Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens are considering having QB Lamar Jackson miss Wednesday practice sessions for the remainder of the season in order to keep him fresh due to lingering injuries, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson will start Week 12's game versus the New York Jets and does not appear on the injury report after being a full participant in Baltimore's two most recent practice sessions. He should still be viewed as a No. 1 quarterback in all fantasy formats, even though his performance in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns was not something to write home about.

From TheHuddle

Tyrod Taylor Nov 23 10:03am CT
Tyrod Taylor

Although QB Tyrod Taylor was named the starter for Week 12's game versus the Baltimore Ravens, it does not mean that he is guaranteed to retain the job for the rest of the season. The Jets plan to re-evaluate the position after this week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Spin: Regardless of whether Taylor or Justin Fields is under center for the Jets, they should not be started outside of deeper superflex fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers Nov 23 10:00am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) won't play in Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Rodgers was listed as questionable, and although he had "been pushing to play," the team has decided to hold him out. The 41-year-old has been the QB17 in fantasy football this season, completing 66.4% of his passes for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Mason Rudolph will earn the start in his absence, facing off against a Bears defense that leads the NFL in interceptions but has also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Nov 23 10:00am CT
Mason Rudolph

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph will earn the start against the Chicago Bears in Week 12 after Aaron Rodgers (wrist) was ruled out pregame, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rodgers was pushing to play, but the team decided to hold him out. This will be Rudolph's first start of the season, but he also earned significant snaps after Rodgers exited last Sunday. In that game, he completed 12 of 16 pass attempts for 127 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. This week, the veteran will face off against a Bears defense that leads the league in interceptions but has also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. He's a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Morris Nov 23 9:23am CT
Raheem Morris

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said the team will need to make alternative quarterback plans for 2026 in case QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has not recovered by the beginning of next season. Penix will undergo surgery in Los Angeles during the upcoming week to have his anterior cruciate ligament restructured and it is estimated that he could be sidelined for nine months, according to multiple sources.

Fantasy Spin: Veteran QB Kirk Cousins will serve as the Falcons' starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 campaign but he should only be viewed as a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues at this point. There is a chance that Cousins could return to Atlanta in 2026, even though the team will no longer owe him any guaranteed money on his contract. The Falcons could also trade for a less expensive veteran quarterback or sign one as a free agent during the offseason and are likely to address the position in next year's draft.

From TheHuddle

Chimere Dike Nov 23 9:20am CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike should carve out a large role against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12 after Calvin Ridley (leg) was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. Dike has looked like the Titans' best receiver at various times this year, playing 89% and 87% of the snaps in his two games before the bye, respectively. The rookie had two catches on three targets early in last week's game, but a promising start to his Sunday was abruptly cut short due to a chest injury and concussion evaluation. Dike is now healthy again and will return to action as Tennessee's top receiver against Seattle. The Seahawks have defended the pass quite well, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. However, they've been even better against the run and are heavy favorites against the Titans, so we expect Tennessee to throw quite often. As a result, Dike remains in the mix as a high-volume WR3/flex for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 23 9:20am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) will return to action for just his third game of the season during Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Godwin reportedly suffered a hairline fibula fracture back in Week 5, resulting in a five-game absence. He's now back in action for Sunday's game and will operate as the Bucs' No. 2 receiver alongside Emeka Egbuka. Godwin has just six catches for 52 yards across his two healthy games earlier this season, so he'll look to return to his 2024 form from before his season-ending ankle injuries. He was off to an otherworldly start last year, catching 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns over seven games. If Godwin can return to that level of play, he'll be a weekly top-10 receiver in fantasy football. For now, though, he ranks as the overall WR48 in RotoBaller's Week 12 fantasy rankings.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Nov 23 9:10am CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) made his first road trip of the regular season and will be on the sideline for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Watson has reportedly offered plenty of help to Dillon Gabriel (concussion) and Shedeur Sanders this season, and he worked closely with Sanders to help him understand the game plan before his first NFL start on Sunday. However, Sanders' start isn't the only reason why Watson made the trip. According to Cabot, it's also the first time the veteran quarterback was healthy enough to travel this season. In fact, he could be nearing a return to game action. Watson remains on the PUP list and might have his 21-day practice window activated soon, according to Cabot. The 30-year-old has been sidelined for over a year, but it appears his return could be coming in the near future.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 23 8:53am CT
Chris Godwin

Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (fibula) is expected to be on a pitch count in Week 12's game versus the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple sources.

Fantasy Spin: Godwin had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging one limited practice session and two full sessions during the week. He is poised to play for the first time since Oct. 5, so fantasy owners should temper their expectations in his first game back. Godwin can be deployed as a desperation WR4 option in fantasy leagues this afternoon but it would be better to take a wait-and-see approach.

From TheHuddle

Michael Wilson Nov 23 8:40am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson remains atop the depth chart after Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This will be Wilson's second consecutive game as the top wide receiver in Arizona. He dominated last week's contest, catching a whopping 15 of 18 targets for 185 yards. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett set the NFL's all-time single-game completion record in that outing, so perhaps Wilson's volume will drop a little in Week 12. Still, he's a strong candidate to fetch double-digit targets. He'll also have a decent chance to score his first touchdown since Week 2, especially against a Jaguars defense allowing the eighth-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2025. Wilson is a strong fantasy starter in most leagues on Sunday, checking in as the overall WR18 in RotoBaller's latest Week 12 fantasy rankings.

From RotoBaller