Thu Dec 11 5:12pm ET
Field Level Media
Javier Loya was suspended indefinitely and the Houston Texans' minority owner was fined $500,000 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, closing a league investigation into rape and sexual abuse allegations after most criminal charges in the case were dropped.
Loya was initially charged with first-degree rape, five counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse after an arrest warrant was issued in May 2023 for an alleged incident at parties at his home in Louisville in 2022.
Loya accepted a misdemeanor charge of "harassment with intent to annoy" in 2024 and seven sexual assault charges against him were dropped.
"In March 2024, Texans minority owner Javier Loya entered an Alford plea in the commonwealth of Kentucky," the NFL said in a statement. "With the full support and cooperation of the Texans, the league has subsequently conducted an investigation, following which the commissioner determined Mr. Loya's actions violated the NFL's personal conduct policy. Mr. Loya has been suspended indefinitely from the League and will be eligible to apply for reinstatement no earlier than June 2026. He also has been fined $500,000. Mr. Loya has no involvement with the club or league affairs since being charged in the spring of 2023."
Loya issued a statement disagreeing with the NFL's punishment, indicating he had hoped a self-imposed punishment would be recognized as sufficient.
"Although I voluntarily stood down from all team and league activities for more than two and a half years, I respectfully disagree with the NFL's decision. I have always conducted myself with integrity, and I am grateful that the legal process ultimately resulted in the dismissal of all charges," Loya said in a statement issued through a public relations firm. "I will continue to cooperate to address any remaining questions directly with league leadership, and I look forward to seeking reinstatement and returning my full focus to supporting my family and the Houston community."
The Texans have not welcomed Loya at any team activities or sponsored league events since charges were initiated in Kentucky.
"The Texans cooperated with the NFL's investigation and fully support the suspension of Javier Loya, one of our outside limited partners," the Texans wrote in the statement. "This behavior has no place in our organization or our community. Since charges were first filed, Mr. Loya has been prohibited from participating in any club or league activities. That will continue indefinitely in accordance with the NFL's decision."
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) was listed as limited in Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week. Washington suffered a hip injury in Week 13 and did not play in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 23-year-old will probably need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to avoid either a questionable tag or being ruled out entirely for the second straight week when the team faces the visiting New York Jets this Sunday. Now that Brian Thomas Jr. is back from a sprained ankle, Washington profiles as Jacksonville's WR3. When he returns, he'll also have to contend with tight end Brenton Strange, who has been a big part of the passing attack since coming off Injured Reserve. If Washington is back in Week 15, fantasy managers should have better WR4/flex options. Competition for targets will be stiff for Washington, and they are in a matchup that probably won't force them to throw the ball all that often.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) stayed limited in practice on Thursday. It's the second straight day this week that Addison has had his reps capped due to an Achilles injury, so the 23-year-old might need a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable designation going into the Sunday night showdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. The former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC went over 50 receiving yards in last week's blowout win over the Washington Commanders for the first time since Oct. 19, catching four of his seven targets for 62 yards. Addison has been highly inconsistent with a low floor in a Vikings offense that has really struggled this year under second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, he has some upside potential as a WR3/flex in Week 15 (if he plays) against a Cowboys defense allowing a league-high 255.2 passing yards per game.
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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shin) upgraded to a limited practice participant on Thursday. Hockenson was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a shin injury, so it's a step in the right direction for the 28-year-old to be able to play on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. If Hockenson were unable to play this weekend, Josh Oliver, who scored twice in last week's blowout win over the Washington Commanders, would be more attractive as a deep-league TE streamer. Hockenson caught his third touchdown of the season in Week 14, but it came on only two receptions for 12 yards on three targets. He's been pretty hard to trust as a fantasy option in 2025 with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggling and missing plenty of time due to injuries. Hockenson has gone over 50 receiving yards just once in 13 games this year, making him a low-end TE2 in fantasy if he plays against Dallas.
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Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (glute) was added to the Week 15 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant due to a glute injury. Andrews is coming off a disappointing one-catch performance in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now the 30-year-old is dealing with an injury going into a big Week 15 divisional battle against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Not only is it concerning that he was a mid-week addition to the injury report, but fellow TE Isaiah Likely has been more productive than Andrews in each of the last two games as he gains steam to close out the 2025 regular season. Even though Likely has taken on a bigger role of late, Andrews will be in play as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football this weekend if he's active against a Bengals defense that has been shredded by opposing tight ends this year. Andrews had four catches for 47 yards on Thanksgiving against Cincy.
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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Week 9 and has been on the injury report ever since, but he continues to serve as the Vikings' primary RB. The 31-year-old could be cleared from the Week 15 injury report entirely if he can upgrade to a full showing on Friday. In the last five contests, Jones has 67 touches to Jordan Mason's 37. He saw 14 carries (second-most this year) for 76 yards in last week's 31-0 rout of the Washington Commanders. Jones should be good to go for this Sunday night's game on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. It's a good matchup, as Dallas has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR fantasy points to opposing RBs per game in 2025. Jones should be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers this week.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) practiced in full on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that the star wideout is "on track" to play in Dallas' Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Lamb was forced to exit the Cowboys' Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions early after suffering a concussion. However, that game was last Thursday night, giving Lamb a few extra days to recover before Sunday. Across 10 games this season, the 26-year-old has hauled in 57 receptions for 865 yards and three touchdowns on 89 targets. He's earned at least eight targets in every game but one this season and recorded at least 74 receiving yards in every game but two. Barring a setback, Lamb profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 15 against Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Stephen Holder says that his time in the Indianapolis Colts' building this week has left him "more convinced" that 44-year-old Philip Rivers will be the team's starting quarterback for Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Holder adds that it's pretty clear that Indy is prepping Rivers to start after he came out of retirement this week to join the team. Rookie Riley Leonard (knee) has practiced in full for two straight days despite suffering a sprained PCL in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it looks like he'll be the backup to Rivers if he's active this weekend. Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, putting the Colts in this situation. Rivers is an eight-time Pro Bowler, but he has not played an NFL game since 2020. Consider him a desperation QB option in superflex leagues in a very difficult matchup on the road in Seattle.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Smith was forced to exit early from the Raiders' Week 14 loss to the Denver Broncos due to shoulder and back injuries and appears to be trending towards missing the team's Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 35-year-old has struggled mightily in his first season in Las Vegas, throwing for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions across 13 starts. Kenny Pickett took over under center after Smith left against the Broncos and played well, completing eight of 11 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown. Still, Pickett will be tough for fantasy managers to trust if forced into action in Week 15 against Philadelphia, even in two-quarterback formats.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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
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.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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
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
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.
From RotoBaller
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.
From RotoBaller
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