NFL Player News

Austin secured his lone target for five yards during Sunday's 34-12 win over the Bengals.

Austin had played at least 50 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in his first seven appearances of the season, but he was on the field for just 29 percent during Sunday's comfortable victory. The 2022 fourth-rounder was held to single-digit receiving yards for the first time this year, but Pittsburgh was playing without QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) during the second half. Even if Austin's playing time bounces back down the stretch, he'll likely have limited fantasy upside as long as DK Metcalf remains healthy.

Brooks recorded 20 total tackles (10 solo) in Sunday's 16-13 overtime win over the Commanders.

Brooks' 20 total tackles are the most recorded by any player in a single game this season, and he's now logged double-digit stops in three of his last four outings. The Texas Tech product leads the NFL with 125 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble through the Dolphins' first 11 games this season. He's expected to remain a valuable IDP option following Miami's Week 12 bye.

Johnson rushed five times for 15 yards during Sunday's 34-12 win over the Bengals.

Despite Sunday's lopsided score, the Steelers sustained several prominent injuries, including a wrist injury for Aaron Rodgers and an ankle injury that Jaylen Warren sustained in the third quarter. The latter's health concern led to a slightly increased role for Johnson, although Kenneth Gainwell saw the biggest uptick in usage. However, Warren said after the matchup that he could have returned to the game, so it seems likely that he'll be available for Pittsburgh's Week 12 tilt in Chicago. Assuming Warren and Gainwell remain available against the Bears, Johnson should continue to have minimal fantasy upside.

Allen rushed eight times for 36 yards and returned two kickoffs for 55 yards during Sunday's 35-6 win against the Chargers.

Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten (ankle) combined for 34 carries, with Allen stepping in for mop-up duty on the final drive of the blowout victory. Allen has played double-digit snaps in all but one game this season, but Sunday's contest was the first time he received more than two offensive touches. The rookie seventh-round pick could move up to No. 2 on the depth chart if Tuten is forced to miss some time, but Allen still wouldn't be likely to see much meaningful action if Etienne remains healthy.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that he expects Stevenson (toe) to practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

The running back has missed New England's last three games, though he returned to practice as a limited participant prior to being ruled out for last Thursday's win over the Jets. It sounds as though Stevenson could have a better chance to return in Week 12 versus the Bengals, though he seems highly unlikely to reclaim the lead role from rookie TreVeyon Henderson. During Stevenson's three-game absence, Henderson has compiled five total touchdowns while averaging over 100 scrimmage yards per contest.

Knox caught one of three targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 44-32 win over Tampa Bay.

With Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined, Knox logged 77 percent of the offensive snaps, while Jackson Hawes played 34 percent. The workload still didn't result in any meaningful bump in production for Knox, who hasn't reached 40 receiving yards in any game this season. He won't be a recommended fantasy target outside of single-game fantasy slates on Thursday night against the Texans even if Kincaid, who has been labeled week-to-week with his injury, remains out.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that he expects Boutte (hamstring) to take part in practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

The wideout practiced in a limited capacity prior to being ruled out against the Jets in Week 11 after previously sitting out Week 10 against Tampa Bay. In three appearances prior to injuring his hamstring, Boutte had tallied a tremendous 10-223-4 receiving line on 12 targets, and he'll face an exceptional matchup against the Bengals in Week 12 if he's able to retake the field.

Johnson (foot) has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc sprain and is expected to be sidelined four-to-six weeks, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Johnson is among the best right tackles in the NFL, so this is a massive loss for the Philadelphia offense. If the timeline holds true, the veteran should be back in time for a potential playoff push. Losing Johnson could mean a downgrade in fantasy upside for both Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Fred Johnson should be the next man up at right tackle for the Eagles after he filled in against the Lions in Week 11.

Likely had two catches for 15 yards on three targets Sunday against the Browns.

Baltimore's passing attack was limited Sunday in Cleveland as Lamar Jackson was held to just 193 yards on 25 attempts by bad weather and the Browns' pass rush. Likely drew just three targets and still hasn't had a game with more than three receptions all year. He also has yet to reach the end zone and has just one red-zone target. The Ravens get a softer matchup in Week 12 against the Jets, but Likely's usage does not project favorably for fantasy as long as Mark Andrews is healthy.

Palmer caught two of five targets for 17 yards in the Bills' 44-32 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

It was Palmer's first action since Week 6, as he dealt with knee and ankle injuries. He played just 50 percent of the offensive snaps against Tampa Bay, the same amount as Curtis Samuel, as the duo worked behind both Khalil Shakir (54 percent) and Tyrell Shavers (54 percent) in a wide-receiver rotation that did not include Keon Coleman, who was inactive. In a Buffalo offense that spreads the ball around to 10 players most weeks, it's impossible to trust any of the team's pass-catchers behind Shakir and, when healthy, tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) as fantasy starters.