National Football League

Backs down: Ellington, Jennings not looking good

Published Dec. 5, 2014 5:53 a.m. ET

John Halpin

I'd like to congratulate Jay Cutler on Thursday night's game. Sure, the Bears are horrible and lost 41-28, but that was a virtuoso garbage-time performance from Cutler, who finished with 341 passing yards and three touchdowns (two passing, one running). His second-half gunslinging also helped to bring owners of Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery back from the depths of fantasy despair. On behalf of millions of fantasy owners, I'd like to thank Cutler for accumulating all those meaningless points. Well done, sir.

In other news ...

The highest-profile name on this week's list of injury concerns is Cardinals RB Andre Ellington, who hasn't practiced due to a hip pointer, and appears unlikely to play Sunday. Look for rookie Marion Grice to get the start if Ellington can't go, with Stepfan Taylor and possibly Michael Bush getting action as well. I've got Grice at RB29 and Taylor at RB36.

Giants RB Rashad Jennings (ankle) isn't practicing, and unless he gets on the field today, he'll be a no-go against the Titans. Andre Williams would start in Jennings' place, and desperate PPR owners can consider Orleans Darkwa, who is "shifter" and brings a "different flavor" to the Giants' backfield and "has a good set of hands," according to offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. View Williams as a fantasy RB2 if Jennings can't go.

Keep an eye on the status of Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas, who missed Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury. John Fox seems to think Thomas will play, but you never know. TE Julius Thomas (ankle) has been limited in practice, and the team is hopeful that he'll return to action Sunday.

Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) says he's "100 percent healthy and expects to return on Sunday, and head coach Jim Caldwell called Bush his starter on Thursday. Caldwell's comments notwithstanding, Bush is still a flexy type, while Joique Bell is a solid RB2 against the Bucs.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (concussion) has been cleared to practice and play, but head coach Tony Sparano says he won't use Murray as a "workhorse" just yet. Why would you want to give Murray the ball 18 times when you have Darren McFadden running for two yards per carry, right?

Redskins WR DeSean Jackson hasn't practiced this week due to his bruised leg. Have a backup plan ready.

With DeAngelo Williams (hand) unlikely to play Sunday, Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart looks like a borderline RB2 against the Saints.

The Week 14 status of Ravens WR Torrey Smith (knee) looks iffy right now. Stay tuned.

In other Ravens news, DT Haloti Ngata has received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy. Fantasy owners of Dolphins RB Lamar Miller must feel a little better about this week in the wake of this news.

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) is on track to play this week.

Falcons WRs Roddy White (ankle) and Harry Douglas (foot) didn't practice on Thursday. White didn't play in Week 13, but he'll have an extra day to get ready, as the Falcons play Monday night.

Jerick McKinnon didn't practice again? Sigh ... looks like another day of Matt Asiata with some Ben Tate sprinkled in against the Jets on Sunday.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell says he'll play Sunday despite struggling with some hip issues this week, and the team is "cautiously optimistic" that TE Jordan Cameron will return after missing five games with a concussion.

Titans WR Kendall Wright has a cracked bone in his hand, and while it looks like he'll try to play through it, you shouldn't count on him.

I'll add my DraftKings tournament lineup to this post over the weekend, but I'm pretty sure Stewart will be in it at a $3,800 price tag.

Make sure to check out our Sunday morning chat, featuring Adam Meyer, Joel Beall and me from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET, as well as our Week 14 rankings, which will be updated Friday night. Good luck this week!