Dose: Herron Named Starter
If you are still searching for something to be thankful for on this the best of all American holidays, then I may have just what you need. After earning a surprise start Week 12, ESPN Colts reporter Mike Wells reports Dan Herron will continue to start over Trent Richardson moving forward. It is almost as beautiful as a freshly baked pumpkin pie.
I never bought the story Herron started because Richardson was under the weather, and this all but confirms the story was a farce. Herron was predictably much more effective than Richardson Week 12, and he does not carry the same injury concerns that likely limited Ahmad Bradshaw’s workload throughout the season. Herron will still split carries with Richardson, but he should start to see a larger and larger slice of the running-back workload. He is set up to be a solid fantasy contributor throughout the playoffs.
In Other News…
Arian Foster (groin) practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday. Coach Bill O’Brien said Foster “looked good” Wednesday and “has a good chance to play” Week 13. The Houston Chronicle agrees, saying Foster is “likely” to return this week. Foster would be a high-end RB1 against a suspect Titans’ defense if he plays.
Latavius Murray (concussion) was cleared to practice on Wednesday. He got in a limited session. Murray is not cleared to play in a game yet, but this early-week practice suggests he will be cleared in time for Week 13 against the Rams. Once healthy, Murray should start and handle the majority of the carries in Oakland’s backfield. Murray will be a high-upside RB2 if he plays against the Rams.
Reggie Bush (ankle) is listed as questionable for the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Bears. He expects to play, but Bush has been overly optimistic about his health all season. Even if Bush does suit up, he is a huge risk to suffer an in-game setback. He is a FLEX option at best for Week 13.
Coach Bill O’Brien confirmed Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the Texans’ Week 13 matchup with the Titans. Fitzpatrick was consistent if not spectacular in his first stint as the Texans’ starter this season. He may look DeAndre Hopkins' way slightly more than Ryan Mallett did the last two weeks, but by and large the value of the Texans’ passing-game cogs will remain unchanged.
The Jets named Geno Smith their starting quarterback for Week 13 against the Dolphins. The real question is who cares? Smith and Michael Vick have played equally bad this season, and little fantasy joy will be found in the Jets’ passing game as long as either is under center. Dolphins DST will be a high-end play this week.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the best case scenario for Nick Foles (broken collarbone) is a Week 16 return. Foles’ collarbone has to be completely healed before he returns to prevent any further damage, and that will take longer than the initial 6-8 week timetable. With Mark Sanchez turning the ball over at an alarming rate, Foles will likely regain his starting role once he returns.
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News and Notes
Julius Thomas (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. He still could return this week, but it is not a promising sign. … Marshawn Lynch (back) is probable for Thursday night’s tilt against San Francisco. … Jordan Matthews (knee) and Zach Ertz (oblique) are listed as probable for the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Cowboys. … Terrance Williams (broken fingertip) is listed as probable for Thanksgiving Day. He is nothing more than a touchdown-dependent WR4. … Jordan Cameron (concussion) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. He is tentatively expected to return Week 13 against the Bills. … CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora expects Kyle Fuller (sprained MCL) to play Thursday. He has not practiced this week. … The Rams are expected to activate LE Chris Long (ankle, I.R./recall) in time for Week 13 against the Raiders. Rams DST will be a solid play against Oakland. … Bears WLB Lance Briggs (groin) will miss “a few weeks.” The Bears’ already questionable run defense just became a lot worse. … Raiders placed TE David Ausberry on injured reserve with a foot injury. … Vikings placed RT Phil Loadholt on injured reserve with a torn pectoral. … Bears placed OL Brian De La Puente on injured reserve with an ankle injury. … Redskins placed CB Tracy Porter on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. … Cowboys placed DE Jack Crawford on injured reserve with a broken thumb. … Patriots signed Matthew Slater to a two-year, $4 million extension through 2016. … Colts claimed OLB Shaun Phillips of waivers from the Titans and waived OLB Victor Butler. … Bills claimed KR/WR Marcus Thigpen off waivers from the Bucs.
Injury Quick Slants
Andre Ellington (hip, toe), Jerick McKinnon (back), Roddy White (ankle), Larry Fitzgerald (knee), Dwayne Allen (ankle), Kenny Britt (back), Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle, knee), Khiry Robinson (arm), Anthony Fasano (knee), Jace Amaro (concussion) and Harry Douglas (foot) did not practice on Wednesday.
Shane Vereen (ankle), Charles Sims (ankle), Brandon LaFell (shoulder), Jordan Reed (hamstring), Charles Clay (knee), Matt Asiata (concussion), Robert Woods (ankle), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back), Jared Cook (back), Dexter McCluster (concussion) and Brandon Bostick (hip) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
Odell Beckham (back), Ryan Mathews (shoulder), Mike Tolbert (knee) and Donnie Avery (groin) were full participants in practice on Wednesday.
