Dose: Jeremy Hill Taking Over
The Bengals have been splitting work between Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill fairly evenly since Bernard returned from injury Week 12, but that appears destined to change. OC Hue Jackson said on Wednesday he would like to lean more on one running back moving forward, and the general consensus is Hill will be that back. Averaging almost 13 fantasy points a game when he has at least 10 carries, Hill is an RB2 with big upside against the Browns.
Cam Newton was released from Carolinas Medical Center on Wednesday morning after spending the night in the hospital following his Tuesday car accident. Newton is dealing with general soreness and two fractured transverse processes in his back. Newton will miss the Panthers’ Week 15 matchup against the Buccaneers but could return for Week 16 against Cleveland.
With Newton sidelined, Derek Anderson will get the nod at quarterback against Tampa. Anderson completed 24-of-34 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in a start against the Bucs Week 1 and has thrown four touchdowns to zero interceptions this season. He can be trusted as a low-end QB2 and will be a nice value as a minimum play in daily formats.
Kelvin Benjamin could stand to benefit from the switch to Anderson. Two of Anderson’s four touchdowns this season have gone to Benjamin, and Benjamin put up a 6-92-1 line with Anderson under center Week 1. He is a solid WR2 with some touchdown upside Week 15 against Tampa Bay.
In Other News…
The Jaguars are shutting down Denard Robinson for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. Robinson played through the mid-foot sprain against the Texans last week, but the 2-11 Jaguars have no reason to risk a promising young back in a lost season. Jacksonville will turn to a committee of Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman, and Storm Johnson to close out the year. It is not worth starting any of them in 10- and 12-team leagues.
Julio Jones (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. Coach Mike Smith said he remains optimistic Jones will play against the Steelers, but his status is still up in the air. Roddy White (ankle) is less than 100 percent healthy, but he would be a solid WR2 if Julio is forced to miss. Harry Douglas would be a decent WR3 play.
Jamaal Charles (ankle, knee) did not practice Wednesday. Charles appeared to suffer a serious injury Week 14 when he got his left leg caught up under a pile of bodies, but he only missed one series against the Cardinals. Coach Andy Reid said earlier in the week Charles was dealing with knee and ankle soreness, but he did not seem concerned about Charles’ Week 15 status. Knile Davis would be a high-end starting option if Charles is forced to miss.
Tom Coughlin said Rashad Jennings (ankle) should be able to carry more of a full load this week after being limited to three touches last week against the Titans. Jennings will be a full go against the Redskins, but Andre Williams is certain to have a role after rushing for 131 yards and one touchdown last time out. With an uncertain workload and a difficult matchup, Jennings is an RB2 this week.
DeSean Jackson (bruised fibula) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. He missed every practice last week before sitting out Washington’s demolition at the hands of the Rams. Coach Jay Gruden said Jackson is 50-50 to play against the Giants, but he would be expected to suit up if he practices the remainder of the week.
LeGarrette Blount has been ordered to perform 50 hours of community service as a result of his August marijuana arrest. All charges will be dropped as long as he completes the hours by February 4. This resolution clears the way for the NFL to hand down punishment, though it is unclear if Blount will receive any under the terms of the revised personal-conduct policy. Even if punishment is forthcoming, it likely will not come until the 2015 season.
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News and Notes
Ryan Mathews did not practice on Wednesday due to a right ankle injury he suffered in the first half of the Chargers’ Week 14 loss to the Patriots. He only saw two more carries the rest of the game. … Larry Fitzgerald (knee) is probable for Thursday night against the Rams. … Torrey Smith (knee) did not practice on Wednesday and should be considered questionable to play this week against Jacksonville. Kamar Aiken will draw the start in a good matchup if Smith is unable to go. … DeAngelo Williams (finger) did not practice on Wednesday. Jonathan Stewart owners better hope that continues. … Reggie Wayne (triceps) practiced on Wednesday and appears on track to play against the Texans. We cannot cash those Donte Moncrief tickets just yet. … Percy Harvin (ankle) missed practice Wednesday but said he “definitely” thinks he will play this week. He will not. … Lions placed TE Joseph Fauria on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He finishes 2014 with six catches for 74 yards and a score. … Lamar Miller’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said it is “disappointing” the Dolphins are not using Miller more. Rosenhaus is right. … Free agent K Garrett Hartley worked out for the Saints on Wednesday.
Injury Quick Slants
Arian Foster (groin, rest), Marshawn Lynch (back, rest), Demaryius Thomas (ankle), C.J. Anderson (ankle), Andre Johnson (concussion), Reggie Bush (ankle), Lorenzo Taliaferro (knee, ankle), Montee Ball (groin), Ronnie Hillman (ankle), Ladarius Green (concussion), Garrett Graham (ankle) and Bobby Rainey (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.
Calvin Johnson (ankle), Eddie Lacy (hip), Julius Thomas (ankle), Julian Edelman (thigh), Shane Vereen (ankle), Brandon LaFell (shoulder), Colt McCoy (neck), Donnie Avery (groin), Charles Clay (knee, hamstring) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
