Al Michaels, 80, expected to return to Amazon in '25

Wed Dec 11 11:20am ET
Field Level Media

Broadcaster Al Michaels will return for another season in Amazon Prime Video's NFL booth, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Michaels, 80, currently is in the final season of a three-year deal that reportedly pays him about $15 million per season.

Prime Video hosts the NFL's Thursday night games, in addition to last month's Black Friday game, and will stream its first playoff game this season.

According to the report, the plan is for Michaels and Amazon to go year-by-year with his contract from this point forward. The "Miracle on Ice" sportscaster has said that he will know when it is time to retire.

Michaels was the play-by-play voice for ABC's "Monday Night Football" from 1986-2005 and NBC Sports' "Sunday Night Football" from 2006-21.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
Tyler Higbee Dec 10 10:30pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) put in his second straight day with a full practice this week on Tuesday. Meanwhile, tight end Davis Allen (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day. It's the second straight week that Higbee has been a full participant in practice, leading us to believe that he'll be active for the first time in 2024 this Thursday night in a divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers. The 31-year-old tore his ACL and MCL in the postseason last year. If Higbee is active on Thursday, we wouldn't recommend throwing him into your fantasy lineups right away, as he'll likely be on a snap count and share time with Colby Parkinson if Allen is unable to play this week. Higbee will be back with the Rams before the end of the season, but it's going to be hard to rely on him as anything more than a touchdown-dependent TE2 next to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 10 10:20pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) both missed practice for the second straight day this week on Tuesday. On a short week with a game coming on Thursday night in Week 15 against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, it's even more likely that both Robinson and Whittington could be held out on Thursday evening. Robinson has had a nose for the end zone with a career-high seven touchdowns in 2024, but he's an inconsistent WR4/flex for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. It would be wise to avoid him this week, and if he's inactive on Thursday, Tutu Atwell would have more DFS sleeper appeal as the WR3 behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Whittington, a sixth-round rookie out of Texas, hasn't seen a target since Week 5 and has only 18 receptions on the year for 201 yards and no TDs in his first 11 NFL contests.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Dec 10 9:03pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee) practiced in full for the second straight day on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The injury report was an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Head coach Sean McVay said he still wasn't sure if Higbee would play, but the fact that he has now practiced fully in each of the last six sessions suggests Higbee has a good chance to suit up. Even still, Higbee should not be in lineups upon his return from a torn ACL suffered last season, but he is someone to stash for teams with a bad tight end situation.

From TheHuddle

Carter Bradley Dec 10 9:00pm CT
Carter Bradley

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley has been signed to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. The rookie quarterback figures to serve as the backup to Desmond Ridder going forward. The Raiders already lost Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) and Aidan O'Connell (knee), so Ridder will now likely get a chance to prove himself in Week 15. Bradley is unlikely to touch the field unless Ridder goes down, which sadly has been a theme for Raiders quarterbacks this season. The Raiders also added Jake Luton to the mix, but he'll take over Bradley's spot on the practice squad. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about adding Ridder or Bradley in dynasty formats with the Raiders likely signing or drafting a quarterback next season.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 10 8:53pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams CB Cobie Durant (chest), DE Tyler X. Davis (calf), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), TE Davis Allen (shoulder), WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and OL KT Leveston (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Also, OL Beaux Limmer (knee) was limited and TE Tyler Higbee (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Riley Patterson Dec 10 8:50pm CT
Riley Patterson

The Cleveland Browns have signed kicker Riley Patterson to their practice squad on Tuesday. This comes a day after current kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After that, Hopkins is a rough 16-for-25 on field goal attempts this season. That being said, Patterson has been brought in as insurance at the kicker spot. Patterson has kicked in one game this season as he made three extra point attempts in Week 9 as a member of the New York Jets. Since then, Patterson landed with the Atlanta Falcons, but he didn't appear in any games before now joining the Browns. This news won't mean much to fantasy managers unless Hopkins does end up losing the kicking gig to Patterson at some point.

From RotoBaller

Myles Gaskin Dec 10 8:40pm CT
Myles Gaskin

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed running back Myles Gaskin to their practice squad on Tuesday. Gaskin was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings after making five appearances for them this season. He spent most of his time on the practice squad and saw only three carries with the Vikings before getting cut loose. He'll now head to Jacksonville and serve as depth behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby in the backfield. Gaskin is only a few seasons removed from a 600-plus yard campaign, but isn't someone to get excited about right now. This is basically a depth move for the Jaguars, so fantasy managers can ignore this move.

From RotoBaller

Ben DiNucci Dec 10 8:30pm CT
Ben DiNucci

The New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent quarterback Ben DiNucci to their practice squad on Tuesday. The 28-year-old hasn't played this season after being waived by the Buffalo Bills in August. DiNucci was on the Denver Broncos practice squad last season, but he never appeared in any games. In fact, DiNucci hasn't played in an NFL game since the 2020 season with the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints were in need of a third string quarterback after Derek Carr (hand) went out of action. DiNucci is unlikely to touch the field with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener healthy and ahead of him on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Dec 10 8:20pm CT
Nick Folk

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (undisclosed) could be in danger of missing the Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran kicker is currently dealing with an injury, according to Mike Garafolo. That being said, the Titans have signed Brayden Narveson to their practice squad as insurance in case Folk is unable to go this weekend. Folk has been extremely reliable as a kicker this season with only one missed field goal heading into Week 15. His absence would certainly be frustrating especially given the fact that many leagues are beginning the playoffs this week. However, fantasy managers will have to wait until later in the week for more news on Folk.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Dec 10 7:50pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

The Carolina Panthers officially placed rookie second-round running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Tuesday after he sustained another torn right ACL in the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Brooks tore the same ACL while playing at Texas in college last fall, which is why he didn't make his NFL debut until Week 11. The 21-year-old will almost certainly open the 2025 campaign on IR yet again and probably won't make his season debut late in the year, similar to what transpired this year. It's a devastating blow for the youngster and for those with shares in dynasty/keeper leagues, as Brooks may never be the explosive back in the NFL that he was in college. In three games with Carolina before tearing his ACL again, Brooks had nine carries for 22 yards and three catches for 23 yards as the distant No. 2 back behind starter Chuba Hubbard.

From RotoBaller

Donte Jackson Dec 10 7:43pm CT
Donte Jackson

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Donte Jackson (back) should play in Week 15, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

From TheHuddle

Nick Bosa Dec 10 7:40pm CT
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, personal) both picked up DNPs at the team's walkthrough practice on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. Both Bosa and Williams have missed each of the team's last three games due to their respective injuries, and with a quick turnaround in Week 15 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams this Thursday night, we'd be pretty surprised if Bosa and Williams were able to play. When Bosa does return, he'll be a pretty risky starting lineup option for fantasy managers in IDP leagues because he will likely be in more of a rotational role in his first game back. Williams has also been dealing with the tragic passing of his young son and doesn't have a current timeline to return to the field.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 10 7:30pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) had his jersey on at the team' walkthrough practice on Tuesday and was walking around without a limp, but he didn't take part and was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day this week. The 49ers will see how much progress Guerendo makes over the next two days. If Guerendo is unable to play on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers' RB pecking order will likely be Patrick Taylor Jr., then Ke'Shawn Vaughn and then Israel Abanikanda. Christian McCaffrey (knee) is done for the year, while Jordan Mason (ankle) could also miss the rest of the year with a high-ankle sprain. The 24-year-old Guerendo delivered immediately for fantasy managers in the Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears, going for 128 scrimmage yards and two scores, but right now, he's up in the air to play on a short turnaround in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jason Pierre-Paul Dec 10 7:23pm CT
Jason Pierre-Paul

Free-agent DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Dolphins) is in shape and looking to sign with a team, per source on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

From TheHuddle

Evan Engram Dec 10 6:13pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (shoulder) suffered an unspecified shoulder injury during the Week 14 game against the Tennessee Titans, head coach Doug Pederson revealed on Monday, Dec. 9.

Fantasy Spin: Pederson did not go into detail about the severity of the injury, so Engram's status is up in the air. Jacksonville will release its first injury report on Wednesday. Engram is a TE2 option if he suits up.

From TheHuddle

Greg Stroman Dec 10 5:33pm CT
Greg Stroman

New York Giants CB Tre Hawkins III (back) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list, and C Jimmy Morrissey (undisclosed) was placed on the practice squad injured list Tuesday, Dec. 10. Also, CB Greg Stroman was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, and free-agent QB Tim Boyle (Giants) was signed to the practice squad.

From TheHuddle

Kadarius Toney Dec 10 3:30pm CT
Kadarius Toney

The Cleveland Browns waived wide receiver Kadarius Toney on Tuesday. Toney was recently signed to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad on Saturday, but he wasn't targeted at all in the team's Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, and he failed to haul in his only target while carrying the ball twice for minus-four yards in his three games active for the Browns this year. The 25-year-old former first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2021 out of Florida has been a massive bust in the NFL and has missed lots of time due to lower-body injuries that have slowed him down. In three-plus seasons, Toney has only managed 82 receptions on 116 targets for 760 yards (9.3 yards per catch) and three touchdowns in 35 games (10), adding 23 carries for 115 yards and another score. If nobody claims Toney on waivers, he'll be free to sign with any team.

From RotoBaller

Greg Newsome II Dec 10 2:00pm CT
Greg Newsome II

The Cleveland Browns placed cornerback Greg Newsome II (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury. The 2021 first-round pick out of Northwestern has played in all 13 games this season, racking up 27 total tackles, one interception, and five pass deflections. With just four games to go, a trip on IR means his season is over. Last season, the Browns were one of the toughest matchups for wideouts, but the team has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position this season. With Newsome now out, Cleveland will present an even friendlier matchup for wide receivers. Cleveland faces the Chiefs, Bengals, and Dolphins in Weeks 15, 16, and 17.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Dec 10 1:40pm CT
Trenton Irwin

The Carolina Panthers signed veteran wide receiver Trenton Irwin on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The former Cincinnati Bengal will start on the practice squad, but the belief is he will join the active roster in short order. The 29-year-old has hauled in 46 receptions for 601 yards and five touchdowns in 40 career games and was recently let go by the Bengals. The Panthers have a thin wide receiver group behind Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette, so don't rule Irwin out of making an impact over the next four games. That said, it would be surprising if he entered the fantasy football radar.

From RotoBaller

Velus Jones Jr. Dec 10 1:30pm CT
Velus Jones Jr.

The Carolina Panthers signed wide receiver/running back Velus Jones Jr. to the active roster from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 27-year-old was a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2022 out of Tennessee and totaled just 135 receiving yards and 165 rushing yards in two-plus seasons with the organization. It will be interesting to see what plans Carolina has for him, as the team could use help and wide receiver and running back. Ball carriers Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Raheem Blacksheer (chest) were both injured in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Either way, it would be a surprise if Jones ends up on the fantasy football radar.

From RotoBaller