Week 16 Tweet Storm Recap: Why the Saints Have a Higher Ceiling

Every Sunday morning, the NFL’s national reporters unload injury news and other tidbits to inform our gambling decisions. Here are some of the top news items and what they mean.

PLAYERS RULED OUT

Players out Sunday include Duane Brown, A.J. Green, Kiko Alonso, Larry Warford, Vonn Bell, Adam Humphries, Adoree Jackson, Richie Incognito, Josh Jacobs, Leighton Vander Esch, Lane Johnson, Taylor Gabriel.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2019

Perhaps the biggest losses involve offensive lineman with Duane Brown (SEA) and Lane Johnson (PHI) sitting out consequential games. The Seahawks have their sights set on the top seed in the NFC while the Eagles look to take control of the NFC East.

Adoree’ Jackson (TEN) is a big loss for the Titans, who are facing Drew Brees and Michael Thomas. The Saints’ offensive ceiling just got a little higher.

Leighton Vander Esch (DAL), A.J. Green (CIN) and Josh Jacobs (OAK) may not return this season.

PLAYERS RETURNING

Players returning from injury Sunday include Daniel Jones, Vance McDonald, Hunter Renfrow, Luke Willson, Damien Williams.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2019

Daniel Jones (NYG) is probably the biggest name, as he’ll send Eli Manning back to the bench. Though it isn’t mentioned in the tweet, JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT) is expected to be back as well.

DERRICK HENRY (TEN) NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY

Titans’ RB Derrick Henry, downgraded to questionable on Saturday due to a hamstring injury, is not expected to play today vs. Saints, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2019

Though Henry was recently downgraded to questionable, this comes as a surprise. The Titans are in a must-win situation considering they’re in a heated race with the Steelers for a playoff spot. Dion Lewis should take over for Henry.

NELSON AGHOLOR (PHI) WILL NOT PLAY

Eagles’ WR Nelson Agholor, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game due to a knee injury, will not play vs. Cowboys, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2019

With Agholor out, Greg Ward’s stock goes up. Alshon Jeffery is already out, so Ward and JJ Arcega-Whiteside will lead Philadelphia’s receivers against Dallas.

CHRISTIAN KIRK (AZ) EXPECTED TO PLAY

#AZCardinals WR Christian Kirk (ankle) is expected to go vs. the #Seahawks, source said. He was listed as questionable.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019

Kirk had recently been considered a game-time decision, so the fact that he’s already considered good to go should comfort Arizona backers.

RONNIE STANLEY (BAL) CLEARS CONCUSSION PROTOCOL

#Ravens Pro Bowl LT Ronnie Stanley (concussion) has cleared concussion protocol and will play vs the #Browns.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019

The Ravens were without their Pro Bowl tackle in Week 15. He’ll return to action in Baltimore’s revenge game against Cleveland. With a win, the Ravens secure the top seed in the AFC.

CURTIS SAMUEL (CAR) SHOULD PLAY

#Panthers WR Curtis Samuel (knee) is listed as questionable, but he’s expected to play vs the #Colts, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019

Samuel’s status was up in the air since he didn’t appear on the injury report until Thursday and missed Friday’s practice. Apparently, that was just a precaution. Samuel will look to help Will Grier pick up a win in his first NFL start.

KERRYON JOHNSON (DET) TO GET FULL WORKLOAD

#Lions RB Kerryon Johnson may not come out as the starter today, but he’s expected to get his full share of carries along with Bo Scarbrough vs. the #Broncos, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019

The Lions have repeatedly said they would “be smart” with Johnson, whatever that means. It seems the smartest thing to do would be shutting Johnson down since the Lions are 3-10 and in the midst of the longest active losing streak in the NFL. If this report is to be believed, Bo Scarbrough will be taking a backseat to Johnson. It would be difficult to trust Detroit’s offense considering how poorly they’ve played since David Blough took over.

DJ CHARK (JAX) EXPECTED TO RETURN

#Jaguars WR DJ Chark (ankle) is listed as questionable, but he’s expected to play vs the #Falcons, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019

Chark missed Week 15 with an ankle injury. He’ll face an Atlanta defense that hasn’t given up a touchdown or more than 81 yards to a receiver in three games.

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