NFL Quick Hits: Roethlisberger in concussion protocol

By John Halpin
Published

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger self-reported symptoms of a concussion during the team's final drive on Sunday, and is in the league's concussion protocol. The Steelers have not officially announced that Roethlisberger has a concussion, so this could be much ado about nothing ... or not. Landry Jones would start if Roethlisberger can't play on Sunday night.

In other news ...

As you've probably heard, the injury to Rob Gronkowski's knee isn't as bad as initially feared, and his apparent timetable is 1-2 weeks. Gronk hasn't officially been declared out of the Pats' Week 13 matchup with the Eagles, but his owners should proceed as if he won't be available. Fellow Pats TE Scott Chandler (owned in 2.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) is the obvious free-agent target for Gronk owners.

In other Pats' news, LB Dont'a Hightower is week-to-week with a knee injury, and it sounds like Danny Amendola (knee) is tracking toward a Week 13 return.

Jimmy Graham's disappointing season has come to a close due to a knee injury that will require surgery.

Wasn't last night's game the Browniest loss possible? Anyway, QB Josh McCown is probably done for the season due to a broken collarbone. I bet we'll see Johnny Manziel against the Bengals, who held him to 80 passing yards in his first NFL start last season.

Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley hinted Monday that he wants to get the ball to T.J. Yeldon more, especially in the red zone. We'd appreciate that, coach.

In other Jags' news, WR Allen Hurns suffered a concussion on Sunday, and his status is TBD.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert thinks he's OK after suffering a neck injury on Sunday. I keep thinking Eifert can't score a TD every week, but he keeps doing it.

After firing offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, the Dolphins appear committed to running the ball better. They might not be able to do that, but they'll certainly try. Lamar Miller played just 23 snaps to Jay Ajayi's 41 versus the Jets, but that may have been due to the lopsided score. Ajayi is owned in 5.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

In other Dolphins' news, WR DeVante Parker (1.1 percent owned) is in line for more playing time due to the broken ribs suffered by Rishard Matthews. Parker had four catches for 80 yards and a TD on 10 targets against the Jets.

The Cardinals are hurting at running back, with Chris Johnson suffering from a broken tibia and Andre Ellington having turf toe. Johnson's injury might not be season-ending, but neither back looks good for Sunday's game at St. Louis. Talented rookie David Johnson (24.6 percent owned) is expected to carry most of the load.

The Falcons expect RB Devonta Freeman (concussion) to return after a one-week absence.

With Ahmad Bradshaw (wrist) done for the season and Frank Gore "beat to crap" according to Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, Boom Herron could be an interesting free-agent RB stash. Kind of like last season.

Eagles RB Ryan Mathews and TE Zach Ertz are still in the concussion protocol, though Ertz seems farther along. QB Sam Bradford (shoulder) is expected to practice today.

Bears TE Martellus Bennett (ribs) practiced Monday after missing last week's game.

Guys we don't know much about yet: Charcandrick West (hamstring), Carlos Hyde (foot).

First look at DraftKings: Cam Newton ($7,400) and Greg Olsen ($6,400) are chalk plays against the horrible Saints ... I kind of like Marcus Mariota ($5,500) versus the Jags ... DeAngelo Williams ($5,600) might be overlooked after his lower-than-usual volume Week 12, but shouldn't be ... If Hyde is still out, 49ers RB Shaun Draughn ($4,000) is a solid cash game play, with 17 receptions over his last three games ... I love Alshon Jeffery at $6,900 against the Niners ... DeVante Parker ($3,300) looks like a good value ...  With Gronk out, Scott Chandler ($2,500) is a strong TE play. If you use him and Olsen, I won't argue ... The Broncos are the best DST option, but you'll need to spend at $3,400. The Redskins ($2,300) versus Matt Cassel offer savings with good upside. So do the Dolphins ($2,300) against Mr. Pick Six, Matt Schaub.

See you back here Friday morning.