Just hours after Week 15 ended, we can start worrying about which players will be in or out for Week 16. Thus far we're getting some big names moving on and off the COVID lists -- as well as some players who've fallen victim to some hazy reporting.
Most notably, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. On Monday, his name mentioned as one of the Chargers placed on the COVID list, casting his availability for Week 16 into doubt. It turns out, that report was flawed -- the Chargers placed a bunch of players on their reserve list on Monday, but Ekeler isn't one of them. It could still happen, as it could to anyone, but for now, as far as we know, Ekeler is negative and is presumably in bubble wrap somewhere until the team's upcoming pounding of Houston.
Kansas City placed Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill on the COVID list at the beginning of the week. That actually happened. Those counting on those players in Week 16 just need to hope they test negative and are available. We'll be monitoring during the week, and the Friday Update should have a clearer picture of whether they might return.
Jared Goff was placed on the COVID list Monday. Strange to think of Goff as a key fantasy quarterback, but that's the state of quarterbacking in the NFL these days. His backup, Tim Boyle, threw for 77 yards when Goff missed a game a few weeks back, so it's a pretty big drop if Goff can't play, hurting the running backs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, most notably.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID this morning, and a bunch of Jets players also wound up on the list. Initially, running back Michael Carter was mentioned. But turns out it's actually defensive back Michael Carter who's on the list. Those hoping to start Carter this week at running back are still OK to do so. The notable Jet skill player on the list is Elijah Moore, but he was already out for this game with a quad injury.
Austin Hooper was activated off the COVID list this morning, as was head coach Kevin Stefanski. Those guys should be around in their long-shot effort to win at Green Bay.
These last few weeks are gonna be tricky in fantasy leagues; more attention needs to be paid to lineups than ever before. As the Ekeler story indicates, even reports need to be confirmed and double-checked. Stay tuned.
--Andy Richardson