Fantasy football Week 16 inactives: Status of Tee Higgins, Marvin Harrison Jr. and others

Who should you start with? Who should you sit? To help you figure out your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting an offensive player who won’t make the roster, we’ll post Fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams release their official inactive lists.

Official Sunday inactives should begin arriving approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff time: around 11:30 a.m. ET for early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for late afternoon games.

Update often for the latest information.

Don’t forget to check these out: Mike Clay’s Playbook | Week 16
Week 16 Rankings | Panel discussion (noon to 1 p.m. ET)

What we watch for early

• Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (concussion): He finally cleared the league’s concussion protocol, so expect him to be on the field today. Even so, with Charlie Jones (ankle) out, Mitchell Tinsley could be in line for additional targets.

• Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC (groin): He’s been limited in practice all week, but he might still try Sunday. Tre’ Harris (hip) was not listed on the team’s final injury report and could replace him, if necessary.

• Jason Sanders, K, MIA (hip): With Quinn Ewers starting at QB, the Dolphins may have to rely on field goals. However, it is still unclear whether it will be Riley Patterson or Sanders who gets the call.

• Mason Tipton, WR, NO (illness): With Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on IR, the Saints could come down to the trio of Chris Olave, Kevin Austin Jr. and Dante Pettis at WR.

• Tyrod Taylor, QB, NYJ (groin): While Taylor says he feels well enough to play, Brady Cook will start again for the Jets. Justin Fields (knee) appears to be further away from a return than Taylor.

• Gunnar Helm, TE, TEN (point): He shares the TE job with Chig Okonkwo and should be in the passing mix on Sunday.

• Van Jefferson, WR, TEN (back): Tennessee’s primary deep threat should be able to play Sunday.

Excluded before Sunday

• Bam Knight, RB, ARI (ankle): Michael Carter gets the call from Emari Demercado to handle returning duties after Knight is placed on IR.

• KhaDarel Hodge, WR, ATL (shin): Hodge’s season is over after being placed on IR. Darnell Mooney and David Sills V could thus maintain their very modest fantasy value.

• Matt Prater, K, BUF (quad): Michael Badgley was signed this week to replace the veteran kicker.

• Dylan Sampson, RB, CLE (hand): Trayveon Williams will once again be the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins.

• David Njoku, TE, CLE (knee): Harold Fannin Jr. made the veteran TE’s absence more lasting.

• Justin Watson, WR, HOU (Achilles): The receiver was not activated from IR prior to the Week 16 game. It’s still possible he sees a few snaps in the final two weeks.

• Bhayshul Tuten, RB, JAX (finger): Tuten will undergo surgery and be out for the remainder of the regular season. DeeJay Dallas will join LeQuint Allen Jr. in the backup mix behind Travis Etienne Jr.

• Rashee Rice, WR, KC (concussion): Tyquan Thornton is also injured with a concussion, so quarterback Gardner Minshew will be forced to rely on Xavier Worthy.

• Ty Chandler, RB, MIN (knee): It wasn’t until Saturday that the team made it official that Chandler would remain on IR for Week 16. Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason certainly don’t need help right now anyway.

• Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (knee): To add to the Saints’ backfield woes, Devin Neal (hamstring) was placed on IR. It looks like it might be time for Audric Estime. He’s not someone any fantasy manager wants on his playoff roster.

• Mason Taylor, TE, NYJ (inning): Jeremy Ruckert, who just signed a two-year extension with the team, should see plenty of targets.

What we watch late

• Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (heel): Michael Wilson is definitely the safer play, but it looks like Harrison might be able to dress on Sunday. However, the team is expected to “bring” him back into action.

• Xavier Weaver, WR, ARI (hamstring): Andre Baccellia (neck) was placed on IR, leaving Jalen Brooks as the only healthy alternative if Weaver couldn’t go.

• Drake London, WR, ATL (knee): London is expected to play, as is TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee), who was not listed on the team’s latest injury report of the week.

• Nick Chubb, RB, HOU (ribs): Since he practiced in full Thursday and Friday, there’s a good chance he’ll play. Woody Marks (ankle) was limited but could also be in the RB mix. Jawhar Jordan could be a sleeper surprise if one of the other RBs sits.

• Christian Kirk, WR, HOU (illness): Even if he plays, it’s hard to trust any Texans other than Nico Collins.