Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news as it appears Mattison is ready to get back on the field for the first time since Week 11. However, Mattison is expected to be demoted to the backup role, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. Mattison was struggling on the ground before the injury, so it's not shocking to see the Raiders going in another direction. Sincere McCormick has looked solid in back-to-back games and should see increased chances down the stretch of the season. The expectation is Mattison will still remain involved as the receiving back, but he could see a decrease in fantasy value going forward. The 26-year-old appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but is looking like a desperation flex option.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) took part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday and is still holding out hope that he can play in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. O'Connell suffered a knee injury in the Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Raiders initially feared it could end his season, but O'Connell was diagnosed with just a bone bruise. "Yeah, I'm hoping to get there," O'Connell said. "Obviously, we've got a longer week this week, which helps, and so just really taking it day by day. Obviously, not something I've been through with this particular injury. So, trying to get there." While the 26-year-old won't miss the rest of the season now, he's not a lock to play on Monday night. A decision on his status for Monday night probably won't be made until this weekend. If he can't go, Desmond Ridder will make his first start of 2024.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick is the new starter in the backfield, even when Alexander Mattison (ankle) returns, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He deserves it," Pierce said. "He has run his tail off." The second-year back out of UTSA has rushed 32 times for 175 yards in four games this season. His 5.5 yards-per-carry average outpaces both Mattison and Zamir White (quadriceps) by over two full yards. While this is an exciting development for the young player, fantasy expectations should be tempered. Las Vegas has one of the worst offenses in the NFL, and McCormick's Week 15 matchup (Atlanta Falcons) has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. That said, he draws better matchups against the Jaguars and Saints in Weeks 16 and 17.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) is likely to return to action in Week 15 to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. However, Pierce said Sincere McCormick is the new starting running back, and Mattison will serve as his backup. Zamir White (quad) is out for the season after being placed on Injured Reserve. This likely marks the end of Mattison as a viable fantasy option, though he has been underwhelming to this point. Mattison has averaged just 9.5 fantasy points per game in half-PPR setups behind 97 carries for 320 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 25 receptions for 245 yards and a score through the air.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) will take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. As far as O'Connell's availability for the Monday night game in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, Pierce said it will depend on how O'Connell looks this week. The Raiders won't hold their first official practice until Thursday this week, but it's a good sign that O'Connell will be on the field on Wednesday after the Raiders initially feared he suffered a season-ending left-knee injury in the Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's officially dealing with a bone bruise. If O'Connell plays on Monday night, he'll be a low-end QB2 with upside in superflex leagues against a Falcons defense that was torched by the Vikings in Week 14. If O'Connell is ruled out, Desmond Ridder would make his first start in 2024.