Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Additionally, tight end Hayden Hurst (illness) did not practice on Tuesday. Dissly has missed two straight games with the injury so his return to practice at this point in the week is encouraging. Dissly is not very fantasy-relevant on his own, but he is an important offensive piece for the Chargers, especially quarterback Justin Herbert. Hurst was the No. 1 tight end for the Chargers in Week 16 in Dissly's absence. However, Hurst was returning from a hip injury that had sidelined him since Week 11. As such, he only received one target which resulted in one catch for eight yards. Hurst's absence with an illness is not concerning at this point in the week but it is worth monitoring as the week wears on. Neither player is on the fantasy radar this week, but both are important for the prospects of Herbert's fantasy play. Hopefully, both tight ends will be able to take the field together for the first time since Week 10.

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Dobbins' running mate Gus Edwards (ankle) was also limited. Dobbins has been on injured reserve since Week 12 with his injury. He had been putting together a nice bounce back season with 766 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. The Chargers need Dobbins for the last bit of their playoff push. Edwards has been the main rusher in Dobbins' absence. He has racked up 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. He is coming off his best game of the season in which he ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. The Chargers will face the New England Patriots in Week 16. The matchup is great for running backs. It seems likely that both players will be active. Given that Dobbins is coming off a long-term injury, it will be difficult to trust either player in fantasy this week. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the situation and see how practice reps evolve over the course of this week.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday that the team is opening up the 21-day practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) to return from Injured Reserve. It means that Dobbins will be eligible to return to practice with the team this week, although it doesn't guarantee that he'll officially be activated from IR and return to the field for this Saturday's contest against the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Dobbins' practice status this week. If the coaching staff likes what they see from Dobbins from Tuesday through Thursday, they could activate him on Friday. However, if Dobbins returns, he could be at risk of being eased in and sharing valuable backfield touches with both Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal. With fantasy titles on the line this week, we're not sure we'd recommend starting Dobbins in what could be a limited role if active.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had an exciting and productive game in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Dicker made all four of his kicks, including an extremely rare fair catch free kick field goal from 57 yards out to end the first half. Dicker made both of his extra point tries, the 57-yarder, and added a 37-yard kick as well. The Bolts went for two on two of their touchdowns which limited Dicker's opportunities, but he was still nails every time he was called upon. He should remain one of the league's most consistent kickers in Week 17 as the Chargers will face the Patriots on Saturday.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston played an insignificant role in a Thursday Night Football win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Johnston tied for the team lead with six targets but made just three catches for a total of 18 yards. The biggest play of the game for Johnston was a dropped pass when he was absolutely wide open and given a perfect pass from his quarterback Justin Herbert. The same drop issues that plagued him throughout his rookie year clearly remain this season despite marked improvement in his overall game. He'll look to bounce back rather than have the ball bounce off his hands in Week 17 against the New England Patriots.