Returner Recap and Latest News: Week 12

Photo: USA Today Sports

Individual returner projections for each week are included in your MyFBG projections and rankings automatically. My returner projections are included in the default projection set with David Dodds' offensive predictions. Choose David as the source, and then choose a scoring system in which you have included points for return yards.

The base return projections for a week can be seen on this page. You can also go to the content for the week and use the Returner Projections link to get there.

Week 11 Recap

Andre Roberts had mostly given way to Rashad Ross and Jamison Crowder on returns for Washington. But when Ross was left inactive this week, Roberts cached in with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on his way to leading all returners in Week 11 with 177 return yards. Cordarrelle Patterson put up his fourth strong outing in his last five games as he was second best with 103 yards. Bruce Ellington finished third for the week as he has settled in again as the 49ers returner since the release of Jarryd Hayne and the injury to Reggie Bush.

Fantasy return stats often hinge on kick returns, which themselves are heavily affected by a kicker's touchback percentage. The New York Jets were a desirable opponent for returners with the league's worst touchback percentage, but the addition of kicker Randy Bullock on kickoffs has turned that around. Not counting the Jets whose stats linger in the cellar from previous kickers, the bottom teams in the NFL are the Lions, Steelers, Browns, Texans, Giants and Eagles, all with touchback rates of 47% or less. The Giants in particular have a combination of scoring and below average kickoffs that often make them a desirable opponent. Arizona is another worthwhile opponent, with middling kicks compared to the previously named teams but a potent offense that leads to more kickoffs.

All Week 11 Returners

Below are all returners for Week 11.

Returners Year to Date

Here are the top 40 returners for the year by total return yards.

Week 12 Outlook

Job Changes

Amari Cooper handled the punt returns for Oakland this week. While Cooper has previously gotten in the mix with Travis Carrie, he has not been used as the exclusive returner like this before.

Washington has used either Andre Roberts or Rashad Ross on kickoffs, depending on which is active. This week it was Roberts' turn, and he made a case for more playing time as he returned one kick for a touchdown.

Rashad Greene Sr was activated from injured reserve and handled punts for the Jaguars. Denard Robinson was also given opportunities at kick returner though the kicks resulted in touchbacks.

The Bears used Deonte Thompson on kick returns against Denver in Week 11. The receiving corps was thin this week so Marc Mariani was expected to see more time at receiver, though only was targeted once. Mariani continued to handle punts.

New England turned to Patrick Chung on kickoff returns, possibly to help limit hits on Danny Amendola though Chung has handled kickoffs at times in the past. Amendola continued to handle punts.

The Bills left Dan Herron inactive and used Denarius Moore on kickoff returns. Neither did well. This is one of those situations where the active player is the returner, and other team needs may dictate who is active. 

Baltimore turned to newly-signed return specialist Kaelin Clay to handle punt returns, though Clay only managed 5 yards on 3 returns. Raheem Mostert continued to field kick offs.

INJURIES OF NOTE

Chiefs returner De'Anthony Thomas had to leave the Chiefs' game Week 11 to be checked for a concussion. Jeremy Maclin handled punt returns in his absence. Thomas's status should be watched going into his game this week.

Emmanuel Sanders is dealing with a high ankle sprain. When Sanders has been unable to go, Denver has had Omar Bolden add punt returns to his normal kick return duties.

Titans returner Dexter McCluster is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a knee injury suffered in Week 11. Harry Douglas handled punt returns while Antonio Andrews saw the kickoffs.

Despite optimism he might have returned by now, Ty Montgomery missed another game for the Packers with an ankle injury. He was inactive early in the week in practice as well, which makes him a dicey proposition for Green Bay's game on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. Micah Hyde was injured in the game Montgomery missed. Jeff Janis handled kickoffs while both were out, while Randall Cobb handled punts.

Raiders kick returner Taiwan Jones suffered a knee injury. Roy Helu has seen the most returns when Jones has missed time, though other players show on this game's box score as Helu was inactive for the game.

Patrick Peterson suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 and starts the practice week for the Cardinals as day-to-day. His status should be watched closer to game time.

Danny Amendola's knee has been diagnosed as a sprain, and he is considered week to week, but may not miss any time.