Minshew to start at QB vs. the Cowboys

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni announced on Thursday morning that QB Garnder Minshew will start Week 16's game vs. the Cowboys on Saturday. Jalen Hurts (shoulder) did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday and will now have some time to heal further. The Cowboys' defense ranks as the 3rd-toughest matchup for opposing QBs in adjusted fantasy points allowed this season. We don't consider Minshew a ceiling play in fantasy lineups this week, but he could still be considered a streaming option/QB2 in superflex leagues.

The Colts signed QB Gardner Minshew to a 1-year, $3.5 million deal. It's backup money, which is what Minshew figures to be for at least most of 2023 behind whichever QB the Colts nab in next month's draft. It's worth noting that Minshew spent the past 2 seasons in Philadelphia with new Colts HC Shane Steichen, so he'll be familiar with the offense.

Eagles QB Gardner Minshew completed 18 of 32 pass attempts for 276 yards with 1 TD and INT apiece vs. the Saints. Fantasy managers hoping to stream Minshew in the absence of QB Jalen Hurts (right shoulder) on Sunday are assuredly disappointed by the end result. The Saints dominated time of possession early, holding Minshew and company to 7:10 seconds of offense in the 1st half. The Eagles never really found their groove until late in the game and only converted 3 of 12 3rd downs in Week 17. It remains to be seen if Hurts will work his way back into the lineup for Week 18 vs. the Giants next Sunday.

Eagles QB Gardner Minshew racked up 355 yards and 2 TDs in Saturday's loss at Dallas. Both of his TDs went to WR DeVonta Smith, who led the team with 12 targets, 8 catches and 113 yards. WR A.J. Brown added 6-103 receiving on 8 targets. RB Kenneth Gainwell (4-41) and TE Dallas Goedert (3-67) were the other Eagles with multiple catches. Minshew will be worth a look for Week 17 fantasy football lineups in a neutral scoring matchup with the Saints, if QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) remains out.

The Jaguars have traded QB Gardner Minshew to the Eagles for a conditional 2022 sixth-round draft pick. Philly also released QB Nick Mullens, positioning Minshew as at least the 3rd QB on the depth chart. He'll need only to work past Joe Flacco to become Jalen Hurts' backup. That's a nice spot for the 25-year-old Minshew, whose rookie contract runs through 2022. Jacksonville, meanwhile, has C.J. Beathard and Jake Luton around as backups to Trevor Lawrence.

Jaguars HC Doug Marrone announced Monday at his press conference that he'll start QB Gardner Minshew against the Ravens in Week 15. Minshew relieved Mike Glennon in the 3rd quarter of Sunday's loss to the Titans but posted only pedestrian numbers. He completed 18 of 31 passes (58%) for 178 yards (5.7 per attempt), 1 TD and 0 INTs. Baltimore actually rates as only a slightly tougher-than-average scoring matchup for fantasy QBs on the season -- both by raw fantasy points allowed and our Strength-of-Schedule formula -- but we're certainly not chasing Minshew for Week 15 fantasy lineups. The Ravens will bring a tougher defense than the Titans did last week, especially in the 2nd half of a blowout Tennessee win.