McCaffrey Meets Martinez

Players to Watch

Zach Ertz • TE • Philadelphia Eagles • Fifth season • @ZErtz_86

Ertz was held out of a big matchup last week when Philadelphia flew west to face the Los Angeles Rams. Ertz has cleared concussion protocol and is fully expected to suit up when the Eagles face the New York Giants on Sunday. The Giants have allowed the most receiving yards (870) and touchdowns (11) to tight ends in 2017, but Philadelphia will be without franchise quarterback Carson Wentz, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 14. Look for Nick Foles to lean heavily on Ertz in his first start of the season.

Cameron Fleming • TE • New England Patriots • Fourth season • @cammyjfresh

For four seasons, Fleming has been a capable deputy across New England's offensive line, making several spot starts at either tackle position. With injuries to La'Adrian Weddle and Marcus Cannon, Fleming has stepped up and played nearly every snap the past two weeks, allowing just three pressures on 129 snaps. This week, head coach Bill Belichick spoke volumes about his reserve tackle, who could play a big role for the Patriots in the postseason.

Matchup to Watch

Packers at Panthers
Top pick Christian McCaffrey faces former teammate Blake Martinez in an NFC matchup with major postseason implications. The Packers (7-6) sit just outside the playoff picture with Aaron Rodgers on the cusp of returning from injury, while Carolina (9-4) owns the No. 5 seed but still trails division leader New Orleans by a game.

Martinez's 119 tackles ranks third in the league, and his 88.1 Pro Football Focus grade against the run ranks seventh. On 336 running downs, Martinez has missed just two tackles and his 32 run stops ties for second in the league, per PFF.

McCaffrey's 67 receptions are well over the franchise record for receptions by a running back and ranks second among NFL tailbacks behind only Le'Veon bell. His 91.4 receiving grade from PFF ranks second among running backs, while his 16 forced missed tackles in the passing game ranks fifth.

Injury Report

• Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
• Michael Thomas (knee) will continue to play with a torn PCL and multiple bone bruises in his right knee.
• Josh Mauro (ankle) did not practice on Thursday.
• Zach Ertz (concussion) was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
• Andrus Peat (groin) was a limited participant on Thursday after missing Week 14.

Week 15 Schedule