Fantasy Football News
Drake Maye Limited As Week 18 Prep Begins
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. The rookie reportedly injured one of his fingers during last Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye is expected to recover in time for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, and he's in line to start after head coach Jerod Mayo indicated all of New England's healthy starters would play. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story to monitor given that the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 draft pick with a loss on Sunday but could drop as low as No. 5 if they win. There has been ongoing speculation that the Patriots could rest Maye to preserve his health and secure the top pick, but as of now, it sounds like Mayo is going to roll out his starters in hopes of a Week 18 victory.
8 hours ago
Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk Absent From Practice Wednesday
New England Patriots wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (illness) and Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Boutte has been heavily involved lately, commanding 23 targets over his last four games. His absence from practice is concerning, but the good news is that players are typically able to recover from illnesses within a few days, so Boutte has a real chance to recover in time for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Polk's status is a little more murky after he injured his shoulder in the middle of last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie has been quite underwhelming, catching just 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns while struggling with drops. Fantasy managers invested in the statuses of either Boutte or Polk should check back Thursday to see if either receiver can improve to limited or full.
8 hours ago
Colts Hopeful Anthony Richardson Can Play Despite Missing Practice
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The second-year quarterback noted that his back injury limited him physically last week, and there were times when he couldn't even walk or stand up. He feels better now, though, and said that he'll do everything in his power to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're hopeful [that Richardson plays]. He's working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we'll see how the week progresses with that." Richardson should rank as a low-end QB1 facing off against a subpar Jaguars defense.
8 hours ago
Patrick Mahomes Limited As Week 18 Prep Begins
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was limited during practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including Mahomes, in Week 18, so his appearance on the injury report isn't something worth worrying about. In his age-29 season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading his Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Carson Wentz should start at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but there's been speculation that the Chiefs could also give Chris Oladokun some snaps under center.
9 hours ago
Tony Pollard Limited As Week 18 Prep Begins
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 27-year-old missed last week's game with a combination of his ankle injury and an illness. His absence allowed Tyjae Spears to take over as Tennessee's starter, but Spears picked up a concussion mid-game, forcing the Titans to rely on third-string running back Julius Chestnut. With Spears expected to miss Week 18, Pollard's return comes at a great time. He's trending toward playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.
9 hours ago
Nick Folk Estimated As Non-Participant Wednesday
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The veteran kicker has missed two consecutive games due to injury and now faces an uphill battle to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans. It's an unfortunate ending to what had been an otherwise solid season for Folk. Through 14 games, the 40-year-old went 25-for-25 on extra points and 21-for-22 on field goals. Tennessee has no other kickers on its roster after waiving Matthew Wright, so it's unclear who would handle kicking duties if Folk can't suit up in Week 18.
9 hours ago
Titans Estimate Tyler Boyd As Non-Participant Wednesday
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. Boyd has made frequent appearances on the injury report this season, but he hasn't missed a game yet. The 30-year-old has consistently operated as the Titans' No. 3 receiver, totaling 39 catches for 390 yards through 16 games. He's still looking for his first touchdown as a member of the Titans, and he's just one game away from finishing a season without a touchdown for the first time in his career. Given that he's behind Calvin Ridley, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Chig Okonkwo in the pecking order, Boyd remains off the fantasy radar and can be left on waivers in most leagues.
9 hours ago
Tyjae Spears Estimated As DNP On Wednesday
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) was estimated as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Brian Callahan previously said that Spears would not play in Week 18, and Wednesday's injury report reflects that sentiment. The 23-year-old has flourished over his last three games, totaling 127 rushing yards, 134 receiving yards, and four touchdowns during that span. If there's anything positive to take away from the Titans' injury report, it's the fact that Tony Pollard (ankle) was able to practice in a limited capacity. There appears to be a strong chance that Pollard plays in Week 18, with Julius Chestnut backing him up.
9 hours ago
Hunter Henry Starts The Week Limited
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. Henry hurt his foot in Week 17's blowout loss -- a 40-7 rout against his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. He commanded just two targets and participated in only 30 snaps in the loss. Both figures are season-lows, and it was the first outing he did not record a catch all year. That he could at least practice in a limited capacity is a boon to his outlook for Week 18. However, seeing him elevate his practice status over the next few days would be good. The Patriots will host the visiting Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash this Sunday. As the game is meaningless for both squads, it's possible that if the veteran TE is closer to the wrong side of questionable, he's rested anyway. Keep an eye on him as the week closes out.
11 hours ago
Ameer Abdullah Picks Up DNP On Wednesday
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was listed as a non-participant to kick off this week of practice. The 31-year-old produced the best rushing total of his career in Sunday's 25-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Abdullah sustained a foot injury early in the fourth quarter, or he'd have had an even bigger day. While he was initially deemed questionable to return to the contest, he did not. The Nebraska product has been one of the more pleasant surprises late in the season, but he could be in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Abdullah can't play, backfield mate Alexander Mattison projects to lead the Raiders' rushing attack with Chris Collier and/or Dylan Laube working in behind him. Abdullah's practice participation over the next two days should give us a better idea of his status for Sunday's bout.
11 hours ago
Tee Higgins Logs Another Limited Session
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day ahead of his team's road meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Clemson product has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries for a few weeks now, though it hasn't stopped him from being effective on the field. Since picking up the first of his injuries in Week 15 (knee), Higgins has gone for 277 yards and five touchdowns across 24 receptions. He's the PPR WR2 over that stretch, averaging a robust 26.6 fantasy points per game. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on him just in case, but it seems unlikely he'll miss the Bengals' divisional clash this Saturday. With Cincinnati still battling for a chance at post-season play, he and the rest of their squad should be all systems go against the Steelers.
12 hours ago
Joe Burrow Limited Again Wednesday
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's team practice. This has been the veteran's routine for a few weeks now -- logging a limited session or two since picking up a knee injury in Cincinnati's win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Fortunately, it hasn't forced him to miss any time. There hasn't been another quarterback as hot as Burrow, who has tossed three or more passing scores in every outing since Week 9. The 28-year-old leads all passers in yards and touchdowns and trails only the Ravens' Lamar Jackson in QBR. With the Bengals still fighting for the final playoff spot in the AFC, expect the veteran to be out there this Saturday when his team lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a road tilt. Cincinnati currently holds a 5% chance to snag a spot in the tournament.
12 hours ago
Aaron Jones Limited With Quad Injury
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as a limited practice participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Jones suffered a quadriceps contusion late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday and didn't return to the game. However, the 30-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, giving him a good chance to be ready to go for a huge Week 18 contest against the division-rival Detroit Lions that will decide the winner of the NFC North and the top seed in the NFC postseason. Jones has been the RB15 in half-PPR scoring in his first year in Minnesota with 245 carries for 1,093 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 46 receptions for 378 yards and two more TDs in 16 games. If Jones is active, he'll be a top-10 fantasy RB with many teams resting their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale.
14 hours ago
Lions Release Jamal Adams From Practice Squad
The Detroit Lions released defensive back Jamal Adams from their practice squad on Wednesday. Adams is now on the free-agent market after joining the Lions late this year. He began the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans but played in only three games before being cut. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler had only four tackles (two solo) with the Titans and tallied three tackles (two solo) in his two games played for the Lions. Adams was a backup option for Brian Branch at safety during his time with Detroit. The former sixth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 out of LSU was one of the better IDP safeties during his prime because of his tackling abilities, but injuries derailed his career, and he's played in only 15 games since the start of the 2022 season.
14 hours ago
Ezekiel Elliott Goes Unclaimed On Waivers
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott went unclaimed on waivers on Wednesday and is now a free agent. The Cowboys waived Elliott on Tuesday, and he's now free to sign with any team on the open market. The 29-year-old reportedly asked for his release and could be looking to sign with a playoff team to provide them with depth at the position in January. After spending the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, Zeke returned to Dallas this year for what was a disappointing campaign. The former first-rounder averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry and had only 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries in 15 games as the clear backup to Rico Dowdle. If Elliott does latch on with a team headed for the playoffs, it would be unlikely that he'd suddenly have a big role with everything on the line.
14 hours ago
Aaron Rodgers Says Sunday Could Be His Final Game
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged that the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Miami Dolphins -- his 241st career start -- could be his last. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer said he'll decide before free agency in March whether to play another year in 2025. Rodgers is open to returning to the Jets next year if the new regime will have him, but that's unlikely to happen. He missed all of 2023 due to a torn Achilles and ranks 25th out of 33 qualified QBs in total QBR this year with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Jets to a 4-12 record. Rodgers needs one TD to become the fifth player in NFL history with 500 TD passes, and he needs only 115 passing yards to pass Matt Ryan for seventh on the career list. The four-time MVP will be going for those milestones this Sunday and will be in play as a midrange QB2 in fantasy.
15 hours ago
Gus Edwards Doesn't Practice On Wednesday
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) did not participate with the rest of the team in Wednesday's practice. Edwards didn't play in the Week 17 win over the New England Patriots last Saturday and is firmly in danger of missing a second straight game in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Depending on the outcome of the Bengals-Steelers game on Saturday, the Chargers could be locked into the No. 6 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. If the Bolts cannot move up to the No. 5 seed with a win over Vegas, they almost certainly would rest injured players like Edwards. Even if Edwards were to play this weekend, his fantasy value would take a hit now that J.K. Dobbins is back from Injured Reserve. There's a good chance that rookie Kimani Vidal could lead LA's backfield in Week 18.
15 hours ago
Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer Miss Wednesday's Practice
Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Ladd McConkey (toe) and Joshua Palmer (foot) were both listed as non-participants in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. McConkey is dealing with a new injury, but he seemed fine in the Week 17 beatdown of the New England Patriots, when he had eight catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old second-rounder has been a must-start in fantasy all year in his first season in the NFL as quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite target. However, the Chargers could rest him and other key starters on offense in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. If the Steelers beat the Bengals on Saturday, the Bolts would be locked into the No. 6 seed in the AFC for the playoffs and wouldn't have much incentive to play their starters.
15 hours ago
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith Miss Practice On Wednesday
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) were both held out of practice on Wednesday. Both Brown and Smith played in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, and they combined for three touchdowns. Brown and Smith are both likely fine from a health perspective heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. However, with the Eagles having already locked up the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, they are planning to rest key starters this weekend. If Brown and Smith are even active against New York, there's a good chance they won't see the field much, if at all. Fantasy managers would be wise to avoid Philly's offense altogether, but Jahan Dotson and rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith should see much larger roles.
15 hours ago
Kenny Pickett Picks Up DNP On Wednesday
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice in the team's first session of the week on Wednesday. Pickett is dealing with broken ribs and was forced from the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee. The Eagles are already locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, and head coach Nick Sirianni has confirmed that he plans to rest starts in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, including running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion), who was inactive last week. The 26-year-old Pickett's availability is in question, but if we had to guess right now, we'd be surprised if Pickett plays. McKee did throw two touchdowns in mop-up duty last week, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Philly's offense in Week 18.
15 hours ago
Drake Maye
• QB
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Patriots
