Flowers appeared to bang his knee at the end of a reception in the second quarter of the team’s Week 18 game against the Browns. The Ravens played their starters as they aim to clinch the AFC North, something that could prove costly pending any status updates from the team regarding Flowers’ health. Flowers did walk off the field under his own power but was in obvious pain as he was taken directly to the locker room. The team has yet to provide any updates, which could come as soon as halftime. Flowers managed 12 yards on his lone reception prior to departing.

Ekeler has been on the shelf for the previous four games but will miss the minimum with a concussion sustained in Week 12. The Commanders have said they will approach Week 18 like any other week as they look to avoid the No. 7 seed out of the NFC, but time, and game environment, will tell if they keep their starters on the field late in the contest should they be playing with a comfortable lead.

Sanders makes his return to an active roster now without both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, likely leaving him in line to serve as the lead back in the team’s final game of the regular season against the Falcons. His ultimate workload likely depends on his level of health after working his way back from an ankle injury that forced a trip to injured reserve, but the Panthers should have every reason to continue with full effort as they work through the future of their franchise.

The Bills have nothing to play for in Week 18 and are likely to rest as many starters as possible considering they are locked into the No. 2 seed out of the AFC, so this is likely a non-issue in the team’s journey towards the Super Bowl. Assuming everything is okay on the home front for the veteran wide receiver, expect him to return to the team following the weekend as they prepare for a home game in the Wildcard Round.

McConkey was held out of Wednesday’s practice but returned to the field on Thursday. He was also out there on Friday before being cleared. With Josh Palmer out this week, the Chargers will funnel even more target McConkey’s way. Still playing for seeding purposes in the AFC, the Chargers should handle business against the Raiders, putting McConkey on the WR1/2 border for Week 18.

Kittle did not practice on Wednesday but was back on the practice field for the next two sessions. He is a true game-time call for Week 18. With nothing left to play for, the 49ers could hold him out even if he is healthy enough to play. Eric Saubert would likely draw the start if he is held out. With Josh Dobbs under center, there isn’t much fantasy value to be had here.

Samuel only missed one game before Week 18, a Week 3 loss to the Rams, because of an injury but was seemingly hampered by various issues for most of the year. He was listed with a wrist issue that never went away as early as Week 7. Samuel came down with pneumonia ahead of that game, played four snaps, and was hospitalized on Monday. Rib and oblique injuries were later added to the growing list of ailments and he appeared entirely out of gas midway through the season. Deebo topped 100 receiving yards twice in his first five games and failed to hit triple digits ever again. He ended the year with 51 grabs for 673 yards and three scores. Samuel also underwhelmed on the ground, adding just 136 yards and one score at a dismal 3.2 yards per carry. The 49ers can cut him as a post-June 1st release in the offseason for roughly $5 million in cap savings. However, the move would saddle San Francisco with over $30 million in dead cap, making an extension or restructure more likely. It’s possible Samuel just needs a healthy offseason to get back to form ahead of 2025. On the other hand, at 28 years old with declining numbers across the board, it’s more than possible that Samuel’s best days are behind him.

All signs point toward Tagovailoa sitting this week but remained involved as a limited practice participant all week and the Dolphins still have a chance to make the playoffs. Fantasy managers should expect to be without him. He is a highly volatile starting option if active though. The Jets’ flailing defense could facilitate an efficient outing.

Kelce will get the week off as the Chiefs prepare for the playoffs. They have already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Other notable names listed as doubtful include Chris Jones, Patrick Mahomes, George Karlaftis, and Trent McDuffie, just to name a few. Kelce ends the regular season with 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns.

Goedert is in the process of returning from injured reserve and the Eagles are listing all skill position starters as either out or doubtful. Goedert, however, carries no injury designation into a meaningless Week 18 game against the Giants. It is possible that the Eagles allow him to play as a sort of ramp-up period but it seems more likely that they allow him to rest. He has no real fantasy floor, if active.