NFL Player News

Martz reportedly thinks Orlovsky has the “tools, intangibles and leadership to be successful.” While he won’t get a chance to start early this season, Orlovsky could pass Josh McCown on the depth chart and is someone to watch in dynasty leagues. His profile (intelligent, low draft pick) is similar to other Martz projects like Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Gardner aggravated his preexisting hamstring strain last week and the 4-12 Jets have no real reason to rush him back into action. He is highly unlikely to suit up against the Dolphins in a meaningless Week 18 game.

Adams signed with the Lions’ practice squad after being released by Tennessee earlier this season. He was called up for two games a few weeks ago and logged three total tackles on 20 defensive snaps. Adams could sign with another team as a depth option, though he appears to be running out of options at the age of 29.

Conklin is coming off of consecutive top-12 scoring weeks so this injury is particularly disappointing. Hopefully, Conklin can practice in full by Friday but he appears to be truly questionable to play at this time.

Williams returned to play last week after logging three consecutive Limited Participant designations. While it’s possible today is just a precautionary rest day after his reactivation last week, Williams’ inability to practice is at least somewhat worrisome.

This is the second bit of good news regarding Waddle’s Week 18 availability. Mike McDaniel told reporters earlier today that he is optimistic about Waddle’s odds of suiting up on Sunday. This is a step in the right direction. Waddle has now strung together three limited practices, indicating he has at least remained setback-free.

Spears suffered the concussion late in Tennessee’s Week 17 loss to the Jags. Head coach Brian Callahan initially said he would not play in Week 18 but has since been less defensive. Still, our bet is on him sitting for a meaningless affair with the Texans. Tony Pollard could return from his ankle injury to a workhorse role this week. If he is also out, Julius Chestnut is the next man up.

Pollard did not practice last week before being listed as questionable. It was later reported that he had the flu, putting his availability further in doubt. The team ultimately ruled him out well before kickoff. Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion late in Week 17 and is now unlikely to play this week. If Pollard suits up, he will have the backfield to himself, putting him in the RB2 ranks for Week 18.

Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in November and was placed on injured reserve. He is one of over a dozen Lions to land on IR this year, with the bulk of them coming from the defensive side of the ball. Anzalone was limited in Wednesday’s walkthrough. Head coach Dan Campbell noted that Thursday’s practice will be telling for his Week 18 availability.

The special teams ace landed on injured reserve in November after suffering a foot injury. He returned to practice last week but was held out of Monday’s game. A full practice suggests he will make his return versus the Vikings this week. Though there isn’t much fantasy value to be had with Raymond, he is an elite punt returner who will give the Lions’ special teams some extra juice if active.

Shepard missed Week 17 with both hamstring and foot injuries. The fact that the foot issue is no longer listed suggests the hamstring issue is what held him out. Even if he is good to go for Week 18, Jalen McMillan has fully broken out as the team’s No. 2 receiver. Shepard is not on the fantasy radar for Week 18, healthy or not.