NFL Player News

Coach Rod Marinelli plans to use Jon Kitna and the other starters more playing time, perhaps 24-30 snaps.

Per head coach Kevin O’Connell, Jones suffered a quad contusion in Week 17 against the Packers. He spent some time on the sidelines while Cam Akers took over but was never officially given an injury designation. Wednesday’s practice was only a walkthrough, so we’ll learn more about Jones’s ability on Thursday. For now, fantasy managers can assume he will play through the issue in a battle with Detroit for the NFC North crown on Sunday.

The Eagles have made clear that most skill position players will be given ample rest this week, and core players like Smith are even unlikely to play on game day. We will see how the week progresses but fantasy managers should expect Smith to be ruled out for Week 18.

The Eagles are taking a conservative approach to Week 18. All potential starting skill position players took the day off on Wednesday, though the team has also made clear that many will not suit up at all this week, even on game day. Fantasy managers should make backup plans.

With just one practice left in the week, it certainly looks like Njoku has played his last snap of the season. He has dealt with several injuries this year and the ankle issue has already cost him one game. Jordan Akins will be a punt TE2 option once Njoku is ruled out.

Pickett is certainly questionable to play this week, after being forced from Week 17 action when he aggravated his preexisting ribs issue. The Eagles largely gave skill position players the day off today though so his Wednesday absence leaves room for improvement. Tomorrow’s injury report will be far more telling.

Backup Pierre Strong remains sidelined with a concussion. That leaves just D’Onta Foreman to man the backfield if neither is able to practice on Friday. Foreman would be a volume-based RB3 if neither back plays in Week 18 versus the Ravens.

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.