NFL Player News

Elder was likely competing for dime duties in defensive sub-packages as a rookie. It sounds like a multi-week issue and will cost Elder important practice reps.

Nabers dealt with a toe injury heading into Week 17 against the Colts, only to go nuclear on Sunday with a line of 7-171-1 on eight targets. This is an injury he’s already played through, meaning we’d expect him to suit up for the season-finale, barring any kind a setback. Nabers has caught 104 passes for 1,140 yards and six touchdowns this season and is in a race with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers to set the rookie receptions record. Bowers currently holds the record with 108 receptions on the year and will also look to add to his total in Week 18 against the Chargers.

Brooks has proven himself as a capable backfield contributor this season so his continued limited participation could simply reflect a conservative approach with the Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations in mind. Still, Emanuel Wilson should factor in this week with Josh Jacobs also limited by a wrist injury.

During Jacobs’ Thursday media session in the Packers’ locked room, Jacobs told reporters, “I don’t see me taking that many carries in this game... I’m playing. But I don’t see myself taking 30 carries.” The Packers have already clinched a playoff spot though seeding is still subject to change. Jacobs can be expected to play efficient, per usual, but Emanuel Wilson looks like a potential dark horse to lead the Packers’ backfield in carries this week. Chris Brooks (ankle) likewise remains limited through two practices this week.

It seems highly unlikely that the Eagles will start Pickett, as he and Jalen Hurts (concussion) are both working their way back from injury with a week to go before the NFC Wild Card round. With both likely to sit in Week 18 against the Giants, the Eagles could look to Tanner McKee to make his first career start after McKee completed 3-of-4 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s outing against the Cowboys.

Taylor-Britt appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a limited participant, indicating the big-bodied perimeter cornerback suffered the injury in practice. The Bengals frequently task Taylor-Britt with covering the opposition’s similarly sized No. 1 wide receivers, albeit to mixed results. George Pickens will likely have an easier day if Taylor-Britt is unable to play though.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson played through a calf injury as the Browns’ starter last week, completing just 24-of-47 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown. The team is evidently ready to see what Zappe has in store. The third-year player has flashed talent at times, playing for the Patriots in his first two seasons. He is not a recommended QB1 starter in Week 18.

Warren is playing very well at the moment, banking RB21 and RB8 finishes over the last two weeks. He practiced in full over the last two days over the last two days so fantasy managers can expect him to handle his typical workload against a Bengals defense that just placed star DT Sheldon Rankins on the reserve/non-football illness list.

After being listed as an estimated DNP on Wednesday, Odunze was a DNP on Thursday due to an illness. We don’t often see players miss games due to illnesses, so we’ll see where things stand on Friday when the team releases its final report. Odunze has caught 52 passes for 716 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie campaign and will look to end the season on a high note against the Packers if he’s active.

Porter missed Week 17 but appears to be in good health now. He practiced in full Tuesday through Thursday. The Steelers are currently jockeying for playoff seeding so Porter’s return is meaningful. He and Ja’Marr Chase should take a fair number of snaps against each other.

According to Fowler, part of this belief stems from what those in the industry consider to be “a weak candidate pool.” Despite the Cowboys’ shortcomings this season, the team has fought its way to a 7-9 season and has a chance to pick up one more win with a victory over the Commanders in Week 18. Under backup quarterback Cooper Rush the Cowboys are 4-4 with notable wins over the Commanders and Buccaneers. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the team’s Week 16 win over the Buccaneers that he is “real, real proud” of the way the team has played for McCarthy amidst a lost season. McCarthy is on the final year of his contract, meaning his return would come with a new deal. It’s unlikely the Cowboys would rush to a decision on the long-time head coach, but we’ll see just how quickly things move when their season concludes on Sunday.