NFL Player News

There are no surprise inactives for the Football Teams this week. Curtis Sameul (groin) is slated to miss the next three weeks after being placed on injured reserve, opening up more playing time and targets for explosive rookie WR Dyami Brown and slot receiver Adam Humphries.

Smith was nearly a ghost for three-and-a-half quarters, entering the game’s final four minutes with just 19 yards on two receptions. The typically-reliable tight end made good on his season-long promise though, icing the game with a late seven-yard score. He remains a TE1 entering a Week 18 matchup against the Jets.

Jones reportedly was allowed to keep his helmet and remain on the sidelines toward the end of the game, suggesting Jones might have been able to play through the issue if the team needed him. The short-term results indicate Jones at least has a chance to play in Week 18 but practice participation and playoff seeding will undoubtedly factor in.

McDaniel reportedly affirmed his decision not to play Tagovailoa in Week 17, saying, “from a medical standpoint, it was not an option for him to play” through his hip injury. Wolfe adds, “surgery is not on the table right now” though the “right now” aspect is notable. Hopefully, the injury does not require surgery and Tagovailoa can suit up in Week 18.

Washington deserves all of the credit for setting up the Dolphins’ successful field goal attempt with one second remaining in the first half. Tyler Huntley exclusively targeted the shifty rookie receiver on the drive, which started at the Browns’ 49-yard line with 28 seconds left. Washington’s best play included a very tough grab on a late pass, one missed tackle forced and a first-down pickup that included post-contact yardage. Washington likely earned more opportunities with the clutch showing on his three-catch drive. His five targets trailed only Tyreek Hill and Washington tacked on two punt returns for 20 yards as well. He makes for a volatile WR4/5 against the Jets next week if Jaylen Waddle (knee) is inactive.

Hill was quiet through the game’s first quarter but he eventually began to rack up catches in the second. Hill is still plenty spry but he was unable to separate from Denzel Ward on what would have been a monstrous catch-and-run score, instead settling for an explosive gain as Ward eventually pulled him down post-catch. In an effort to facilitate big plays however possible, Mike McDaniel allowed Hill to join the punt return squad. He fielded one for 18 yards. Hill is a high-end WR2 against the Jets in Week 18 though his target share would be mildly threatened if Jaylen Waddle (knee) returns.

Huntley executed Mike McDaniel’s game plan effectively, dinking and dunking his way downfield from start to finish. He threw short of the sticks on 61.5 percent of his passes but received helpful yardage boosts from his speedy running backs and tight ends. Huntley’s best play was all his own though; a 13-yard rushing score in which he shook three would-be tacklers before leaping into the end zone. Had the Dolphins faced a high-powered offense, it is unlikely Huntley could have delivered the win but credit to him for beating the opponent he was given. Huntley is a mildly intriguing QB2 if he gets the start against the Jets in Week 18.