NFL Player News

Dallas used its fifth-round pick from Cleveland in the Amari Cooper trade to draft Waletzko, a three-year FCS starter with 95th-percentile size and athletic scores. Waletzko dominated the MVFC, allowing three sacks in 28 starts, and is expected to remain at tackle in the NFL, giving the Cowboys depth behind injury-prone LT Tyron Smith, who’s missed 20 games the past two seasons. Waletzko seems likely to open 2022 in a swing role as a backup to Smith and hedge to Terence Steele after Steele replaced La’El Collins as the team’s starting right tackle last season.

Guerendo was able to get a full practice in Wednesday, as well, so the 24-year-old tailback should be able to go in the Week 18 finale against the Cardinals. With Brock Purdy (elbow) out, this could be a game where Guerendo gets a good amount of touches with Joshua Dobbs the signal-caller against Arizona.

Shipley was upgrade to a full participant after getting a limited session in Wednesday. The rookie tailback will likely be able to play in Week 18 against the Giants, and with Saquon Barkley sitting out, he could be in for a healthy amount of carries in the season finale.

Abdullah has now missed the last two practices, which is disappointing/concerning after his breakout game against the Saints in Week 17. There’s still a good chance that Abdullah can play against the Chargers in Week 18 if he’s able to practice Friday, but for now he should be considered questionable at best. Alexander Mattison would likely get the bulk of carries if Abdullah cannot play.

Kittle was able to get in a limited session after missing Wednesday’s practice. The 31-year-old should be healthy enough to play, but the 49ers will take no risk with Kittle in a game that doesn’t have any significance on the standings.

Samuel also missed Wednesday’s practice with the issue(s). The 28-year-old wideout appears to be questionable at best for the finale against the Cardinals on Sunday, but keep in mind the 49ers have absolutely nothing to play for and will be without Brock Purdy (elbow) for that finale.

Palmer has been a no-go for the first two practice sessions while dealing with his foot/heel injury. The man they call Big Palm seems to be on the wrong side of the questionable tag ahead of Week 18 against the Raiders in a game that only has (relatively) minor implications for Los Angeles.

Edwards has missed both practices this week ahead of the Week 18 finale against the Raiders. It’s possible the 29-year-old could be able to go Sunday if he gets in a limited session, but it’s just as likely Edwards doesn’t play until the playoff game against either the Texans, Ravens or Steelers.

That’s an upgrade from not being able to practice during Wednesday’s session. McConkey is likely getting maintenance before the Week 18 finale against the Raiders, but with only seeding involved, the Chargers may play it cautious with the star rookie for the finale. Keep a close eye on the situation.

Jones is dealing with a quad contusion, and he has now been limited in back-to-back practices after not playing much in the Week 17 win over the Packers during the second half. The 30-year-old tailback appears likely to play in a massive game in Week 18 against the Lions.

Goedert was just recently designated to return from injured reserve from his knee injury, and while it might make more sense for Eagles to keep the tight end out in a meaningless game against the Giants, they may want to give the 29-year-old a soft landing spot. If he did play, he’d be one of the few reliable targets expected to play in what will likely be a start by Tanner McKee in the finale.