NFL Player News

That’s definitely not how we expected this to end given how all reports this offseason have gone. Until Gronkowski is inevitably pulled out of retirement in Week 13 or whatever, he hangs it up with 9,236 receiving yards, 92 receiving touchdowns, and a dominant 11-season career that should make him an inner-circle Hall of Famer. Adam Schefter notes that he received a text from Gronk agent Drew Rosenhaus that says: “It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call. This is just my opinion but I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season.” Gronkowski’s retirement opens up space for Cameron Brate in the Tampa passing attack and should also boost the stock of Russell Gage. “I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had,” Gronkowski wrote on Instagram.

Akins was tough for Dolphins defenders to bring down, flashing the size-speed traits that have kept him in the league for his age-32 season. Akins is unlikely to repeat the feat against the Ravens’ defense in Week 18 but he could be TE2-viable.

Fantasy managers would typically be disappointed by a three-drop performance from Jeudy but his 12-reception total helps offset the gaffes. Jeudy displayed fancy feet and spatial awareness on the Browns’ final drive, carving up the Dolphins’ prevent defense while helpfully catching 4-of-4 targets for 31 yards along the way. The 12-play sequence ultimately resulted in a turnover on downs but may have won a few fantasy championships for Jeudy managers. He is a highly volatile WR3 against the Ravens in Week 18.

Jerry Jeudy committed at least two costly drops but he can only take so much blame for Thompson-Robinson’s 23 incompletions. Thompson-Robinson is simply not a qualified starter, averaging just 3.8 yards per passing attempt over the last three weeks. Thompson-Robinson’s fumble occurred on a textbook strip-sack from Emmanuel Ogbah. The Browns’ fill-in starter should not be in fantasy lineups against the Ravens in Week 18.

Wilson is not a fantasy factor at this time but he did get to play some in the second half. He was aggravatingly on-field for Tyler Huntley’s red zone touchdown scamper, taking high-value snaps away from De’Von Achane. Wilson should not be started in Week 18 against the Jets.

Mostert contributed little from a fantasy perspective though his 24 offensive snaps were only eight fewer than Achane on the day. The slightly tilted game script was a factor. The trusty football player is not fantasy-relevant entering a Week 18 matchup against the Jets. The 8-8 Dolphins remain on the playoff bubble and will likely feature Achance, if possible.

The Browns’ defense had little reason to respect the Dolphins’ passing attack with Tyler Huntley under center so it was easy for them to focus on the typically potent rushing attack. Achane operated as the offensive focal point early on, touching the ball seven times in the first quarter which led all Dolphins players by five. The overall offensive inefficiency elevated Tyreek Hill to the featured role after that. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. then combined for 22 second-half snaps, relegating Achane to just eight. Achane remains a high-upside RB1 against the Jets next week though, particularly if Tua Tagovailoa (hip) can play.

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.