NFL Player News

Smith will be the latest in a long line of Sean Payton’s former players to join him in Denver. The Saints placed Smith on injured reserve with a groin injury earlier in the season but ultimately chose to release him this week. Per 9News’s Mike Klis, there was interest around the league in Smith, but the veteran receiver chose a system and coach he is familiar with.

Okonkwo’ injury appears to be a new one, as he wasn’t listed during Wednesday’s practice. For now it appears likely the 25-year-old will play, but fantasy players planning on starting Okonkwo will want to pay close attention to Thursday’s injury report.

Pollard has not been able to get a full practice in thus far, but the good news is he’s been able to get in two limited sessions. The same cannot be said for Tyjae Spears, as he hasn’t been able to clear the concussion protocol. If Pollard can go, he’ll be a RB2 against the Texans in Week 18.

Spears remains in the concussion protocol after missing Wednesday’s practice. The second-year tailback suffered a concussion late in Week 17 against the Jaguars, and it would seem unlikely that Spears will play in Week 18 against the Texans

Boyd dealt with a foot injury but was still able to play in Week 17 against the Jaguars. The 30-year-old veteran will likely need to get in at least one session — even if it’s limited — to have a chance to play Sunday against the Texans There won’t be any fantasy relevancy, either way.

Shepard has gotten a limited designation in both practices this week after missing the Week 17 bout with the Panthers due to his hamstring and foot injuries. There’s a good chance he’ll return for the finale in Week 18, but he’ll be off the fantasy radar in large part to the emergence of rookie wideout Jalen McMillan.

That’s an upgrade for Otton after he didn’t practice Wednesday. The 25-year-old tight end wasn’t able to play in Week 17 against the Panthers, but has a chance to return and help Tampa Bay qualify for the playoffs in a Week 18 showdown with the Saints.

Irving has now been limited in consecutive practices. It appears to be more about maintenance at this point, as it’d be an upset if the 22-year-old rookie wasn’t able to go for Sunday’s (essentially) must-win game against the Saints.

Ali gets his chance to operate in the No. 2 role with Justice Hill sidelined (concussion/illness) this week. Ali has delivered mixed results since debuting in Week 15 following a stint on injured reserve, though he has flashed intriguing tackle-breaking traits at times. Ali does not need to be in re-draft lineups but could be considered in single-game DFS tournaments.

Conlin has now missed back-to-back practices with the calf issue. He’s been one of the few Jets who have had any sort of fantasy success the previous few weeks, but it appears that the 29-year-old is in danger of missing the finale against the Dolphins. That’d likely mean more snaps for Jeremy Ruckert.

Waddle has now gotten in back-to-back practices, even if they are with the “LP” designation. That seems to point to the 26-year-old being able to play after the star wideout missed the previous two contests. Fantasy managers obviously will want to wait-and-see and have a backup plan, but it does appear there’s a good shot of Waddle being on the field for Week 18 against the Jets.