NFL Player News

Vaki originally signed with the Utes as a three-star 2019 safety and departed for a LDS mission in Tonga for the next three years. He joined the team in 2022 spending most of his reps in the slot with 41 tackles, 3.5 TFL and three PBU before taking on a full-time starting role in 2023. With half his snaps coming at free safety, Vaki was asked to take on more deep-half responsibilities and rose to the challenge by recording nine pressures, 17 stops and 8.5 TFL to go with Second Team All-American recognition. In a testament to his versatility, Vaki was asked to play running back for a brief spell this year after injuries struck and was a natural. He ran for 158 yards against Cal one week, then caught five passes for 149 yards against USC the next week before moving back to a primarily defensive role for the remainder of the year. It will be interesting to see if the Lions use Vaki in the backfield during training camp and the preseason. He’ll most likely be a rotational defensive or special teams player.

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.

Smith and a host of other other Eagles didn’t participate in Thursday’s practice, but it’s worth noting that Philadelphia also gave an injury designation on top of the wrist tag. With the Eagles expected to not play their key players in Week 18 against the Giants, Smith appears to be getting a week off before their playoff run begins.

Brown missed a second-consecutive practice, and while he’s gotten rest early in several weeks prior to playing in games this year, this one is obviously difference with the Eagles having absolutely nothing to play for in Week 18 against the Giants. He still could play with coach Nick Sirianni not making final decisions, but fantasy managers should operate as if Brown won’t be playing in that finale.

No surprise here. Hurts and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both unable to practice again Thursday, and it seems likely that Hurts will be out with Pickett more of a game-time call for a game that has no significance for the Eagles against the Giants in Week 18. It seems likely that Hurts will be able to go in the playoff bout against either the Packers or Commanders, however.

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.