NFL Player News

Smith underwent imaging on his knee and hip after he missed back-to-back practices and is expected to remain sidelined on Friday. Whatever he’s dealing with, it’s encouraging that the imaging didn’t reveal anything of major concern. Until we hear something different, it sounds like it’ll just be a matter of time before Smith returns to the field. The 33-year-old quarterback is in the second year of a three-year deal he signed last offseason and is hoping to bounce back to his 2022 form after throwing for 3624-20-9 last season. Smith finished as the QB23 in fantasy points per game (18.0) last season and has more value in 2QB/Superflex leagues than he does in traditional 1QB leagues.

McKivitz was not on Thurdsay’s injury report, meaning he suffered the knee issue in practice. A mid-week addition to the injury report is never a good sign. The 49ers could be without three starting linemen this week if McKivitz sits. Left tackle Trent Williams and left guard Aaron Banks are both injured as well.

Brown played just 21 defensive snaps this season despite the Buccaneers’ defensive injuries. It is possible they bring him back via the practice squad. The Buccaneers also waived rookie LB Antonio Grier Jr.

Gardner was initially listed as a DNP for the third day in a row, but a correct was later issued, upgrading him to a limited practice on Friday. He still remains highly questionable for Week 17, but a return to practice at least gives him a shot at suiting up. The Jets are also hopeful that defensive tackle Quinnen Williams plays through his questionable tag.

Adams was held out of Thursday’s practice before being upgraded to a limited session on Friday. He should be able to suit up this week as Aaron Rodgers chases his 500th career touchdown. All eyes will predictably be on Adams when the Jets get to the red zone. Adams will be a low-end WR1 if active.

Olave practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. His Friday practice participation has not yet been released but his questionable labeling at least tells us the team is keeping long-term outlooks in mind. Beat reporter Nick Underhill states, “Olave is questionable but I’d bet he doesn’t play.” Fantasy managers should expect to be without Olave this week though he would be a volatile WR2/3 if active.

Tua played through the hip injury without any issues last week and we’d expect him to do so again on Sunday. He was limited in practice throughout the week before being listed as questionable. Expect a low-volume game from the Miami passing attack as the Brown, led by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, aren’t likely to push the Dolphins. Tagovailoa sits at the top of the QB2 ranks for Week 17.

Waddle was estimated as a DNP on Wednesday but got in two limited sessions to close the week. Head coach Mike McDaniel said on Friday that he was optimistic on Waddle being able to play. It sounds like he will be able to suit up this week, but fantasy managers counting on the speedy receiver will want to check Miami’s inactives before kickoff. If active, Waddle will straddle the WR2/3 border for Week 17.

Hill has been playing through the wrist issue all year. Even as it has seemingly gotten worse late in the season, the injury has yet to cost him a game. He will likely continue to labor through it at least until Miami is eliminated from the playoff hunt. Hill has made a habit of saving quiet box scores with a touchdown, scoring five times in his past seven games despite topping 100 yards just once in that stretch. He remains a low-end WR2 for Week 17.

Nelson was able to practice on Friday, though only in a limited capacity. He appears to be on the right side of questionable but will need to make it through pre-game warmups before being cleared. Tanor Bortolini would likely take his spot in the lineup if he is ruled out.

Pierce missed the past two games with a concussion but practiced in full throughout the week. The speedy wideout has posted the occasional spike week, but we don’t expect much passing volume from the Colts versus a toothless Giants squad. Pierce is a boom/bust WR5 for Week 17.