NFL Player News

Risner was placed on injured reserve with a back injury to open the season and could not practice for much of the offseason. The veteran guard started in 11 of the 15 games he appeared in last season for the Vikings, and could find his way back in the starting lineup once he’s officially cleared to return. The Vikings have 21 days to officially activate from Risner, so there’s no guarantee we see him in Week 7 against the Lions.

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 3.7 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.

Hill was quiet through the game’s first quarter but he eventually began to rack up catches in the second. Hill is still plenty spry but he was unable to separate from Denzel Ward on what would have been a monstrous catch-and-run score, instead settling for an explosive gain as Ward eventually pulled him down post-catch. In an effort to facilitate big plays however possible, Mike McDaniel allowed Hill to join the punt return squad. He fielded one for 18 yards. Hill is a high-end WR2 against the Jets in Week 18 though his target share would be mildly threatened if Jaylen Waddle (knee) returns.

Kraft had the longest play of the game for the Packers on a 35-yard connection with Jordan Love that set up a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was able to haul in his pair of passes while Luke Musgrave caught just one pass for four yards on his lone target. Kraft will be on the TE1 precipice for Week 18 against the Bears; assuming Green Gay plays it’s starters against Chicago in that contest.