NFL Player News

Smith looked extremely smooth on a touchdown thrown away from his frame in the red zone on fourth-and-2, and continued to be the middle-of-field attacker for the Dolphins. Jonnu has gone over 100 yards or scored in every game since Week 11. He will remain an easy TE1 against the 49ers in Week 16 after another terrific fantasy box score.

Shepard missed Week 17 with both hamstring and foot injuries. The fact that the foot issue is no longer listed suggests the hamstring issue is what held him out. Even if he is good to go for Week 18, Jalen McMillan has fully broken out as the team’s No. 2 receiver. Shepard is not on the fantasy radar for Week 18, healthy or not.

Irving has been a mainstay of the injury report throughout his rookie season, so this isn’t anything new. A limited session is likely a maintenance day following a 24-touch outing in Week 17. With an NFC South title on the line this week, Irving should suit up versus the Saints. He has more than earned an RB1 ranking for Tampa Bay’s final game of the regular season.

Durham drew the startt in Week 17 with Cade Otton sidelined. He caught two passes for 36 yards and scored his first career touchdown. While Otton appears unlikely to play this week, the quad issue could stifle Durham’s progress. Even if active, Durham is likely stuck in a committee with Devin Culp for Week 18.

The 3-13 Patriots have no reason to rush their No. 1 CB back into action in a lost season. The Patriots face the division rival Bills in Week 18, whose receiving corps should have an easier-than-expected time against the short-staffed secondary.

Otton suffered the knee injury in Week 15 and has been out ever since. A DNP to open the week suggests he will remain sidelined for a must-win game versus the Saints. Payne Durham and Devin Culp split the tight end snaps last week. Durham came down with a touchdown. Both are on the injury report as well, making this a situation to monitor throughout the week.

Even if Polk suits up in Week 18, he is no more than a low-floor WR7. The coaching staff would undoubtedly love to get one last live-action look at the rookie but his current status is only relevant for curious dynasty managers.

Boutte’s game days are typically spent running cardio and his job will not be any easier with an illness. Even if Boutte suits up for Week 18, he is entirely unreliable and not a recommended start.

Henry is back on the injury report with a foot issue which could explain his Week 17 flop. The veteran tight end dealt with a foot injury back in November and has been a volatile TE1/2 since then. Assuming he suits up in Week 18, he is likely touchdown-dependent.

Brown missed Week 17 with the hamstring issue. With little to play for in Week 18, the Commanders will likely give him another week off. Olamide Zaccheaus will continue to operate as the team’s No. 2 receiver versus the Cowboys.

McLaurin was listed as a DNP on Wednesday’s report last week as well and never appeared to be at much risk of missing Week 17’s game. We’ll assume its a similar situation this week. McLaurin is a safe bet to be out there for Washington’s finale game of tthe regular season. They can secure the No. 6 seed with a win but already have a playoff berth locked up. For now, fantasy managers can pencil McLaurin in as a WR2.