NFL Player News

Dowdle struggled to find room against the vaunted Buccaneers run defense, notably bottled up by Vita Vea in the middle of the Tampa defensive line. It was the first game in the previous month of play in which Dowdle failed to surpass 100 yards on the ground. To make matters worse for Dowdle’s fantasy managers, Ezekiel Elliott vultured a touchdown from one yard out on his only touch of the game. Dowdle could find the sledding tough again in Week 17 when the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.

This is good news for McFadden, who was waived by the Chargers just yesterday. The 2023 fifth-round now pick gets another shot at securing an active roster spot on a looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.

The veteran wideout got a light workload in practice this week but was a full-go for the final session. With Cade Otton on the right side of questionable and Jalen McMillan dominating as the team’s No. 2 receiver, Shepard isn’t on the fantasy radar this weekend, even with a limited number of games to choose from.

No surprises here. McMillan popped up on the injury report with the finger issue on Wednesday but logged three full practices this week. He was never at any risk of missing Sunday’s game. Coming off a red-hot stretch of 316 yards and seven touchdowns over his past five games, McMillan is a strong FLEX option for the weekend’s slate.

Otton has been out since Week 15. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice before getting in two full sessions. He should be good to go for Tampa Bay’s matchup with the Texans. Otton’s role declined once the Bucs got Mike Evans back and Jalen McMillan has fully taken over as the team’s No. 2 target. Otton, in turn, will be a touchdown-or-bust fantasy option for Sunday’s slate.

Crowder was limited in all three practices this week before being listed as questionable. He has been playing a part-time slot role over the past month, but Olamide Zaccheus has cemented himself as the team’s No. 2 receiver. If active, Crowder will split WR3 duties with Dyami Brown on Sunday.

Willis will be active for backup duties against the Eagles this week. The Packers’ No. 2 QB practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday, assuaging concerns over his injured thumb.

The illness kept Doubs sidelined in Week 18 but the Packers get their X-wide receiver back in time for the playoffs. Doubs should could handle a sizable workload with Christian Watson (ACL) now out for the year. Doubs practiced in full all week.

Daniels was pulled from the Commanders’ Week 18 game against the Cowboys after suffering the quad injury. Washington had little to play for and head coach Dan Quinn said he wasn’t concerned after the game. Three full practices for Daniels this week confirm his optimism. Even as an underdog, the impending Offensive Rookie of the Year will be one of the best fantasy options for the opening round of the playoffs.

LA also brought Eli Apple off IR. Both players will fill depth roles for the Chargers’ in their Wild Card Round matchup with Houston. With Josh Palmer ruled out, Fehoko could be in the mix for WR3 duties along with DJ Chark.

Smith was held out of Friday’s practice with what has been reported as “back tightness” but the Eagles have been resting their stars as much as possible so it is likely a precautionary move more than anything. Smith should be active, and feeling loose, on Sunday against the Packers.