NFL Player News

Thielen popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a hamstring issue but was removed from the report on Friday. Whatever he was dealing with appears to be a minor concern at this point in time, as the Panthers’ veteran WR1 will be good to go against the Bucs. Thielen continues to soak up targets even in his age-34 season. In his last four games he’s caught 27-of-34 targets for 295 yards and two touchdowns and has finished as a top-24 PPR receiver in three of those games. He’ll profile as a WR3 with strong upside against the Buccaneers’ leaky pass defense.

Barrett abruptly retired over the summer after signing with the Dolphins as a free agent. The Dolphins cut him yesterday after keeping him on the reserve/retired list thus far. The 32-year-old had spent the 2019-2023 seasons with the Buccaneers prior to that, totaling a team-high 56 QB pressures in his final season with the team. Barrett rejoins an 8-7 Buccaneers squad that currently sits on the playoff bubble. He will immediately join the active roster, pending a physical.

Rapoport reported earlier today that the Browns have restructured Deshaun Watson’s contract, keeping Watson in Cleveland for at least 2025. Rapoport later suggested that Watson will face a competition for the starting role, however, indicating it could be either a rookie or a veteran acquisition.

Rapoport also mentioned that Nabers “looked good in practice” on Friday. Both Nabers’ expected availability and his promising practice showing are reassuring. Fantasy managers should keep the explosive wide receiver in starting lineups this week.

Guerendo’s continued participation is a net positive but ideally, we will see him practice in full on Saturday. It is tough to predict how Kyle Shanahan will split up backfield touches although he tends to load up his lead rusher even if they are playing through injuries. If Guerendo is active, he is a volume-based RB2. Patrick Taylor Jr. could mix in for single-digit touches.

McKivitz was limited in Thursday’s practice, meaning he’s moving in the wrong direction heading into the weekend. 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.