NFL Player News

Nothing is surprising here, as Hurts was ruled out before the weekend, and Dean was listed as doubtful. The Eagles will start Kenny Pickett for the first time this season after Pickett threw for 143-1-1 in relief of Hurts last week against the Commanders. Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith receive slight downgrades with Pickett under center, and fantasy managers should expect a heavy dose of Saquon Barkley against a porous Cowboys defense.

This is perhaps the healthiest Guerendo has been in weeks. He practiced in full all three days and is ready to shoulder the load against the Cardinals. The big-bodied, speedy rookie has decent odds of surpassing the 13 touches he racked up last week. He played particularly well in the passing game, catching 4-of-4 targets for 65 yards. With the 49ers potentially shaking up the offensive personnel this offseason, it would be unsurprising to see Kyle Shanahan further audition Guerendo for passing-down contributions.

Pearsall was added to the injury report with the pair of issues on Wednesday but participated in all three sessions. He was upgraded to a full practice on Friday. Coming off a breakout performance of 141 yards and a touchdown, Pearsall will look to close his tumultuous rookie season on a high note versus Arizona.

Badie was designed to return from injured reserve last week. He practiced in full three times this week before being questionable, giving him a shot at being activated over the weekend. His return would make an already-messy backfield a true nightmare for fantasy purposes.

McConkey was held out of Wednesday’s practice but returned to the field on Thursday. He was also out there on Friday before being cleared. With Josh Palmer out this week, the Chargers will funnel even more target McConkey’s way. Still playing for seeding purposes in the AFC, the Chargers should handle business against the Raiders, putting McConkey on the WR1/2 border for Week 18.

Palmer was completely unable to practice this week so his early deactivation is unsurprising. The fourth-year wide receiver has settled into a supporting role and rarely contributes meaningful fantasy point sums. His absence does helpfully increase Ladd McConkey’s potential target volume though.

Edwards will miss his second consecutive game due to the ankle issue, sizably increasing J.K. Dobbins’ rushing share in the process. Hopefully, Edwards can return in time for the playoffs so he can spell Dobbins as needed.

Kittle did not practice on Wednesday but was back on the practice field for the next two sessions. He is a true game-time call for Week 18. With nothing left to play for, the 49ers could hold him out even if he is healthy enough to play. Eric Saubert would likely draw the start if he is held out. With Josh Dobbs under center, there isn’t much fantasy value to be had here.

Samuel only missed one game before Week 18, a Week 3 loss to the Rams, because of an injury but was seemingly hampered by various issues for most of the year. He was listed with a wrist issue that never went away as early as Week 7. Samuel came down with pneumonia ahead of that game, played four snaps, and was hospitalized on Monday. Rib and oblique injuries were later added to the growing list of ailments and he appeared entirely out of gas midway through the season. Deebo topped 100 receiving yards twice in his first five games and failed to hit triple digits ever again. He ended the year with 51 grabs for 673 yards and three scores. Samuel also underwhelmed on the ground, adding just 136 yards and one score at a dismal 3.2 yards per carry. The 49ers can cut him as a post-June 1st release in the offseason for roughly $5 million in cap savings. However, the move would saddle San Francisco with over $30 million in dead cap, making an extension or restructure more likely. It’s possible Samuel just needs a healthy offseason to get back to form ahead of 2025. On the other hand, at 28 years old with declining numbers across the board, it’s more than possible that Samuel’s best days are behind him.

Wilson was added to the Friday injury report with a Limited Participant designation, indicating the second-year WR strained his hamstring in practice today. While he technically has a chance to play, given the questionable tag, a soft tissue injury suffered 48 hours before kickoff is a bad sign. Fantasy managers should expect him to miss Week 18.

Smith was added to Friday’s injury report as a limited participant, indicating he picked up the throwing-arm biceps injury in practice that day. He was not listed with a game-day designation though which means the team expects him to play. Details on the injury are frustratingly unavailable but we will provide updates when possible. Smith is a borderline QB1/2 for now.