NFL Player News

Thomas also carried the ball once for 18 yards. He adds another highly productive game to his impressive rookie season resume, accentuated by a graceful 31-yard sideline catch in the second quarter and an 11-yard score in the third quarter. Thomas is now the fourth rookie wide receiver in NFL history to have at least 1,100 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in a season. He will remain the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiving option heading into Week 18 and will be a fantasy WR1 against the Colts.

Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in November and was placed on injured reserve. He is one of over a dozen Lions to land on IR this year, with the bulk of them coming from the defensive side of the ball. Anzalone was limited in Wednesday’s walkthrough. Head coach Dan Campbell noted that Thursday’s practice will be telling for his Week 18 availability.

The special teams ace landed on injured reserve in November after suffering a foot injury. He returned to practice last week but was held out of Monday’s game. A full practice suggests he will make his return versus the Vikings this week. Though there isn’t much fantasy value to be had with Raymond, he is an elite punt returner who will give the Lions’ special teams some extra juice if active.

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.