NFL Player News

Nabers’ outburst — which included touchdowns of 31 and 59 yards — soared him past 1K on the season and set a new career high for yardage by 44. His 127-yard outing came all the way back in Week 2. Nabers’ season hadn’t been the same since his Week 4 concussion and subsequent never-ending quarterback woes, but his production had been ramping back up before today’s eruption vs. a Colts pass defense that had been playing lights out. Nabers’ 31-yard TD came on a screen catch-and-run. The 59-yarder was another short pass where he showcased elite tackle evasion. Special stuff, and the kind of plays that made him a lottery pick. Also now proven to be a player who will go at less than 100 percent health, Nabers gets one final chance to juice his statistical profile vs. an Eagles defense that could be resting starters in Week 18.

Williams returned to play last week after logging three consecutive Limited Participant designations. While it’s possible today is just a precautionary rest day after his reactivation last week, Williams’ inability to practice is at least somewhat worrisome.

This is the second bit of good news regarding Waddle’s Week 18 availability. Mike McDaniel told reporters earlier today that he is optimistic about Waddle’s odds of suiting up on Sunday. This is a step in the right direction. Waddle has now strung together three limited practices, indicating he has at least remained setback-free.

Spears suffered the concussion late in Tennessee’s Week 17 loss to the Jags. Head coach Brian Callahan initially said he would not play in Week 18 but has since been less defensive. Still, our bet is on him sitting for a meaningless affair with the Texans. Tony Pollard could return from his ankle injury to a workhorse role this week. If he is also out, Julius Chestnut is the next man up.

Pollard did not practice last week before being listed as questionable. It was later reported that he had the flu, putting his availability further in doubt. The team ultimately ruled him out well before kickoff. Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion late in Week 17 and is now unlikely to play this week. If Pollard suits up, he will have the backfield to himself, putting him in the RB2 ranks for Week 18.

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.