NFL Player News

The Falcons continue to be a picture of good health as none of their starting 22 are sidelined entering Week 17. They now control their own playoff destiny but need a win against the Commanders after the Buccaneers won earlier today.

Rapoport specifically addressed the idea of the Cowboys offering McCarthy a one-year deal, indicating that McCarthy may be unwilling to sign a contract that lacks a multi-year commitment. Rapoport was also careful to note that he expects McCarthy to have other head coaching opportunities elsewhere in the NFL, if he hits free agency, as scheduled.

Rapoport adds that “Cooper Rush may still start” but that Lance will receive “some real reps... significant reps in this game.” Following the NFL Network segment, Rapoport captioned his post on X, saying, from “2022 through 17 weeks of 2024, Trey Lance has thrown a grand total of 20 passes. He may eclipse that total on Sunday.” Significant reps, indeed. Lance could scramble his way to back-end QB1 results if he is allowed to dropback 20-plus times. He is difficult to fully rely on though, particularly if he is not even guaranteed to be the starter.

Higgins remained limited in all three practices this week, indicating the talented wide receiver avoided suffering any setbacks. Rapoport’s report further indicates that Higgins should be good to go for his typical No. 2 wide receiver role against the division-rival Steelers.

Brown is still technically labeled as questionable to play but Rapoport’s Friday night report is disheartening. Fantasy managers should expect Khalil Herbert to get the Week 18 start against the Steelers. Brown would be an RB1, if active, though at risk for re-injury.

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.