NFL Player News

Purdy sustained a right elbow contusion and nerve inflammation, but the injury has “no long-term implications.” Shanahan said the team is unsure if Josh Dobbs or Brandon Allen will start at quarterback against the Cardinals in Week 18. This is great news for Purdy, who likely finishes the season with a 3864/20/12 passing line. It was clearly not the season he had in 2023, but Purdy was able to play well in an offense stuffed with less-exciting players and took more chances down the field. Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, much of the offseason noise about Purdy will likely be about his impending contract extension.

Sanders was listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice and logged two full practices on the week in total. The veteran running back seems likely to return for the Panthers’ season finale, but how much usage he sees is anybody’s guess. Sanders still has two years left on a four-year deal he signed in 2023, but is likely to be cut this upcoming offseason. If he’s active it’s possible the Panthers give him a decent workload so he can show what he may have to offer other teams heading into 2025.

Otton hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in Week 15’s win over the Chargers and is now at risk of missing his third-straight game with the injury. In the midst of a breakout season, Otton’s absence would make for another busy day for Mike Evans and rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillian, who has scored six times in his last four games. If Otton can’t start, Payne Durham would make the start in his place.

Lattimore has been a DNP in practice all week and will now miss his 27th regular season game dating back to 2022. Speaking on Friday, head coach Dan Quinn said of Lattimore, “I love the speed he’s working with, and he’s certainly very close (to returning).” After clinching a playoff berth last week with a win over the Falcons, the Commanders have bigger things to worry about than Week 18’s game against the Cowboys. Lattimore being healthy come the NFC Wild Card round is undoubtedly the team’s top priority.

Sirianni wouldn’t provide any other details on his QB1’s status, but Hurts was never expected to play in Week 18 against the Giants, even if healthy. The concern for Hurts’ availability is solely around Wild Card weekend and whether or not he’ll be able to get right in time for the first round of the playoffs. It would come as a major surprise if Hurts wasn’t able to suit up for some reason, but it’s not often that we see a concussed player’s absence extend into a third week.

Speaking Friday, McDaniel announced that the team is preparing to be without Tagovailoa for Sunday’s season-finale against the Jets. He said of his QB1’s hip injury that it is a “stop aggravating this by pushing through it” type of injury while also highlighting it as a muscle injury that has affected Tagovailoa’s mobility. Tagovailoa is a near-lock to miss Sunday’s game, but we’ll know for sure when the team releases its final injury report later in the day.

White will now be under contract through the 2025 season. The long-time backup signed with the Bills practice squad this offseason after being released by the Dolphins and was recently signed off the practice squad ahead of Week 18’s game against the Patriots. White has not thrown a pass this season and has a career passing line of 2219-9-13 in 14 games played.

If he’s active, Samuel could be in line for a decent workload this weekend, with the Bills planning to rest several of their starters. The veteran receiver has been limited in practice all week with an ankle injury and hasn’t played since Week 15. Even if he’s active, Samuel is right on the cusp of being a starter/backup, as his 200 routes run currently ranks fourth amongst receivers. Fantasy managers still grinding Week 18 would be best off playing it safe and avoiding Samuel.

McDaniel’s tone hasn’t changed much since Wednesday when he said the team was preparing for Huntely to start. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) logged a limited practice on Thursday, but it doesn’t sound like he’s gained much ground on his recovery ahead of the team’s regular-season finale against the Jets. The Dolphins still have a chance to sneak into the AFC playoffs, but will need a win on Sunday over the Jets and the Chiefs, who are expected to play mostly backups, to beat the Broncos. Tagovailoa hasn’t played since suffering a hip injury in Week 16 against the 49ers, and may not play another regular season game until Week 1 of the 2025 season.

Speaking on KNBR 680 on Friday, Lynch said of Purdy’s injury, “It’s nothing more than when you hit your funny bone. When you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place, it irritates the nerve.” He later added that Purdy “is going to be fine.” Purdy has already been ruled out for Week 18’s game against the Cardinals out of precaution, but it sounds like there’s little to be concerned about at this point in time.

Savage suffered a concussion in the Jaguars’ Week 16 game against the Raiders and missed Week 17 as a result of his injury. With one game left in the season, the veteran safety is expected to suit up to close things out against the Colts, who are unlikely to have Anthony Richardson in Week 18. Savage has totaled 42 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups this season while earning a PFF defensive grade of 47.3.