NFL Player News

We are rapidly approaching Khalil Herbert SZN. The severity of the ankle injury Brown suffered in Week 17 against the Broncos was downplayed the following day, but the optics weren’t great on the field. The Bengals’ RB1 was not able to practice at all this week, but we’ll see where things stand when they release their final injury report later in the day. It’s possible the Bengals are taking it easy on Brown ahead of a pivotal Week 18 matchup, but we’ll have some clarity on that soon.

The Steelers enter Week 18’s contest having already secured a playoff bid, and they are now blocked for the AFC North title with the win by the Ravens. They could end up with the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the AFC depending on the outcome of Saturday’s game.

Brown came into the contest listed as questionable after injuring his ankle in the second half of the team’s Week 17 win. It was initially deemed a mild high-ankle injury, with him ultimately unable to overcome the pain enough to be active in a must-win game. Expect Kahlil Herbert to lead the backfield, with an offensive game plan likely biased towards the air. Also inactive for the Bengals are DE Sam Hubbard, WR Charlie Jones, WR Jermaine Burton, TE Tanner McLachlan, OL Andrew Stueber, and DE Isaiah Thomas.

Training staff used an air cast to stabilize the rookie defensive lineman’s right leg after it appeared to get trapped and rolled up on. He rose his arm to fans as he departed the playing field on the cart. The injury ends a disappointing season for the No. 54 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Flowers appeared to bang his knee at the end of a reception in the second quarter of the team’s Week 18 game against the Browns. The Ravens played their starters as they aim to clinch the AFC North, something that could prove costly pending any status updates from the team regarding Flowers’ health. Flowers did walk off the field under his own power but was in obvious pain as he was taken directly to the locker room. The team has yet to provide any updates, which could come as soon as halftime. Flowers managed 12 yards on his lone reception prior to departing.

Ekeler has been on the shelf for the previous four games but will miss the minimum with a concussion sustained in Week 12. The Commanders have said they will approach Week 18 like any other week as they look to avoid the No. 7 seed out of the NFC, but time, and game environment, will tell if they keep their starters on the field late in the contest should they be playing with a comfortable lead.

The Browns limp into Week 18 with a skeleton crew of personnel, with reports out of Cleveland indicating that both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson would see time under center. Offensive expectations should be tempered considering the team’s lowly 12.5-point Vegas implied team total.

Agholor shed his injury designation this week but will be held out as the Ravens look to clinch the AFC North against the Browns. Justice Hill joins him on the sidelines after suffering a brutal concussion two weeks ago. While less than likely, lead back Derrick Henry needs 217 rush yards to become the first player in NFL history with multiple 2,000-yard seasons.

Sanders makes his return to an active roster now without both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, likely leaving him in line to serve as the lead back in the team’s final game of the regular season against the Falcons. His ultimate workload likely depends on his level of health after working his way back from an ankle injury that forced a trip to injured reserve, but the Panthers should have every reason to continue with full effort as they work through the future of their franchise.

The Bills have nothing to play for in Week 18 and are likely to rest as many starters as possible considering they are locked into the No. 2 seed out of the AFC, so this is likely a non-issue in the team’s journey towards the Super Bowl. Assuming everything is okay on the home front for the veteran wide receiver, expect him to return to the team following the weekend as they prepare for a home game in the Wildcard Round.

Rapoport had previously reported that Brown “must improve greatly” to play this week. However, the 24-year-old running back participated in walkthrough Friday, which could be a good sign for his availability against the Steelers. Brown is still listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision. Even if he’s active, there’s the potential Brown won’t be able to make it through the game without re-injury, but he’s certainly going to try. Khalil Herbert would be the main beneficiary from Brown either being inactive or limited in Week 18.