NFL Player News

Scout.com reports that while the team hasn’t formally submitted an offer sheet, they have “talked numbers” with the versatile defensive back. The Browns would not have to give the Raiders draft pick compensation if they signed the free agent.

He was questionable after being added to the report with an illness Sunday morning. The only other questionable Jaguars player was C Robert Hainsey (groin), who was scratched. Also inactive for the Jaguars are: CB Keith Taylor, RB Bhayshul Tuten (finger), OL Patrick Mekari (back), TE Hunter Long, DL Danny Striggow (ankle) and DT Maason Smith.

With Justin Fields on IR and Taylor out, Hendon Hooker will back up Brady Cook this week. Hooker was called up from the practice squad over the weekend.

Fant has been a small part of the Bengals’ offense since Mike Gesicki’s return, but he will be out there for what should be a high-scoring affair. He’s not worth a DFS punt play. Inactive for the Bengals are QB Jake Brownin, WR Charlie Jones, CB Josh Newton, S PJ Jules, EDGE Joseph Ossai, TE Cam Grandy and DT Jordan Jefferson.

Douglas could see an uptick in snaps with Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins out. Kyle Williams is the primary option to fill their roles, but Stefon Diggs will likely have to kick outside more often this week, freeing up some extra slot routes for Douglas. Inactive for the Pats are LB Harold Landry, WR Kayshon Boutte, LB Robert Spillane, OT Marcus Bryant, OG Jared Wilson, DT Khyiris Tonga, and QB Tommy DeVito.

He’ll give it a go despite Indianapolis being eliminated from playoff contention last night. Also playing off questionable tags are WR Ashton Dulin and OT Bernhard Raimann. Inactive for the Colts are C Tanor Bortolini (concussion), RB Tyler Goodson (ankle), S George Odum, DE JT Tuimoloau (oblique), G Dalton Tucker (shoulder) and S Reuben Lowery.

With Sampson officially active, the rookie fourth-rounder has a chance to lead the Browns’ backfield with Quinshon Judkins (leg/ankle) sidelined. When Judkins was inactive for Week 1, Sampson stepped up to lead the Browns’ backfield with 20 total opportunities, and caught 8-of-8 targets for 64 yards. Playing in a rain-soaked Cleveland, Sampson should be a safe bet for double-digit touches and plenty of check downs from Shedeur Sanders, who has made a living off targeting his running backs this season. While Sampson is active, the Browns did declare QB Dillon Gabriel, CB Myles Harden, OL Kendrick Green, OT Jeremiah Byers, WR Jamari Thrash, TE David Njoku, and DT Sam Kamara inactive for Week 17.

Philip Rivers will start this week. The Colts were officially eliminated from the playoff hunt with Houston’s win over the Chargers on Saturday. While they would likely rather get Leonard some live reps now that their season is over, it doesn’t make sense to pivot this late in the week. It looks like Week 17 versus the Jags will be Rivers’ sendoff, with Leonard likely drawing the start for the Colts’ 2025 finale.

The Packers secured a playoff spot by beating the Ravens yesterday. They are locked in as the No. 7 seed with no ability to move up in the order. Jordan Love missed Week 17 with a concussion and Josh Jacobs has been playing through knee issues for most of the season. Christian Watson recently suffered a chest injury and has been playing through it as well. The list goes on and on for the Packers, as it does for most teams at this point in the season. With nothing to play for in Week 18, expect those three players and several others to get the week off as Green Bay prepares for a Wild Card Round game.

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington later reported that McMillan didn’t feel great when he arrived to the stadium. He is, however, expected to play. Fantasy managers will still need to watch the Panthers’ inactives when they drop 90 minutes before kickoff. Jalen Coker would be in line for more work if McMillan is inactive.

Harrison was added to the injury report on Sunday morning, likely after falling ill over the weekend. Players tend to play through illnesses, so this shouldn’t be an issue for the Jags. Cole Van Lanen will take his spot in the lineup if Harrison can’t go.