NFL Player News

Ryan isn’t an ideal fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s pressure-first scheme because he doesn’t push the pocket, but remains perhaps St. Louis’ best lineman against the run. Ideally, Ryan’s snap count will be way down going forward.

Morton told the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett that he views the Lions’ organization as his “home.” While he would likely prefer to keep his current job, he is open to shifting duties, ostensibly to a lesser role. He served as a senior offensive assistant back in 2022. At the very least, a job like that could make sense for both Morton and the team.

The Buccaneers will be without their No. 1 cornerback against the Panthers this week. It will be tougher for the Buccaneers to cover Panthers rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan sans Dean, which is a plus for fantasy purposes. Hopefully, Dean can resume playing this season if the Buccaneers punch a ticket to the playoffs.

Mayfield practiced fully on Thursday and Friday while nursing injuries in his knee and throwing shoulder. The Buccaneers have a chance to make the playoffs, though they require a loss from the Falcons in order to do so. Mayfield is borderline QB1/2 for Week 18.

This is the second time this week that Wirfs’ status has changed. On Tuesday, he was reportedly set to resume practicing. Instead, he was listed as a non-participant on the official injury report. Earlier today, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that Wirfs would be listed as questionable for Week 18. He is now good to go after practicing twice in a limited capacity. The Buccaneers (7-9) no longer control their own destiny. In order for them to make the playoffs, they must beat the Panthers (8-8) on Saturday and they need the Falcons (7-9) to lose to the Saints (6-10) on Sunday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed Jamison Hensley’s belief that Jackson will be under center in Week 18. The Ravens (8-8) and Steelers (9-7) are competing for the AFC North crown and a ticket to the postseason. Jackson’s mobility was reportedly impeded by the back contusion he suffered in Week 16. Hopefully, that is no longer the case.

Carter’s absence is unsurprising. The coaching staff reportedly sent him and others home yesterday. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan noted DL Dexter Lawrence was also absent on Thursday. He believes Lawrence is “also in the illness category.” Both players have a chance to face the Cowboys this week, though the team notably kept TE Theo Johnson (illness) sidelined in Week 17, and he has not yet resumed practicing.

Johnson came down with a bug last Friday and was unable to play in Week 17 against the Raiders. He must be really going through it. Fortunately, Johnson was seen observing practice from the sideline. Yesterday, he was reportedly among a group of ill players sent home by the coaching staff. He has a chance to play this week. Stay tuned.

This marks Robinson’s second missed practice, putting him firmly in the questionable camp for Week 18. The Giants (3-13) have been playing for pride for some time, having been eliminated from playoff contention long ago. Having Robinson active against the division-rival Cowboys (7-8-1) would certainly be ideal, as the team continues to evaluate rookie QB Jaxson Dart. We still think Robinson has a chance to play this week, but they could choose to play things safely with their reliable slot receiver. Check back tomorrow for an update.

Lassiter got hurt in Week 17 against the Chargers, but was able to return later in the game. Thus far, he has missed both practices in Week 18. Fellow starting CB Derek Stingley (oblique) resumed practicing today, as did LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee/shoulder). The Texans (11-5) have secured a playoff spot, yet trail the Jaguars (12-4) in the AFC South standings. If the Jaguars lose to the Titans this week, the Texans can steal the division title by beating the Colts. The outcome seems unlikely.

No surprises here. Dowdle was listed as a full participant yesterday and is good to go for his showdown with the Bucs. Dowdle is ceding some work to Chuba Hubbard every week but remains the Panthers’ clear lead back. He should get plenty of touches in a must-win game versus the Bucs on Saturday. The Panthers can make the playoffs with a win. They can also win the NFC South with a loss and an Atlanta win on Sunday.