NFL Player News

“We’re all encouraged with Ricky Stanzi and the development and progress he’s made,” says Haley. New starter Tyler Palko has plenty of faceplant potential, leaving Stanzi with a better chance to see playing time over the next few weeks than fellow rookie T.J. Yates in Houston.

Austin missed Week 17 with the hamstring issue. DK Metcalf will be out for Week 18 to finish serving his two-game suspension, meaning Austin could immediately return to a high-volume role. The Steelers will lean on their ground game this week in battle for the AFC North with the Ravens, but fantasy managers can pencil Austin in for a handful of targets if he is active, putting him on the WR4/5 radar for the final week of the regular season.

This is Kincaid’s second consecutive limited practice, dating back to last week. He was sidelined on Wednesday and Thursday and did not play on Sunday. Bills No. 2 TE Dawson Knox (knee) was also limited today, though he suited up in Week 17, catching 5-of-5 targets for 30 yards. Earlier today, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Kincaid “is in a better spot now than he was last week.” He seemingly has a chance to play in Week 18, but the Bills are only playing for playoff seeding at this point, having locked up a Wild Card Weekend spot already. They could choose to keep him inactive against the lowly Jets.

Dowdle was listed as a DNP on Tuesday, but the team upgraded him to a full session for today’s walkthrough. He doesn’t appear to be at any risk of missing Week 18 versus the Bucs. Dowdle out-touched Chuba Hubbard 15-7 last week, though he posted a quiet box score for fantasy purposes. Expect the Panthers to try to get him going early in a must-win spot versus the Bucs.

Oliver is currently on IR because of a bicep injury. He was initially expected to return early in the playoffs. After injuring his knee during rehab, his timeline has now been pushed back. McDermott didn’t rule him out of the playoffs, but the Bills would likely need to make a deep run for Oliver to see the field again this season.

On Monday, O’Connell told reporters that McCarthy, rehabbing a fracture in his throwing hand, is “progressing” and has a chance to play in Week 18. O’Connell provided an update today, saying McCarthy “had a positive day yesterday, going through [a] workout with trainers.” These are steps in the right direction for the young, developing quarterback. Stay tuned.

Williams went down with a shoulder injury in Week 17 against the Commanders. He left in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return but never did so. Malik Davis would be an option for the Cowboys, but his availability for Week 18 is also in doubt because of an eye issue. Jaydon Blue would be the next man up if both backs are ruled out for Week 18.

As expected, David Njoku also remained out of practice. Njoku is likely out for Week 18, while head coach Kevin Stefanski is leaving the light on for Fannin. With the Browns only playing for a better draft pick, there isn’t much reason to push either player to suit up on Sunday. Backup tight ends Blake Whiteheart and Sal Cannella would be in line for more work if both starting options are ruled out.

The Patriots are still fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the bye that comes with it. They need to win versus Miami and the Broncos need to lose to the Chargers. With Justin Herbert out for Week 18, the second leg of that parlay is looking rather unlikely. Still, Drake Maye and company will be out there on Sunday, though we suspect he will be on a shorter leash than usual. If the game isn’t close at halftime or the end of the third quarter, expect Vrabel to be quick to pull some of the team’s big names.

Barmore is charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member. His arraignment is set for February. Mike Vrabel told reporters today he has not heard anything that would prevent Barmore from playing in Week 18. The NFL will likely let the legal process play out before stepping in.

Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. His arraignment is set for January 23rd. Barmore has an arraignment in February that stems from an alleged domestic incident in August. Things could change with both players as these stories develop, but the legal process is slow and the NFL may ultimately wait to step in until that process plays out. For now, both players appear to be available for NFL’s postseason.