NFL Player News

Pro Football Weekly, which uncovers many hidden infractions, had nothing about Leshoure’s one-game 2009 suspension in last year’s scouting reports. That incident had slipped under the radar until Leshoure’s two marijuana-related arrests in the past two months. The NFL can and will factor in Leshoure’s entire history when dishing out punishment. He could face a suspension in the range of 6-8 games. Leshoure has a court hearing scheduled for May 15 after demanding a preliminary exam Wednesday morning.

Mayfield is dealing with an injury in his throwing shoulder. The Buccaneers’ quarterback regularly plays through injuries, though. We expect him to be on the field when his team takes on the Panthers in Week 18, though he can only be viewed as a borderline QB1/2.

Corum left Week 17 with an ankle issue just before halftime and did not return. The Rams are stuck with a road game for the Wild Card Round no matter what happens on Sunday, meaning they can rest their starters without losing much. Sean McVay has said his starters will play, though we doubt any of the Rams’ injured players will push through their issues this week with nothing on the line. With Corum out, Ronnie Rivers could see a lot of work if the backups take over at some point in Week 18.

This would normally be a non-story, but the Rams have almost nothing to play for in Week 18. They are locked into either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed for the playoffs. Even a minor ankle issue for Williams could be enough to get him a week of rest. Backup Blake Corum is also dealing with an ankle injury, meaning we could see a lot of third-string running back Ronnie Rivers on Sunday.

Rodriguez was a late addition to the injury report last week because of an illness. The team ultimately ruled him out ahead of kickoff, allowing Jacory Croskey-Merritt to handle the bulk of the carries. He ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. JCM is now on the injury report because of an illness, putting his availability for Week 18 at risk. Rodriguez would operate as the lead back if JCM doesn’t suit up.

The Falcons regularly limited Pitts’ practice reps as he works through a knee issue, though it has not impacted his availability on game day. The Falcons’ star tight end should be good to go as a high-end TE1 against the Saints this week. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.

A DNP because of an illness early in the week is usually nothing, though there is slightly more risk of JCM missing Sunday’s game this time around. The Commanders have nothing to play for in Week 18 and are already down to their third-string quarterback. If JCM is still under the weather on Sunday, he could get the week off. He will likely split reps with Chris Rodriguez if he suits up.

London continues to practice and play as he rehabs the PCL sprain he suffered in Week 11 against the Panthers. Since returning, he has caught 4-of-10 targets for 31 yards. He earned eight targets in his first game back, which was encouraging, but his overall performance lowers his outlook in Week 18. London still has access to a high-volume workload, but is perhaps best viewed as a boom-bust WR2.

Richardson remains on injured reserve but is eligible to be activated at any time. Having missed multiple months because of a fractured orbital bone, Richardson might not be ready to start this week, even if he is physically able to play. Riley Leonard will likely draw the start in a meaningless Week 18 game, though head coach Shane Steichen hasn’t made that decision yet.

Diggs was cut by the Cowboys yesterday. He has dealt with injuries and declining play in recent years. A rift eventually developed between Diggs and the Cowboys. With the year nearly over, Dallas decided to cut ties with him early, letting both sides go their separate ways. Diggs now gets a chance to prove himself on a playoff-bound Packers squad. With Green Bay resting some of their starters this week, Diggs will get some extra time to learn the defense before the Wild Card Round.

The Lions’ offensive line continues to work its way through injuries. Sewell has already played through a few of his own, and will likely be on the field this week against the Bears, in what should be a fantasy-friendly game environment. Lions LG Christian Mahogany (illness) was also sidelined, as was his backup, OG Kayode Awosika (illness).