NFL Player News

O’Connell added that he and the owners have had great dialogue in the days since the Vikings’ season ended in the NFC Wild Card Round. O’Connell boasts a 34-17 record in his three seasons with the Vikings but is now 0-2 in the postseason with losses to Giants and Rams on his ledger. While Sam Darnold was unable to extend his good play from the 2024 campaign into the playoffs, there’s no denying the impressive job O’Connell and his staff did to get Darnold playing at an MVP caliber level while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. O’Connell is set to enter the final year of his contract this offseason, but it would come as a surprise to nobody if the team re-upped with him before the new season kicks off.

The 31-year-old tight end is the TE9 in half-PPR scoring and ranks second on the team with 78 targets. The Patriots currently hold the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed and are expected to play their starters for as long as necessary, as the Nos. 1-3 seeds are finalized this week. We tentatively expect Henry to suit up, but this is worth checking on.

Hockenson missed Week 17 with the shoulder issue and looks likely to sit out of Minnesota’s season finale. Josh Oliver and Ben Sims each caught exactly one pass in his absence last week. There isn’t a fantasy tight end of note on the team if Hockenson is out for Week 18.

Aaron Jones was held out with a hip injury. Mason missed Week 17 because of his ankle injury but has a shot at returning for Week 18. He would likely split work with Zavier Scott if active. Jones would handle the carries with Scott pitching in on passing downs. Mason would be in the RB3 mix if Jones is out.

Jones played through an ankle injury last week despite the Vikings having nothing left to play for. He could do so again in week 18, though it’s just as likely that he finally takes a week off. In addition to the ankle and hip injuries, Jones has been on the practice report with shoulder, toe, and hamstring issues this year. He has more than earned a week of rest to close the season. If that does happen, Jordan Mason would be in line for a larger role.

Douglas played through the hamstring injury without suffering a setback last week. He was only on the field for eight snaps, though. The Patriots currently hold the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed, but could finish anywhere from the No. 1 seed to the No. 3 seed, depending on various outcomes. Expect them to have their healthy starters and rotational players on the field for as long as is needed.

Wicks suffered the concussion in Week 17 and did not return. With nothing to play for in Week 18, the Packers are expected to rest some starters. If even Wicks clears concussion protocol before Sunday, he will likely get the week off.

Good news. Boutte resumed practicing in a limited capacity, while wearing a red non-contact jersey on Wednesday. He still has a few hurdles to clear before being cleared for game-day action, but this is a step in the right direction. The Patriots face the Dolphins in Week 18.

Jacobs has been playing through the knee and ankle issues for a while. If Week 18 meant anything to Green Bay, he would be playing. The Packers, however, are locked in as the No. 7 seed already. With nothing to play for, they are expected to rest some starters ahead of the Wild Card Round. We suspect Jacobs will get the week off.