Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was not seen at practice on Thursday during the portion open to the media. Njoku was also listed as a non-participant for Wednesday's practice estimation, putting his status firmly in question for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The 28-year-old will most likely have to practice in some fashion on Friday to have a chance of suiting up this weekend. Njoku missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury but returned in last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and caught eight of 10 targets for 66 yards in quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's (calf) first start of the year. Njoku will most certainly be on the TE1 radar in Week 17 if he can play. Jordan Akins would see an expanded role if Njoku is ruled out, but he wouldn't be worth streaming in fantasy championship matchups.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers rookie Xavier Legette (groin) is at practice on Thursday and has a chance at returning to play this Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. Legette was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday, so the 23-year-old is certainly tracking towards making his return this weekend after missing last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Dave Canales said early this week that Legette would need to make significant improvement in order to have a shot at playing in Week 17. It appears that Legette is making good progress, but it doesn't mean he won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's contest. And even if the rookie is able to get cleared to play against Tampa, it doesn't mean he'll have a significant role on offense behind veteran Adam Thielen. Legette hasn't scored since Nov. 3 and has exceeded 60 receiving yards only once in 2024.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip), who was listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's practice session, is back on the field during the early portion open to the media. It's unclear exactly if Adams was able to put in a full session, but the fact that he's back on the field at all suggests the Jets were just resting the veteran pass-catcher earlier in the week. The 32-year-old's Week 17 status is worth monitoring heading into Sunday's game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. If Adams is active this weekend, he should be considered a must-start in fantasy lineups with championships on the line. In recent weeks, he's been the Jets' clear WR1 ahead of Garrett Wilson. Adams has scored in four straight games and has 30 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns on 48 targets in that span. Check back on Friday to see if he carries an injury designation into Sunday's game.

From RotoBaller

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement and is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions, according to sources. Bridgewater will return to Detroit after serving as Jared Goff's backup last season. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller only appeared in one game in 2023 and didn't attempt a single pass. The year before with the Miami Dolphins, he went 49-for-79 for 683 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions in five games (two starts). Bridgewater will most likely join the Lions' practice squad initially but could eventually join the 53-man active roster alongside Hendon Hooker as insurance behind Goff for the postseason. Given the time that Bridgewater has been away from the game the past year, we'd be surprised if he'd suddenly become the QB2 for Detroit when postseason action begins.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) is set to practice in some capacity on Thursday after he was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report. Head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday that Tracy aggravated an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 25-year-old played 63 percent of the offensive snaps in the game, which was around his normal workload. Tracy's status for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Indianapolis Colts is in question, but the fact that he's returning to practice on Thursday is a good sign. However, if he doesn't practice in full by Friday, he could carry a questionable designation into Sunday's game. Tracy is an RB3/flex, at best, for fantasy managers given the Giants' poor offense. If Tracy is inactive against Indy, backup Devin Singletary would handle the lead-back role for the G-Men.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) is missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday and was not seen stretching with the other QBs. Richardson still has one more day to get back on the practice field on Friday, but two DNPs to open the week put him at risk of not being available to play this Sunday in a great matchup against the two-win New York Giants. If the 22-year-old second-year signal-caller is not able to gain clearance to play this weekend, veteran Joe Flacco would once again step in to lead the Colts' offense. Richardson's accuracy issues are well-documented at this point in his second NFL season, but he does offer clear QB1 potential in Week 17 if he's active against the Giants because of his rushing abilities. Fantasy managers will want to check back on his status on Friday. If Flacco ends up starting on Sunday, he'll be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) is missing another practice on Thursday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. "See where we're at (Friday)," Daboll said. Nabers isn't officially ruled out for Week 17 on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, but two DNPs to open the week isn't a good sign. Nabers will need to get back onto the practice field on Friday to avoid being ruled out this weekend. The 21-year-old missed two games earlier in his rookie campaign due to a concussion but has played through several other minor injuries. We'd be a bit surprised if this toe injury keeps him out against the Colts, but fantasy managers will need to keep a close eye on Nabers' status going into the weekend. Even with quarterback Drew Lock now running the offense, Nabers has remained a strong WR1 for fantasy managers. Wan'Dale Robinson would be the team's WR1 if Nabers ends up being ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been making "good" progress since suffering a knee injury in last week's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. However, Gannon said he's unsure if he'll know the statuses of both Conner and rookie Trey Benson (ankle) by Thursday or if they'll be game-time decisions for Saturday night's divisional clash against the Los Angeles Rams. Both Conner and Benson have been limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is a good sign, but with the Cardinals eliminated from postseason contention, they may choose to play it on the safe side and either hold them both out or keep them limited if they suit up on Sunday. Conner should serve as Arizona's lead back if he's active in Week 17, but right now he should be considered more of a shaky RB3/flex for fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said on Thursday that the offense is preparing for their Week 17 game on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins as if quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) will start. Thompson-Robinson was estimated as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Jameis Winston (shoulder) was inactive for last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, so the Browns would be down to Bailey Zappe as their starter if both Thompson-Robinson and Winston were unavailable this week. It sounds like Thompson-Robinson will be good to go in Week 17, although he won't be much of a fantasy option outside of deep superflex leagues after struggling by going 20-for-34 for 157 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against a suspect Bengals defense last weekend. At best, DTR is a low-end QB2 option for those desperate in two-QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol on Thursday, according to head coach Nick Sirianni. Hurts was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report and could pick up another DNP on Wednesday, which clouds his status for the Week 17 game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Additionally, the Eagles signed QB Ian Book to their practice squad on Thursday, which is another sign that the Eagles are preparing for Hurts potentially not being available to play this weekend. It would obviously be a disaster for fantasy managers in championship matchups this weekend, and it would also be bad news for running back Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Check back on Hurts' status on Friday. If he can clear protocols, he'll be a must-start QB1 against Dallas.

From RotoBaller

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent quarterback Ian Book to their practice squad on Thursday after he visited with the team on Wednesday, according to sources. Jalen Hurts (concussion) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's estimated practice report, while backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited. With Philly's QB room banged up heading into their Week 17 tilt versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Eagles now have extra QB insurance with Tanner McKee and Book. Fantasy managers that have been riding Hurts all year should be a bit worried that he won't be cleared to play this weekend. You should have a backup plan in place in case Hurts doesn't gain clearance from an independent neurologist later this week. If anyone but Hurts is under center on Sunday leading the Eagles' offense, it will be bad news for running back Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson caught two passes for 60 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The 28-year-old grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, so he got to score in his homecoming game. Watson received just two targets in this game but ended up third on the team in receiving yardage due to a 49-yard chunk play. Despite finding the endzone in this contest, Watson is typically the fourth or fifth option on any given play. His lack of volume in the passing game leads to volatility, but Watson has proven he can break off a big play in any game. The Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC with their Christmas Day win, meaning they no longer need to start their stars in the regular season. Watson and the rest of the supporting cast could see more playing time in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled six carries for 18 yards in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Pacheco was forced out of the game in the fourth quarter with a rib injury and did not return. The severity of Pacheco's rib injury is not yet known. The 25-year-old once again played second fiddle to veteran Kareem Hunt, but both backs were inefficient on the ground. Pacheco also did not receive any work in the passing game this week. With Hunt receiving more work every week and Pacheco picking up a rib injury, the Chiefs likely lean in Hunt's direction the next time both backs are active. The Chiefs have nothing left to play for in the regular season since they clinched the top seed in the AFC with this win. Pacheco should be expected to rest in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught eight passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. Worthy started the scoring in the first quarter and was only up from there. The rookie set new career highs in receptions and receiving yards against the strong Steelers defense in Week 17. Worthy has been the Chiefs WR1 over the last few weeks, and that usage has translated into valuable fantasy production. The 21-year-old contributed to this win and helped the Chiefs clinch the top seed in the AFC. Kansas City no longer has any incentive to win in the regular season, given they have already guaranteed themselves home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Worthy and the rest of the starters should be expected to rest in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled nine carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hunt found himself with the most carries out of the backfield for another week and got into the endzone despite being inefficient on the ground. The 29-year-old averaged just 2.2 yards per carry in this contest against a formidable defense, but his rushing score saved his fantasy day. Fellow running back Isiah Pacheco split work with Hunt before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a rib injury. Neither back saw any work in the passing game this week, with all the receiving work going to Samaje Perine. The Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC with this Christmas Day win, meaning they have nothing left to play for in the regular season. Hunt and the rest of the starters should be expected to sit out Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The veteran tight end had not scored a touchdown in six straight games coming into this contest but passed Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs franchise touchdown record when he found the endzone in the fourth quarter. Despite not scoring double-digit fantasy points in Weeks 14 through 16, Kelce pulled off a vintage performance in Week 17. The 35-year-old led the team in catches, receiving yards, and targets against the Steelers. The Chiefs officially clinched the top seed in the AFC with this win, guaranteeing them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. With nothing left to play for in the regular season, Kelce should be expected to rest in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 29 of 38 pass attempts (76%) for 320 yards and three touchdowns in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mahomes passed for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns for the first time this year in Week 17. The veteran quarterback also rushed once for 12 yards in this game. After leading the league in interceptions to begin the year, Mahomes has now gone six straight games without a turnover. With this win, the Chiefs have officially locked up the top seed in the AFC. Given that the team has nothing to gain by playing their starters next week, it should be assumed that we have seen the last of Mahomes in the regular season. That said, Mahomes did tell the media that he will prepare to start in Week 18 against the Broncos until Coach Andy Reid says otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was successful on both his lone field goal attempt and lone extra-point try of a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Boswell was good from 36 yards out in the third quarter but was otherwise not asked to do much as Pittsburgh's offense struggled to move the ball on Wednesday. While it is unfortunate that Boswell underwhelmed throughout the fantasy playoffs, the 33-year-old was incredibly impactful for much of the regular season and has cemented himself as one of the best kickers in the NFL. He'll close out the campaign with a divisional showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III posted four receptions for 31 yards on five targets in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Although Austin was quiet for fantasy purposes, it was encouraging to see him remain involved in the offense despite the return of fellow wideout George Pickens. Austin has now earned five opportunities in three straight contests and is clearly the WR2 in Pittsburgh ahead of Mike Williams and Van Jefferson. He is worth rostering in dynasty formats and will hope to close out the regular season on a high note against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in just three of his seven targets for 50 yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers struggled to get much of anything going on offense in this one, but Pickens didn't appear to be hampered by his hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14 through 16. He made an impressive catch for a 41-yard gain on a deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson and had an 18-yard reception in the fourth quarter called back due to an offside penalty. Although fantasy managers that deployed Pickens in his return were likely let down by this performance, he should still be viewed as a solid WR2 against the Cincinnati Bengals in any leagues that compete in Week 18.

From RotoBaller