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FFL: Week 17 | NFL: Week 17

Aaron Rodgers on his Jets future: ‘You should ask Woody’

Tue Dec 24 9:20pm ET
Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that if he plays a 21st NFL season in 2025, he'd like to do so with the New York Jets. But he's tried to turn the spotlight on the team's owner, Woody Johnson, when the topic of his future arises.

Asked Tuesday whether he believes the organization wanted him back next year following another disappointing campaign, Rodgers acknowledged that several decision-makers have to be put in place before the Jets plan their future. New York fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season.

"There's a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he's going to be part of hiring the head coach," Rodgers said, "so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach."

Rodgers was asked if he believes Johnson wants him to return.

"You should ask Woody," Rodgers said, later adding that he and the owner have not had any conversations about his future with Gang Green.

His comments to reporters came one day after his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," where he also discussed his playing future and seemed to poke fun at Johnson.

"Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first," Rodgers said with a laugh Monday. "So, hey, I'm open to everything and I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, hey, it's a great story."

Rodgers was referring to a report by The Athletic last week that said Johnson has been swayed by advice from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, including about whether to pursue trades for certain players.

The Jets would absorb a $49 million dead cap hit if they release or trade Rodgers this offseason.

After his first season with New York was ruined four snaps into Week 1 when he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year as the Jets have gone 4-11.

Rodgers is playing through an MCL injury but said Tuesday there was "no way" he wouldn't play in the Jets' Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills.

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Player Notes

Troy Franklin Dec 24 8:50pm CT

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (ankle) was able to get through a full practice session on Tuesday. Franklin popped up on the injury report to begin the week, but the fact he was a full participant on Tuesday suggests that he'll be fine for the Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Franklin hauled in two of his three targets for 25 yards during last week's loss. The rookie wideout hasn't finished with more than two receptions in a single game since Week 7. That being said, Franklin won't be an ideal streaming option for Saturday's game against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

JaMycal Hasty Dec 24 8:40pm CT

New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news after Hasty was forced to miss last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old as mainly been used as the third-down back while also operating as the primary kick returner. His status won't make a difference for fantasy purposes, but having Hasty out there would be a benefit to the Pats special teams unit ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 24 8:30pm CT

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. That is good news after Fant was limited during Monday's walkthrough. It sounds like Fant should be ready to go for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. Fant has been dealing with a lingering knee issue for weeks, but has suited up in each of the last four games. Over that span, Fant has 12 receptions for 109 yards, which means he'll be a low-end TE2 for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Dec 24 8:20pm CT

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (elbow) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news after Charbonnet was listed as limited to begin the week. It appears Charbonnet is trending in the right direction ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. The 23-year-old has seen more activity lately, but that could be because fellow back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) is still banged up. Walker missed Tuesday's practice after suffering an ankle injury during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If Walker sits, Charbonnet would be a strong RB2 for Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 24 8:20pm CT

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was not able to suit up for Tuesday's practice session. This marks back-to-back missed practice sessions for Walker after he suffered an ankle injury during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The fact Walker is still missing practice is not a good sign ahead of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. If Walker sits, Zach Charbonnet (elbow) would become the lead back and would be a solid RB2 for fantasy purposes. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Wednesday for another update on his status.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 24 7:23pm CT

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) is dealing with a 'little' MCL injury but expects to play in Week 17, he told reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Fantasy Spin: While Rodgers playing is good news for the Jets' offense, he isn't a suggested lineup option in Week 17.

Leonard Williams Dec 24 7:23pm CT

Seattle Seahawks TE Brady Russell (foot) and RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) did not take part in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Also, OT Abraham Lucas (knee, rest), LB Ernest Jones (knee, rest) and DE Leonard Williams (foot, rest) were limited and S K'Von Wallace (ankle), TE Noah Fant (knee), RB Zach Charbonnet (elbow), C Olu Oluwatimi (knee), LB Derick Hall (shoulder) and LB Uchenna Nwosu (wrist) practiced in full. The injury report was an estimation, as the Seahawks held a walkthrough.

James Conner Dec 24 6:23pm CT

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. The injury report was an estimation, as the Cardinals only held a walkthrough.

Fantasy Spin: Conner exited the Week 16 game early due to a knee injury, but the fact that he was an estimated limited participant is a good sign he has a chance to play. Conner is a borderline RB1 play if he suits up.

Anthony Miller Dec 24 6:23pm CT

Baltimore Ravens WR Anthony Miller was elevated from the practice squad for Week 17 on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Matt Prater Dec 24 6:13pm CT

Arizona Cardinals S Joey Blount (ribs), CB Elijah Jones (ankle) and P Michael Palardy (illness) did not take part in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Also, OL Kelvin Beachum (rest), RB Trey Benson (ankle), OL Evan Brown (neck), LB Baron Browning (neck), RB James Conner (knee), PK Matt Prater (knee), DL Darius Robinson (calf) and LB Mack Wilson (concussion) were limited. The injury report was an estimation, as the Cardinals only held a walkthrough.

Will Dissly Dec 24 6:10pm CT

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Additionally, tight end Hayden Hurst (illness) did not practice on Tuesday. Dissly has missed two straight games with the injury so his return to practice at this point in the week is encouraging. Dissly is not very fantasy-relevant on his own, but he is an important offensive piece for the Chargers, especially quarterback Justin Herbert. Hurst was the No. 1 tight end for the Chargers in Week 16 in Dissly's absence. However, Hurst was returning from a hip injury that had sidelined him since Week 11. As such, he only received one target which resulted in one catch for eight yards. Hurst's absence with an illness is not concerning at this point in the week but it is worth monitoring as the week wears on. Neither player is on the fantasy radar this week, but both are important for the prospects of Herbert's fantasy play. Hopefully, both tight ends will be able to take the field together for the first time since Week 10.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Dec 24 6:00pm CT

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Dobbins' running mate Gus Edwards (ankle) was also limited. Dobbins has been on injured reserve since Week 12 with his injury. He had been putting together a nice bounce back season with 766 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. The Chargers need Dobbins for the last bit of their playoff push. Edwards has been the main rusher in Dobbins' absence. He has racked up 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. He is coming off his best game of the season in which he ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. The Chargers will face the New England Patriots in Week 16. The matchup is great for running backs. It seems likely that both players will be active. Given that Dobbins is coming off a long-term injury, it will be difficult to trust either player in fantasy this week. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the situation and see how practice reps evolve over the course of this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Dec 24 5:50pm CT

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadricep) was limited in practice on Tuesday. McLaughlin missed Denver's Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the injury. His return to practice this early in the week suggests that McLaughlin has a good chance of being available when the Broncos travel to Cincinnati this weekend. McLaughlin is part of a robust running back committee that includes Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie (back). McLaughlin has had a few solid games this season en route to 388 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, despite a great matchup in Week 17, McLaughlin is not much of a fantasy option. There simply is no way to know which Broncos running back will receive the majority of the workload on a week-to-week basis. Leave McLaughlin on the waiver wire for fantasy championship weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jabrill Peppers Dec 24 5:43pm CT

New England Patriots C Ben Brown (concussion), S Kyle Dugger, (ankle, quad) and CB Marcus Jones (hip) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. LB Curtis Jacobs (concussion), S Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), OL Cole Strange (knee), LB Jahlani Tavai (groin) and OT Caedan Wallace (ankle) were limited at practice. RB JaMycal Hasty, (ankle) was a full participant.

Matt Prater Dec 24 5:40pm CT

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Prater was recently designated to return from injured reserve and has been practicing in his 21-day window for the past week. Prater has not played since Week 4, so it is no surprise that the Cardinals are easing the 40-year-old back into action. Prater is one of the better kickers in NFL history. Before his injury, he had not missed a kick this season. However, if he were to be activated ahead of Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams, he would be a risky play in fantasy. The Cardinals offense can be inconsistent at times, and Prater may need to shake off some rust. Even so, it is good to see Prater progressing from his injury.

From RotoBaller

Hayden Hurst Dec 24 5:33pm CT

Los Angeles Chargers DL Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis), LB Denzel Perryman (groin), OL Trey Pipkins (hip), TE Hayden Hurst (illness) and P JK Scott (illness) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. CB Cam Hart (concussion), TE Will Dissly (shoulder), S Tony Jefferson (hamstring) and DB Elijah Molden (knee) were limited at practice.

Trey Benson Dec 24 5:30pm CT

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was limited at practice on Tuesday. Rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) was also limited. Conner picked up his injury in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. There has been much speculation as to whether or not Conner would be able to play in Week 17, especially since the Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention. Conner's participation in practice in any capacity on Tuesday is a very encouraging sign for his availability this weekend. Benson missed Week 16 with his ankle injury. His availability on Sunday would be a great sight for depth behind Conner or for Benson's standalone value. Conner has been on fire lately. He has rushed for 90 or more yards and scored a touchdown in three straight games. Fantasy managers have been riding Conner all the way to championship weekend as a result. Conner has rushed for his second 1,000-yard season in 2024. He has also caught 45 passes for 410 yards. If Conner is active this weekend, he should pick up where he left off in Week 16 when the Cardinals face the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 24 5:20pm CT

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) was limited to kick-off Week 17 preparation. Higgins often receives rest for various ailments throughout the season. However, he has not been listed with an ankle injury recently. That suggests that he picked up the ankle issue on Sunday, but the fact that he practiced in any capacity is encouraging. Higgins has put together a strong stretch of games recently. He has scored in four of his past five games and is receiving solid target volume. Higgins is having a solid season all-around with 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. The seven touchdowns match Higgins' career high. The Bengals will face a tough defense when they host the Denver Broncos in Week 17. However, matchups do not seem to matter with the way quarterback Joe Burrow is currently playing. Additionally, Higgins' ankle injury is worth keeping an eye on as the week progresses, but it is relatively unconcerning for now.

From RotoBaller

Marcedes Lewis Dec 24 5:13pm CT

Chicago Bears CB Elijah Hicks (ankle, foot), RB Travis Homer (hamstring), OG Teven Jenkins (calf), CB Tarvarius Moore (knee) and TE Marcedes Lewis (rest) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Dec. 24. DT Gervon Dexter (knee), LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (hip) and OG Doug Kramer (shoulder) were limited during practice.