Fri Dec 27 2:18pm ET
Field Level Media
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is questionable to start Sunday's key game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries.
Richardson did not practice this week, but head coach Shane Steichen fell short of declaring his starter out.
"We'll see how next 48 hours go," he told reporters Friday.
If Richardson, 22, is unable to go, veteran Joe Flacco would make his fifth start of the season.
The Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they'll need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 -- and get some help.
Indianapolis remains in the playoff hunt despite an unspectacular season from Richardson, taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richardson has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.
Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams -- the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson handled 23-plus touches last week for the fifth time in the last six contests while adding his fifth and sixth scores during that timeframe as well. Now with over 1500 total yards and 11 touchdowns, the 22-year-old is a top-five fantasy running back on the year and takes on a Commanders rush defense that has yielded the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. With rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. making just his second career start against a pass defense that has been much more stout over the past four weeks, look for the Falcons to lean heavily on the run game again in Week 17. While the former first-round draft pick has seen his involvement in the passing attack nearly dry up, having not caught more than two passes or gained more than 10 receiving yards in any of the last three games, he remains a top option at running back. View the talented back as a high-end RB1 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
According to Dave Zangaro of NBCS Philly, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, Kenny Pickett will get the starting nod. Hurts suffered this concussion during the first half of their game against the Commanders last weekend. Hurts also could not practice all week, which could put him in danger of missing Week 18's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during practice next week. In relief last weekend, Pickett went 14-for-24 with 143 yards, a score, and an interception. Fantasy managers should only consider starting Pickett in deep Superflex formats, as he carries very little upside and high risk, given his lack of offensive production throughout his young career.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are activating running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) from Injured Reserve on Friday, which paves the way for him to be active in Week 17 on the road against the New England Patriots for the first of an NFL tripleheader on Saturday. Dobbins has missed the required four games while on IR and should return to action this weekend despite being listed as questionable on Thursday's final injury report. He's a top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL in 2024 and leads the Chargers with eight touchdowns in his 11 games played for the Bolts. Dobbins has also averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry on a career-high 158 rushing attempts in 2024. Gus Edwards (ankle) has already been ruled out, which is good news for Dobbins, but LA could still involve both rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins if they look to ease Dobbins back into the offense.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and has been removed from the final Week 17 injury report. It means that he is good to go for Sunday's game in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts and their weak run defense. Tracy aggravated an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and didn't practice on either Wednesday or Thursday. Despite not upgrading to a full practice on Friday, the 25-year-old will play this weekend. It's fair to wonder if Tracy will share more of the backfield work with Devin Singletary. In last week's blowout loss, Tracy only had 11 touches and saved his fantasy day with a receiving touchdown. However, the great matchup -- the Colts have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards this year -- should at least give Tracy some RB3/flex appeal for fantasy managers now that we know he'll be active.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over for Kirk Cousins in Week 16 and fared about as well as one could expect from a player making his first NFL start, completing 67% of his passes (18-for-27) and throwing just one interception that was a result of a tipped ball by one of his own receivers, not a poor decision or pass on his part. Although the 24-year-old did not throw a touchdown pass, it wasn't needed with Bijan Robinson rushing for 94 yards and two scores while the defense provided the other two TDs. The 2024 first-round draft pick will take on the Commanders in Week 17, a defense that ranks around the middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the season, but has yielded the second-fewest fantasy points to the position over the past four weeks. The matchup takes place in D.C. and with playoff implications for both teams, this contest could prove to be a much stiffer challenge for the rookie quarterback. Fantasy managers looking to lock down fantasy championships will want to look elsewhere for a streaming QB, as Penix Jr. should be viewed as a low-end QB2 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was in cleats on Friday but did not go through the stretching period with the rest of the team. ESPN's Rob Demovsky said it looks like Watson is still in the rehab group, insinuating that he'll miss his third practice of the week. If that's the case, Green Bay will likely rule Watson out for Week 17 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday on Friday's final injury report. Watson suffered a knee bruise in the Monday night win over the New Orleans Saints. While the injury isn't considered a long-term one, it's looking like it will keep the injury-prone Watson out of action this weekend in a big divisional clash in Minnesota. If Watson is eventually ruled out or limited on Sunday, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks will each have a little more upside in a crowded receiver room.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans will add kicker Matthew Wright from their practice squad to their active 53-man roster for Sunday's game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17. Regular placekicker Nick Folk (abdomen) has been ruled out yet again, so the Titans will go with Wright after cutting Brayden Narveson earlier this week. While Wright, 28, will have a good matchup against the terrible Jaguars defense in his debut with the Titans, he still won't be a particularly intriguing streaming option for fantasy managers that are playing for championships this weekend. In three games with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, Wright has missed only one of his 12 field-goal attempts while making all five of his extra-point opportunities. Fantasy managers should be able to start more reliable kicking options in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New York Giant rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 17 on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Nabers did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before upgrading to a limited practice on Friday. The 21-year-old first-rounder out of LSU said on Thursday that he expects to be more of a game-time decision on Sunday, but the Giants remain hopeful that he'll be able to suit up for the penultimate game of his first season in the NFL. Fantasy managers still playing for a title in Week 17 will want to check back on Sunday morning to see if Nabers will be able to play. He's been a top-15 wideout in fantasy this year and leads all wideouts in targets, so if he's active, Nabers needs to be in your lineup. If he's ruled out or is limited at all, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton would be in line for more targets.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (shoulder) is listed as questionable to be active for the Week 17 contest this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Winston was inactive as the team's emergency third QB for the Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Dorian Thompson-Robinson got his first start of the season, with Bailey Zappe backing him up. Thompson-Robinson has already been announced as the starter again this weekend, and Zappe could serve as the backup for a second straight week if Winston is ruled out on Sunday. The 30-year-old Winston initially gave Cleveland's offense a spark when Deshaun Watson (Achilles) went down with a season-ending injury, but in the end, his turnover-prone ways led to his benching and the Browns looking towards the future as they evaluate DTR. Barring an injury to Thompson-Robinson, Winston has likely played his last snap with the team.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) has been ruled out for the Week 17 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Folk hasn't been able to practice this week due to an abdominal issue which will force him to miss his second straight game. The expectation is that Matthew Wright will be elevated from the practice squad to kick this weekend. Brayden Narveson kicked last week for Tennessee, but was cut after he missed his lone field goal attempt. Wright has made 11-of-12 field goal attempts and all his extra point attempts in three games between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. He has been productive when active, so fantasy managers looking for a possible streaming option might want to consider Wright.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) will be back in action for the Week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Zuerlein hasn't played since being placed on the injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in Week 8. Before that, Zuerlein was struggling as he has only converted 9-of-15 field goal attempts while making all but one extra point attempt. The 37-year-old hopes to get back on track over the final two games of the regular season. Given his struggles this season, fantasy managers should probably look elsewhere for a streaming option in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip) returned to the practice field on Friday. This is good news for fantasy managers after Adams sat out the first two days of practice. Adams reportedly looked good in practice, according to interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. The fact he was able to get back on the practice field on Friday gives him a good shot at playing on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy managers will have to wait until the official injury report is released later on Friday for a better update on Adams availability. If active, Adams should be plugged in as a WR1 for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders. London was limited during the first two practices of the week before getting in a full session on Friday. Now, London has been cleared to play after he suffered a knee injury during last week's game against the New York Giants. He hauled in five of his eight targets for 59 yards last week. The change at quarterback doesn't seem to have hindered London's fantasy value, so fantasy managers can go ahead and plug him in as a WR2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. This doesn't come as a shock given the fact Njoku has been unable to practice all week. He tweaked his knee last week and appears to still be dealing with the issue. The Browns aren't in the playoff hunt anyway, so they don't have much of an incentive to get Njoku out there. Jordan Akins figures to serve as the primary tight end with Njoku sidelined. Akins has finished with one reception or less in three of his last four games. He's not a recommended streaming option for important fantasy playoff games this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Tillman was able to get through some limited practice sessions this week, but it wasn't enough to clear him for this weekend. Now, Tillman will miss his fifth game in a row due to a concussion. The absence of Tillman should mean that Michael Woods II should start alongside Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy. Woods was held without a catch last week and he hasn't done much with his other starts. Fantasy managers can look elsewhere for help ahead of this Week 17 contest.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media. Unless Pollard returned to the practice field after the media left, he will have missed practice all week, putting his availability firmly in doubt for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers will want to check back for the 27-year-old status on the final injury report for Week 17 on Friday, but there's a possibility that he'll be ruled out entirely. If that happens, Tyjae Spears will operate as Tennessee's lead back and will have clear RB2 upside in a plus-plus matchup against the Jags' terrible defense. Pollard played in last week's loss to the Colts despite not practice all week, but he played just 39% of the snaps. He'll be a shaky RB3/flex for fantasy managers if he plays this weekend. Spears has four touchdowns in the last two games.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) is questionable to play on Sunday in Week 17 against the hosting New York Giants. "We'll see how the next 48 hours go," Steichen said. It's notable that Richardson did not practice at all this week. Apparently he won't need to practice in order to play on Sunday, but it's not a great sign for fantasy managers that were hoping to use the second-year signal-caller in an excellent matchup against the two-win Giants. The 22-year-old has an unstable floor because of his inaccuracies as a passer, but his rushing ability gives him QB1 upside this weekend in the matchup against the Giants if he's active. A-Rich's back is more problematic than his foot, for what it's worth. If he's ruled out, veteran Joe Flacco would step in again and would be an option as a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is missing his third practice of the week on Friday. The Browns haven't released their final injury report for Week 17, but it's not looking good for Njoku's chances of playing on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 28-year-old missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury but returned in last week's loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals and caught eight of his 10 targets for 66 yards from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in his first start of the year. If active, Njoku will be on the TE1 radar for fantasy managers, but as of right now, it's not looking good for his availability. If Njoku is ruled out, Jordan Akins would once again have an expanded role on offense, but he'd be one to avoid as a streamer with fantasy championships on the line. Akins had three catches for 30 yards against KC when Njoku was sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) will practice on Friday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants are "hopeful" that Nabers will play in Week 17 on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Nabers did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and said that he expects to be more of a game-time decision this weekend. The fact that the first-round pass-catcher is practicing on Friday is good news, but fantasy managers are probably going to have to check back on Sunday morning to make sure he's good to go. If active, the 21-year-old Nabers should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups with everything on the line in Week 17 despite the fact that struggling quarterback Drew Lock is set for another start. Nabers is currently the WR13 in half-PPR scoring and leads the NFL with 154 targets in his 13 games played.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) will return to practice on Friday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants are "hopeful" that Tracy will be able to play on Sunday against the visiting Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Tracy was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday after aggravating his ankle injury in the Week 16 blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons. However, now that Tracy has returned to practice, he'll at least have a shot at playing this weekend. Fantasy managers will want to check back later on Friday, where Tracy will likely be listed as questionable. The 25-year-old has taken over lead-back duties from Devin Singletary for most of the year, but he's become a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in fantasy with inefficient quarterback Drew Lock running the Giants' offense. If Tracy is ruled out, Singletary would be boosted to RB3/flex territory in Week 17.
From RotoBaller