Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol but is advancing well. Pierce suffered a concussion in the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos and was unable to play in the Week 16 win over the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday. The 24-year-old is recovering, but he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist later this week to have a shot at returning to action for the Week 17 game this Sunday at the New York Giants. The matchup against the two-win Giants is a great one for the Colts offense this weekend, but Pierce would be a pretty shaky WR4/5 for fantasy managers in a low-volume passing attack if he's cleared to play. Quarterback Anthony Richardson only attempted 11 passes in the win over the Titans. When active, Pierce is Indy's WR3 behind Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr.

From RotoBaller

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers designated safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday by opening his 21-day practice window. Whitehead is now eligible to return to practice with the team this week, but it doesn't guarantee that he'll come off IR to play in Week 17 on Sunday against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. The 27-year-old was put on IR in late November due to a ruptured pectoral muscle, but he's nearing a return and would give the Bucs secondary a needed boost as they try to win the NFC South division in the final two weeks of the regular season. Whitehead started the team's first 11 games before getting injured, recording 76 tackles (47 solo) and three pass breakups in his return to Tampa in 2024. The Bucs defense is ranked as a top-10 defensive unit for their matchup against Carolina in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is in wait-and-see mode for the team's upcoming Week 17 game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. Conner injured his knee in the overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, but not before putting up strong numbers with 19 touches for 166 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals were eliminated from postseason contention with their loss on Sunday, which means the Cardinals aren't going to rush the 29-year-old back this weekend if he's not ready. Conner's status will likely depend on how much he can do in practice this week. Trey Benson (ankle) missed the Week 16 game and Emari Demercado (back) is on Injured Reserve, so if Conner is ruled out, the Cardinals could be down to DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter in their backfield against LA on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he's "hoping for the best" regarding the knee injury he suffered in the Monday night blowout win over the New Orleans Saints. Watson was injured early in the first half when a defender fell on him at the end of a run. He returned to the game in the first half but eventually was seen being looked at by the medical staff on the sideline and didn't return to action in the second half. Watson is getting his knee examined on Tuesday, putting his status up in the air for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old didn't catch his only target and rushed two times for 23 yards in Monday's game. Already a shaky touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in a crowded wideout room in Green Bay, fantasy managers in championship matchups shouldn't be planning on using a banged-up Watson this week.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 17 game on Wednesday on Christmas Day versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones didn't practice on Sunday or Monday after straining his calf in Saturday's win over the Houston Texans in Week 16. On a short week, the 30-year-old defensive stalwart might not be able to go, so fantasy managers in IDP formats need to have a backup on hand in case the Chiefs rule him out on Christmas morning. Jones being absent this week would be good news for quarterback Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense as they look to get things turned around after a disappointing Week 16 loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. If Jones plays, he could be subject to a limited snap count as well, making him even more risky as a starting option in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) is uncertain to play in Week 17 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday due to a knee injury he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said he's betting on Rodgers to play, but he's not committing to it early in the week. With the Jets already eliminated from playoff contention, Rodgers isn't going to take any chances with his health in a meaningless game for the team. If he is ruled out for Sunday's game, journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor would make his first start of the year for Gang Green, which would be a downgrade for receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson in fantasy. We'll have a better idea of the 41-year-old's status for Week 17 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. The future Hall of Famer has been better of late, but he's no more than a QB2 in fantasy if he plays.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder) appears ready to return to the lineup on Christmas Day against the Baltimore Ravens, and with ample opportunity within the Texans' offense. Wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) joined Stefon Diggs (knee) on injured reserve, opening the way for other receivers behind top target Nico Collins. However, starting Metchie, even against a Ravens defense in the bottom five against fantasy receivers, is a massive risk for managers in fantasy Super Bowls this week. In addition to rostering receiver Robert Woods, Houston added Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday. Replacing Dell might be a committee approach.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson is off the fantasy radar when the Steelers take on Kansas City on Christmas Day. The veteran has played more than 70% of the Steelers' snaps the past three weeks, but that seems likely to change with top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) likely to return to the lineup. The Chiefs' defense ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy receivers, but it's difficult to see Jefferson getting enough action in a run-loving Pittsburgh offense when competing for targets with Pickens, receiver Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

From RotoBaller

The New York Jets signed kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad, according to Joseph's agent, Brett Tessler. The veteran is now on his fifth team of the season after spending training camp with Green Bay, briefly signing with Detroit's practice squad, and then having stints with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. Jets kicker Anders Carlson had a brutal showing on Sunday against the L.A. Rams, missing an extra point and a 49-yarder that would have cut the lead to one score in the fourth quarter. Joseph is unlikely to hold any fantasy value, however, even if he unseats Carlson for the starting job prior to a Week 17 game at Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints receiver Kevin Austin Jr. earned another four targets Monday at Green Bay, but turned them into just one catch for 17 yards on which he fumbled, but saw the ball go out of bounds. The third-year player has drawn at least three targets in four straight games, but is playing more mostly due to injuries, including to top receiver Chris Olave (concussion). New Orleans, playing behind backup quarterback Spencer Rattler, looked hapless in the 34-0 defeat to the Packers and became the first team in the league to be shut out this year. Austin is off the fantasy radar prior to a Week 17 game against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Dante Pettis of the New Orleans Saints earned seven targets on Monday at Green Bay, but finished with only two catches for 31 yards. The barren New Orleans offense was down to starting quarterback Spencer Rattler, who completed only half of his 30 passing attempts for 153 yards and an interception in a blowout 34-0 defeat. The Saints have ample opportunity for Pettis to play a high volume of snaps, but they have so few weapons at this stage of the season that starting anyone on this offense is likely a no-go. New Orleans will continue playing out the string in Week 17 against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams was a non-factor with just three carries for eight yards and no targets in a 34-0 defeat at Green Bay. The veteran drew fewer carries than fellow running backs Kendre Miller and Jordan Mims, and backup quarterback Spencer Rattler carried five times as the depleted Saints offense struggled to muster anything in a forgettable outing. Even without starting running Alvin Kamara (groin), Williams was not fantasy relevant. The former 1,000-yard rusher can safely be left on waivers as the Saints prepare for Las Vegas in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus converted every opportunity on Monday in a 34-0 win against the New Orleans Saints, connecting on both field goals and all four extra points. The veteran kicker hit field goals of 55 and 46 yards in the second half, adding a boost for managers who started him in the fantasy playoffs. McManus, who was released by Washington earlier this year after a lawsuit alleging sexual assault was brought against him, has latched on in Green Bay during the second half of the season. He'll continue being attached to a capable offense as the playoff-bound Packers take on Minnesota in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler went 15-for-30 for 153 passing yards and added 28 yards on five rushes in Monday's 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rattler also threw an interception and lost a fumble in the defeat, which had the dubious distinction of being the NFL's first shutout of the 2024 season. Additionally, the Saints never reached the red zone and the drives that brought them the closest were halted by Rattler's turnovers. Through four starts and five total appearances, the rookie has gone 84-for-150 for 859 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. In postgame comments, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said that the team would evaluate Derek Carr's (hand) progress on Thursday. With the Saints officially out of the playoff hunt it isn't out of the question for Rattler to remain the starter in order to gain more experience at the pro level. Even if New Orleans gives him another chance, he doesn't belong on fantasy rosters in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Those hoping that New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller would be the late-season add that would propel fantasy teams to the championship round of the fantasy playoffs were sorely disappointed on Monday night. Miller handled eight carriers and gained just 15 rushing yards in the 35-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also caught both of his targets for 16 receiving yards. After taking over the Saints' backfield following Alvin Kamara's (groin) early departure last week, Miller finished with fewer snaps than fellow backup Jordan Mims. In postgame comments, interim head coach Darren Rizzi alluded to having a plan to use Miller that went out the window after falling in an early hole which forced New Orleans into playing catchup. Kamara's status for Week 17 is unknown at this point but if he misses another game then Miller should have an easier time against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints running back was the unexpected leader in targets and receptions in Monday's 35-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Mims caught five of his eight targets but finished with a meager 16 receiving yards. Mims also had four carries for 16 rushing yards, second only to the 28 yards that quarterback Spencer Rattler scrambled for. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi credited the surprising usage of Mims to the fact that the team had to shift into "two-minute mode" after falling into an early hole. Mims finished with 25 offensive snaps to 21 for Kendre Miller who was expected to be the team's featured back with Alvin Kamara (groin) shelved. Before Monday's game, Mims had been inactive for four straight games leading back to the Saints' Week 12 bye. In his very limited role this season he now has 58 rushing yards on 18 carries and another 58 on nine receptions.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau was the team's unlikely leader in receiving yards in their game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. If that isn't a strong enough indicator of how the Saints' offense fared, the fact that he needed just 33 yards to lead the team should make it a little more clear. Moreau caught two of his three passes for those 33 yards in a 35-0 loss in which New Orleans was held to less than 200 yards on offense. He also logged the Saints' longest play from scrimmage in the game when he caught a 21-yard pass from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in the second quarter. Primarily used as a blocker, Moreau now has a line of 25-335-4 for the season. In Week 17, Moreau can be ignored for fantasy purposes, even in a supposed "revenge game" against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) had an MRI Monday, Dec. 23, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team doesn't have any updated information on the tests yet.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku carried a questionable tag into the Week 16 game in Cincinnati, and he looked good. However, with this ongoing issue, and the fact unproven QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is under center, it might be a good idea to avoid Njoku for Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins.

From TheHuddle

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet has failed to prove himself as a dependable option within the team's offense. As a result, he ranks outside the top 18 tight ends and should be benched in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. Although Kmet did catch a touchdown last week, he has just three receptions for 23 yards over his last three games. The 25-year-old ranks 14th among fantasy tight ends in 2024, but most of his production has come from outlier games. Through 15 contests, he has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) just thrice. Fantasy managers can justify benching or even dropping the 25-year-old as fantasy championships arrive and Kmet remains a non-factor.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson should be avoided in all fantasy leagues ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. While Johnson did vulture numerous touchdowns from D'Andre Swift earlier in the year, that hasn't happened as much lately due to his reduced snap counts, as well as the fact that he missed multiple weeks due to a concussion. In fact, while the 23-year-old scored six touchdowns over eight games from Week 4 through Week 12, he has not found the end zone since then. He mustered just one carry against the Detroit Lions last week and should not be viewed as a legitimate fantasy option as long as Swift stays healthy.

From RotoBaller