Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jets. Hollins' absence further depletes the Patriots' receiving corps, as he is one of the top three wide receivers in targets for the team. His injury contributes to a short-handed offense heading into the crucial AFC East clash.
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jets. Douglas, who ranks fourth among Patriots wide receivers in targets, sustained a hamstring injury. His status adds to a short-handed receiving corps, with Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins already ruled out. His availability will be a game-time decision.
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jets. Boutte suffered a head injury in last Sunday's game against the Ravens and will miss this week's contest, stripping the offense of one of its top three wide receivers in targets. He will aim to get cleared for Week 18, but his availability remains uncertain.
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is anticipated to see an increased target volume in Week 17. This comes as the Patriots' wide receiver corps is significantly short-handed, with Kayshon Boutte (concussion) and Mack Hollins (abdomen) ruled out, and Demario Douglas (hamstring) listed as questionable. Henry's role in the passing game could expand to compensate for the depleted receiving options.
With New England Patriots wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (concussion) and Mack Hollins (abdomen) ruled out for Week 17, and Demario Douglas (hamstring) questionable, Kyle Williams is elevated to one of the top two healthy wide receivers alongside Stefon Diggs. While Diggs is expected to see a full complement of routes, Williams becomes an intriguing option in daily fantasy contests, though less recommended for season-long leagues due to the short-handed corps.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Eagles. Knox participated in a limited practice on Friday. His status, along with fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) also being questionable, suggests a potentially depleted tight end room for the Bills. Fantasy managers are advised to avoid the Bills' tight ends this week.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Eagles. After being a non-participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday, Kincaid was limited on Friday, which is an encouraging sign. However, he is coming off a 1-target, 0-catch outing and appears to not be at 100%. Fellow tight end Dawson Knox (knee) is also questionable. Fantasy managers are advised to avoid the Bills' tight end room this week.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 matchup against Pittsburgh, marking his third consecutive missed game due to a lingering knee injury. He did not participate in practice all week, making his potential return for the season finale against Cincinnati in Week 18 challenging. With Harold Fannin also questionable, Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates are expected to lead the tight end corps for the Browns.
Following the Detroit Lions' 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and their elimination from playoff contention, questions are being raised about the team's Super Bowl window. Analysts, including Colin Cowherd, are speculating if the window has closed, particularly after the departures of key figures like Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, and the team's subsequent lack of follow-up.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will not play in Sunday's game and is being placed back on injured reserve. Buckner aggravated a neck injury and is now scheduled to undergo surgery. This is a significant loss for the Colts' defense as they navigate their postseason hopes.
Buccaneers All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Dolphins due to a toe injury sustained last Sunday. This marks the fifth game Wirfs has missed this season, having previously dealt with knee and oblique injuries. Rookie Benjamin Chukwuma is slated to start in his place, having also started in the team's Week 14 loss.
In Week 17 Parkins' Picks, Danny Parkins predicts that Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears will upset the San Francisco 49ers. This bold prediction comes after Parkins' undefeated Week 16, suggesting a surprising outcome for the Bears' matchup.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, despite being from Memphis, revealed in an exclusive interview with FOX Sports that he is not a fan of BBQ. Walker also discussed the Seahawks' recent emergence and other topics, offering insights into his personal preferences and the team's current trajectory.
With Jets tight end Mason Taylor (neck) ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Patriots, Jeremy Ruckert is once again slated to handle lead tight end duties. Ruckert has totaled 27 yards on four catches over the last two weeks and will look to step up in Taylor's continued absence.
Jets tight end Mason Taylor (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Patriots, marking his third consecutive missed game since suffering the injury in Week 14. Taylor, who leads the Jets with 44 receptions, 65 targets, 369 yards, and 1 TD this season, is targeting a potential return in the season finale against the Bills in Week 18. In his absence, Jeremy Ruckert (27 yards on 4 catches over two weeks), Stone Smartt, and Jelani Woods will handle tight end duties.
Justin Herbert has led the Chargers on a four-game win streak, securing a playoff berth despite playing with a surgically repaired non-throwing hand since November 30. The two-time Pro Bowler recorded a 132.8 passer rating against the Cowboys, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-17 victory. Herbert, who has improved his completion percentage and yards-per-pass attempt, now prepares to face the Texans in a crucial AFC wild card rematch, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning. Bold predictions suggest Herbert will perform well against the Texans defense in Week 17.
Jets running back Breece Hall is considered a "Red Light" fantasy option for Week 17, having finished outside the top 40 among running backs in the last three weeks. The Jets' ongoing struggles to move the ball, coupled with being a 13.5-point underdog against the Patriots, mean Hall's volume is far from guaranteed. Fantasy managers should temper expectations as his production has cratered recently.
Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is projected to receive 17-20 touches in Week 17, maintaining solid usage with 69% of the team's carries and a 42% route rate over the past two weeks. His fantasy floor remains muted by Sean Tucker's goal-line duties and Rachaad White's pass-game involvement, but with Miami ranking 26th in explosive run rate allowed, Irving could find the end zone from distance.
Jets edge rusher Will McDonald (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Patriots. McDonald, who leads the team with 8.0 sacks and has recorded a career-best 19 solo tackles across 15 games (14 starts) this season, will miss the final home game of 2025. He was a non-participant in practice earlier in the week due to the knee issue.
Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet is highlighted as a deep sleeper for Week 17 fantasy matchups against the Panthers. Carolina's defense allows the eighth-most fantasy points and ninth-most rushing yards to running backs. Notably, they surrender 5.14 yards per carry on inside runs, ranking as the third-worst mark in the NFL, suggesting a favorable opportunity for Charbonnet to produce.
