New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (right hand) was limited during Wednesday's practice. The rookie reportedly injured one of his fingers during last Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye is expected to recover in time for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, and he's in line to start after head coach Jerod Mayo indicated all of New England's healthy starters would play. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story to monitor given that the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 draft pick with a loss on Sunday but could drop as low as No. 5 if they win. There has been ongoing speculation that the Patriots could rest Maye to preserve his health and secure the top pick, but as of now, it sounds like Mayo is going to roll out his starters in hopes of a Week 18 victory.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The second-year quarterback noted that his back injury limited him physically last week, and there were times when he couldn't even walk or stand up. He feels better now, though, and said that he'll do everything in his power to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're hopeful [that Richardson plays]. He's working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we'll see how the week progresses with that." Richardson should rank as a low-end QB1 facing off against a subpar Jaguars defense.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (illness) and Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Boutte has been heavily involved lately, commanding 23 targets over his last four games. His absence from practice is concerning, but the good news is that players are typically able to recover from illnesses within a few days, so Boutte has a real chance to recover in time for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Polk's status is a little more murky after he injured his shoulder in the middle of last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie has been quite underwhelming, catching just 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns while struggling with drops. Fantasy managers invested in the statuses of either Boutte or Polk should check back Thursday to see if either receiver can improve to limited or full.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was limited during practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including Mahomes, in Week 18, so his appearance on the injury report isn't something worth worrying about. In his age-29 season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading his Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Carson Wentz should start at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but there's been speculation that the Chiefs could also give Chris Oladokun some snaps under center.

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Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The veteran kicker has missed two consecutive games due to injury and now faces an uphill battle to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans. It's an unfortunate ending to what had been an otherwise solid season for Folk. Through 14 games, the 40-year-old went 25-for-25 on extra points and 21-for-22 on field goals. Tennessee has no other kickers on its roster after waiving Matthew Wright, so it's unclear who would handle kicking duties if Folk can't suit up in Week 18.

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Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 27-year-old missed last week's game with a combination of his ankle injury and an illness. His absence allowed Tyjae Spears to take over as Tennessee's starter, but Spears picked up a concussion mid-game, forcing the Titans to rely on third-string running back Julius Chestnut. With Spears expected to miss Week 18, Pollard's return comes at a great time. He's trending toward playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) was estimated as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Brian Callahan previously said that Spears would not play in Week 18, and Wednesday's injury report reflects that sentiment. The 23-year-old has flourished over his last three games, totaling 127 rushing yards, 134 receiving yards, and four touchdowns during that span. If there's anything positive to take away from the Titans' injury report, it's the fact that Tony Pollard (ankle) was able to practice in a limited capacity. There appears to be a strong chance that Pollard plays in Week 18, with Julius Chestnut backing him up.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. Boyd has made frequent appearances on the injury report this season, but he hasn't missed a game yet. The 30-year-old has consistently operated as the Titans' No. 3 receiver, totaling 39 catches for 390 yards through 16 games. He's still looking for his first touchdown as a member of the Titans, and he's just one game away from finishing a season without a touchdown for the first time in his career. Given that he's behind Calvin Ridley, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Chig Okonkwo in the pecking order, Boyd remains off the fantasy radar and can be left on waivers in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. Henry hurt his foot in Week 17's blowout loss -- a 40-7 rout against his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. He commanded just two targets and participated in only 30 snaps in the loss. Both figures are season-lows, and it was the first outing he did not record a catch all year. That he could at least practice in a limited capacity is a boon to his outlook for Week 18. However, seeing him elevate his practice status over the next few days would be good. The Patriots will host the visiting Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash this Sunday. As the game is meaningless for both squads, it's possible that if the veteran TE is closer to the wrong side of questionable, he's rested anyway. Keep an eye on him as the week closes out.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Keep an on Kittle's status over the next couple of days. He is a TE1 if he suits up, but with the 49ers eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is held out for the finale if he isn't close to full strength.

From TheHuddle

San Francisco 49ers DL Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), DE Nick Bosa (knee), OG Spencer Burford (calf), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), LB Leonard Floyd (shoulder), CB Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), OT Colton McKivitz (knee) and CB Isaac Yiadom (pelvis) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. S Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) was limited, and S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) was a full participant.

From TheHuddle

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was listed as a non-participant to kick off this week of practice. The 31-year-old produced the best rushing total of his career in Sunday's 25-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Abdullah sustained a foot injury early in the fourth quarter, or he'd have had an even bigger day. While he was initially deemed questionable to return to the contest, he did not. The Nebraska product has been one of the more pleasant surprises late in the season, but he could be in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Abdullah can't play, backfield mate Alexander Mattison projects to lead the Raiders' rushing attack with Chris Collier and/or Dylan Laube working in behind him. Abdullah's practice participation over the next two days should give us a better idea of his status for Sunday's bout.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley has topped 100 rushing yards in 11 games this season, the most by any player in their first year with a team in NFL history.

Fantasy Spin: Barkley will sit out the season finale, but his first year in Philadelphia exceeded any reasonable expectations. Not only did he top 2,000 yards rushing, but he was one of the most consistent backs week in and week out.

From TheHuddle

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day ahead of his team's road meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Clemson product has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries for a few weeks now, though it hasn't stopped him from being effective on the field. Since picking up the first of his injuries in Week 15 (knee), Higgins has gone for 277 yards and five touchdowns across 24 receptions. He's the PPR WR2 over that stretch, averaging a robust 26.6 fantasy points per game. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on him just in case, but it seems unlikely he'll miss the Bengals' divisional clash this Saturday. With Cincinnati still battling for a chance at post-season play, he and the rest of their squad should be all systems go against the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions on passes on third or fourth down this season.

Fantasy Spin: Goff has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, throwing at least three touchdowns in four straight games and topping 300 yards in three straight.

From TheHuddle

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's team practice. This has been the veteran's routine for a few weeks now -- logging a limited session or two since picking up a knee injury in Cincinnati's win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Fortunately, it hasn't forced him to miss any time. There hasn't been another quarterback as hot as Burrow, who has tossed three or more passing scores in every outing since Week 9. The 28-year-old leads all passers in yards and touchdowns and trails only the Ravens' Lamar Jackson in QBR. With the Bengals still fighting for the final playoff spot in the AFC, expect the veteran to be out there this Saturday when his team lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a road tilt. Cincinnati currently holds a 5% chance to snag a spot in the tournament.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Valdes-Scantling did not play in the Week 17 game but seems to have a chance to play this week. He will see a handful of targets if he is active and could be a possible flex option in some deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand), RB Alvin Kamara (groin), RB Kendre Miller (concussion), DE Payton Turner (ankle) and LB Pete Werner (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. TE Juwan Johnson (knee) and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) were limited during practice. WR Chris Olave (head) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Carr was expected to participate in a simulated game this week, but it seems like he has not made enough progress to play. Fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation but should not count on him playing.

From TheHuddle

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara has missed the last few games because of the injury and could sit again if he does not practice this week. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players likely will need to use other players in their lineups.

From TheHuddle