December 31, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn. He recently returned after missing over a month because of an oblique injury. Since then, the 24-year-old has appeared in the Rockets' previous five contests. However, his status is now in jeopardy as a result of an illness. With so many players listed on the injury report for Houston, there are a number of directions head coach Ime Udoka might go regarding the rotation, although
Reed Sheppard should remain in line to see a substantial bump in minutes and scoring opportunities regardless of who is ruled out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) is doubtful for Thursday's meeting with Miami. He logged six minutes in Tuesday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers because of a left hip injury. Unfortunately, that puts his status in doubt for Thursday's game and beyond. With
Caris LeVert (knee) also sidelined,
Ron Holland II, coming off a 11-point, seven rebound effort, could find himself in the starting lineup. There will also be room for expanded production for
Isaiah Stewart,
Javonte Green, and
Jaden Ivey.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Repor
December 31, 2025
New York Knicks center
Ariel Hukporti (mouth) is set to suit up for Wednesday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. Hukporti has been cleared to play after carrying a questionable tag earlier due to sustaining a lip laceration in Monday's 130-125 win over the Pelicans. The 23-year-old could be in line to see extra minutes this evening with
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out of action. However, fantasy managers should expect Hukporti to be a non-factor in fantasy during tonight's tilt as he's averaging just 1.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game across 20 outings this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller (groin) was held out of practice on Wednesday as he continues to manage a groin injury, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's David Furones. Waller also missed practice last week on Wednesday before playing in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he played only 38% of the offensive snaps and caught one of his three targets for no gain. Meanwhile, fellow TE
Greg Dulcich caught five of his six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown. The 33-year-old Waller came out of retirement in 2025 to join the Dolphins, and he has 24 receptions for 283 yards and six touchdowns in his nine games played. However, rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers has taken more of a liking to Dulcich since taking over as the starting QB in Miami. At best, Waller will be a touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer in fantasy in Week 18 if he's active.
--Keith HernandezSource: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
December 31, 2025
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (soleus) is questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn after missing the last two contests because of a calf strain. The Rockets are hurting heading into this one, with
Clint Capela (illness) and
Steven Adams (ankle) also carrying a questionable designation. As a result, Houston may need to roll with
Dorian Finney-Smith at the five versus his former team. DFS most recently logged 16 minutes in Monday's loss to the Indiana Pacers, finishing with six points and two rebounds.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane (shoulder) was a non-participant during the team's practice on Wednesday, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Achane didn't appear to get injured in Sunday's upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his status is now worth watching going into the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. The 24-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in Miami's offense in 2025, as he's totaled 1,350 rushing yards and eight rushing scores on 238 carries this year. Achane has also added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more TDs through the air to make him the RB6 in half-PPR scoring. If he's limited at all in Week 18 or held out entirely,
Jaylen Wright and
Ollie Gordon II would split the Dolphins' backfield duties to close out the year.
--Keith HernandezSource: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
December 31, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (shoulder) was initially expected to be limited in Wednesday's practice. However, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports that Williams isn't included on the Week 18 injury report, suggesting he put in a full practice on Wednesday. Meanwhile,
Malik Davis (calf, eye) was a non-participant. Williams has been a top-10 fantasy RB in his first year in Dallas as their unquestioned lead back. However, the 25-year-old former Denver Broncos running back could be much riskier for starting lineups this weekend in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants. Williams appears to be healthy enough to play on Sunday, but Dallas could give rookie
Jaydon Blue some run with an eye towards next season. We should have a clearer picture of how Dallas' backfield will shake out later this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jon Machota
December 31, 2025
Charlotte Hornets center
Mason Plumlee (groin) underwent surgery "to address an injury to his right groin." He will be re-evaluated in six weeks, with the team planning to announce updates "as appropriate." The 35-year-old signed with the Hornets in July after bouncing around the NBA since being drafted in 2013 by the Brooklyn Nets. He appeared in 14 games for Charlotte this season. However, Plumlee hasn't been productive, averaging 1.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. While he would could have seen more action while
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) is sidelined, he still wouldn't have garnered attention from fantasy managers, considering
Moussa Diabate has been holding things down at the five. With that said, the select few who have Plumlee on the roster can drop him without thinking twice.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
According to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, Chicago Bulls center
Zach Collins (toe) will be sidelined at least 10 more days due to a sprained right toe. The timetable for a return likely puts Collins out of action for at least six contests. His injury occurred in the closing minutes of Saturday's loss to Milwaukee. The 28-year-old big man finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes before leaving the floor. While Collins is sidelined,
Jalen Smith will see an expanded role backing up starting center
Nikola Vucevic.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Joel Lorenzi
December 31, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is not participating in Wednesday's practice session, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Wicks suffered a concussion in the second quarter during last Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. The 24-year-old is trending towards missing his third game of the season after opening this week with a DNP. He's had a relatively quiet season in a crowded Packers wide receiver room, catching 30 of his 46 targets for 332 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Both of his scores came on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions, when he recorded a season high of six receptions for 94 yards. The third-year wideout has been below 50 receiving yards in every other game this season. If Wicks is ruled out for the regular-season finale versus the Minnesota Vikings, rookie
Matthew Golden and
Bo Melton should see more opportunities.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Matt Schneidman
December 31, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown (illness) did not take part in practice on Wednesday because he was under the weather, according to the team's official website. Brown should be feeling better by the weekend and should be able to suit up for the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The Bengals are out of the playoff picture, but they have every intention of playing their starters to try and finish strong. Despite Cincy's disappointing season, the 25-year-old Brown has been a strong contributor for his fantasy managers, carrying the ball 219 times for 947 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in 16 starts. He's added a career-high 65 receptions for 419 yards and four more TDs on 82 targets. Brown will be looking to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career, giving him plenty of incentive to finish strong for his fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bengals.com
December 31, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave (illness) was sick on Wednesday and missed practice, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Olave isn't feeling well this week, but he should be fine and ready to go by Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Even with a less-than-ideal situation at quarterback in New Orleans this year, Olave has been a must-start WR1 in fantasy football on a weekly basis. The 25-year-old pass-catcher is currently the WR6 in half-PPR scoring with 100 receptions on 156 targets for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games in 2025. He's on an impressive run of late, too, catching 24 of his 36 targets from rookie QB
Tyler Shough for 352 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games. As long as Olave is active this weekend, he should be in all starting fantasy lineups against Atlanta in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
December 31, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams have designated tight end
Tyler Higbee (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve. Higbee was placed on IR after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, but he will now return to practice and will have a chance to return for the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18. Before his injury, the 33-year-old played a limited role in the Rams' offense, catching 20 of his 30 targets for 190 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.
Colby Parkinson benefited the most from Higbee's absence, totalling 24 receptions for 249 yards and four touchdowns over the past six games. Higbee should step back into the TE1 role when he returns, though the emergence of Parkinson and rookie
Terrance Ferguson could impact his playing time.
UPDATE: Higbee was a full-go in Wednesday's practice.--Kyle McCarthySource: Los Angeles Rams
December 31, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is slated to miss his seventh consecutive contest due to left Achilles tendonitis on Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 31-year-old veteran remains without a timetable to return, putting his status for Friday's clash with the New Orleans Pelicans in doubt. Forward
Kris Murray (quad), who has started at times during Grant's absence, is questionable and is in danger of missing his second straight game. With Grant still out and Murray potentially sidelined,
Sidy Cissoko could draw another start this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
New York Jets rookie tight end
Mason Taylor (neck) is not participating in Wednesday's practice, Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports. Taylor has missed three consecutive games after suffering a neck injury in Week 14's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and is trending in the wrong direction to open the practice week ahead of the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie second-rounder has had a solid first campaign, snagging 44 of his 65 targets for 369 yards and a touchdown in 13 games. The 21-year-old tight end is likely to be held out again with the Jets having nothing to play for this weekend, setting up
Jeremy Ruckert,
Jelani Woods, and
Stone Smartt to handle the tight end reps in Week 18. None of the three project to be relevant for fantasy purposes.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Zack Rosenblatt
December 31, 2025
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that he hopes tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) will be ready by training camp next summer, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. LaPorta wouldn't have been able to return for the playoffs if the Lions had made it, with Campbell adding, "he's improving, but yet he's not completely healed." The 24-year-old tight end underwent surgery after injuring his back in Detroit's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. The Iowa product was in the midst of another great season before going down, hauling in 40 of his 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns. LaPorta should be close to fully recovered by training camp and will again profile as a borderline top-five tight end option in fantasy football for 2026.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Nolan Bianchi
December 31, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is back at practice in a non-contact jersey on Wednesday, according to Evan Lazar of Patriots.com. Boutte suffered a concussion during Week 16's win over the Baltimore Ravens and was held out of last week's game against the New York Jets. The 23-year-old's return to practice on Wednesday is a positive sign that he is making progress in his recovery and should give him a shot to return in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins, though he will need to clear the league's concussion protocol first. The third-year wideout has been a valuable weapon in the Patriots' explosive passing attack, catching 31 of his 42 targets for 527 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. With
Mack Hollins (abdomen) on Injured Reserve, Boutte could be in line for an increased role if he can play in the regular-season finale.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Evan Lazar
December 31, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Tanner McKee is expected to start under center in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Washington Commanders as the Eagles rest some of their starters, a source told Tim McManus of ESPN. McKee, a sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, is expected to start in place of
Jalen Hurts, who will be rested in advance of the playoffs next week. In spot duty in Philadelphia, McKee has gone 33-for-48 for 356 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in two seasons. He's seen action in three games in 2025, going 3-for-3 for 33 yards. With the Eagles also likely resting other key skill players on offense against Washington, McKee could be hard-pressed to move the football consistently on Sunday, even against a poor Commanders defense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Tim McManus
December 31, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday that he expects quarterback
Kenny Pickett to start at quarterback on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale in place of the injured
Geno Smith (ankle), according to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com. However, Carroll also suggested that
Aidan O'Connell could split time with Pickett this weekend. The 27-year-old Pickett flopped in his lone start for the Raiders this year in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, going 15-for-25 passing for 64 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Even in a meaningless game in Week 18, the matchup against the Chiefs' defense won't be the best for fantasy purposes, especially if Pickett shares snaps with O'Connell. Fantasy managers should stay away from Pickett.
--Keith HernandezSource: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
December 31, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that quarterback
Geno Smith (ankle) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him," Carroll said. Smith suffered a serious ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants and won't suit up for a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. With the 35-year-old veteran wrapping up a brutal first year in the desert, backup
Kenny Pickett is expected to start this weekend.
Aidan O'Connell could also end up splitting time with Pickett against KC. Smith was one of the worst starting QBs in football in 2025, completing 67.4% of his 448 pass attempts for 3,205 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
December 31, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, and head coach John Harbaugh said "he looked good," according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson suffered a back contusion in the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots and didn't suit up for last Saturday's win over the Green Bay Packers. However, with the Ravens having a shot to win the AFC North this Sunday night by beating the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the team is now optimistic that Jackson can return in Week 18. The 28-year-old two-time MVP's status is worth monitoring the rest of the week, but as of now, it looks like he's angling to make his return. Jackson has not looked like his elite dual-threat self in 2025, though, while battling through multiple lower-body injuries. He enters Week 18 play tied for the QB16 ranking with 17.5 fantasy points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
December 31, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers discussed his future with the media on Wednesday and left open the possibility that he could return for another year, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "Listen, I'm thinking about this week. I'm 42 years old, and I'm on a one-year deal, so you know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. That will give me a lot of options if I still want to play... maybe one or two," Rodgers said. The future Hall of Famer said he's enjoyed his experience this year with Pittsburgh, but he will discuss his future with his wife in the offseason. Rodgers' decision about whether to continue playing into 2026 will likely depend on how this year ends with the Steelers. Rodgers will square off against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Sunday night to decide the AFC North winner. The loser's season will be over.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills kicker
Matt Prater (quadriceps) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. The Bills only held a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, but Prater's full participation is a sign that he could return to action as the team's placekicker for the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival New York Jets. The 41-year-old veteran has missed the last two games with a right-quad injury. Prater has been solid for fantasy football managers in 2025 in his first year with the Bills when he's been healthy, making 90% of his 20 field-goal attempts while going 43-for-46 on his extra-point tries in 14 games. However, with the Bills potentially resting key pieces on offense this weekend, Prater won't come highly recommended for starting lineups in Week 18 if he makes his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dawson Knox was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Knox should be good for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets, but it's unclear if the Bills will rest some of their banged-up players as they get ready for the start of the postseason next week. With fellow TE
Dalton Kincaid (knee) sidelined in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Knox caught all five of his targets, but he was held to only 30 receiving yards and did not find the end zone. The 29-year-old has had a low fantasy ceiling again in 2025, with Kincaid serving as quarterback
Josh Allen's favorite pass-catching TE target. It's unclear what the Bills' plan is this weekend for their starters, making Knox a streaming TE option to avoid for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to his knee injury. Kincaid was unable to play in Sunday's one-point loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles due to his knee injury, but it's a good sign that he's limited in the first practice of Week 18. However, the Bills may decide to rest key starters this weekend against the division-rival New York Jets, including quarterback
Josh Allen (foot), so Kincaid might not be all that attractive for fantasy managers if he's healthy enough to return to action this weekend. Fellow TE
Dawson Knox (knee) is also managing a knee injury and was limited in Wednesday's practice. Despite missing several games this year with knee and hamstring injuries, Kincaid is Buffalo's second leading receiver with 36 catches for 523 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
New York Giants tight end
Theo Johnson (illness) was one of three Giants players either sent home or absent from Wednesday's practice with an illness. Johnson missed the team's Week 17 win over the Raiders after not practicing at all with what is presumed to be the same illness. Fantasy managers still playing for a Championship in Week 18 will need to monitor New York's injury report, as Johnson and the Giants face a Cowboys defense in the season finale that has allowed 34 or more points in three of the last four games. With New York still competing under interim head coach Mike Kafka, their offense could continue to provide fantasy relevance at a time when many other teams are resting starters.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jordan Raanan
December 31, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (undisclosed) will miss a second straight game on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. He was an unexpected scratch on Monday against the Ottawa Senators and still appears to be dealing with a health issue that prevents him from playing. The veteran has been banged up all season, so it isn't surprising that he is taking some time off. Monahan's ongoing health issues have affected his performance, limiting him to just 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 37 games. On Monday, Cole Sillinger was promoted from the fourth line to the top six and contributed two assists in a 4-1 victory. Sillinger is projected to remain as the second-line center on Wednesday, enhancing his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is not practicing on Wednesday due to a rib injury, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Waddle is in danger of missing the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots after injuring his ribs in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old was able to return to Sunday's game, but he played only 26% of the offensive snaps and finished the day with zero catches on one target. However, Waddle is just 90 yards shy of his third career 1,000-yard season, so perhaps that will give him the motivation to play this weekend in New England. If Waddle does not play in Week 18,
Malik Washington and
Theo Wease Jr., who had a long touchdown last weekend, would be more involved in Miami's passing attack.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly
December 31, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) will remain out for a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday versus the New Jersey Devils. Werenski's big campaign has been disrupted by a lower-body injury. However, Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evason said Werenski could be ready to return on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. As a result of Werenski's absence, Dante Fabbro's playing time has significantly increased, as he has joined Ivan Provorov on the first defensive pairing. Meanwhile, Denton Mateychuk has taken Werenski's place on the top power-play unit, recording a goal and two assists in the last three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) was not present at Wednesday's practice after sustaining a rib injury in a Week 17 win over the Raiders in which he caught a season-high 11 passes for 113 yards. In Sunday's week-winning effort, Robinson also eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, and he now sits only eight receptions shy of 100. If he can clear the injury report to suit up against the Cowboys' worst pass defense in the league in Week 18, it seems likely the team will make every effort to get him to that milestone. Fantasy managers still playing for a Week 18 title will need to monitor the Giants' practice reports this week, but if Robinson plays on Sunday, he is a must-start.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jordan Raanan
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