This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It's Fantasy Super Bowl week in many leagues, but COVID-19 is still wielding a heavy hand and upending rosters across all formats this week. Combined with the usual array of late-season conventional injuries, it's a ragged landscape for those aiming to secure championships during the Week 17 slate, and there are still some question marks for the availability of key players as early kickoffs approach. Without further ado, let's dive into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after missing the last two practices of the week. While head coach John Harbaugh expressed hope this week that Jackson could potentially play, it appears Tyler Huntley, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the week, could be under center for Baltimore versus Los Angeles.
The Vikings' Kirk Cousins remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday night's game against the Packers. Sean Mannion, who has 13 games of NFL experience but hasn't thrown a pass this season, will start versus Green Bay, which projects as a clear downgrade for Minnesota's pass catchers.
The Colts' Carson Wentz cleared COVID-19 protocols Saturday but remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders pending a final doctor's clearance. As per
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It's Fantasy Super Bowl week in many leagues, but COVID-19 is still wielding a heavy hand and upending rosters across all formats this week. Combined with the usual array of late-season conventional injuries, it's a ragged landscape for those aiming to secure championships during the Week 17 slate, and there are still some question marks for the availability of key players as early kickoffs approach. Without further ado, let's dive into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after missing the last two practices of the week. While head coach John Harbaugh expressed hope this week that Jackson could potentially play, it appears Tyler Huntley, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the week, could be under center for Baltimore versus Los Angeles.
The Vikings' Kirk Cousins remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday night's game against the Packers. Sean Mannion, who has 13 games of NFL experience but hasn't thrown a pass this season, will start versus Green Bay, which projects as a clear downgrade for Minnesota's pass catchers.
The Colts' Carson Wentz cleared COVID-19 protocols Saturday but remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders pending a final doctor's clearance. As per Saturday night reports, that step is considered to be a formality and Wentz is therefore expected to be available to start versus Las Vegas.
The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Texans after missing practice all week. Although there were reports Garoppolo was purposely held out of practice in order to afford him more healing time, early Sunday reports indicate the veteran isn't expected to play and instead will cede the start versus Houston to rookie Trey Lance.
The Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Chargers after failing to practice all week. Drew Lock is therefore set for another start and will be working with a depleted receiving corps due to the presence of Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Lions' Jared Goff (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after failing to practice all week. Tim Boyle, who looked improved compared to earlier in the season in his Week 16 start for Goff, will once again be under center versus Seattle.
The Bears' Justin Fields (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants after practicing in limited fashion all week. However, coach Matt Nagy has already announced that Andy Dalton will start versus New York and will have fellow veteran Nick Foles serving as his immediate backup.
RUNNING BACKS
Washington's Antonio Gibson remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. Jaret Patterson, Jonathan Williams and Wendell Smallwood could potentially all see action versus Dallas.
The Rams' Cam Akers (Achilles) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens and was able to put in a full practice Friday. However, as per Friday beat writer reports, Akers isn't expected to make his season debut Sunday, even after the placement of Darrell Henderson (knee) on injured reserve earlier in the week.
The Patriots' Damien Harris (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Harris can't suit up, Rhamondre Stevenson, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the week, would handle lead-back duties.
The Eagles' Miles Sanders (hand) is out for Sunday's game against Washington after missing practice all week. Jordan Howard should be in for a hefty workload if he can play through his neck injury, while Boston Scott should also enjoy an expanded role.
The 49ers' Elijah Mitchell (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans after practicing limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday reports, Mitchell will play versus Houston, although Jeff Wilson could still fill a solid complementary role
The Browns' Kareem Hunt (ankle) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Steelers but finished the week with two limited practices. If Hunt is able to suit up, D'Ernest Johnson would take a significant hit to his workload.
The Seahawks' Alex Collins (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions after finishing the week with a missed practice following a pair of limited showings. Collins was technically a healthy scratch in Week 16, and even if he's healthy enough to play Sunday, it appears Rashaad Penny has taken over lead-back duties for Seattle.
The Saints' Mark Ingram (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers after finishing the week with a pair of limited practices. If Ingram is unable to go versus Carolina, Tony Jones could see a larger role behind Alvin Kamara.
The Cardinals' James Conner (heel) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys after only managing a limited practice Friday this past week. If Conner logs a second straight absence, Chase Edmonds should once again handle lead-back duties with Eno Benjamin serving as his primary backup.
The Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals after missing practice all week. Darrel Williams, who has thrived with an expanded role on multiple occasions this season, is slated to handle lead-back duties in his stead versus Cincinnati.
The Broncos' Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in limited fashion all week. Gordon has been playing through multiple injuries for multiple games and is expected to do so again as per early Sunday reports.
The Broncos' Javonte Williams (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in limited fashion all week. Williams is expected to play through the injury as per early Sunday reports and serve in his usual complementary role alongside Melvin Gordon versus Los Angeles.
The Eagles' Jordan Howard (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Washington but did finish the week with two limited practices following a missed Wednesday session. As per early Sunday reports, Howard is expected to play. Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell would handle Philadelphia's backfield duties if Howard were to suffer a setback, as Miles Sanders (hand) will be unavailable.
The Jets' Tevin Coleman remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Rookie Michael Carter should see an even bigger role than usual through both the ground and air as a result, while Ty Johnson would serve as his backup.
The Texans' David Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the 49ers. Rex Burkhead, who posted a 149-yard effort versus the Chargers in Week 16, will once again handle a heavy workload, while Royce Freeman will continue to serve as his backup.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Buccaneers' Mike Evans (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets after working back to a limited practice Friday. Evans also had to clear the COVID-19 hurdle earlier in the week, and if he's unable to suit up Sunday, it would mean Antonio Brown would serve as the No. 1 wideout again if he's able to play through his ankle issue. However, as per early Sunday reports, Evans will be available, albeit possibly on a limited snap count.
The Buccaneers' Antonio Brown (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets after missing Thursday's and Friday's practices. However, as per early Sunday reports, Brown was able to participate in a Saturday practice and is now expected to play. He'd be in line to reprise the No. 1 role in which he produced 10 catches in against the Panthers in Week 16 if Mike Evans (hamstring) sat out the contest.
The Vikings' Adam Thielen (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ending his regular season. Second-year wideout K.J. Osborn should enjoy an expanded role behind Justin Jefferson for the final two contests as a result, although they'll be catching passes from backup quarterback Sean Mannion in Sunday night's game against the Packers.
The Ravens' Marquise Brown (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams after missing practice both Thursday and Friday. If Brown were to be sidelined, Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman would serve as the top two wideouts versus Los Angeles.
The Broncos' Jerry Jeudy remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers. Courtland Sutton (illness), who is expected to play Sunday, will step into an unquestioned No. 1 role versus Los Angeles.
The Broncos' Tim Patrick remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers. Kendall Hinton should bump up to the No. 2 receiver role, as Jerry Jeudy will also be out versus Los Angeles.
The Broncos' Courtland Sutton (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers and was at one point believed to be a candidate for the reserve/COVID-19 list. However, as per late Saturday night reports, Sutton was cleared to travel with the team Saturday and is therefore expected to play and serve as the top wideout for Drew Lock versus Los Angeles.
The Washington Football Team's Curtis Samuel (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he's unable to suit up, Cam Sims could see expanded opportunity.
The Bills' Emmanuel Sanders (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons after missing the last two practices of the week. If Sanders is forced to sit out, Gabriel Davis would likely step into an outside receiver spot, while Cole Beasley remained in his usual slot role.
The Patriots' Nelson Agholor (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after missing practice all week. In his absence, Kendrick Bourne should step into the No. 2 receiver role behind Jakobi Meyers (thigh), assuming the latter suits up.
The Patriots' N'Keal Harry (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing in limited fashion Wednesday and Thursday. If Harry can't go, Gunner Olszewski could bump up to the No. 3 receiver role.
The Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Meyers suits up, he'll serve in his usual No. 1 receiver role versus Jacksonville.
The Jets' Jamison Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after missing practice all week. In his likely absence, Keelan Cole, Braxton Berrios and Denzel Mims will likely slot in as New York's top three receivers versus Tampa Bay.
The Saints' Tre'Quan Smith (chest) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. In his absence, Marquez Callaway will bump up to the role of No. 1 receiver versus Carolina.
The Lions' Josh Reynolds remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Amon-Ra St. Brown will serve as the undisputed No. 1 receiver versus Seattle, while Tom Kennedy is slated to bump up to the No. 2 receiver role.
The Falcons' Tajae Sharpe (foot) remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Bills. Olamide Zaccheaus and Christian Blake could see bigger roles behind top target Russell Gage.
The Lions' Kalif Raymond (shoulder) remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Amon-Ra St. Brown will serve as the undisputed No. 1 receiver versus Seattle, while Tom Kennedy is slated to bump up to the No. 2 receiver role.
The Cardinals' Rondale Moore (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Moore sits out, Antoine Wesley should bump up to the No. 3 receiver role versus Dallas.
The Ravens' Devin Duvernay (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams but worked back to a full practice Friday. If Duvernay can't suit up, James Proche should bump up to the role of No. 4 receiver versus Los Angeles.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Bears after missing practice all week. Pharoh Cooper should bump up all the way to the No. 2 receiver role versus Chicago with Darius Slayton, John Ross and Collin Johnson all sidelined as well.
The Saints' Lil'Jordan Humphrey (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The Buccaneers' Jaelon Darden remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Texans' Chris Conley (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Giants' Darius Slayton remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Bears.
The Giants' John Ross (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Bears.
The Texans' Danny Amendola remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Texans' Chris Moore remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Buccaneers' Justin Watson (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Giants' Collin Johnson (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Bears.
The Saints' Ty Montgomery (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
TIGHT ENDS
The Raiders' Darren Waller (knee/COVID-19 protocols) is out for Sunday's game against the Colts. In his absence, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of Las Vegas' pass-catching corps will see extra targets to varying degree, while Foster Moreau will once again step in as the top tight end for Derek Carr.
The Chargers' Jared Cook remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Broncos. With Donald Parham (concussion) on injured reserve, Stephen Anderson will serve as Los Angeles' top tight end versus Denver.
The Vikings' Tyler Conklin (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Packers but managed to work back to a full practice by Friday. Conklin is expected to play per early Sunday reports, but Chris Herndon and Luke Stocker would be in line to handle tight end duties for Minnesota if he suffered a setback.
The Colts' Jack Doyle (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders but did manage a full practice Friday after missing the first two practices of the week. If Doyle were to sit out, it would lead to a bigger role for Mo-Alie Cox.
The Falcons' Hayden Hurst remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Bills. His absence should equate to even more targets for top tight end Kyle Pitts.
The Jaguars' James O'Shaughnessy (hip) is out for Sunday's game versus the Patriots. Chris Manhertz is slated to serve as the top tight end for Jacksonville against New England.
The Saints' Nick Vannett remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers. Adam Trautman, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the week, will serve as the top tight end for New Orleans.
The Jaguars' Dan Arnold (knee/COVID-19 protocols) is out for Sunday's game against the Patriots. Chris Manhertz is slated to serve as the top tight end for Jacksonville against New England.
The Jets' Tyler Kroft remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Kenny Yeboah and Daniel Brown will handle tight end duties for New York versus Tampa Bay.
The Jets' Ryan Griffin remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Kenny Yeboah and Daniel Brown will handle tight end duties for New York versus Tampa Bay.
The Lions' Brock Wright remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Jared Pinkney is slated to serve as Detroit's top tight end versus Seattle.
The Panthers' Tommy Tremble remains in COVID-19 protocols and is out for Sunday's game against the Saints. Ian Thomas will serve as the top tight end for Carolina versus New Orleans.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk is fully expected to continue playing through his season-long injury and fill his usual placekicking duties versus Jacksonville.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Texans' Lonnie Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the 49ers.
The Panthers' CJ Henderson (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Jaguars' Shaquill Griffin remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play in Sunday's game against the Patriots.
The Patriots' J.C. Jackson (elbow) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Safeties
The Broncos' Kareem Jackson (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Patriots' Adrian Phillips (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.
The Rams' Taylor Rapp (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Cardinals' Budda Baker (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
The Patriots' Kyle Dugger (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Browns' Ronnie Harrison (ankle) is out for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
The Browns' John Johnson (hamstring) is out for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
Defensive Linemen
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (undisclosed) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.
The Broncos' Dre'Mont Jones (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Washington's Montez Sweat (personal) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
Linebackers
The Steelers' Devin Bush remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Browns.
The Steelers' Joe Schobert remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Browns.
The Titans' Jayon Brown remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Dolphins.
The Cowboys' Keanu Neal remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Cardinals.
The Cardinals' Markus Golden remains in COVID-19 protocols and will not play Sunday against the Cowboys.
The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The 49ers' Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Texans.
The Buccaneers' Shaquil Barrett (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Jets.
The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Broncos' Kenny Young (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Chargers' Drue Tranquill (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
