The Carolina Panthers announced on Wednesday that they opened the 21-day practice window for running back Miles Sanders (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve, meaning he can be activated to the 53-man active roster ahead of the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. With Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) going on season-ending IR last week, the Panthers could get Sanders back this weekend for additional RB depth alongside Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone and Velus Jones Jr. The 27-year-old Sanders isn't guaranteed to be active to close out the season, though, and he'll need to show enough in practice this week to get the green light. And even if Sanders is active against Atlanta, there's no guarantee he'll see enough snaps after being sidelined since Nov. 10. Sanders has averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on his 38 rushing attempts in 2024 in his second year in Carolina.

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Although Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he's banged up after the Week 17 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day last Wednesday, he was able to practice on Monday and appears ready to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Texans are already locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC for the postseason, but head coach DeMeco Ryans plans to play his healthy starters after the team got embarrassed last week. However, how long Stroud and other key starters such as wide receiver Nico Collins and running back Joe Mixon stay in the game on Sunday remains to be seen. Stroud, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, has been sacked 52 times (second-most in the NFL) and has had a rocky sophomore season. He won't be a recommended starting DFS QB in Week 18 with the potential to be pulled early on.

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New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to make the start in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. "Drake is the starting quarterback. If he's healthy and ready to go, he'll play," head coach Jerod Mayo said. There has been speculation going around that the Pats will hold Maye out of the meaningless regular-season finale with the Bills likely resting most of their starters. The 22-year-old third overall pick out of North Carolina this year has certainly given Patriots fans enough to look forward to in the coming years as their franchise signal-caller, but he mostly struggled in 2024 with a terrible supporting cast around him on offense. Going into Week 18, Maye has completed 66.8% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 TDs and 10 interceptions while also scoring two TDs on the ground. He'll be a QB2 with upside in 2025.

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Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Conner injured his knee in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams last Saturday and never returned, and the 29-year-old's 2024 season will come to an end a week early. With rookie Trey Benson (ankle) going on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, the Cardinals backfield will now consist of some sort of timeshare between DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter in a meaningless Week 18 contest against San Francisco in which both teams could be sitting some banged-up starters. Despite Arizona not making the playoffs, Conner was the RB10 in half-PPR scoring through 17 weeks in 2024, recording 1,094 rushing yards and eight TDs on 236 carries while adding 47 catches for 414 yards and one TD.

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Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. The 26-year-old rushed five times for 33 yards and caught three of his five targets for 15 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was banged up in Week 17, and his status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is to be determined. Cleveland signed John Kelly to the active roster from the Chargers' practice squad, so it could be D'Onta Foreman and Kelly leading the backfield this weekend.

According to the team, the New York Jets placed safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on the injured reserve, which will end his 2024 season. Clark missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, but it is unknown if Clark suffered a new injury or reaggravated this previous one. During the past four weeks, Chuck has tallied at least seven tackles in each contest. When on the field, the 29-year-old has been a clear starter in the New York secondary. During the final game, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver to have an increase in playing time.

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According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's initial practice session. Even though Porter sat out last week during their matchup against the Chiefs, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that Porter is expected to return on Saturday. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his progress throughout the week. However, seeing him log a full practice on Tuesday is a positive sign. Through his first 15 games of the season, Porter tallied 64 tackles (47 solo) with six deflections and one interception. When he returns he will slot in as the No.1 corner back on the depth chart.

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According to the team, the New Orleans Saints have placed rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (fibula) on the injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Saints promoted Josh Ball to the active roster. Ford suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his rookie campaign, the former fifth-round selection only saw time on special teams. He tallied four tackles, with two of them being solo. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Demario Davis and Pete Werner to continue to see most of the linebacker snaps during the final game of the regular season, with Willie Gay operating as the No.3 option on the depth chart.

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Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: Once thought of as the lead back this season, Elliott just didn't show he had enough left in the tank to produce for the Cowboys and was eventually replaced by Rico Dowdle. On the year, he posted just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Elliott is just 870 yards short of 10,000 for his career (a feat only 32 running backs have ever achieved), but it's fair to wonder if he has enough left in the tank to get there. He may have a line on joining a contender, but he's someone to let go of in dynasty leagues at this point.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) was a limited participant in practice to open the week on Tuesday. It appears that Skowronek is headed in the right direction following his absence from last Wednesday's game due to a hip issue. There appears to be a good chance that Skowronek can get back on the field for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Skowronek has mainly been playing on special teams, but did see his role as a receiver increase when George Pickens was sidelined. However, Skowronek is too far back on the depth chart to have viable fantasy value heading into Week 18.

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday. Holcomb last played in Week 9 of the 2023 season when he suffered an extremely serious knee injury. There was speculation that Holcomb's career could be over, but now he appears to be headed in the right direction. A limited practice on Tuesday gives hope that Holcomb might be able to suit up for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. If active, Holcomb would likely be on a snap count, but getting him on the field at all would be a great feel-good story.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (hip) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. Ali appears to be still dealing with a hip issue that forced him out of action early during Wednesday's Week 17 contest. Normally, his status doesn't mean much, but fellow back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) missed Tuesday's practice and is in danger of sitting this weekend. If Hill sits, Ali would be the primary backup to Derrick Henry in the backfield. It probably wouldn't result in anything noteworthy, but an increased snap count could give Ali a chance to prove himself.

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Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Kolar was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday after missing the last four games due to a fractured forearm. The fact Kolar was able to get through a full session on Tuesday is good news ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The organization is hopeful that Kolar will be available for the regular season finale. There probably won't be much fantasy value from him given he's the third string back, but Kolar is solid depth at the tight end spot.

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Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't suit up for Tuesday's walkthrough. This news comes after Ward was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Ward injured his shoulder in the first half and didn't return to the game. As a result, Ward has begun the week on the sideline, but has plenty of time to get ready before Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The loss of Ward would be a significant hit to this secondary. He has 48 tackles, 19 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. The Browns have no incentive to win, so we'll see if they let their All-Pro corner suit up for the regular season finale.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) was listed as a non-participant in the first Week 18 practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rasheen Ali (hip) was listed as limited. Hill suffered a concussion in Week 16 and was unable to play in last week's blowout win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that the team was expecting the 27-year-old to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, but it appears that Hill hasn't quite passed the league's concussion protocol. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back, but with Hill still not practicing, the rest of the team's backfield is up in the air heading into the matchup against the Browns. Hill will need to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday to have a shot at playing on Saturday. If he's out again, Keaton Mitchell should be the RB2.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) was a full practice participant on Tuesday in the team's first practice of the week as they prepare to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that he expected Fields to play this weekend after he missed the last two games due to an abdominal injury. Fields should be active on Saturday as Pittsburgh looks to win and hope for a Baltimore Ravens loss in order to win the AFC North division. Even if the 25-year-old Fields is active in Week 18, he'll merely be the backup to starter Russell Wilson under center and won't belong in any starting fantasy lineups. Since Wilson took over as the starting QB in Week 7, Fields has attempted just one pass and has seven rushing attempts for 58 yards on the ground.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) is on the Week 18 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Woods apparently picked up a minor knee injury in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in which he played 68 of the team's 79 offensive snaps on his way to just one reception for three yards on four targets. The 24-year-old should be able to suit up in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Saturday and will have an elevated role again with Cedric Tillman (concussion) closing out the year on Injured Reserve. Despite what should be an expanded role in a good matchup, it's impossible to recommend Woods in any kind of fantasy format with the Browns expected to play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in a meaningless game for the team. Woods has only seven catches in five games in 2024.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of Week 18 on Tuesday. Thompson-Robinson is dealing with a minor calf injury, but it shouldn't prevent him from being active in the regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) was also limited, but he is expected to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week as Cleveland plays out the string in a disappointing season. DTR has not looked good while starting the last two games for the Browns, going 44-for-81 for 327 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while also losing a fumble. In a game that means nothing to the Browns, they are expected to play both Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe against Baltimore. Neither QB will be recommended in DFS lineups on Saturday.

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According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (thigh) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Last weekend, the 29-year-old logged 49 defensive snaps and tallied four tackles and two sacks but did not show any signs of an injury. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he is unable to return to practice. Since Week 12, Garrett has tallied 22 total tackles (17 solo) with seven sacks, one deflection, and one forced fumble. If Garrett cannot suit up on Saturday, James Houston and Cameron Thomas should see an uptick in opportunities against the Baltimore Ravens.

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According to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) was a limited participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice session. Burrow has been dealing with both of these injuries throughout the season but has yet to miss any time due to them. Last weekend, Burrow led the Bengals to a victory over the Denver Broncos to keep them alive in the AFC playoff picture. In this game, Burrow threw for 412 yards and three scores. The former No.1 overall selection has thrown at least three passing scores in eight straight games. During this span, he has tallied 28 total scores while averaging 331.0 passing yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to view Burrow as a high-end QB1 in all formats on Saturday when he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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