As Week 17 of the NFL season approaches, teams are dealing with injuries, roster decisions, and playoff aspirations. Here’s a roundup of the latest updates across the league:
New Orleans Saints
- Lucas Patrick (knee): Interim head coach Darren Rizzi indicated that guard Lucas Patrick is likely to miss the final two games of the season. While it remains uncertain if Patrick will require surgery, the veteran started 10 games for the Saints this year after previously serving as a center for the Bears. At age 32, Patrick will enter free agency this offseason and could find a role as a reserve lineman if he decides to continue his career.
- Erik McCoy (shoulder): McCoy’s return this season is uncertain, though Rizzi confirmed he avoided major injury and won’t need surgery. Limited to seven games in 2024 due to a groin injury, McCoy excelled when healthy, earning a stellar 94.2 PFF grade in 293 snaps. McCoy is expected to be the Saints’ starting center next season, though his $16.38 million cap figure may be adjusted for cap flexibility.
- Spencer Rattler to Start: If Derek Carr is unable to return from injury, Spencer Rattler will start in Week 17 against the Raiders. While Rizzi remains hopeful that Carr can play, Rattler has been taking reps with the first team. Facing a favorable matchup against the Raiders, Rattler could provide a boost for the Saints’ offense.
- Alvin Kamara (groin): Kamara’s availability remains uncertain, with Rizzi describing his status as a “later in the week” decision. Kamara’s desire to play is evident, and he would be a strong RB2 option if healthy enough to face the Raiders.
Washington Commanders
- Austin Ekeler (concussion): Commanders coach Dan Quinn noted that Ekeler is “trending in the right direction” and could return in Week 18. Having suffered his second significant brain injury of the season, Ekeler’s potential return would provide a boost to Washington’s offense heading into the postseason.
Tennessee Titans
- Mason Rudolph to Start: Coach Brian Callahan confirmed Mason Rudolph will start against the Jaguars. Rudolph remains a low-end superflex QB2 but has a favorable matchup. This decision also bodes well for Calvin Ridley, who thrived with Rudolph in Week 16, recording 78 yards and a touchdown.
New York Jets
- Aaron Rodgers (MCL): Rodgers confirmed he will play in Week 17 despite dealing with a minor MCL injury. While he has struggled through injuries all season, Rodgers projects as a superflex QB2 against the Bills.
- Greg Joseph Signed: The Jets have signed kicker Greg Joseph after Anders Carlson’s recent struggles. Joseph is set to become the team’s fifth kicker this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Justin Fields (abdominal): Fields is questionable for Week 17 after limited practices this week. Used sparingly since losing the starting job to Russell Wilson, Fields’ fantasy relevance remains minimal.
- Joey Porter Jr. (knee): The rookie cornerback will miss Week 17 against the Chiefs, leaving Pittsburgh’s secondary shorthanded. Porter’s status for Week 18 is also in doubt.
- George Pickens (hamstring): Pickens is set to return after missing three games. The Steelers’ top receiver, he profiles as a borderline WR2 this week.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Chris Jones (calf): Jones is questionable for Week 17. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Chiefs’ defense as they face the Steelers.
San Francisco 49ers
- Trent Williams (heel/ankle): Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Williams will miss the final two games. The 49ers’ offensive line depth has been severely impacted, increasing the challenge for quarterback Brock Purdy against the Lions.
- Aaron Banks (knee) and Jaylon Moore (quad): Both linemen are out for the rest of the season. Banks had a strong year and will likely resume his role next season. Moore, set to enter free agency, could be an affordable option for teams needing a versatile lineman.
- Isaac Guerendo (hamstring): Guerendo is trending toward playing this week, which could lead to a starting opportunity against the Lions. He profiles as an RB2 in a challenging matchup.
New York Giants
- Drew Lock to Start: Drew Lock will start against the Colts despite sustaining a shoulder injury last week. His turnover issues make the Colts’ defense an attractive fantasy option.
Indianapolis Colts
- Alec Pierce (concussion): Pierce remains in the league’s concussion protocol but is making progress. If cleared, he could return to action this week, though he’s not a viable fantasy option in most formats.
Week 17 brings critical matchups and decisions for teams battling injuries and playoff positioning. Stay tuned for further updates as game day approaches.
