Juju Smith-Schuster's knee still not 100%, Patriots continue looking to depth for other options

Sep 14, 2023

Multiple team sources believe Smith-Schuster is not presently among the team’s five most effective pass-catchers. According to those same sources, his place in the offense has been complicated by a variety of factors. His knee, flatly, is not 100%. Asked whether Smith-Schuster was healthy enough to finish Sunday’s game, Pats coach Bill Belichick dodged the question in his Wednesday morning press conference.

Related Players: Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte

Fantasy Impact:

It's been a long time since we've been able to trust a Patriots receiver to deliver consistently, and some thought that maybe Smith-Schuster could finally be that answer. Things aren't looking great right now. Three different options took more slot snaps than the former Chief, including both tight ends, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. Smith-Schuster can be safely dropped in most leagues.

yesterday

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker officially Out for Week 17

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 8:09 PM EST

Seahawks ruled out RB Kenneth Walker III for Thursday night’s game at Chicago.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

No mention of Charbonnet here, so we can assume he's in a good place to take a massive workload against a Bears defense that ranks 27th in RB aFPA. Fire up Charbs as an RB2.

Eagles list QB Jalen Hurts as DNP on estimated practice report

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 4:01 PM EST

The Eagles list QB Jalen Hurts as DNP on their estimated practice report because of a concussion, putting his status for this weekend in doubt.

Related Players: Kenny Pickett

Fantasy Impact:

Things aren't trending well for Hurts, as fantasy managers should be looking for a Championship Week back-up as soon as possible.

Steelers WR George Pickens officially Active for Christmas Day

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 11:39 AM EST

Chiefs Pro-Bowl DT Chris Jones officially is inactive today vs. the Steelers.

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. officially is inactive, WR George Pickens officially active.

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams

Fantasy Impact:

The Steelers WR room looks a little more palatable with Pickens in the lineup, but it's still not enough to push Russell Wilson above deep-league SuperFlex territory. Consider Pickens a WR3 for Week 17.