Week 18 NFL News from Thursday: Dalvin Cook, De'Von Achane, Odell Beckham, Noah Brown, Tyreek Hill and More

Plenty of NFL news continued to be reported on Thursday. With week 18 games closing in, let’s address some of the biggest news items and what it means for fantasy football owners still playing.

Be sure to check out earlier NFL updates from Thursday, Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

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Running Back News

The biggest news to break on Thursday was that running back Dalvin Cook was signing with the Baltimore Ravens, which likely won't have much of an impact on week 18.

Cook struggled mightily in his time with the New York Jets this season, going for 214 rushing yards and no scores on 67 attempts. He had 78 receiving yards on 15 grabs and 20 targets.

He now joins a Ravens’ backfield that’s been led by Gud Edwards and Justice Hill since the Keaton Mitchell injury. Cook won’t play in the team’s Saturday season finale, so the first time we see Cook suiting up will be for the team’s Divisional Round playoff contest.

We might not have a great idea of what to expect out of the backfield until the first playoff game, so it’ll be hard to make any player prop bets or insert any Baltimore backs into your starting lineups for postseason leagues.

Melvin Gordon should help form a running back committee with Edwards and Hill this weekend.

Chicago Bears’ Khalil Herbert was added to the injury report with a back injury. If he cannot play in week 18, Roschon Johnson and D'Onta Foreman would likely lead the backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Mixon missed practice with an illness. With the Bengals already eliminated, the team could hold Mixon out and see how Chase Brown produces as the workhorse, so at least keep that thought in the back of your mind as games approach.

Green Bay Packers’ AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones are both banged up heading into week 18. Dillon hasn’t practiced yet because of thumb and neck injuries, while Jones was limited with knee and finger injuries. I’d expect at least Jones to play, and also wouldn’t be surprised if Dillon does. You’d want to add Patrick Taylor if both guys are out.

Indianapolis Colts’ Zack Moss is questionable for the team’s season finale. That means Jonathan Taylor should get a bulk of the work in week 18, and there’s probably no other Indy backs worth starting.

Miami Dolphins’ De'Von Achane is likely going to play in week 18, while Raheem Mostert missed a second straight practice. Achane would be a must start if Mostert cannot play because of his big-play ability and heavy workload.

New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara has still not practiced this week with his ankle injury. Jamaal Williams would be the workhorse back if Kamara cannot go, and they’d likely split the workload if Kamara suits up.

Quarterback News

Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen practiced in full again on Thursday, so he’s going to be good to go for a Sunday night battle with the Dolphins. Miami’s starter Tua Tagovailoa also practiced in full on Thursday, so he’s trending toward playing as well.

Cincinnati’s Jake Browning was added to the injury report with a foot injury. He still practiced in full, but if you plan on starting Browning this week, make sure you have a backup plan in place in case he can’t go.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday. If he cannot play, C.J. Beathard would get another start. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield practiced in a limited capacity with his new rib injury. Kyle Trask would likely be the starter if Mayfield cannot play.

The New York Giants named Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback for week 18, but he was limited at practice for a second day in a row with a back injury. The team also signed Jacob Eason to the practice squad, so there’s at least a concern that Taylor could miss the game. Tommy DeVito would likely draw the start if Taylor cannot play.

Tennessee Titans’ Will Levis was a limited practice participant on Thursday because of his foot injury. Ryan Tannehill would start if Levis cannot play.

Wide Receiver News

Baltimore’s Odell Beckham will not play in week 18, while Zay Flowers is doubtful, and trending heavily toward not playing. If you want to start a Baltimore receiver this week, Rashod Bateman would be who I’d target. Nelson Agholor is another option, while tight end Isaiah Likely should also be heavily involved when he's on the field.

Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins did not practice because of a hamstring injury. Ja'Marr Chase practiced in full and would lead the team’s pass catchers this week if he can play. Tyler Boyd would be more involved if Higgins cannot play.

Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams didn’t practice with an ankle injury. If the team holds him out in week 18, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond could see expanded roles opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Green Bay’s Jayden Reed and Christian Watson each were limited in practice. If either cannot go, Romeo Doubs, Bo Melton and Dontayvion Wicks would lead the team’s wideouts this week.

Houston Texans’ Noah Brown will not play this week, while Robert Woods is questionable. Nico Collins will be the top pass-catching option for the team, while John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson could be more involved with Brown and possibly Woods out.

Jacksonville’s Zay Jones and Christian Kirk were both limited in practice. Calvin Ridley will lead the team’s pass catchers, while tight end Evan Engram will also be heavily involved. Expect the team to lean on Travis Etienne if Jones or Kirk cannot play.

Miami’s Jaylen Waddle missed another practice with his ankle injury. Tyreek Hill also missed practice after there was an accidental fire at his home. I fully expect Hill to play, but if Waddle misses the game, Cedrick Wilson is a fantasy option for week 18.

Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith missed Thursday’s practice with his ankle injury. With Philly already in the playoffs, the team will likely play things safe with Smith, which could mean more targets for Julio Jones and tight end Dallas Goedert, or a bigger emphasis on the run game.

Washington Commanders’ Curtis Samuel missed practice with a hamstring issue. Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas and Jahan Dotson would likely get more work if Samuel were to miss the game.

Tight End News

Detroit’s Sam LaPorta was limited at practice because of an ankle injury. With the team in the postseason already, the team could play things safe and rest LaPorta this week, which could mean extra snaps for James Mitchell.

Green Bay’s Luke Musgrave was limited with his kidney injury. If he’s activated, he could help fill in for Reed or Watson if they were to miss the game. Tucker Kraft is the Packers' TE that will get the most work though.

New England Patriots’ Hunter Henry was limited in practice with his knee injury. Mike Gesicki is the TE you’d want to consider playing if Henry misses another game.

New Orleans’ Juwan Johnson practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. If Kamara is out, Johnson could continue his hot streak with another solid showing in week 18.

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