Fantasy News

Doug Martin is inactive because of a rule violation, according to Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reports Martin violated a minor team rule, and it sounds like he might have missed or been late to a team meeting. Martin is reportedly set to be active again in the final two games of the season, so this probably isn’t the last we’ll see of him in a Buccaneers uniform. Peyton Barber is set to get the start for Tampa Bay tonight, and he might keep the job moving forward if he plays well against the Falcons.

Via: NFL.com 12/18/17 - 07:51 PM ET

Doug Martin is inactive for the Buccaneers.

Martin is a healthy scratch, which is a big surprise despite reports emerging stating that Peyton Barber would get the start tonight against Atlanta. Martin is a former All-Pro running back for the Buccaneers, so this is something you don’t see often. It’s possible Martin has played his last snap for the Buccaneers, but we’ll see if he’s able to get back on the field in Weeks 16 and/or 17.

12/18/17 - 07:03 PM ET

The Buccaneers are starting Peyton Barber at running back against the Falcons tonight, according to Adam Schefter.

This isn’t a big surprise, as Barber has clearly outplayed Doug Martin recently. We’ve had Barber (RB28) ahead of Martin (RB37) all week in our rankings, so this news might make the split tilt even more in the new starter’s favor. Those who are relying on Martin with a fantasy championship berth on the line should probably turn to Barber, even if that means dropping Martin for him.

Via: Adam Schefter 12/18/17 - 06:15 PM ET

James Conner is expected to need knee surgery, according to Mike Garafolo.

It doesn’t sound like Conner’s injury is that serious, but it’s apparently serious enough if he’s going to need surgery. Garafolo says Conner will be out “at least a few weeks”, so there’s a chance the rookie’s season is over. Fitzgerald Toussaint will step up as the primary backup for Le’Veon Bell for the time being, but hopefully we see Conner again during a Steelers playoff run.

Via: Mike Garafolo 12/18/17 - 06:35 PM ET

The Jets have waived wide receiver Jeremy Kerley.

Kerley was suspended for four games in early November and hasn’t appeared in a game since then. Teams will be interested in the 29-year-old at some point, but it might not happen until the offseason.

12/18/17 - 04:57 PM ET

Austin Ekeler (broken hand) might still be able to play.

Reports emerged yesterday about a broken hand for the rookie running back, but Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn says there is a chance he could still play with it. It’s a good sign the broken hand doesn’t appear to be a serious injury that requires surgery, and Ekeler might be able to just wrap it up and play with it. The Chargers might make a decision on Ekeler in the coming days, as he could be headed to IR if they decide to just end his season.

12/18/17 - 04:46 PM ET

Keenan Allen (back) is expected to be OK.

It doesn’t sound like the back injury that forced Allen out toward the end of Saturday night’s loss to the Chiefs is anything serious, which is a relief. We’ll monitor Allen’s status throughout the week, but expect him to be ready to go on Christmas Eve against the Jets.

12/18/17 - 04:44 PM ET