New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller (ankle) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Miller's rookie season has been derailed by an ankle injury he suffered in Week 9. The 21-year-old hasn't played since, although he's made progress in recent weeks and could in on track to return in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints might need him behind Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill, too, if Alvin Kamara (ankle) can't return from an ankle injury of his own that he suffered in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miller showed some decent pass-catching chops earlier this year when he was healthy, but his role figures to be limited given his extended absence if he returns this weekend, even if Kamara is also inactive.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (chest) returned to a limited practice on Thursday after he picked up a DNP on Wednesday. Johnson has another day to get up to speed, but the fact that he was able to return to practice on Thursday is a good sign for his availability in a must-win Week 18 contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. His stock as a low-cost DFS play will be on the rise if running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is unable to play this weekend. The 27-year-old has plenty of bust potential like most of the tight ends in the league, but he's also found the end zone in three straight games and had season-highs in catches (eight), targets (12) and receiving yards (90) in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 12 against Atlanta, he had four catches for 45 yards.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Olave has been limited in practice. Despite that, fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned heading into the Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints are likely just limiting his reps in order to keep Olave fresh and healthy heading into this big game. Olave has been boom-or-bust lately, which makes him a tough player to trust in DFS formats for this weekend.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even in a must-win game this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, Kamara isn't a lock to play if he cannot get back onto the practice field on Friday. Not having Kamara in the fold would be a big blow for the Saints offense in an important game. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday for the 28-year-old's final Week 18 status. If he's active Sunday, he's a must-start for those still competing for a fantasy championship in season-long leagues. If Kamara cannot go, Jamaal Williams and quarterback/tight end hybrid Taysom Hill would likely split the backfield duties.

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller (ankle) was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Miller has been making progress in recent weeks from a sprained ankle that has kept him sidelined since Week 9, but the 21-year-old is still up in the air to play in a must-win game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. He was impressive earlier in the year as a pass-catcher in the Saints' backfield, but even if he returns and Alvin Kamara (ankle) is unable to play (which is unlikely), Miller won't be a recommended option for fantasy managers in championship matchups or DFS tournaments. If Kamara is out or limited this weekend after missing Wednesday's practice, Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill would likely see most of the rushing attempts for the Saints.