NFL Player News

Santos converted three field goals and an extra point in the Bears' 35-16 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Santos proved to be a reliable kicking option for a Chicago franchise that has had struggles at the position over the years. The veteran kicker was successful on 30 of 32 field-goal attempts while converting 35 of 36 extra-point attempts, and although he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the Bears finish the playoffs, it's quite possible the team re-signs him.

Prater converted his only field-goal attempt and two of three PATs during Sunday's 37-35 loss to the Vikings.

Prater got one chance at a field goal from 54 yards out and he made the most of it. However, the veteran missed wide left on one of his PATs, and Detroit subsequently felt the need to go for two on a pair of ensuing extra-point attempts, costing Prater's output even further. While Prater will now finish his age-36 campaign with a six-year low in field-goal conversions (21) and one of the lowest conversion rates (74 percent) of his career, fantasy managers should keep in mind that all seven of his misses came on kicks from at least 40 yards, and four of those came from beyond 50. As he also remains one of the most consistent PAT kickers league-wide, Prater has a great chance to continue on as a solid fantasy option depending on the team with which the impending free agent chooses to sign with this offseason.

Folk (back) is active for Sunday's game versus the Jets.

Folk has been a regular on the injury report, but he's consistently been in the lineup this season. The 36-year-old has been excellent this season, connecting on 26 of 28 field-goal attempts and 26 of 29 extra-point tries.

Wright was elevated to the Steelers' active roster Saturday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Wright made his second appearance of the season in Week 16 against the Colts, making all four of his extra-point attempts in the process. He'll be the Steelers' kicker again in Week 17 with Chris Boswell (groin) still sidelined.

McLaughlin will be the Jets' starting kicker in Sunday's game against the Patriots following news that the team waived Sam Ficken.

McLaughlin has played 18 games for four different teams -- the Jets will be his fifth -- since entering the league in 2019. In that stretch, McLaughlin has connected on 22 of 28 field-goal attempts and 29 of 30 extra-point tries. Week 17 may serve as a tryout for McLaughlin's future with the team.

Folk (back) carries a questionable designation into Sunday's game against the Jets.

Folk has been oft-listed on the injury report with his back issue, but he has yet to miss a game. The veteran kicker will likely gain clearance ahead of Sunday's contest, but Roberto Aguayo awaits as a potential practice squad replacement in the event Folk's condition takes a turn for the worse.

Boswell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Cleveland.

Boswell did not participate in practice Thursday or Friday and will consequently miss his second straight contest. The veteran kicker practiced in full Wednesday, so it's unclear if he reaggravated the groin issue or is simply receiving an extra week of rest with Pittsburgh gearing up for the postseason. Matthew Wright was called up from the practice squad last week to kick for the Steelers and will likely return to the role Sunday.

Boswell (groin) did not practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Boswell practiced in full Wednesday, so it's possible that he's only receiving a day of workload maintenance. The Steelers have already announced that a number of key starters will sit Week 17, so if there are any lingering questions regarding Boswell's health, he could end up being rested for the playoffs.

Boswell (groin) practiced fully Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Matthew Wright, who filled in for Boswell in the Week 16 win over the Colts, is back with the Steelers' practice squad. With a full practice under his belt, Boswell is in line to kick Sunday against the Browns. His fantasy outlook may not be particularly promising, however, as the Steelers are expected to rest several key contributors on offense, including starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Folk (back) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Folk has missed practice time throughout the season due to the back injury, though it has yet to force him to sit out any games. As long as the Patriots don't add another kicker to their roster before Saturday's deadline for Week 17 transactions, Folk should be good to go for Sunday's season finale versus the Jets.