Hill, Johnson listed as questionable vs. Panthers

Saints TE Taysom Hill (back) and Juwan Johnson (quadriceps) finished the practice week with limited participation and are both officially questionable for Week 18 vs. the Panthers. Should either receive the green light to play, Johnson is the player worthy of most consideration in fantasy lineups. Though the Panthers' defense ranks as the 8th-toughest matchup in adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs, Johnson's 26.8% target share over the last 3 weeks is tied for the team lead with WR Rashid Shaheed. Johnson is a high-end TE2/streaming candidate in Week 18.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is not listed on the final Week 15 injury report. He’ll be back for Sunday’s game vs. the Giants after putting in a full practice on Friday. Hill remains a high-upside option in fantasy leagues where he’s TE-eligible.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. That gives him a chance to play vs. the Giants this weekend after missing last week's game. We'll keep you updated on Hill's status over the next few days.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Panthers. He leaves behind an average of 5.8 carries and 2.8 targets per game. RB Alvin Kamara gets the biggest projection boost with Hill out.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is not expected to play vs. the Panthers today. He's averaged 5.8 carries and 2.8 targets per game this season and is tied for the team lead with seven carries inside the five-yard line. Hill's absence today is particularly good news for RB Alvin Kamara's TD projection. TE Juwan Johnson (quad) is expected to play today, per Schefter, but remains a desperation fantasy option.

Asked whether Taysom Hill will play Sunday against the Panthers, Saints beat writer Nick Underhill said, "I'd be surprised but we'll see." Hill's officially questionable with foot and hand injuries, but you should plan as though he's not playing against Carolina. That can only help TE Juwan Johnson's playing time and the goal-line opportunities for New Orleans RBs. We'll confirm Hill's status Sunday morning.