Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Second-year Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has received public backing from veteran teammates Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones. Both players acknowledged McCarthy's struggles during the first six games of his career but voiced strong support for him. They expressed optimism that McCarthy will rebound from his early challenges, signaling a vote of confidence from the locker room despite his recent performance.
Analysts Danny Parkins, Wilie Colon, and Coach Eric Mangini are debating Patrick Mahomes' Week 13 matchup against Dak Prescott. They are analyzing which quarterback can be trusted and whose offense will make the biggest impact. This discussion is part of a broader breakdown of top QB matchups for the upcoming week.
Analysts Danny Parkins, Wilie Colon, and Coach Eric Mangini are debating Dak Prescott's Week 13 matchup against Patrick Mahomes. They are analyzing which quarterback can be trusted and whose offense will make the biggest impact. This discussion is part of a broader breakdown of top QB matchups for the upcoming week.
Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow has announced his decision to unretire, providing a significant boost to the Detroit Lions' offense ahead of the playoffs. Ragnow is set to reprise his role as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen, a move expected to give Detroit's offensive line a substantial jolt. His return brings elite talent and experience back to the team, reinforcing their roster for a postseason push.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton indicated Wednesday that running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) might have an opportunity to return toward the end of the season. Payton, who was discussing linebacker Drew Sanders' similar recovery timeline, clarified that both players are still "a ways out." This potential return is more likely to align with the real-life NFL playoffs rather than the fantasy football playoffs, as Dobbins continues his recovery from a foot injury.
New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury. Despite the limitation, his ability to practice suggests he is on track to play this Sunday against the Dolphins. Neal played 86 percent of snaps in the final three quarters of Sunday's loss to the Falcons, stepping in for Alvin Kamara (knee). He is likely to fill in as the starter again this weekend. Audric Estime and Evan Hull are also on the roster, with Taysom Hill providing additional competition for carries.
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields revealed Wednesday that he was blindsided by the team's decision to demote him last week. Fields' comments come despite his recent struggles on the field. This statement provides insight into the quarterback's perspective following the roster change.
Geno Smith of the Las Vegas Raiders apologized for making an obscene gesture toward fans as he walked off the field following Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Browns. This marks the second time Smith has made such a gesture toward fans since joining the team.
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) was a limited practice participant Wednesday and is considered unlikely to play this Sunday against Denver. Head coach Dan Quinn stated the team "would not put him out there" if limited. Daniels is ramping up his workload, throwing passes to receivers, and is expected to be ready in December. Marcus Mariota is slated to make at least one more start for the Commanders.
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) has had his 21-day practice window opened and was a limited participant in Wednesday's session. This marks his first practice since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7 against the Browns and being placed on IR. While a return as early as Sunday's game versus the Saints is possible, he may need to prove full practice readiness. Greg Dulcich will continue as the top pass-catching tight end if Waller remains out.
Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday, marking the first time this season he's been listed with a foot issue. He previously managed shoulder and hamstring injuries but has played all 11 regular-season games, recording a 49-722-5 receiving line on 73 targets. Maintaining at least limited activity during the Dolphins' remaining two practices of Week 13 will be crucial for his chances of suiting up Sunday versus the Saints.
Saints WR Chris Olave was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a back injury, as reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the injury after Olave made an early exit from the session. The team will issue two more injury reports this week, which may clarify his status for Sunday's game at Miami. In his last four games with rookie QB Tyler Shough, Olave has recorded 25 receptions for 294 yards and one touchdown on 37 targets.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara did not practice Wednesday after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his knee. He sustained the injury during Sunday's loss to the Falcons, missing the entire second half. The team will release two more practice reports this week, with Friday's update expected to provide more clarity on his availability for Sunday's game at Miami. Devin Neal is prepared to lead the backfield if Kamara is limited or sidelined for Week 13.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt's playing time is expected to decrease following teammate Isiah Pacheco's (knee) return for Thursday's game at Dallas. Hunt had been highly valuable in Pacheco's absence, recording three straight games with at least 47 snaps, 12 touches, and 12.5 PPR points. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is unsure how much Pacheco will play, leaving Hunt's exact role unclear, despite Hunt previously stealing goal-line work even with Pacheco active.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is slated to return for Thursday's game against Dallas. However, head coach Andy Reid stated he is unsure how much Pacheco will play. Prior to his knee sprain, Pacheco was the Chiefs' lead runner, though Kareem Hunt often handled goal-line duties. His return will likely impact Hunt's recent increased workload, as Hunt recorded three straight games with at least 47 snaps, 12 touches, and 12.5 PPR points during Pacheco's absence.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, mirroring his status from Tuesday's walkthrough. He will have one more chance Thursday to upgrade his practice level before the Eagles assign an official injury designation for Friday's game against the Bears. The team may be managing his reps on a short week. In Week 12, Barkley carried 10 times for 22 yards, secured 7 of 8 targets for 52 yards, and lost one fumble against the Cowboys.
Cowboys WR George Pickens (knee, calf) has been upgraded to full participation in Wednesday's practice and is officially off the final injury report. He is expected to be ready for his usual role in Thursday's game against the Chiefs, making him a must-start in fantasy football.
Packers WR Savion Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's Week 13 game against the Lions.
Packers WR Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder), who remains on IR, has been ruled out for Thursday's Week 13 game against the Lions. He was limited in practice Wednesday, marking his fourth consecutive limited participation since his 21-day practice window opened. Reed requires more time to ramp up his activity level, with his next opportunity to play coming Sunday, December 7, against the Bears in Week 14. He may need to resume practicing in full to be cleared for that game.
Packers WR Matthew Golden (wrist) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Week 13 game against the Lions after a limited week of practice. The rookie is projected to play, with Green Bay's inactives expected around 11:30 am ET tomorrow.
