Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon provided an update on running back Trey Benson's knee injury on Wednesday. Gannon stated that Benson is "doing well" but is not yet ready to participate in practice, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. This suggests Benson is progressing but still requires time before returning to the field.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is currently performing at a level comparable to the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Reports indicate there is one specific trait in particular that is setting him apart and contributing to his meteoric rise in the league.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones expressed that the recent trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner has generated a palpable "energy" within the team. Jones believes the significant investment of two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell for Gardner signals the organization's confidence in the team's ability to make a deep playoff run this year. He noted that this move instills confidence across the roster, stating, "I think, obviously, they believe in our team and what we can do this year." The trade also implicitly indicates the Colts' confidence in Jones beyond this season, as it limits their future draft capital for another quarterback. Jones, currently on a one-year deal, stated he hasn't considered the trade's implications for his personal future.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who has been dealing with a concussion, was able to participate in Wednesday's practice in a limited capacity. This marks a positive step in his recovery process, indicating he is progressing through concussion protocols.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence on Wednesday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a knee injury, will play at some point during the current season. This update was reported by David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, offering reassurance regarding Aiyuk's eventual return to the field.
Davis Mills is set to make his first start in four years for the Houston Texans. He will step in as the starting quarterback for the Week 10 showdown against the Jaguars, following C.J. Stroud being ruled out due to a concussion.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to receive his full $90 million over two years, having earned $62.5 million for 14 starts last year and an anticipated $27.5 million for likely one start this season. His tenure in Atlanta is expected to conclude soon, as the Falcons, after drafting Michael Penix Jr. as their 2025 starter, held onto Cousins hoping for trade value, despite a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 becoming fully guaranteed. With no trade materializing, the team must decide on cutting him before the 2026 league year's fifth day. If cut, the $10 million is subject to offset, potentially reducing the Falcons' payout if another team signs him for more. Cousins will have earned $90 million for 15 games, averaging $6 million per game. A post-June 1 cut would result in $12.5 million cap charges in 2026 and 2027, while an earlier cut would incur a $25 million cap hit next year. The Falcons' significant investment in Cousins, which yielded limited returns, was largely to secure Michael Penix Jr. in the draft, placing immense pressure on Penix's performance.
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice session. The veteran wideout is currently dealing with a hip and groin issue, which kept him off the field. This development will be closely monitored as the team prepares for its upcoming game, with his practice status later in the week providing further clarity on his availability.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice session. He is currently dealing with both ankle and heel issues, which prevented him from practicing. The team will be closely monitoring his recovery and his practice status later in the week will provide important updates regarding his potential availability for the upcoming game.
Mark Sanchez, who has not called a game for Fox in over a month, is reportedly facing replacement by Drew Brees as an NFL analyst. Sanchez's absence follows an alleged incident during Week 5 in Indianapolis, where he reportedly confronted a truck driver, became aggressive, and was subsequently stabbed multiple times. The former NFL quarterback currently faces multiple charges, including a Level 5 felony battery charge, which carries a potential one-to-six-year sentence upon conviction. Sanchez has officially pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Future Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees is reportedly joining Fox as an NFL analyst, with plans to potentially replace Mark Sanchez in the booth alongside play-by-play announcer Adam Amin. Brees is expected to begin his Fox career a week from Sunday and is slated to call games through at least next season. This new role provides a regular platform for Brees, who previously served as an analyst for NBC during the 2021 season, covering Notre Dame games and contributing to "Football Night in America," before parting ways after one season. Since then, he has made appearances on Fox and ESPN studio shows, agreed to be a weekly contributor on ESPN's "First Take" this fall, and is also scheduled to be an analyst for Netflix's NFL Christmas Day broadcast this year.
Despite the downgrade to the Houston Texans' offense with Davis Mills stepping in at quarterback for the injured C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Nico Collins is still advised to remain in fantasy football lineups, particularly given the favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars' secondary.
TreVeyon Henderson saw a significant increase in playing time, participating in 75% of snaps, which far surpassed Terrell Jennings' 25% share. This "stock up" usage led to over 12 PPR points, reflecting dominant RB1-type usage. However, despite the heavy workload, Jennings was utilized in goal-to-go situations, scoring a touchdown. Henderson's performance also highlighted a continued issue with tackle breaking, as he recorded zero plays of 10+ yards across 18 touches and averaged a below-average 3.9 yards per carry.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott explicitly conveyed his strong enthusiasm, stating he was "f------ pumped," regarding the team's strategic moves made during the NFL trade deadline.
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's potential role for Week 10 is under observation following teammate Rico Dowdle's quad injury. While head coach Dave Canales expressed confidence in Dowdle's availability, any absence from the NFC's leading rusher would elevate Hubbard into a feature role. Fantasy managers should monitor Dowdle's status closely, as a missed game would significantly increase Hubbard's workload and fantasy relevance.
Atlanta Falcons starting left guard Matthew Bergeron has been designated as 'week to week' due to an ankle injury. This update comes as the team assesses the severity and recovery timeline for their key offensive lineman. Bergeron's status will be closely monitored as the Falcons prepare for upcoming games, with his absence potentially impacting the team's offensive line stability.
Quarterback Geno Smith is a central figure in SportsLine expert Zack Cimini's predictions for the upcoming 'Thursday Night Football' matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos. Cimini, who boasts an impressive 8-2 run with his recent picks, has specifically highlighted the individual matchup between Smith and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix as a key element in his analysis. This focus underscores the importance of Smith's performance in determining the outcome of the highly anticipated divisional contest.
Quarterback Bo Nix is prominently featured in SportsLine expert Zack Cimini's predictions for the 'Thursday Night Football' game, which pits the Denver Broncos against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cimini, who has a strong track record with an 8-2 run on his recent picks, has specifically identified the quarterback duel between Nix and Raiders' Geno Smith as a critical factor in his analysis. This emphasis suggests that Nix's play will be under close scrutiny and could significantly influence the game's result.
The Miami Dolphins have officially signed linebacker Andre Carter, bringing him off the Detroit Lions' practice squad to fill a roster spot. This move follows the Dolphins' trade of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles. Carter's recent career trajectory includes signing with the Lions in late August after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders. During his time with the Raiders last season, he recorded a tackle and a half-sack across three games. In 2023, Carter also played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he contributed two tackles in 12 appearances.
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, a status reported by both Evan Lazar and Head Coach Mike Vrabel. While Vrabel previously described Boutte as "day to day," suggesting the hamstring injury is not serious, he is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. In Boutte's absence during the second half of last week's game, rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams took over most of his snaps, though Williams finished catch-less. Fantasy managers should plan accordingly for Boutte's potential absence.
