Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker was added to the team's injury report on Thursday after missing practice due to a calf injury. The team is expected to provide an update on his condition and issue an official injury designation on Friday, ahead of their game against the Panthers. His status for the upcoming contest is now uncertain.
The San Francisco 49ers acquired defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots two days before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline. General Manager John Lynch confirmed the team isn't closing the door on further moves but prefers players acquired to be long-term additions. White's arrival directly addresses the 49ers' significant defensive line injuries, with Lynch actively seeking to improve the team's current situation. The trade was a low-risk, high-reward decision, costing a late-round pick. Lynch expressed hope that White, along with returning players like Bryce Huff, will revitalize the defensive line, stating, "We’re going to need it this week," indicating an expectation for immediate contribution to bolster the team for the current season while preserving future draft capital.
Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb's Week 9 fantasy value could receive a boost if teammate Woody Marks is sidelined. Marks was added to the injury report on Thursday with a calf issue that limited his practice, and his availability for the upcoming game is now uncertain.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco returned to practice on Thursday as a limited participant, after missing Wednesday's session due to a right shoulder injury. Head coach Zac Taylor previously stated on Wednesday that Flacco's chances of playing against the Bears this weekend are 50-50, indicating his status remains very much up in the air.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) has successfully cleared concussion protocol and was a full participant in Thursday's practice. He is now on track to be cleared and play in this weekend's game against the Denver Broncos. Collins is poised to benefit from the absence of All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain, who is out with a pectoral injury for the Broncos.
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. His full participation indicates he has recovered from his hamstring issue and is set to play in the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos.
The fantasy prospects for Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase are significantly influenced by the availability of quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco (shoulder) participated in a limited practice on Thursday, which is a positive indicator for his Week 9 status. Chase's owners, along with those of Tee Higgins, are eagerly anticipating Flacco's ability to play, as his presence under center is vital for maximizing the production of the Bengals' top receiving threats.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins' fantasy owners are closely monitoring the status of quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco (shoulder) returned to a limited practice on Thursday, a positive sign for his Week 9 availability. Higgins' performance, along with that of Ja'Marr Chase, is likely tied to Flacco's ability to play, making his return crucial for the team's passing game and the fantasy prospects of his receivers.
Green Bay Packers player Micah Parsons was approached by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a play, where Rodgers pitched the idea of Parsons buying his house in Green Bay. This interaction highlights Rodgers' ongoing efforts to sell his former residence to current Packers players.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues his efforts to sell his house in Green Bay, even engaging in in-game pitches. Notably, he approached Green Bay Packers player Micah Parsons after a play to discuss the potential purchase, indicating his ongoing interest in finding a buyer among his former team's stars.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, currently in the second week of his 21-day practice window, was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He briefly left the session but returned after being treated for a thumb sprain, which he confirmed is fine. Overshown is working his way back from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season, having also logged three limited practices last week as part of his return-to-practice window.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been identified as one of the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 9. He is listed alongside other prominent players like Taylor and McCaffrey, indicating a strong expectation for him to find the end zone. This projection highlights Jacobs' potential for a significant offensive impact in the upcoming game, making him a key player to watch for fantasy managers and bettors alike.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is making "positive progress" in his recovery from a PCL injury suffered in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to General Manager John Lynch. Pearsall has missed the last four games, and Lynch noted that PCL injuries can be stubborn and linger, drawing parallels to his own career and Puka Nacua's five-game absence in 2024 with a similar injury. Despite the challenge, Pearsall is diligently rehabbing and showing steady improvement, appearing closer to a return. The 49ers are being cautious, emphasizing that a receiver needs to be at full speed to perform optimally. While his status for the Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants is still uncertain, Lynch is confident Pearsall will be back in the fold soon. Prior to his injury, Pearsall had accumulated 20 receptions for 327 yards in the first four games.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has garnered attention, being prominently featured on Chris Broussard's "BUD" list for Week 9. This inclusion suggests a high expectation for Williams to perform significantly in the upcoming game, with Broussard's commentary implying a need for him to "cook and tame Bengals." The recognition places Williams among players expected to make a notable impact, underscoring his importance to the Bears' Week 9 strategy.
Los Angeles Chargers player Ladd McConkey (calf) remained a limited participant in practice on Thursday. This marks another session where McConkey's activity has been restricted due to his calf issue. The continued limitation suggests his status for the upcoming game remains uncertain, and his progress will be closely monitored as the team prepares for Week 9. Further updates are expected regarding his availability.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice session. This marks a continued absence for Simmons, who also missed last Sunday's game against the Colts due to the same hamstring issue. His repeated non-participation in practice raises questions about his readiness and availability for the Titans' upcoming matchup.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was absent from practice again on Thursday, marking his second consecutive missed practice this week. Ridley also missed last Sunday's loss to the Colts due to the same hamstring injury and is now on track to miss his third straight game. His continued absence highlights ongoing concerns about his recovery and availability for the Titans' offense.
Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) was downgraded to a non-participant in Thursday's practice. This absence is likely a scheduled rest day for load management, a practice Darrisaw has followed in recent weeks after participating fully on Wednesday. The Vikings are carefully managing his knee condition to ensure his long-term availability and health.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. This is an encouraging upgrade for Greenard, who had been limited in Wednesday's session. His return to full participation indicates significant progress in his recovery from the ankle injury, boosting the Vikings' defensive outlook for their upcoming game.
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (knee/shoulder) was not spotted at practice on Thursday, as reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. His absence due to a combination of knee and shoulder issues raises concerns about his availability for the Texans' upcoming game. Further updates are anticipated regarding his status and potential return.
