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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jonathan Ward, a running back, was signed to the New England Patriots' practice squad on Tuesday. This roster move provides additional depth for the Patriots' backfield, especially as starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson is currently dealing with a toe injury and missed Wednesday's practice. Ward's presence offers the team more options and security at the position as they navigate their Week 9 preparations.
Running back Rushawn Baker was signed to the New England Patriots' practice squad on Tuesday. This move comes as the team faces potential concerns in their backfield, particularly with starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson dealing with a toe injury that kept him out of Wednesday's practice. Baker's addition provides depth and flexibility for the Patriots as they prepare for their upcoming Week 9 matchup against Atlanta.
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson did not participate in Wednesday's practice, appearing on the injury report with a toe issue. While no further details were provided, Stevenson played extensively into the fourth quarter of last week's 32-12 victory over the Browns. The Patriots' recent signing of running backs Rushawn Baker and Jonathan Ward to their practice squad on Tuesday adds context to the situation. If Stevenson's absence extends to this weekend's game against Atlanta, running back TreVeyon Henderson would likely step into a significant role. His practice status for the remainder of the week will be crucial.
New York Giants second-year running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is poised to shoulder a significant workload for the team's offense following rookie Cam Skattebo's season-ending ankle injury. Tracy, who previously served as the top back during his rookie campaign and at the beginning of this season, expressed confidence in his ability to seize the opportunity. He stated his commitment to performing his job to the best of his ability, whether he gets three or fifty touches, emphasizing his desire for his energy and passion to be felt on the field. Last season, Tracy accumulated 1,123 yards and six touchdowns over 17 appearances, and he has rushed 15 times for 39 yards in his first two starts this season. He is expected to carry the bulk of the workload over the next few weeks.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the team's significant interest in New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo during the 2025 NFL Draft, stating, "Yes, we did, and we loved him. He was awesome." Skattebo, who amassed 5,772 all-purpose yards and 51 collegiate touchdowns, grew up near Sacramento and hoped to be drafted by his hometown 49ers. He even believed San Francisco would select him with the 100th pick before the Giants ultimately took him at No. 105. Skattebo recently suffered a "gruesome ankle injury" in Week 8, prematurely ending what had been a stellar rookie campaign.
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to ongoing knee and shoulder injuries. The veteran tight end's snap rate was notably down to 61% last week, a decrease that these injuries might explain. His status will be closely monitored leading up to Sunday's game against the Broncos, as the team hopes for a positive outlook on his availability.
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has shown flashes of potential, particularly during Christian Kirk's absence due to a hamstring injury. Noel's performance suggests he could potentially steal some snaps in the Texans' receiving corps. While Christian Kirk's return is anticipated, Noel's emergence provides depth and an alternative option for the Houston offense.
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Kirk, who missed the first two games of the season, returned for Weeks 3-5 before re-injuring his hamstring and missing the past two games. In his three appearances this season, he has operated as Houston's primary slot receiver, tallying 16 targets, 10 catches, and 109 yards. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed optimism about Kirk's potential return, stating that getting him and Nico Collins back would add an explosive, playmaker element to the offense. While rookie Jaylin Noel flashed in Kirk's absence, Kirk's return would be a significant boost for the Texans' Week 9 matchup against the Broncos.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins returned to practice on Wednesday, participating in a limited capacity as he progresses through concussion protocol. Collins missed Sunday's game but coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence in his availability for this week's game against the Broncos, indicating he should clear protocol in time. Ryans highlighted Collins, along with Christian Kirk, as top playmakers who add an explosive element to the offense, expressing excitement for their potential return. Collins is considered the only Texans wide receiver who should be in Week 9 fantasy lineups, underscoring his importance to the team's offensive scheme.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, taking all first-team reps, and declared himself "ready to go" after recovering from an ankle injury. McCarthy expressed confidence, stating, "I feel like myself again. I feel like I have those mobility things that I was concerned about going into last week and the prior weeks. So yeah, ready to go." This marks his return from a six-game absence. Despite his readiness, McCarthy will face a challenging Week 9 matchup in Detroit as an 8.5-point underdog, making him a shaky fantasy option even in 2-QB and superflex leagues.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is noted for his ascending performance, contributing to the team's impressive start to the season. His play has positioned the Packers among the league's top teams, as highlighted in the "Herd Hierarchy" rankings, suggesting they are in a class of their own alongside the Eagles.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud has joined the New York Giants' practice squad after being released by the Falcons. He was not elevated for Sunday's game but has a chance to debut against the 49ers this week. Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart expressed excitement about working with McCloud, describing him as "explosive" and highlighting his impressive run-after-catch ability observed from tape. While his role declined this season, McCloud achieved career-highs last year with the Falcons, recording 62 catches for 686 receiving yards (765 yards from scrimmage) and a touchdown over 13 starts as a strong downfield threat for Kirk Cousins.
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is enthusiastic about the addition of wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud to the practice squad. Dart and McCloud have already begun building chemistry, spending extra time together after Wednesday's practice. Dart described McCloud as "explosive," citing his impressive run-after-catch ability and strong work ethic, which he observed from reviewing McCloud's past game tape. The Giants are in search of more playmakers since losing star WR Malik Nabers to a torn ACL.
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is not projected as a reliable fantasy football option for the upcoming game against the Bengals. This assessment holds true despite the favorable matchup against a defense identified as the league's weakest against tight ends. His fantasy outlook is further complicated by the anticipated return of fellow tight end Cole Kmet from injury.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet participated in a limited practice session on Wednesday due to a back injury. This development puts him on track to potentially return to action for the upcoming game against the Bengals this weekend. However, despite facing a favorable matchup against a defense known to struggle against tight ends, Kmet is not currently considered a reliable fantasy option.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus missed Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. Head Coach Ben Johnson had previously labeled Zaccheaus as "day to day" earlier in the week, indicating his status is being monitored closely. Zaccheaus is one of four Bears wide receivers who were sidelined during the practice session, contributing to the team's significant injury challenges at the position ahead of their game against the Bengals.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden was absent from Wednesday's practice as he deals with a concussion. It is considered unlikely that he will be cleared to play in time for the team's upcoming game against the Bengals this weekend. Burden is among four Bears wide receivers who were sidelined during the practice session, highlighting significant injury concerns for the team's receiving corps.
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson provided an update on wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, labeling him "day to day" earlier this week. This statement comes amidst a challenging period for the Bears' receiving corps, as several key players, including Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus himself, and Luther Burden, all missed Wednesday's practice session due to various injuries.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze missed Wednesday's practice due to a heel injury. While he appeared to be fine following last week's loss to the Ravens, no further information regarding his current status has been provided. Odunze is one of four Bears wide receivers who were sidelined during the practice session, indicating a significant challenge for the team's passing game ahead of their matchup against the Bengals.
Ahead of their anticipated Sunday showdown, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's rivalry with Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes was a central topic of discussion among sports commentators Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes, Chris Broussard, and Danny Parkins. The upcoming game is expected to be a significant matchup, highlighting the intense competition between the two elite quarterbacks.
