Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer appeared on Colin Cowherd's program, The Herd, to discuss various NFL topics, including a specific focus on Caleb Williams’ recent struggles. Palmer offered his professional insights and analysis regarding Williams' performance with the Chicago Bears, contributing to a comprehensive discussion about the young quarterback's current challenges.
In Sunday's loss to the Colts, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard was outproduced and outsnapped by teammate Tyjae Spears. Spears surpassed Pollard in rushing yards (59 vs. Pollard's lower total), receptions (3 vs. Pollard's lower total), targets, total snaps, and pass routes. While Pollard had only two more carries than Spears, he did not match Spears' team-high 59 rushing yards or 23 receiving yards. This indicates a shift in backfield usage and production, with Spears taking a more prominent role in the game.
In Sunday's loss to the Colts, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears led the backfield in both playing time and production. He rushed for a team-high 59 yards, including the team's only ground touchdown, and added 3 receptions for 23 yards on three targets. Spears outpaced fellow running back Tony Pollard in rushing yards, receptions, targets, total snaps, and pass routes. His significant contributions included a 41-yard run in the second quarter and a 17-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his efficiency despite trailing Pollard by only two carries.
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is currently listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury sustained in Sunday's loss to the Patriots. Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that the team's upcoming bye week provides an extended period for Judkins to recover, potentially allowing him to return without missing additional game action. This season, Judkins has been productive, recording 118 carries for 486 yards and five touchdowns through seven games. His status will be updated once the Browns resume work ahead of their Week 10 road game against the Jets.
The Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated a dominant performance in a recent game despite the absence of star wide receiver A.J. Brown. This single-game success has sparked discussions regarding the team's ability to maintain such a high level of play and potentially repeat as Super Bowl champions without their key offensive weapon. The long-term implications of playing without Brown remain a significant point of analysis for the team's championship aspirations.
Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey showcased one of the most efficient fantasy performances of the 2025 season during Sunday’s victory against Dallas. Despite a low volume, Harvey impressively recorded three touchdowns. He rushed for 46 yards and two scores on just seven carries, and also added a 5-yard touchdown on his single target of the game, highlighting his significant impact and efficiency.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury sustained in Sunday's win over the Falcons. This unfortunate development comes after Duck had just returned to the lineup, having missed the previous six games with an ankle injury. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the season-ending injury. Duck, who started the season opener against the Colts, played only 15 defensive snaps on Sunday, recording two tackles and a pass breakup. In the 2024 season, he had accumulated 35 tackles across 14 games.
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson is considered a deep-league stash on waiver wires this week. This assessment comes in the context of teammate Quinshon Judkins' shoulder injury, which has him listed as "day to day" but with a good chance to return for Week 10 following the team's Week 9 bye. Sampson's immediate fantasy relevance is limited given Judkins' expected swift recovery.
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson had a quiet outing in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, failing to record a single catch. He was targeted only once throughout the game, despite the team attempting 35 passes. This performance marked a significant downturn for Ferguson, who was unable to contribute offensively.
Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales reported on Monday that quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) logged an encouraging running session. The team is optimistic that Young will be able to participate in some capacity during Wednesday's practice. From a fantasy football perspective, Young is currently considered a desperation streaming option for Week 9, with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to remain in the bullpen, with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski stating on Monday that playing Sanders is not his current focus. When asked by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com about the possibility, Stefanski emphasized, "The focus is where we are right now... That’s not my focus." Despite the team's 2-6 record and unlikely playoff contention, which might suggest an opportunity to evaluate Sanders, the coaching staff is not yet considering a change from current starter Dillon Gabriel.
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike continued his impressive progression, setting new career highs in receptions and receiving yards during Sunday's loss to the Colts. Dike recorded 7 receptions for 93 yards on a season-high eight targets, a figure that tied him with fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor. He easily led all Titans players in both catches and yardage for the game. Furthermore, Dike experienced a significant increase in his playing time during the Indianapolis matchup, solidifying his case for a growing role within the offense.
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was targeted eight times in Sunday's loss to the Colts. This target volume tied him with fellow rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike, indicating a notable involvement in the Titans' passing game during the contest. Ayomanor's eight targets represent a significant opportunity for the young player as he continues to develop within the team's offensive scheme.
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy is now the team's starting running back following Cam Skattebo's season-ending ankle injury in Week 8, making him a top waiver wire add for Week 9. Tracy out-carried Devin Singletary 10-2 and out-caught him 2-1, signaling his return to a prominent role. Earlier struggles were attributed to playing with Russell Wilson and without star left tackle Andrew Thomas. He now returns to an offense with improved quarterback and offensive line play, suggesting potentially better performance. Tracy is locked in for a heavy workload as the fantasy playoff push begins, positioning him as the add of the week at any position.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin is heating up just as the fantasy football playoffs loom, headlining the list of best waiver wire additions for Week 9. Known for his high-ceiling potential, Franklin delivered a significant blowup performance in Week 8, recording an 8/89/2 line against the Cowboys. During this game, he commanded 30% of the Broncos' targets and 38% of their air yards. Currently ranked as the WR22 on the year, Franklin has solidified his role as the clear No. 2 option in the Denver offense, potentially challenging Courtland Sutton for 1B status, making him a must-roster and start in most fantasy formats despite a tough upcoming matchup against the Texans.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters is listed as day-to-day with a knee injury sustained during the team's Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans. Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Winters has a chance to play in the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants. His status will be monitored as the team prepares for Sunday's game.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott struggled in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos, tying a season-low with only 188 passing yards. He completed 19 of 31 attempts and, for the first time since Week 1, failed to throw a touchdown pass. The Broncos' defense effectively shut down Prescott, limiting his production and contributing to the Cowboys' defeat.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is reportedly "doing well" in his recovery from a Week 7 concussion and is "trending toward a return" for the upcoming Week 9 game against the Broncos. Texans insider Aaron Wilson provided the positive update, though Head Coach Demeco Ryans remained non-committal on Monday regarding Collins' status. Historically, players typically miss only one game with concussions. Fantasy managers are advised to tentatively pencil Collins into their Week 9 lineups given the optimistic outlook on his progress.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook delivered a standout performance in Week 8, earning a coveted spot on the NFL Team of the Week. His strong play contributed significantly to his team's efforts, marking him as one of the top performers across the league for that particular week.
Despite the New York Jets securing their first win of the year in a comeback victory over the Bengals, head coach Aaron Glenn has not committed to Justin Fields as the team's starting quarterback. The Jets are reportedly still considering a change at the quarterback position, indicating that Fields' role is not yet solidified moving forward.
