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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, October 24, 2025

DeVonta Smith Set for Increased Role with A.J. Brown Sidelined

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Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is poised to take on a significantly expanded role and lead the team's receiving corps for Sunday's Week 8 game against the Giants. This increased responsibility stems directly from the official ruling out of star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Brown's absence is expected to result in a more concentrated target share for Smith, alongside tight end Dallas Goedert, making Smith a crucial component of the Eagles' passing game plan.

Dallas Goedert Expected to See Increased Targets with A.J. Brown Out

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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is anticipated to see a significant increase in target volume during Sunday's Week 8 game against the Giants. This projection comes as star wide receiver A.J. Brown has been officially ruled out due to a hamstring injury. With Brown sidelined, Goedert, alongside fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith, is expected to absorb a larger share of quarterback Jalen Hurts' passes, becoming a primary focus in the Eagles' passing attack.

Jalen Hurts' Fantasy Outlook Affected by A.J. Brown's Week 8 Absence

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The fantasy outlook for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to experience a notable impact with star wide receiver A.J. Brown officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 8 game against the Giants. Brown's absence due to a hamstring injury removes a key weapon from Hurts' arsenal, potentially affecting his passing yardage and touchdown upside. While DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert are expected to see increased targets, the overall efficiency and production of the Eagles' passing game could be challenged without Brown.

Cowboys Safety Donovan Wilson Out for Week 8 with Elbow and Shoulder Injuries

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Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson has been officially ruled out for the team's upcoming Week 8 game. Wilson was unable to participate in any practices throughout the week, indicating the severity of his current physical condition. He is dealing with both elbow and shoulder injuries, which will prevent him from taking the field on Sunday. His absence will be a notable loss for the Cowboys' secondary.

Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs Ruled Out for Second Straight Game with Concussion

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Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has been officially ruled out for Week 8's game against the Broncos, a decision anticipated after head coach Brian Schottenheimer's earlier comments. Diggs will miss his second consecutive game, still recovering from a concussion he sustained at home late last week. He has not participated in practice since the injury, but will have an extra day to recover before the team's Monday night game against the Cardinals in Week 9.

Bears Coach Ben Johnson Declares Team's Mission is to Win Now, Not Rebuild

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Ben Johnson, who became the Bears' head coach at the start of this year, firmly stated that he does not view the team as being in a rebuilding phase, despite inheriting a young quarterback and a franchise coming off three consecutive last-place finishes and without a playoff win since 2010. Johnson emphasized that his mission has always been "to win and to win now," a message he has consistently conveyed to the team since his opening press conference. The Bears currently hold a 4-2 record and are on a four-game winning streak heading into their game against Baltimore. Johnson believes a win on Sunday would solidify their status as realistic playoff contenders.

Tyrod Taylor's Week 8 Starting Status Remains Undecided Amidst Knee Injury

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New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, having been limited in practice all week due to a knee injury. Despite the team reportedly hoping to start Taylor if his knee checks out, Head Coach Aaron Glenn has maintained secrecy regarding his Week 8 plans, declining to name a starter between Taylor and Justin Fields. Taylor's fantasy relevance would be limited to 2-QB and superflex leagues should he get the nod.

Isaiah Davis Emerges as Potential Stash Candidate for Jets

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New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis has been identified as a player to consider stashing in fantasy leagues. This recommendation comes amidst uncertainty surrounding Breece Hall's knee injury, which has him listed as questionable for the upcoming Week 8 game against the Bengals. Davis would be a relevant option if Hall were to unexpectedly miss time.

Justin Fields' Starting Status for Week 8 Remains Undetermined

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New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields' starting status for Sunday's game against the Bengals remains in limbo. Head Coach Aaron Glenn declined to name a starter on Friday, keeping the decision open between Fields and Tyrod Taylor, who is dealing with a knee injury. The uncertainty leaves both quarterbacks awaiting the final call for Week 8.

Tyrique Stevenson Ruled Out for Bears' Week 8 Matchup

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Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 8 game against the Ravens. His unavailability further weakens the Bears' secondary, which will be without its top three cornerbacks, including Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, for the upcoming contest.

Kyler Gordon Ruled Out for Bears' Week 8 Game Against Ravens

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Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 8 game against the Ravens. His absence is a significant blow to the Bears' defense, as the team will be missing its starting cornerbacks, including Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, against a formidable opponent.

Jaylon Johnson Ruled Out Indefinitely for Bears' Week 8 Matchup

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Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been ruled out indefinitely and will not play in Sunday's game against the Ravens. His absence contributes to a significant depletion of the Bears' secondary, as the team will be without its top three cornerbacks for the upcoming contest.

Calvin Austin Cleared to Return for Steelers in Week 8

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin has completed a full week of practice and has been removed from the final injury report, signaling his return for Sunday night's game against the Packers. Austin is expected to resume his role as the No. 2 wide receiver. Despite his return, he is considered a desperation fantasy start for Week 8.

Darius Slayton Cleared to Return for Week 8 After Hamstring Issue

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) has been removed from the final injury report and is set to return for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Slayton was limited in practice throughout the week but is now cleared to play. He is expected to be the Giants' second-best receiving option, trailing only Wan'Dale Robinson, but still ranks as the 51st wide receiver in Week 8 fantasy projections.

Harold Fannin's Fantasy Value Dependent on Njoku's Week 8 Status

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Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin's role and fantasy value for Sunday's game against the Patriots are directly impacted by the status of teammate David Njoku (knee). If Njoku, who is questionable, returns to play, he is expected to split work with Fannin, which would likely diminish Fannin's standing in the tight end rankings. Fannin's potential workload will become clearer once Njoku's availability is confirmed, with Cleveland's inactives expected around 11:30 AM ET on Sunday.

David Njoku Questionable for Week 8, Expected to Split Work if Active

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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots after being limited in practice throughout the week. If Njoku plays, he is considered a shaky fantasy option due to his recent injury and the expectation that he will split snaps with fellow tight end Harold Fannin. Njoku's return would likely decrease Fannin's fantasy value. Further updates on Njoku's status, including Cleveland's inactives, are expected around 11:30 AM ET on Sunday.

Cooper Rush Not Expected to Start if Lamar Jackson is Out for Week 8

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush has been clarified as not being the designated starter if Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is sidelined for Sunday's Week 8 game against the Bears. Head coach John Harbaugh explicitly stated that Tyler Huntley, rather than Rush, would take over the starting duties should Jackson be unavailable. This confirms Rush's role as a backup, with Huntley being the primary contingency plan at quarterback for the Ravens.

Tyler Huntley Named Starting Quarterback if Lamar Jackson Sits Week 8

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley has been designated as the starting signal-caller if Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is unable to play in Sunday's Week 8 game against the Bears. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Huntley, not Cooper Rush, would take the field in Jackson's absence. While Jackson's status remains questionable despite a full week of practice, Huntley is on standby and prepared to lead the offense should Jackson be sidelined.

Jerry Jeudy Cleared to Play Sunday, No Injury Designation for Week 8

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Patriots, according to Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Jeudy does not carry an injury designation, indicating he is fully healthy and available. This update follows a period where he was practicing in a limited capacity, confirming his readiness for Week 8.

Stefon Diggs Cleared for Sunday's Game After Full Practice Participation

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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (chest) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Browns. Diggs participated fully in practice on Friday and does not carry an injury designation, confirming his availability for Week 8. This indicates he has fully recovered from his chest issue and is expected to be a full participant in the upcoming matchup.