NFL Player News

A smallish linebacker, Smith will battle for a spot on special teams this summer.

DuBose remains hospitalized a day after suffering a brutal hit to the head in Sunday’s loss to the Texans, but it sounds as if the worst is behind him. The second-year receiver was playing in his first game since Week 2 after making his way back from a shoulder injury but now seems unlikely to play again this season. We don’t yet know the specifics of his injury, but we continue to wish DuBose the best in his recovery.

According to Seifert, sources have told the team is “more open-minded about their 2025 plans than many realize” in regards to Darnold and the possibility of bringing him back. Darnold has experience a career resurgence with the Vikings, throwing for 3299-28-10 on the season while inserting himself in the MVP conversation. Darnold won’t win the MVP, but he has already set himself for a handsome pay day next offseason. The Vikings have rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, which has led many to believe Darnold would be allowed to walk next offseason, but that may not entirely be the case. With three weeks left in the regular season and the playoffs ahead of them, the Vikings still have plenty of time left to assess their future with/without Darnold. Regardless of where he lands, it will be an interesting offseason for the former No. 3 overall pick.

Surtain exited Sunday’s game against the Colts after picking off Anthony Richardson in the fourth quarter. The optics weren’t great, but it sounds like Surtain avoided the worst based on the early diagnosis. The Broncos have a quick turnaround in Week 16 as they prepare for the Chargers on Thursday night. With just a few days to prepare for that game, it’s possible Surtain misses next week and sets his sights on a Week 17 return against the Bengals.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Campbell wasn’t expected to play for the Niners again this season after he refused to enter the game in last Thursday’s loss to the Rams. While many thought the Niners would release Campbell in the coming days, the Niners have instead opted to end his season with this three-game suspension. Campbell signed a one-year contract with the Niners this offseason to replace linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl, but his role on the team had diminished in recent weeks with Greenlaw on the mend. Campbell totaled 79 tackles, three TFLs, and two pass breakups in what is certain to be his only season with the team.

Smith exited in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Packers and did not return to the game. He could be seen limping on the sideline before going to the locker room and later returned with his right knee wrapped. Macdonald said Smith will undergo imaging and further evaluation on Monday, but the Seahawks could be looking at starting Sam Howell in Week 16 when they take on the Vikings. Howell struggled mightily in relief of Smith, throwing for just 24 yards and a pick while completing 5-of-14 passes (35.7 percent). He also stayed on brand by taking four sacks. All Seahawks pass-catchers would receive an immediate downgrade next week if Howell lines up under center.

Although the seven targets looks good on paper, three of those looks were effectively thrown at the feet of the veteran tight end as Geno Smith scrambled to avoid pressure. He then saw just a single look from backup quarterback Sam Howell after Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury in the third quarter. Things don’t get any better for Fant and the Seahawks considering the injury to their starting quarterback and a matchup with the Vikings looming.

Lockett has been almost entirely phased out of the offense with the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the latter of whom saw a robust 12 targets in the loss to the Packers. Fantasy managers that were clinging to hope with the rugged veteran can surely cut ties as the fantasy playoffs surge on.

Metcalf was involved early but quickly became victim of rolled coverages in his direction before being forced to catch passes from Sam Howell for the final 20 minutes after Geno Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury. Fantasy managers will want to track the status of Smith ahead of a Week 16 showdown with the Vikings with the team’s playoff hopes on the line.

Things started off hot for Smith-Njigba in the first half as he served as the featured player through the air. Things then took a drastic turn in the third quarter when Geno Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury, with Sam Howell then filling in under center for the remainder of the game. Even so, Smith-Njigba has seen his role grow immensely ever sinve DK Metcalf missed two games in Week 8 and Week 9, now responsible with a primary pass-catching role for a team near the top of the league in pass attempts per game. Fantasy managers will want to track the status of Smith as a Week 16 matchup against the Vikings appraoches.

Charbonnet was victimized by negative game script in this one after the Packers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before taking a 20-3 lead into the half. Geno Smith would then be forced from the game in the third quarter after having his leg rolled up on, which left the team in a state of disarray for the remainder of the game. Charbonnet will remain a low-end RB1 for as long as Kenneth Walker remains out.