NFL Player News

Becht is questionable return. The blocking tight end appeared to be cramping.

Watson’s 2024 season is over. The signal-caller is considering a “bridge” operation to repair the injury according to outlets, but it won’t change his status for the remainder of the campaign. Watson was a disaster in 2024 with a 5/3 TD/INT ratio and a 5.3 YPA while “leading” the Browns to a 1-6 record. Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) will likely take over as the starter. Neither one exactly should inspire much fantasy confidence.

Schefter notes that the quarterback is undergoing a second opinion Monday to confirm the diagnosis, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Raiders are placing the second-year signal-caller on injured reserve. The injury occurred during the Week 7 loss to the Rams, and he was replaced by Gardner Minshew; who was wholly ineffective after entering. Minshew will likely be the starter with O’Connell out, but don’t be surprised if the Raiders scour the wire considering how much Minshew has struggled.

This is the same procedure Aaron Rodgers underwent following his Achilles injury last season. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery on Rodgers, is the same doctor who also performed surgery on Watson’s shoulder last season. In an article on Cleveland.com, Cabot writes, “The procedure involves anchoring the Achilles tendon to the heel bone with stitches and bone anchors.” It’s not the conventional surgery for this type of injury, but Rodgers was already back on the practice field before the end of last season and has appeared unbothered by his injury through his first seven games of this season. Watson’s season is over, but whatever surgery he opts for, he should have a chance to be ready close to training camp if all goes well.

As head coach Dan Quinn said after the game, Daniels will undergo more tests on Monday to determine the severity of his injury, but for the time being, it sounds like the rookie dodged any serious injury in Sunday’s win. Daniels and the Commanders have a big tilt with the Bears and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams on tap for Week 8. If he can suit up, Daniels will profile as a high-end QB1 for fantasy. If he can’t play, it will be Marcus Mariota making his first start of the 2024 campaign. Mariota threw for an impressive 205/2 and completed 78.3 percent of his passes in relief of Daniels in Week 7.

It’s good news for Metcalf, who exited Week 7’s win on a cart after posting a 4-99-1 line against the Falcons. Per Rapoport, Metcalf will undergo some additional tests on Monday, but the team and coach, Mike Macdonald, aren’t overly concerned about Metcalf’s injury at this time, and there’s “general optimism” he’ll be okay. If he can play in Week 8, Metcalf will have high-end WR2 upside against the Bills.

Per Rapoport, McCaffrey has been running on flat ground, and there have been no concerns regarding his rehab. With the 49ers on a Week 9 bye, it sounds like Week 10 continues to be the targeted return date for McCaffrey. Injuries have marred this 49ers offense all season, with the likely loss of Brandon Aiyuk (knee) just being the latest to befall them. Assuming McCaffrey is healthy and back to his old ways when he returns, the 49ers will have a much-needed piece back in the fold for the stretch run of the regular season.

Coleman exited in Sunday’s win over the Panthers and did not return. He’ll now be required to clear concussion protocol if he hopes to suit up in Week 8 against the Bears. The rookie has started every game at left tackle for the Commanders this season and had given up only two sacks entering Week 7, per PFF. Cornelius Lucas replaced Coleman and would likely draw the start if Coleman cannot go.

Boutte saw only two targets and registered one catch for 33 yards, but the second-year receiver continues to see a growing role in New England’s offense. His 37 routes run, per PFF, were the most he’s run all season, and his 50 offensive snaps were the most of any skill position player outside of Hunter Henry (52). Boutte was once considered a future first-rounder after he broke out for 45-735-5 as a true freshman at LSU in 2020. Injuries and poor quarterback play derailed him in 2021 and 2022, which led to him getting drafted in the sixth round of last year’s draft. While he’s far from a reliable fantasy start, it’s worth wondering if the potential he showed in college is starting to shine through in practice, which has led to the increase in playing time.

DTR came on in relief of Deshaun Watson after Watson left with an Achilles injury. The second-year quarterback completed 11-of-24 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions and was outperformed by Jameis Winston in the short time Winston saw the field. Thompson-Robinson entered Week 7 as the team’s QB2 after serving as the emergency QB3 through the first six weeks. If he’s able to go in Week 8, DTR will presumably start against the Ravens, but we’ll see what the team has to say about his finger later in the week.

Three of Washington’s four targets were designed screens away from pressure, signifying an intent to keep the towering tight end involved in the offensive game plan amidst the quarterback change in Pittsburgh. Even so, Washington has yet to return a usable fantasy score through seven games and can safely be left on the waiver wire.