NFL Player News

Webb will move away from “special packages,” wide receiver, and special teams to concentrate on quarterback after impressing in spot duty last season. He will enter the season second on the depth chart, with the possibility of pushing Christian Ponder in the event of a prolonged slump.

Rapoport had previously reported that Brown “must improve greatly” to play this week. However, the 24-year-old running back participated in walkthrough Friday, which could be a good sign for his availability against the Steelers. Brown is still listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision. Even if he’s active, there’s the potential Brown won’t be able to make it through the game without re-injury, but he’s certainly going to try. Khalil Herbert would be the main beneficiary from Brown either being inactive or limited in Week 18.

New England’s head coaching position technically isn’t open at the moment and Russini has reported multiple times in the past that Jerod Mayo is expected to get a second season with the Patriots. Still, the timing of this report ahead of New England’s last game is enough to raise some eyebrows. The advantages to the Patriots job are obvious with the team in position for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft while having the most cap space in the league this offseason and a young quarterback already in place. The only question that remains is if the job will actually become available in the next week.

Rapoport specifically addressed the idea of the Cowboys offering McCarthy a one-year deal, indicating that McCarthy may be unwilling to sign a contract that lacks a multi-year commitment. Rapoport was also careful to note that he expects McCarthy to have other head coaching opportunities elsewhere in the NFL, if he hits free agency, as scheduled.

Rapoport adds that “Cooper Rush may still start” but that Lance will receive “some real reps... significant reps in this game.” Following the NFL Network segment, Rapoport captioned his post on X, saying, from “2022 through 17 weeks of 2024, Trey Lance has thrown a grand total of 20 passes. He may eclipse that total on Sunday.” Significant reps, indeed. Lance could scramble his way to back-end QB1 results if he is allowed to dropback 20-plus times. He is difficult to fully rely on though, particularly if he is not even guaranteed to be the starter.

Higgins remained limited in all three practices this week, indicating the talented wide receiver avoided suffering any setbacks. Rapoport’s report further indicates that Higgins should be good to go for his typical No. 2 wide receiver role against the division-rival Steelers.

Brown is still technically labeled as questionable to play but Rapoport’s Friday night report is disheartening. Fantasy managers should expect Khalil Herbert to get the Week 18 start against the Steelers. Brown would be an RB1, if active, though at risk for re-injury.

This is perhaps the healthiest Guerendo has been in weeks. He practiced in full all three days and is ready to shoulder the load against the Cardinals. The big-bodied, speedy rookie has decent odds of surpassing the 13 touches he racked up last week. He played particularly well in the passing game, catching 4-of-4 targets for 65 yards. With the 49ers potentially shaking up the offensive personnel this offseason, it would be unsurprising to see Kyle Shanahan further audition Guerendo for passing-down contributions.

Pearsall was added to the injury report with the pair of issues on Wednesday but participated in all three sessions. He was upgraded to a full practice on Friday. Coming off a breakout performance of 141 yards and a touchdown, Pearsall will look to close his tumultuous rookie season on a high note versus Arizona.

Badie was designed to return from injured reserve last week. He practiced in full three times this week before being questionable, giving him a shot at being activated over the weekend. His return would make an already-messy backfield a true nightmare for fantasy purposes.

McConkey was held out of Wednesday’s practice but returned to the field on Thursday. He was also out there on Friday before being cleared. With Josh Palmer out this week, the Chargers will funnel even more target McConkey’s way. Still playing for seeding purposes in the AFC, the Chargers should handle business against the Raiders, putting McConkey on the WR1/2 border for Week 18.