NFL Player News

The NFL Combine record-holder on the bench press came to camp noticeably stronger after working out like a maniac during the offseason. He’s drawn early-camp praise from the coaching staff for his versatility, speed, strength and athleticism. “Toeanina’s going to have his hands full,” DC Rod Marinelli said Thursday.

Shanahan said a decision on McCaffrey’s active status would be made publicly at kickoff. This likely means the 49ers won’t announce if McCaffrey will return from his Achilles injury until the inactive list releases 90 minutes before the team’s Week 10 game against the Buccaneers. However, Shanahan also said McCaffrey is “not hurting...hopefully he can string together three days in a row.” and his workload “definitely could [be a normal workload], but it also definitely might not.” Shanahan is optimistic about McCaffrey’s health but is purposefully playing coy about his chances of playing or role. With a limited practice Wednesday, McCaffrey is on his way to practicing three days and playing Week 10, but fantasy managers should monitor the situation and keep Jordan Mason on rosters.

Pittman sat a 4th-and-2 play in the fourth quarter of the Colts’ Week 9 loss to the Vikings due to a dislocated finger. The medical staff fixed his finger and Pittman is presumably not dealing with any more issues stemming from it. However, the back injury he suffered in October continues to impact him. Colts head coach Shane Steichen said they are taking it “week-to-week” with Pittman, who continues to start through the injury. He has had one catch in back-to-back games while Josh Downs has been the primary receiver as Pittman continues to nurse his back issue.

Evans has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Week 7. He has yet to practice, and the injury is likely to take him through the Bucs’ Week 11 bye. Cade Otton has been the top target with Evans out and his usage will continue until Evans can return.

Irving has been dealing with a toe injury for the last few weeks and head coach Todd Bowles said the issue may linger throughout the season. Given Irving has played through the toe issue, he is on track to play again Week 10. Fantasy managers can expect Irving to pop up on injury reports down the road, but he is managing the injury and should be good to go barring setbacks.

McMillan was sidelined with a hamstring injury for Week 9 and starts out this week not practicing in the Bucs’ Wednesday walkthrough. If McMillan remains out, Cade Otton and Sterling Shepard will be the biggest beneficiaries. Rakim Jarrett will see increased snaps as well as the Bucs’ depleted receiving corps nurses injuries.

Shepard popped up on the injury report with hamstring and hip issues on Wednesday after the Bucs’ Week 9 Monday loss to the Chiefs. Starting off a shorter week, Shepard still has a chance to practice in time for Week 10’s matchup against the 49ers. However, if he cannot go, Trey Palmer remains the primary healthy wide receiver on the team with TE Cade Otton receiving another bump in usage.

Mayfield was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday due to a toe issue. This is a new injury listing for him, though the Bucs are coming off a Monday game against the Chiefs in Week 9, so this could be rest management as well. Fantasy managers should monitor Mayfield’s practice status later in the week to see if there should be concern about his game status Week 10 against the 49ers.

Mason aggravated his AC joint sprain pre-bye, in the 49ers Week 8 again against the Cowboys. His early week participation bodes positively for his availability in Week 10. The 49ers have not yet revealed workload plans for Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles), who is expected to make his 2024 debut this week. Mason will be ready to chip in though.

Slater also reports that her sources told her “it typically takes more than a 4 week recovery. In some cases, they let it scar over, repair and then strengthen. With that being said, Prescott is seeking other opinions which is why there is currently a reluctance to place him on IR or make any determinations about a timeline for return.” An avulsion injury is far more serious than a typical strain. Fantasy managers should prudently move on from Prescott at this time.

Wattenberg’s potential return bodes positively for the Broncos’ pass-protection ability as they prepare to take on Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ talented pass rush. Wattenberg still has to get through the week setback-free though.