NFL Player News

Knowledgeable people around the league have never mentioned Schwartz among the possible head coaches getting the boot, but some Lions fans have called for his head. Schwartz and the Lions agreed to a multi-year extension through the 2015 season just last offseason. After leading Detroit to a 10-6 record and their first playoff appearance in 12 seasons in 2011, Schwartz has followed that up with a 4-11 performance in 2012 that was kicked off with a slew of offseason player arrests. Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew really need to get the back end of the defense fixed, while getting some guys, like Jahvid Best, back from injury will certainly help.

Williams reportedly aggravated his groin injury in practice. He was technically listed as questionable, but the consensus among reporters is that the veteran back will not suit up. This leaves do-it-all offensive player Taysom Hill to operate as the Saints’ primary change-of-pace rusher, among other things. His upside is quite high for a player with tight end eligibility.

Dugger has been out with the knee issue for a few weeks. He did not practice once this week, putting his availability for Week 11 up in the air as well. Dugger has two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a sack in six games this year.

The same is true of right guard Layden Robinson. Both players played last week and practiced in some capacity three times this week, meaning they should suit up on Sunday. Healthy or not, New England will continue to roll out a bottom-tier line in Week 10.

Landing on injured reserve always seemed like the most likely outcome for Olave, who suffered his fifth recorded concussion last week. The Saints are in a full-on reboot and protecting their star wide receiver should be at the top of their to-do list.

Holland will likely be marked as a limited participant for Friday. Jackson also notes Holland’s current knee injury is unrelated to the bilateral MCL sprains Holland suffered last year. On one hand, the fact that Holland avoided re-injury is a good thing. On the other, this is another knee issue on Holland’s health record.

The Steelers get their bullying rookie center back in time to face an ascending Commanders defense. Frazier has already proven himself worthy of his second-round draft capital. Expect to see him clearing lanes for Najee Harris on Sunday.

The Steelers’ running back and kick returner returns in time to contribute to a hopeful Pittsburgh win over the exciting Commanders squad. Patterson is not flex-viable in his No. 3 role, unfortunately.

Fields cannot be started in any format this week. He is now entrenched as Russell Wilson’s backup, though a trick play or two could be in store. The Steelers my try to get creative against the explosive Commanders offense.

Smith could wind up with a token questionable tag when the Eagles release their final injury report, but he doesn’t appear to be at any risk of missing Week 10. Smith got banged up on a deep reception last week but made what may go down as the catch of the year shortly after, so it clearly didn’t affect him during the game. The Eagles held him out of Wednesday’s practice but he was back on the field for the following two sessions. Smith enters the weekend as a high-ceilinng WR2 versus Dallas.

Pace has a real chance to play this week, as does LB Blake Cashman (toe). Both players practiced in full on Friday. The Jaguars could opt for a run-heavy approach with Mac Jones potentially suiting up in place of Trevor Lawrence (shoulder). Having Pace and Cashman in the lineup would give the Vikings a big boost in derailing that type of game plan.