NFL Player News

A sixth-round rookie, Gaines will likely have to carve out a role on special teams before he’s asked to contribute on defense.

Ridder was named as the Week 15 starter by Antonio Pierce last week, but that was before we knew Aidan O’Connell (knee) would try to play through the injury he suffered in Week 14. According to Schefter, O’Connell, who is questionable, will try to test things out in pregame warmups, but Ridder “is expected to start for now.” Assuming he gets the nod, Ridder will have a chance to face off against his former team who selected him No. 74 overall just three years ago. We’ve seen enough of Ridder to know he shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy leagues and should be kept off the radar altogether outside of 2QB/Superflex leagues.

According to Schefter, Montgomery is undergoing additional tests on his knee and getting a second opinion, while adding that the veteran running back “could be lost for the season.” He also added that there are some in the Lions’ organization who believe Monty will be out for the season. It’s a brutal blow to the Lions, and Montgomery’s fantasy managers, as Monty has played a key role in the team’s offensive success both on the ground and through the air. Serving as the “Knuckles” to Jahmyr Gibbs’ “Sonic,” Montgomery has rushed 185 times for 775 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season. His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for second-most amongst all running backs, while his 1,116 yards from scrimmage ranks 18th amongst all backs. Montgomery’s absence should set up Gibbs for high-volume weeks in the fantasy playoffs, while backup Craig Reynolds could also see an increase in playing time. Reynolds’ unpredictable workload will keep him off the fantasy radar in Week 16, although he does make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues for those still in the hunt for a championship.

In one game, the Lions lost three defensive players for the season, as cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw) and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) are also done for the year. Dorsey suffered a nasty-looking injury when he collided with a teammate and had to be carted off the field after being placed in an air cast. Dorsey contributed primarily on special teams for the Lions this season and has played on less than 100 defensive snaps.

On the same day, the Lions learned they lost defensive tackle Alim McNeill for the season they also learned they would be without Davis for the foreseeable future. Davis will almost certainly be out for the remainder of the regular season, but there is a chance he could return for the postseason if the Lions make a deep enough push. That will prove difficult with so many key defenders on injury reserve, but Detroit’s high-powered offense gives them a fighting chance in any given week. Davis has started all 13 games he’s appeared in for the Lions this season, totaling 56 tackles two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and 11 pass breakups. His absence will be felt by a defense that has been marred by injuries this season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the season-ending injury. The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise after head coach Dan Campbell hinted around this in yesterday’s post-game presser, but the team confirmed the worst on Monday. It’s yet another brutal blow to a Lions defense that will add an eighth defensive lineman to their injured reserve list once they make things official with McNeill. McNeill signed a four-year, $97 million extension in October and ends his year with 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a career-high seven TFLs.

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.