NFL Player News

Miller says so after speaking to an NFL defensive line coach, and it’s also interesting that NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah just moved Lawrence (6'4/342) up seven spots (No. 25 overall) in his most recent top 50 rankings. The Clemson defensive tackle is expected to be selected in the second half of Round 1, but this report opens the door up to a mid-first round pick.

Mara commented on the Giants’ state at the premier of late Giants owner Wellington Mara’s documentary. Primarily referring to head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, Mara said he does not anticipate making changes either in-season, or in the offseason. This is a vote of confidence in Daboll and Schoen’s leadership of the team, though the non-changes may end there. QB Daniel Jones has fallen short of expectations and Mara did not discuss Jones during this conversation. The Giants currently stand at 2-5 and Mara’s comments indicate that at least the leadership at the top - Daboll and Schoen - won’t change any time soon.

Huntley exited the Dolphins’ Week 7 loss to the Cardinals with a shoulder injury. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) slated to return in Week 8, Huntley’s status will determine the backup situation for Miami. If Huntley cannot go, it will likely be Tim Boyle as the backup against the Cardinals.

Waddle appeared to be shaken up during the Dolphins’ Week 7 game, but he continued to play. It is unclear if he sustained the quad injury during that game, but he now starts the week off limited. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) expected to return, Waddle will get a boost for fantasy, but it is worth monitoring if this quad issues turns concerning later in the week.

Johnson popped up on the injury report with a shoulder issue Wednesday. He has not been a consistent fantasy tight end this season, with Foster Moreau mixing in with Johnson in a Saints offense that’s gone downhill since the first two weeks of the season. Johnson’ practice status can be monitored throughout the week, but expect him to play Week 8.

Parsons injured his ankle in Week 4 and has not been able to play since. A non-participation status is a little concerning, especially since the Cowboys are just coming out of a bye week. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Parsons will be a game-time decisions against the 49ers for Week 8, but his return may be leaning closer to Week 9 if he cannot practice. CB DaRon Bland (foot) also did not practice with his 21-day activation window open.

Samuel was hospitalized for pneumonia after being active but not playing for Week 7. He was released on Tuesday and was at the 49ers’ facility, but did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel was listed for both an illness and wrist injury, which he dealt with last week. It will be difficult for Samuel to get back to playing for Week 8, but practice status later in the week will help determine that; head coach Kyle Shanahan has said he was hopeful Samuel would play. Fellow WR Chris Conley (ankle) was limited in practice. With Samuel and Jauan Jennings (hip) missing practice and Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) out for the season, Conley’s status has suddenly become notable.

Bosa popped up on the injury report with an elbow injury and though he was potentially headed to a DNP status, the 49ers have him listed as limited for Wednesday. DT Kevin Givens (groin) and S George Odum (knee) did not participate in practice as the banged-up 49ers try to get healthy ahead of a Week 8 matchup against the Cowboys.

Lucas has been on the PUP lists since July, while Fant has been on injured reserve since September. Both offensive tackles practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday as they begin their journey back to being activated. Geno Smith will welcome the offensive line help.

Woolen has missed two straight weeks with an ankle injury, though his limited practice to start the week bodes well for his Week 8 return. Fellow cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle) did not practice, keeping the secondary thin to begin the week.

Walker was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness before playing in the Seahawks’ Week 7 game against the Falcons. He starts off this week not practicing, but fantasy managers should not be too concerned yet, given he still had 16 touches on Sunday. Zach Charbonnet is the direct backup and handled eight carries while Walker played through the illness. Expect Walker to go Week 8, but if not, Charbonnet is an elite handcuff in the Seahawks’ backfield.