NFL Player News

“When I close my eyes and picture a Pro Bowl offensive lineman, I see the profile of Tennessee’s Trey Smith,” Scarborough writes, later adding that "[w]ith his size and athleticism, I would have been surprised if he hadn’t been a first-round pick in last month’s draft.” Scarborough is on the money with his comments on Smith’s talent and upside, but the real test is going to be in the doctor’s office, as Smith played in just seven games back in 2018 due to blood clots, an issue which first cropped up in February of that year. While he was able to bounce back as a first-team All-SEC performer last fall, medicals are going to have a lot to say about Smith’s ultimate draft slot.

There isn’t much known regarding Jackson’s situation but he did not travel with the team ahead of their Week 11 divisional tilt against the Steelers. The winner of that game steps into first in the division, making the showdown one to watch. Amplifying information should be provided by the team regarding Jackson’s status moving forward.

Kay Cabot notes that Wills Jr.'s knee injury flared up. He told reporters this week that he was benched earlier in the season for making a “business decision.” Wills Jr. was referring to not trying to play through an injury against the Ravens earlier in the year. He was off the injury report, but played only two snaps in Week 9 before the Browns bye week. Now he’s hurt again and won’t play against the Saints. The former first round pick is set to hit free agency this offseason.

Kyed notes that Barmore’s absence from practice on Friday won’t preclude him from suiting up on Sunday. Barmore was placed on the NFI list after dealing with blood clots. The former second round pick had a career year last year and now all signs point to the Patriots getting a big piece for their defense back in Week 11 against the Rams.

Mayer was a full participant in practice this week. While he’s still listed as questionable for Week 11 against the Dolphins, expect him to suit up now that he’s been taken off injured reserve. Due to the presence of Brock Bowers, Mayer is merely the team’s TE2 and not on the fantasy radar.

Rodgers told the media this week he thinks he’ll play again in next year. He has 23 and a half million reasons to suit up again at age-41. Russini states that Rodgers’ Jets future is uncertain with eight weeks remaining in the season. New York has catered to all of his needs, mainly allowing him to play with his favorite receivers and hiring Nathaniel Hackett. None of it has translated to more wins for the Jets, who have to think about their long-term future at the most important position in football this offseason, regardless of what they end up doing with Rodgers. New York would have the eighth overall pick in the draft if the season ended today, but a lot can change in the next eight weeks.

Vrabel, currently working as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns, was canned by the Titans after two down years. Russini notes that the culture builder archetype of coach are expected to be hot commodities this offseason. With lots of jobs expected to open up and Vrabel’s desire to coach, conditions should allow him to have options for his next stop. He was 54-45 in six years at the helm of the Titans.

New England used a second round pick on Thornton (50th overall) just three years ago, but he was a healthy inactive each of the last two weeks while the Patriots dressed six wide receivers. Rumors swirled that the team was open to trading Thornton before the deadline, but there weren’t any takers. He’s likely to go unclaimed on waivers before finding a spot on another team’s practice squad. Thornton ends his Patriots career with 39 catches, 385 yards and two touchdowns in 28 games.

Rapoport also reports Cooper “is officially listed as questionable so [we’re] not certain on his status yet” but notes that Cooper “envisions” himself playing against the Chiefs. Fantasy managers should tentatively expect Cooper to play this weekend. He can be started as a WR2/3.

Popper mentions Bosa has “played 20, 19 and 20 snaps in the past three games, respectively.” The Chargers have smartly managed Bosa’s recovery this season and although they face an uphill battle in overtaking the 9-0 Chiefs, the 6-3 Chargers have decent odds of securing a playoff spot. Bosa should be around for the long haul, thanks to the Chargers’ conservative training staff.

McCaffrey got a light workload in practice this week and will continue to do so as the 49ers look to keep everyone fresh for the playoff push. He’s good to go for Week 11. Coming off a 19-touch outing in his 2024 debut, McCaffrey is fighting for the top overall running back spot for the final two months of the season.