NFL Player News

Jacksonville has worked to improve their linebacker group over the last two offseasons, selecting Quincy Williams in the third-round last offseason, K’Lavon Chaisson in the first-round as a hybrid player, Quarterman in the fourth-round a few months ago and giving Joe Schobert a five-year deal with $21 million guaranteed. Quarterman packs a punch, but he might struggle in coverage compared to the athletes that surround him.

After being a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, Pittman logging another practice on Thursday is a good sign for his Week 11 availability. Pittman missed Week 10’s game against the Bills in part due to a finger injury he suffered in Week 9, but that seems to be behind him. We’ll see where things stand when Friday’s injury report is released, but it sounds like we can expect Pittman to suit up against the Jets, where he’ll be a boom-or-bust WR2.

Pierce has missed the last two games as a result of his injury. The third-year back has had a challenging season dealing with injuries and the fact Joe Mixon is handling the majority of backfield touches. To date, Pierce has 14 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown, with most of his production coming on a 54-yard run in Week 6 against the Patriots. If he is active for Week 11 against the Cowboys, Pierce won’t have any fantasy upside, given the current state of Houston’s backfield. He could make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues, but that’s where his ceiling tops out at this point in time.

Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, was placed on injured reserve last week after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. He’s required to miss at least four games as a result but will be eligible to return in Week 15 Week. Tanor Bortolini filled in for Kelly in the Colts’ Week 10 loss to the Bills and should continue to start in his place until he is eligible to return.

Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, isn’t exactly committing to playing next season, but he’s definitely not ruling it out. He and the 3-7 Jets have had their fair share of struggles this season, and returning for another year of losing probably isn’t his preferred way to go out. With eight weeks left in the season, it’s possible Rodgers will see how the rest of the year plays out before making any firm decisions. He’s under contract through the 2025 season and will earn $23.5 million if he does return.

Barmore was placed on the NFI list earlier this offseason after it was revealed he was dealing with blood clots. The fourth-year tackle racked up a career-high 64 tackles last season and also tallied a career-high 8.5 sacks. He could still be a long way from returning to the playing field, but his return to the practice field is an encouraging sign when you consider that many thought he could miss all of the 2024 season when he was initially diagnosed.

Bryant left the Raiders’ Week 9 loss to the Bengals with an ankle injury. He was the direct backup to Brock Bowers with Michael Mayer out, but Bryant starts out not practicing out of the bye. If Bryant cannot go in Week 11 against the Dolphins, Justin Shorter will be the direct backup to Bowers, who will continue to eat targets.

Williams popped up on the practice report with a new foot injury, listed as a non-participant for Wednesday. He has 2.5 sacks starting eight games on the Seahawks’ defensive line this season. LB Boye Mafe (knee) was limited in practice as the Seahawks get out of the bye trying to get their defense healthy.

Fant begins the week not participating, a sign his groin injury still needs time to heal. Prior to the team’s Week 10 bye, head coach Mike Macdonald had said Fant would need some time before returning, indicating he will miss Week 11 and potentially more time. The Seahawks don’t have many fantasy-serious options at tight end without Fant, and his groin injury makes Fant expendable in shallower leagues.

Brown did not practice to begin the week after head coach Zac Taylor called him day-to-day on Monday. He participated in the Monday walkthrough, but is officially a non-participant for Wednesday after missing the last two games for the Bengals. LB Joe Bachie (hip), DT B.J. Hill (knee), and WR Charlie Jones (groin) were also non-participants on the Bengals’ Wednesday practice report.

Mack played through the groin issue last week but was barely on the field, logging four snaps on defense with no other stats to his name. He was listed as questionable for the contest after being held out of all three practice sessions. Mack will need to get in at least a limited session before we can count on him a anything other than an emergency option. The stud EDGE has 4.5 sacks and five TFLs this year.