NFL Player News

He made the announcement on former teammate Pat McAfee’s show. The decision was sadly made for Vinatieri, who did not want to hang up his cleats following a rough 2019. No one came calling in 2020, however, so the greatest kicker in league history is calling it a day. The kicker of Super Bowl winners and a franchise icon for two different organizations, Vinatieri is a lock to become the fifth kicker enshrined in Canton, joining Morten Andersen, George Blanda, Lou Groza and Jan Stenerud. Only Andersen and Stenerud were pure kickers.

The 49ers will feature their fourth running back of the season on Sunday against the Dolphins if Guerendo can’t suit up. Guerendo was a DNP in Wednesday’s practice, but it sounds like the team is already preparing to be without the rookie. It’s hard to know what direction the 49ers could go in here, but Patrick Taylor figures to be first in line for touches as the most-tenured member of the Niners. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda only recently joined the team after it was revealed Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason would be placed on injured reserve, but both backs could also work into the mix even if Taylor operates as the lead back.

Overheard on HBO’s Hard Knocks, Wilson said at an event, “Hopefully, I love it here,” when asked if he wants to return to the Steelers next season. Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Steelers this offseason and is receiving the rest of his guaranteed $39 million for the season from the Broncos, who remain on the hook for the contract he signed with them in 2022. Wilson has played well for the Steelers this season, throwing for 1,912-13-3 in eight games while leading them to a 6-2 record. The Steelers won’t be picking at the top of next year’s draft without trading into a top pick, leaving them little options but to bring back Wilson or another vet. Another one-year deal could very well be on the table for Russ, who will be 36 at the start of next season.

Tua popped up on Wednesday’s injury report as a limited participant, but the team doesn’t appear too worried about whether or not that will affect his availability for Week 16’s game against the 49ers. Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated right hip during his final collegiate season at Alabama, which put a red flag on his prospect profile during draft season. This latest injury doesn’t appear to be in any way related to this, and the fact that Tagovailoa was a limited participant on Wednesday should be viewed as a positive early sign for his Week 16 outlook. We’ll assume he’ll be good to go, barring an unexpected development.

Speaking on the Matt LaFleur Podcast, coach LaFleur said Morgan would miss the remainder of the season due to a recurring shoulder injury. The rookie first-rounder has been limited to just six games this season and made only one start. Morgan played exclusively at left tackle during his final three seasons at the University of Arizona but saw work at both guard positions during his rookie campaign while earning a PFF blocking grade of 59.2. Assuming he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, we would expect him to be ready by training camp next season.

Brown suffered what was once believed to be a season-ending shoulder injury in the Chiefs’ first preseason game and hasn’t been heard from since. Now, the speedy receiver will make his long-awaited debut with the team on Saturday against the Texans, providing what should be a much-needed boost to the offense. Reports out of training camp suggested Brown and Patrick Mahomes were developing a good rapport with one another before Brown’s injury. He’s too risky a bet for fantasy managers to count on in Week 16 outside of deep leagues, but a solid target share/route participation rate could make him an intriguing dart thrown in Week 17 against the Steelers.

Hurst was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury in late November. He was designated for return early this week and has been listed as a full participant ever since. Hurst caught just seven passes for 65 yards before going down and won’t have any fantasy viability.

Turner was a late addition on the Vikings’ Wednesday injury report after having a limited showing the the team’s evening walkthrough. Turner looks to be dealing with a knee issue and his practice status later in the week will show how serious this new issue is and if Turner can play in Week 16.

This is Fant’s third lower-body injury of the season, though his early-week participation at least bodes positively for his Week 16 availability. The veteran tight end dealt with a September toe injury before being sidelined by a multi-week groin strain. On the plus side, at least his newest injury isn’t a recurrence.

Metcalf has been nursing a shoulder injury for a couple weeks, but has played through it. He starts out the week not practicing, but should be good to go for Week 16 against the Vikings if the same practice trends as weeks prior hold up. Metcalf’s fantasy viability will be tied to Geno Smith, who did practice on Wednesday.

Walker was officially listed as DNP, but had done some walkthrough activities earlier in the day, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. He has missed two straight games due to his calf injury and the Seahawks will hope he practices this week to play in Week 16. With Zach Charbonnet (oblique) also not practicing, Kenny McIntosh is in line to start if Walker is not ready to go against the Vikings.