NFL Player News

Wright (6’5/271) made an instant impact as a freshman, playing in all 14 games and recording 28 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble while being named to the C-USA All-Freshman team. He went on to start seven-of-eight games in 2020 before fully breaking out last year with 46 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. His 19.5 percent win rate is a commendable mark, and his 11.5 percent pressure rate was one of the best in the country. However, Wright didn’t show well in pre-draft testing, doing just 15 bench reps due to a strained pectoral to go along with a ghastly 29-inch vertical, 9-foot-6 broad jump, and 4.47 shuttle run while avoiding the 40 altogether. Regardless, he has 34-inch arms he uses to punch, lock out, and shed opposing linemen while boasting advanced agility for his size. He lacks suddenness off the snap and plays high at times, but he still has room to add to his frame, which could give him some three-tech potential at the next level. Wright is well worth the speculative pick in hopes that he can continue to hone his skills.

Metcalf practiced in full just once last week (Friday) so his complete participation early this week signals improved health for the veteran field stretcher. Metcalf could have a big role in an expectedly high-scoring game against the Packers in Week 15.

Mike Macdonald is already telling reporters that Walker doesn’t necessarily need to practice in order to play and Walker’s injured calf required further testing earlier this week. While his malady could certainly improve, it currently looks as though Zach Charbonnet will handle another high-volume, dual-threat workload with Walker again sidelined in Week 15. No. 3 RB Kenny McIntosh is worth stashing in very deep leagues.

Shepard’s potential absence would consolidate the Buccaneers’ target tree in Week 15 so this is an injury for fantasy managers to monitor. The team’s upcoming game against the Chargers is likely to be a fantasy-friendly high-scoring affair. He would be WR4/5-viable if active.

Irving aggravated his combination hip and back injury in Week 14 and should be considered questionable to play in Week 15 against the Chargers. He is a highly volatile RB1/2 if active.

Though a DNP is hardly a positive, taking days off due to injury is par for the course with Evans at this point. He is notably no longer listed with both hamstring and calf injuries, evidently putting the former behind him. Fantasy managers can expect the WR1/2 to suit up, assuming he at least practices in a limited capacity on Friday.

McConkey was limited in all three practices last week before being held out of a high-leverage matchup with the Chiefs. Another limited session today means he didn’t suffer any setbacks. It also makes it hard to say whether or not he will suit up for Week 15. If he doesn’t Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston would both see plenty of targets. Palmer led the team with nine looks last week while Johnston score the Chargers’ lone receiving touchdown.

Bosa has been off the injury report since Week 12, so a DNP to open the week is a bit concerning. He missed three games earlier in the season because of the hip issue. The DNP may be extra workload management for the veteran pass-rusher, but it’s a situation to monitor throughout the week. Bosa has four sacks and a forced fumble this year.

The “finalizing” terminology has already been reported by 247 Sports’ Adam Smith, but the fact that this is now being leaked to national reporters puts even more weight behind the rumors. Schefter also added a rather definitive statement to his report, saying, “Belichick is going back to school, to where his father served as an assistant coach in the 1950s.” We fully expect the ink to dry by the end of the week. Belichick was chasing the all-time wins record as an NFL head coach before the Patriots moved on. He needs 15 to take the crown from Don Shula. That will have to wait as the 72-year-old coach is headed to the college ranks for the first time in his career. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him rejoin the NFL in a few years, though it’s fair to wonder how many seasons he has left. Even if Belichick never returns to the pros, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach will go down as the greatest of all time.

Pitre reportedly suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle and will undergo a repair that will sideline him for the remainder of the year. Pitre is technically a safety but primarily functions as the Texans’ slot DB, which is notable for fantasy purposes. Pitre finishes with a team-high 31 coverage tackles and six passes defended.

Mostert missed Week 14 while dealing with a lingering hip issue. He was limited in all three practices before being listed as questionable, so today’s limited session doesn’t tell us much. With De’Von Achane fully taking over the Miami backfield, Mostert isn’t on the fantasy radar, healthy or not.