NFL Player News

A junior college transfer, Brown (5’11/203) thrived with the Nittany Lions, finishing fifth in solo tackles each of the last two seasons while recording 10 interceptions. Brown also increased his rush responsibilities last year, posting 15 pressures to go along with a phenomenal 90.6 pass rush grade that was the fourth-highest mark nationally. A moveable chess piece, Brown played 682 career snaps at free safety, 510 in the box, and 259 in the slot. A strong, compact player who pushed out 18 bench reps at the Combine (80th percentile), Brown’s ramp-up speed was confirmed by a very commendable 1.56s 10-yard split (83rd percentile) and 4.21s shuttle (71st percentile). Though his 4.65 40-yard dash (37th percentile) and 32.5” vertical (28th percentile) leave something to be desired, Brown makes up for a lack of elite traits with a willingness to mix it up on the interior and crash down in run support. A high football IQ player who relishes the enforcer role, Brown has the skills and makeup to be a core defensive contributor on the NFL level.

Bosa’s dual-oblique/hip injury will sideline him again and the defensive line will also notably be without starting DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), leaving the 49ers defensive-right side of the field awfully short-staffed. Josh Allen’s blindside should be kept clean and the run game will likely be able to impose its will easily, running off of left tackle Dion Dawkins. CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee) is out though CB Charvarius Ward (personal) will return after a three-game absence.

Williams was sidelined on Wednesday and Thursday and not seen practicing on Friday either. Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows observed Williams using a knee scooter to get around the locker room. He regularly plays through injury but it is fair to wonder if his Week 14 availability is also in jeopardy. LG Aaron Banks has also been ruled out after failing to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.

All signs point to Tillman missing Week 13 after two DNPs to open the week. Tillman and the Browns play on Monday, giving the second-year wideout one more day to return to the practice field. Assuming he is out versus the Broncos, Jerry Jeudy will push for a WR2 rank in a revenge game against his former team.

Purdy was seen throwing in practice on Friday while backup Brandon Allen participated with the scout team, indicating the 49ers expect Purdy to play on Sunday. Purdy remains at risk for a potential setback but fantasy managers should bank on Purdy being available as a high-end QB2. He will unfortunately be without LT Trent Williams (heel/ankle).

We’d call him unlikely to return based on his inability to put weight on his knee before coming off between the arms of two members of the Vegas staff. Turner broke a tackle on a short catch for a 25-yard gain on his only target before leaving.

Nix was estimated as a limited participant for Thursday’s practice. He told reporters today he is “good to go” for Week 13 and a full practice all but confirms that. With eight touchdowns over his past three games, Nix is breaking out as a passer in addition to his rushing output. He will remain on the QB1/2 border for his upcoming bout with the Browns on Monday Night Football.

Smith practiced in full on Friday, his first such practice of the week, before being removed from the injury report. Smith will be needed to slow the Eagles’ ferocious rushing offense. Fellow starting LB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) is unfortunately listed as doubtful though.

Fant will play for the first time since Week 8. With zero teams on bye, Fant sits in the TE1/2 range though the Seahawks’ passing-game efficiency keeps a mid-to-high positional finish in his range of outcomes.

Bigsby practiced in full throughout the week and shouldn’t have any limitations versus the Texans. He has been far more explosive on the ground compared to Travis Etienne this year, but the latter plays on passing downs. With the Jags entering the weekend as considerable underdogs to Houston, that role is crucial for maintaining a fantasy floor. Without it, Bigsby is a high-risk RB3 for Week 13.

Lockett is now firmly operating as the Seahawks’ No. 3 WR and offers fantasy managers very little week-to-week reliability. He is WR5/6 for the occasion, though an explosive gain or two is within his range of outcomes given the Jets’ defensive struggles.