NFL Player News

A decorated recruit out of La Habra HS in the fertile scouting ground of Los Angeles, Phillips (5’9/184) was the fourth rated cornerback from the 2020 recruiting class according to 247Sports. He arrived at Utah polished and ready to play on Day 1, starting every game from his true freshman season until his early declaration in January. The two-time All-Pac-12 and Unanimous 2022 All-American performer led the P12 in PBU each of the last two seasons. A voracious film watcher, Phillips also paced the conference with six interceptions last year, in addition to cashing in four pick-sixes in his Utes career. Compact but swole, he is instinctive and brash in his play style. However, despite a penchant for mirroring receivers of all sizes, the Utah team captain didn’t test particularly well, running a 4.32 3-Cone (40%) with a sluggish 4.51s 40-yard dash at 184 pounds (66th%) in a class where the vast majority of CBs ran in the 4.4-range. His 29.125” arms impede Phillips’ ability to probe receivers and are another demerit in his mundane 5.60 RAS. While 83% of his snaps over his first two years were on the outside, that rate dropped to 63% in 2022, which could be a harbinger for Phillips’ NFL future as a slot-primary corner.

The team announced that they completed the interview with the ESPN personality in a post Thursday. Riddick is widely respected around the league, but this would be his first GM gig after previously serving as a Director of Pro Personnel for both the Commanders and the Eagles. The Jets have also reportedly interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson and Jim Nagy for the position.

Wilson was designated to return Tuesday, but the Steelers will not activate their third-round pick ahead of the season finale against the Bengals in Week 18. Wilson will have a chance to be a part of the receiving corps in 2025, but fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before making an early investment.

The rookie wideout has been limited in both practice sessions ahead of Week 18 against the Cardinals. Pearsall hauled in eight passes and scored a touchdown in the loss to the Lions, and if he’s able to go, he may be the top target for Joshua Dobbs with Brock Purdy (elbow) unable to play.

Guerendo was able to get a full practice in Wednesday, as well, so the 24-year-old tailback should be able to go in the Week 18 finale against the Cardinals. With Brock Purdy (elbow) out, this could be a game where Guerendo gets a good amount of touches with Joshua Dobbs the signal-caller against Arizona.

Shipley was upgrade to a full participant after getting a limited session in Wednesday. The rookie tailback will likely be able to play in Week 18 against the Giants, and with Saquon Barkley sitting out, he could be in for a healthy amount of carries in the season finale.

Abdullah has now missed the last two practices, which is disappointing/concerning after his breakout game against the Saints in Week 17. There’s still a good chance that Abdullah can play against the Chargers in Week 18 if he’s able to practice Friday, but for now he should be considered questionable at best. Alexander Mattison would likely get the bulk of carries if Abdullah cannot play.

Kittle was able to get in a limited session after missing Wednesday’s practice. The 31-year-old should be healthy enough to play, but the 49ers will take no risk with Kittle in a game that doesn’t have any significance on the standings.

Samuel also missed Wednesday’s practice with the issue(s). The 28-year-old wideout appears to be questionable at best for the finale against the Cardinals on Sunday, but keep in mind the 49ers have absolutely nothing to play for and will be without Brock Purdy (elbow) for that finale.

Palmer has been a no-go for the first two practice sessions while dealing with his foot/heel injury. The man they call Big Palm seems to be on the wrong side of the questionable tag ahead of Week 18 against the Raiders in a game that only has (relatively) minor implications for Los Angeles.

Edwards has missed both practices this week ahead of the Week 18 finale against the Raiders. It’s possible the 29-year-old could be able to go Sunday if he gets in a limited session, but it’s just as likely Edwards doesn’t play until the playoff game against either the Texans, Ravens or Steelers.