NFL Player News

Mafi (6’3/329) was a 3-star recruit, and the 88th-ranked Defensive Tackle in the 2018 recruiting class, from San Mateo, California, according to 247 Sports. Much like the running back he was blocking for, Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet, Mafi is sometimes misunderstood as a one-trick pony, as he is so much more than a simple physical mauler on the interior. He has a nuanced understanding of tools that scare defensive linemen from his days as a Defensive Tackle early in his college career. The Second Team All-Pac-12 OG brought along his mean streak and his finishing ability from the other side of the ball and has improved his technique every year since converting. Nevertheless, a power-heavy team will take on Mafi as a project who may see consistent reps a couple of years from now. But, when he eventually does get the nod, he will be headhunting defensive linemen with gusto.

Dickson was listed as limited on Wednesday’s practice report due to back spasms. Seahawks kicker Jason Myers took a few punts in practice and looks to double as the punter should Dickson miss Week 14. The Australian has been the Seahawks’ punter since entering the league in 2018 and is averaging 48.7 yards per punt this season after averaging a career-high 50.0 yards per punt last season. Dickson still has a few days to practice and get healthy to punt against the Cardinals.

Robinson is dealing with a hand injury he suffered in the Rams’ Week 13 win over the Saints. He finished the game with a pair of catches, including a 46-yard score. Head coach Sean McVay said Robinson is expected to be available for Week 14. He starts out the week limited, but is on track to play and will be a boom-or-bust play against the Bills.

Lawrence’s significant AC joint sprain will evidently require surgery. The displaced clavicle was easily seen even when Lawrence was wearing a sweatshirt so this result is hardly a surprise. Rapoport adds, “Lawrence will make a full recovery for 2025.”

Al-Shaair was suspended for three games after delivering a significant blow to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s head as Lawrence slid. His hit led to a brawl during the Texans and Jaguars’ Week 13 matchup and Al-Shaair was subsequently ejected. Lawrence is expected to miss the season with the concussion he suffered on the hit and due to surgery on a shoulder injury he sustained prior to returning for Week 13 . Ramon Foster was appointed to oversee Al-Shaair’s appeal of his suspension; Foster upheld the three-game absence. The Texans defense will suffer from missing Al-Shaair, who has seven tackles for loss and two sacks as a starting linebacker and captain. He is eligible to return Week 17 against the Ravens.

Gibbs’ post was a Snapchat video that showed a whiteboard of some of the Lions’ code words for plays. Campbell said, “if we’re gonna lose because of code words, then we’re not good enough anyway.” Both Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson showed little concern over the team code words being on display and seemed to have handled the matter with Gibbs internally. Nothing they said indicates Gibbs will be in the doghouse. He can be fired up as a fantasy RB1 for Thursday against the Packers.

Both injuries are new issues for Walker, which could explain his inefficient play in Week 13. While his limited participation early in the week is promising, this is a situation to monitor closely, particularly the calf component. Backup RB Zach Charbonnet (elbow) practiced in full on Wednesday.

The shoulder issue kept Metcalf sidelined on Wednesday and Thursday before he practiced in full on Friday last week. His early-week participation today suggests he suffered no setbacks in-game. Metcalf did briefly exit Week 13 due to an apparent nerve-related issue in his knee, that impacted his foot, but the team did not list his knee nor his foot on today’s report so we can consider it a thing of the past for now.

McConkey continues to play through injuries this season and his early-week practice participation suggests the trend will continue in Week 14. The stud rookie should push for double-digit targets in a likely pass-heavy game against the Chiefs this week.

Oliver missed a pair of games with the ankle issue and had the wrist injury added to his report more recently. A full practice puts him on track to return in Week 14. With T.J. Hockenson over a month removed from his 2024 debut, Oliver’s return shouldn’t affect his target volume.

Reichard was just designated to return from injured reserve after being placed on the list a month ago. A full practice suggests he is good to go for Week 14. We will know for sure ahead of kickoff as the Vikings have to officially take him off injured reserve before he can suit up. Reichard is one of the top fantasy kickers when healthy and is worth a look for fantasy managers in need of a new leg.