NFL Player News

Williams was away from the team on Sunday as he dealt with a personal matter, and it appears that same personal matter will keep him away from the Bears full-time. Williams released a statement saying, “I am taking a step back to take care of my health and family. ... I value the NFL shield and all that it stands for and after taking some time to address my health, I plan to come back and coach again.” Coach Matt Eberflus is expected to continue to call defensive plays for the time being.

Boyd was listed as questionable for Week 9 on Friday. The veteran slot receiver has yet to hit 50 yards in a week and has one game with more than three catches. He is buried in the WR6/7 ranks for Week 9.

Pollard did not practice once this week but still drew a questionable tag on Friday. With Tyjae Spears ruled out because of a lingering hamstring issue, the Titans took things down to the wire with Pollard despite his lack of a single practice rep. It appears to have worked as Pollard is in line to gut it out versus the Pats. With Pollard limited at best, it’s safe to assume we will see more of Julius Chestnut than usual. Chestnut is stepping into the No. 2 role sans Spears. Fantasy managers with a bench spot to spare could take a flyer on Chestnut before Sunday’s games.

Will Levis is listed as questionable after getting in three limited practices this week. The Titans are slow-playing his return as he works his way back from a sprained AC joint in his right (throwing) shoulder. Rudolph could earn another start if he defeats the Patriots today. Levis’s mistake-prone style cost the Titans several games in the first five weeks and he only got one win on the board. Fantasy managers can ignore this quarterback room for now, but Rudolph’s presence should create a higher floor for the pass-catchers, namely Calvin Ridley.

Robinson was held to three limited practices this week before being listed as questionable. He has played through injuries before and should have no problem doing so this week. Robinson has at least 15 touches in five of his seven games this year and is getting heaps of red zone carries on Washington’s suddenly elite offense. He sits in the middle of the RB2 ranks for his matchup with New York.

Jacobs missed Wednesday’s practice but was back on the field for a pair of limited sessions before being listed as questionable. He also told reporters on Wednesday he would be good to go come game time, so there never appeared to be any risk of him missing Week 9. With Jordan Love playing through a groin injury, expect the Packers to take the air out of the ball and lean on Jacobs versus Detroit. Jacobs will sneak into the RB1 ranks for Week 9.

At the very least, Russini reports Nacua took the team flight to Seattle. It’s obviously somewhat ominous that Nacua’s knee issue flared up less than one week following his return, but it’s clearly an issue the team and wideout are going to try to manage as they navigate the NFC West’s wild waters. Nacua can be considered a risk/reward must-start on the WR1/2 borderline.

The veteran wide receiver will make his season debut for the Chargers in Week 9 against the Browns. The team also gets back wide receiver Quentin Johnston and tight end Hayden Hurst, making Week 9 the healthiest their pass-catching corps has been since the start of the season.

The veteran injured his knee in the team’s Week 1 contest and has been held out ever since. His return comes just in time as the Seahawks look to upset the divisional rival Rams at home in Week 9 to claim control of a tight NFC West division.

Joseph signed with the Giants in the middle of September following a quad injury sustained by Graham Gano. He will now miss the next four games, at minimum while on injured reserve, opening the door for Jude McAtamney to make his professional debut in Week 9 against the Commanders.

The veteran guard will make his team debut in Week 9 and could force his way back into the starting lineup after starting 11 games in 15 appearances for the Vikings a season ago.