NFL Player News

With Zach Ertz (quad) on injured reserve, McBride stepped in to a TE1 role on Sunday against the Ravens. Much like Ertz, McBride was targeted early and often in the short areas of the field, but the second-year tight end broke free for a few long plays. His first long catch of the day came on a 17-yard reception in the third quarter, and resulted in a touchdown after the rest of the Cardinals’ offense rushed down field to push him into the end zone. The Cardinals haven’t been shy about targeting their tight ends through eight weeks. McBride could be a fringe top-12 option in Week 9.

Johnson downplayed Thursday’s DNP, saying that field conditions played a role in his decision not to practice. The veteran receiver has already said he plans to play in Week 4 against the Bengals, so his return to practice on Friday shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Assuming he’s active, Johnson profiles as a high-end WR2 against a Bengals defense that was gouged by the Commanders in Week 3.

This is a massive blow to the Cardinals’ offense, as Kyler Murray won’t have his security blanket to lean on in the short and intermediate parts of the field. McBride has caught 14 passes for 122 yards this season while being targeted 23.8 percent of his routes. His absence should create a boon in targets for Michael Wilson, who saw a season-high nine targets in last week’s loss to the Lions even with McBride on the field for the majority of the game. McBride will now aim to clear concussion protocol in time for Week 5’s contest against the 49ers.

We don’t know the extent to which Ford will practice, but Friday will mark two straight practices for the Browns’ RB1 after he opened the week as a DNP. Ford is reportedly dealing with a minor knee issue, but at this point, it’d be surprising if he misses Week 4’s matchup against the Raiders. We’ll have the official word on his availability when the Browns release their final injury report later in the day.

Bernard returned to practice on Thursday but hasn’t had enough time to recover from the pec strain he suffered in Week 2 against the Dolphins. The Bills won’t risk him in Week 4 against the Ravens, but it’s possible a return in Week 5 could be in the works. In addition to Bernard, the Bills also ruled out CB Taron Johnson, who hasn’t practice all week due to a forearm injury.

Wills played on 40 of a possible 67 snaps in his return from injury last week against the Giants. Unfortunately, he reaggravated his knee injury and will now miss Week 4, despite the MRI on his knee showing no significant damage. In addition to Wills, the Browns will also be without Jack Conklin, who has yet to play in a game this season despite being activated from the PUP list at the end of training camp.

After returning to practice on Thursday, Njoku was a DNP on Friday and has since been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 4 contest. Still, a return to practice yesterday is an encouraging sign for Njoku, who could be nearing a Week 5 return when the Browns visit the Commanders. His name will be one to watch on next week’s practice report.

Cubb suffered a Grade 3 ACL tear last December and has been working his way back from the injury ever since. The timing and severity of the injury have long made his 2024 outlook hard to predict, but Weaver doesn’t sound like a coach expecting to see Chubb anytime soon. Speaking Friday, Weaver said, “Chubb is in all of our meetings — gives me the feel we will see him at some point this year.” Chubb is eligible to come off the PUP list in Week 5, but with a Week 6 bye on tap, it’s possible the Dolphins give him a few extra weeks to recover before entertaining the possibility of a return.

Engram hasn’t practiced this week and will presumably miss Friday’s practice as well. The veteran tight end hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in pre-game warmups before Week 2’s matchup against the Browns. Second-year tight end Brenton Strange has caught five passes for 77 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks and will be a boom-or-bust dart throw for Week 4 against the Texans.

Addison expects to play this weekend after logging limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. The undefeated Vikings will face the Packers in their first divisional tilt of the season. Addison caught three passes for 35 yards in Week 1 against the Giants but has missed the team’s last two games while recovering from his ankle injury. His return will only bolster a passing game that’s currently ranked 17th in yards per game and leading the league with eight touchdown passes. Addison will have low-end WR2/high-end WR3 upside if active for Week 4.

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Parsons “spent some time icing his ankle” and was seen limping after the game, but there were “no indications” that he suffered a significant injury. Parsons himself said he knows “very little” about his injury, so Friday’s MRI should be quite revealing. Parsons has 10 days to get right before the Cowboys’ Week 5 matchup against the Steelers. Assuming the MRI doesn’t show anything too serious, it’s possible the Cowboys give Parsons a light practice week to ensure he’s as rested as possible come game day.