NFL Player News

Del Rio was on a short leash heading into Thursday’s prime time matchup. A blowout loss to the Bears in Week 5, plus two losses to a three-win Giants team, which included a Week 11 loss to Tommy DeVito, left little hope of Del Rio sticking out the season. The Thanksgiving Day beat down against the Cowboys was simply the final straw. In what is sure to be one of several coaching changes in Washington over the next few months, Del Rio’s firing is the first domino to fall, as head coach Ron Rivera will now take over defensive play calling duties. The Commanders ranked as a top-10 unit in several defensive categories last season, but are now allowing the most points per game (29.2) and the fourth most yards per game (377.7). They’ve become the “get right” defense for every opposing quarterback and fantasy manager this season. While we’d expect that to continue, whatever happens from here on out will take place with Rivera calling the plays. In addition to Del Rio, the Commanders also fired defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer.

Perryman was making his first appearance for the Chargers in four weeks because of the groin injury. The veteran linebacker will likely sit the rest of the Thursday Night contest and Troy Dye should see the majority of the snaps in the middle for the Los Angeles linebacker corps.

The Chargers have been riddled with injuries to the secondary, and now Maye will be out of action for the foreseeable future during Thursday night’s contest. He’s currently undergoing X-rays, which doesn’t seem to bode well for a return Thursday night.

“I’m going to try and work with them as much as possible to help them attack free agency,” Parsons said. “I want to be back with this team. This offseason, I want to be here. I want to get these guys right. I want to take big steps, so hopefully it can be done sooner than later so we can attack the offseason.” Parsons is one of the most productive defenders in football, and the 2021 first-round pick will likely become one of the highest paid defensive players in the history of the sport whenever he signs a new deal.

Fant was limited Wednesday but that’s likely to be the case as the Seahawks look to load-manage the 27-year-old tight end for the rest of the 2024 campaign. Fant will be a low-end TE2 for Week 16 against the Vikings.

Charbonnet was limited during Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions after picking up an oblique injury during the blowout loss to the Packers on Sunday. Even if the 23-year-old is able to play, his role will likely be limited — considerably — with the presumed return of Kenneth Walker from his calf injury. Kenny McIntosh would be the backup if Charbonnet did miss Week 16 against the Vikings.

Metcalf didn’t practice at all Wednesday, but it appears to just be maintenance as the Seahawks do their best to keep the wideout healthy for the final few weeks. It seems likely that Metcalf will be on the field for Week 16 against the Vikings, but it’s worth noting it’s been five games since Metcalf has found the end zone and he hasn’t gone over 100 yards since September 30.

After missing Wednesday’s practice — and the last two games — Walker getting in a full session is delightful news for fantasy managers hoping to play the 24-year-old tailback Sunday. Assuming no setbacks, it seems very likely Walker will get the ball an awful lot in Week 16 against the Vikings. That workload could be even bigger if Zach Charbonnet (oblique) getting a limited session Thursday.

Hurt will be playing for the first time since the end of November after being placed on injured reserve with his hip injury He isn’t likely to be a major fantasy contributor, but with Will Dissly (shoulder) inactive, it could open up some snaps/targets. The remaining inactives for the Chargers are CB Cam Hart S Elijah Molden LB Shaquille Quarterman OL Brenden Jaimes OL Jordan McFadden and QB Easton Stick (emergency QB)

McLaughlin was ruled out Wednesday for Week 16 by the Broncos on Wednesday, but it’s just a friendly reminder. Wilson will be the emergency third quarterback for the Thursday Night Football contest.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb told reporters Thursday that Smith took every snap during the session, and looked good doing it. The 34-year-old was forced out of action during Sunday’s blowout loss to the Packers, but it appears all systems are go for a must-win — or pretty close to it — game against the Vikings in Week 16.