NFL Player News

Patriots owner Robert Kraft had an “initial meeting” with head coach Bill Belichick Monday, after which it was noted that former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could return to the team should Belichick stay. Callahan goes on to note that McDaniels could serve as assistant head coach for the Patriots in that scenario. There is still a lot to work out and still a lot of time to do so, but it’s interesting to hear two reports within 24 hours regarding present and former New England coaches interested in a return to the team after Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said he would be interested in returning to New England as the head coach if Belichick left this offseason.

There are several moving parts in New York outside of Rodgers. The Jets will be filling vacancies at head coach and general manager after firing Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas this season. The new brain trust will ultimately determine if Rodgers is back with the team next year. Rodgers has no guaranteed money left on his deal, but cutting him would leave the Jets with a $49 million dead cap hit. Still, a new staff will likely want a fresh start at quarterback instead of a 41-year-old passer in what could be his final season, making the dead cap charge a cost of doing business.

The Falcons came into the week with a very busy injury report, but the big names are all healthy and active for Week 13. McClellan was downgraded to out on Friday with a knee injury he apparently suffered in practice. It wouldn’t be surprising if he was sent to injured reserve next week. Younghoe Koo (hip) is playing off the questionable line. Hughes is out with a Neck injury despite getting in a full practice on Friday. The others are healthy scratches.

Highsmith will miss another week with an ankle injury. The Steelers are undefeated in games where he plays this season, but just 2-3 when he does not. Obviously, this is a slight boost for the Bengals offense.

Perryman has now missed back-to-back games with a groin injury. Hart was also ruled out on Friday with an ankle designation. Neither of those two players practiced this week and it will be an uphill battle for them to play in Week 14. Playing off the questionable line for the Chargers is Daiyan Henley (calf). The rest of these players are healthy scratches and/or the third quarterback.

After missing last week’s game with a concussion, Spears was listed as questionable heading into this week. Now officially out of concussion protocol, Spears will likely continue to split carries with Tony Pollard in Sunday’s game against the Commanders. Spears earned double-digit touches in Week 10, but only five touches in Week 11 due to his injury. Fantasy managers shouldn’t treat him as anything more than an RB4 that may have some value as a pass-catcher in PPR leagues. While Spears is active, the Titans did decalre CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally, RB Joshua Kelley, TE David Martin-Robinson, and OL Leroy Watson IV inactive for Week 13.

The first round draft pick will make his NFL debut against the Vikings after sustaining a serious calf injury in September. The team has been careful in getting him back into action. The Cardinals declared TE Travis Vokolek, WR Xavier Weaver, OL Christian Jones, OLB Julian Okwara, and DL Khyiris Tonga inactive against Minnesota.

Douglas was listed as questionable for Week 13 after being limited in all three practices. He enters Sunday as a low-ceiling WR4. Inactive for the Patriots are WR K.J. Osborn, S Marte Mapu, QB Joe Milton, OG Leser Cotton, OG Tyrese Robinson, DT Jaquelin Roy, and DE Titus Leo.

Rankins is out with an illness and Logan Wilson has a knee injury. Those are both meaningful losses for the Bengals defense, especially against the run from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Hall was elevated from the practice squad Saturday but remains inactive as the Seahawks’ No. 3 quarterback.

Robinson practiced fully late in the week and will suit up against an Arizona defense graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s third worst pass-rushing unit. Vikings declared RG Ed Ingram, TE Josh Oliver, OL Michael Jurgens, DT Levi Drake Rodriguez, CB Dwight McGlothern, S Jay Ward, and QB Brett Rypien inactive against Arizona.