NFL Player News

The hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh by the Chargers has likely opened the door for Moore to seek opportunities elsewhere. While his departure from the Chargers hasn’t been officially confirmed, Harbaugh’s ties to NFL play-callers and his history with the likes of Greg Roman could leave Moore on the outside looking in. Moore has long been discussed as a potential head coaching candidate and actually interviewed for the Chargers’ head coaching vacancy earlier this month. His first season with the team was somewhat of a tumultuous one, thanks in part to injuries to Mike Williams and Justin Herbert. Prior to Herbert going down, the Chargers averaged 21.7 points per game and were sixth in early-down pass rate. His commitment to the passing game drew criticism in Dallas, but was valued by the Chargers last offseason. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a team in search of a high-powered passing game target him for an OC role this offseason.

“I feel a confident player. From that standpoint, I’m encouraged,” Payton told reporters after Nix had another dismal outing, completed 20-of-35 passes for 246 yards and two interceptions in a 13-6 loss to the Steelers. Through two weeks, Nix ranks 29th out of 32 qualifying QBs in EPA per drop back. His deep ball has been severely lacking and even his intermediate attempts have been off the mark in his first two pro starts. Payton’s comments suggest Nix will have a long leash this season. Nix goes up against the Bucs in Week 3.

Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concerning brain injury in the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Bills. He is scheduled to meet with specialists regarding his lengthy concussion history early this week. Skylar Thompson has already been announced as the starter until he returns. With only Tim Boyle on their practice squad and no one else on the active roster, Miami had to add more quarterback depth and Huntley was one of the best options out there. Huntley signed with the Browns in the offseason but lost the backup battle to Jameis Winston and was cut before the season. He then signed in Baltimore, where all nine of his career starts took place. Huntley will hold the clipboard for Thompson this week but could ultimately take over if Thompson underwhelms.

Spears sustained the ankle injury in the third quarter of the Titans’ Week 2 loss to the Jets. He did not return to the game, but Rapoport said the back “should be OK.” If Spears is able to practice this week, he should maintain his RB2 duties behind Tony Pollard, who has 33 rushes for 144 yards and a touchdown through two games. Pollard would be a top-12 option if Spears is sidelined next week.

Buckner was helped off the field Sunday against the Packers after sustaining what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury. X-rays on the ankle came back negative and Buckner will undergo more testing in the coming days. Rapoport said it does not appear to be a long-term injury for Buckner, the Colts’ best defensive player. Without Buckner, the Colts have one of the worst front sevens in the NFL.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters after the game that he didn’t think St. Brown’s leg injury was “anything long-term.” Schefter’s report confirms the best-case scenario after St. Brown took a hit to the lower leg from Bucs linebacker Lavonte David in Week 2. St. Brown has a history of gritting it out and playing through injuries, so fantasy managers can be cautiously optimistic that he will take the field in Week 3. The star receiver got back on track versus Tampa Bay with 11 catches for 119 yards. Barring any setbacks with the injury, St. Brown will remain in the WR1 ranks for his upcoming matchup with the Cardinals.

Mixon injured his ankle Sunday night during a hip drop tackle by a Bears defender in the second half. He briefly left the game and returned for one fourth quarter rushing attempt before exiting again. If Mixon can’t practice this week and is sidelined for Week 3 against the Vikings, Cam Akers could function as Houston’s lead back. Dameon Pierce was sidelined in Week 2 with his own ankle ailment.

It means Pacheco, who suffered a gruesome-looking broken fibula in Week 2 against the Bengals, will be sidelined for at least four weeks. Pacheco is set to undergo further testing of the leg injury. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine will likely split backfield duties while Pacheco is out. Perine profiles as the pass catching back while Steele should be the early-down option and goal line runner. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the NFI list and can return by Week 5.

Pacheco was bent back awkwardly in the fourth quarter and left the stadium in a walking boot. Rapoport said KC’s lead back is set to miss “real time,” which could mean weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury. Carson Steele had seven rushes on Sunday, some of which came after Pacheco exited the game. He would likely be the Chiefs’ early down back while Samaje Perine takes on the pass catching duties until Pacheco is back in action. Clyde Edwards-Helaire remains unavailable while he deals with a mental health situation.

After a somewhat even split in Week 1, Moss appears to have taken control of the Bengals backfield. Chase Brown played just 20 percent of the snaps against Kansas City and saw four touches. Moss logged 12 rushes for 34 yards and caught one pass. He had 27 routes to a mere seven routes for Brown. Moss profiles as a solid option for Week 3 against a beatable Washington defense.

Schultz has now seen three targets in consecutive games to start the 2024 season, a far cry from his pace a season ago. A lot of that is likely due to the emergence of alpha Nico Collins in conjunction with the offseason addition of Stefon Diggs. Schultz can likely be returned to the waiver wire with no clear path to consistent volume in a now-crowded Texans offense.