NFL Player News

Hicks, soon to be 32 years old, spent the last two years in Minnesota. He missed four games in 2023 because of a shin injury but was productive when healthy, racking up 107 tackles, four TFLs, and one sack. He also broke up five passes and scored a touchdown on one of his two fumble recoveries. The eight-year NFL veteran is still a high-end starter. For a Cleveland team that may be forced to rely on their world-class defense to win games once again, the Hicks addition is a strong one given how little it will cost.

Speaking Saturday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s back injury is “not of high concern” after the star wide receiver popped back up on the injury report Saturday, ultimately drawing a questionable tag for the team’s Monday Night Football contest against the Texans. The coach’s comments ease a bit of the uncertainty for fantasy managers that are likely counting on the alpha wide receiver’s production for Week 11.

Collins was activated from injured reserve ahead of the team’s Week 10 game against the Lions but was ultimately held out of action for the fifth consecutive game. He proved his health in practice this week, upgrading to a full participant in the final two sessions before being removed from the injury report on Saturday. The Texans will look to get back in the win column against the Cowboys after dropping two straight.

Lamb was not listed on the team’s injury report to begin the week, appearing to be fully cleared of the AC joint sprain suffered in Week 10. He then popped back up on the injury report Saturday, this time with a back injury. Fantasy managers will want to confirm the status of the alpha wide receiver prior to Sunday’s main slate to gauge his expected level of health for Monday Night Football.

There isn’t much known regarding Jackson’s situation but he did not travel with the team ahead of their Week 11 divisional tilt against the Steelers. The winner of that game steps into first in the division, making the showdown one to watch. Amplifying information should be provided by the team regarding Jackson’s status moving forward.

Kay Cabot notes that Wills Jr.'s knee injury flared up. He told reporters this week that he was benched earlier in the season for making a “business decision.” Wills Jr. was referring to not trying to play through an injury against the Ravens earlier in the year. He was off the injury report, but played only two snaps in Week 9 before the Browns bye week. Now he’s hurt again and won’t play against the Saints. The former first round pick is set to hit free agency this offseason.

Kyed notes that Barmore’s absence from practice on Friday won’t preclude him from suiting up on Sunday. Barmore was placed on the NFI list after dealing with blood clots. The former second round pick had a career year last year and now all signs point to the Patriots getting a big piece for their defense back in Week 11 against the Rams.

Mayer was a full participant in practice this week. While he’s still listed as questionable for Week 11 against the Dolphins, expect him to suit up now that he’s been taken off injured reserve. Due to the presence of Brock Bowers, Mayer is merely the team’s TE2 and not on the fantasy radar.

Rodgers told the media this week he thinks he’ll play again in next year. He has 23 and a half million reasons to suit up again at age-41. Russini states that Rodgers’ Jets future is uncertain with eight weeks remaining in the season. New York has catered to all of his needs, mainly allowing him to play with his favorite receivers and hiring Nathaniel Hackett. None of it has translated to more wins for the Jets, who have to think about their long-term future at the most important position in football this offseason, regardless of what they end up doing with Rodgers. New York would have the eighth overall pick in the draft if the season ended today, but a lot can change in the next eight weeks.

Vrabel, currently working as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns, was canned by the Titans after two down years. Russini notes that the culture builder archetype of coach are expected to be hot commodities this offseason. With lots of jobs expected to open up and Vrabel’s desire to coach, conditions should allow him to have options for his next stop. He was 54-45 in six years at the helm of the Titans.

New England used a second round pick on Thornton (50th overall) just three years ago, but he was a healthy inactive each of the last two weeks while the Patriots dressed six wide receivers. Rumors swirled that the team was open to trading Thornton before the deadline, but there weren’t any takers. He’s likely to go unclaimed on waivers before finding a spot on another team’s practice squad. Thornton ends his Patriots career with 39 catches, 385 yards and two touchdowns in 28 games.