NFL Player News

Coming out of Tacoma High School in 2020, Fuaga (6’6/324) was barely recruited by Power Five programs, as is evidenced by his 82 player rating from 247Sports, which is a low three-star caliber prospect grade. Solely a RT for the duration of his college tenure at OSU, he played only sparingly until 2022 when Fuaga earned an 80.4 PFF offensive grade over 810 snaps while allowing 11 pressure and zero sacks. The Second Team All-Pac-12 RT entered 2023 with confidence and it showed, as he solidified himself as an elite mauler by leading the nation with a 91st percentile run block grade to go with a microscopic 0.6% blown run block rate. While Fuaga is at his best when clearing a path for Beavers RB Damien Martinez, there is still work to be done with his pass sets. Despite him not allowing a single sack in his Oregon State career, his 80th percentile pass block grade ranked 37th nationally. While Fuaga is nearly impossible to defeat with power thanks to his noticeably wide frame and tree trunk lower half, he had difficulty staying in front of technically refined rushers like Washington’s Bralon Trice who could maneuver around the mammoth tackle. His 93rd percentile 32” vertical and 90th percentile 9’03 broad jump were both incredible marks, as was his 1.77s 10-yard split (83rd%) which illustrates the advanced movement skills he brings to the run game. He explodes off the ball and quickly climbs to the second-level hunting for prey and crushing anything in his wake. Toss in a pair of vice grip-like 10.125” hands to complete Fuaga’s 9.60 RAS, and you’ve got a powerful RT with balance, lateral agility and an enticing all-around NFL-ready profile. He’ll join a New Orleans offensive line graded by PFF as last year’s seventh worst pass blocking unit.

Vrabel was passed over by the league last offseason and wound up spending 2024 as a Coaching and Personnel Consultant for the Browns. His contract with the Browns has now expired, and Vrabel is ready to go on another round of interviews in hopes of landing a head coaching gig this season. Vrabel went 54-45 during his six seasons as the Titans head coach while leading them to the postseasons in three of those seasons. Considered by many to be one of the better available coaches, Vrabel will likely field more interviews as jobs begin to open up.

Prater, 40, remains on injured reserve, and the Cardinals will need to activate him shortly if he has any chance in playing in Week 18 against the 49ers. If Prater can’t go, the Cardinals will have Chad Ryland handle the kicking duties.

Russell appeared in 11 games and played mostly on special teams as he didn’t pick up a catch during the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old will likely battle for one of the final tight end spots in the Seahawks’ room in 2025. John Rhys Plumlee was signed to the active roster to take Russell’s spot.

Rivera, 62, last coached with the Commanders in 2023 and “led” the team to a 4-13 record. He did coach the Panthers to a Super Bowl and he’s widely regarded as a quality defensive mind. The Jets are also expected to complete an interview with former head coach Rex Ryan, and completed an interview with Louis Riddick for their open general manager job.

Kolar was designated to return Monday from injured reserve, and he was able to practice in full for all three sessions ahead of the season finale against the Steelers.f He’s not a fantasy option even if he does play, but it’s a welcome boost for the Ravens for their playoff push.

Ndubuisi was just signed by the Patriots off the Commanders’ practice squad, but something must have come up in the physical. The 24-year-old will hit the waiver wire and could sign back with New England’s practice squad if he goes unclaimed.

The team announced that they completed the interview with the ESPN personality in a post Thursday. Riddick is widely respected around the league, but this would be his first GM gig after previously serving as a Director of Pro Personnel for both the Commanders and the Eagles. The Jets have also reportedly interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson and Jim Nagy for the position.

Wilson was designated to return Tuesday, but the Steelers will not activate their third-round pick ahead of the season finale against the Bengals in Week 18. Wilson will have a chance to be a part of the receiving corps in 2025, but fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before making an early investment.

The rookie wideout has been limited in both practice sessions ahead of Week 18 against the Cardinals. Pearsall hauled in eight passes and scored a touchdown in the loss to the Lions, and if he’s able to go, he may be the top target for Joshua Dobbs with Brock Purdy (elbow) unable to play.

Guerendo was able to get a full practice in Wednesday, as well, so the 24-year-old tailback should be able to go in the Week 18 finale against the Cardinals. With Brock Purdy (elbow) out, this could be a game where Guerendo gets a good amount of touches with Joshua Dobbs the signal-caller against Arizona.