NFL Player News

Ulofoshio (6’/236) hails from Anchorage, Alaska, and didn’t have any national recruiting profile until he played his senior year at Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas. He accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity at Washington and was named Defensive Scout Team MVP before receiving 217 snaps of playing time in 2019 with a surprising 82nd-percentile PFF defensive grade. He dominated the shortened 2020 season by accumulating 47 tackles in only four games while earning Second Team All-Pac-12 recognition. An all-around contributor, Ulofoshio received 80th percentile performance grades for his tackling, run, and pass defense skills and seemed ready for stardom in 2021. However, after a strong first half of the season, he suffered a biceps injury that cost him the remainder of the campaign. To compound matters, an ACL tear soon followed, limiting his 2022 season to five part-time games where he recorded 10 tackles. He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility in 2023 and promptly put up his best season with 94 tackles, 8.0 TFL, and 3.0 sacks while earning First Team All-Pac-12 status for the CFP National Champion runners-up. The 24-year-old put on a track meet at the Combine, blazing a 1.53s 10-yard split (98th percentile) and 4.56s 40-yard dash (93rd percentile) to go with a ridiculous 39.5” vert (98th percentile) and 10’08” broad jump (97th percentile). A long, twitchy athlete who worked his way up from walk-on status to 2024 NFL Draft selection, few players have raised their profile more in the last year than Ulofoshio, and it’s a profile that certainly intrigued Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Ulofoshio was a constant presence in the middle for the Huskies during their magical Pac-12 Championship run and should be a plus special teamer with the freaky traits and length to eventually land in the Bills’ defensive rotation.

Barrett abruptly retired over the summer after signing with the Dolphins as a free agent. The Dolphins cut him yesterday after keeping him on the reserve/retired list thus far. The 32-year-old had spent the 2019-2023 seasons with the Buccaneers prior to that, totaling a team-high 56 QB pressures in his final season with the team. Barrett rejoins an 8-7 Buccaneers squad that currently sits on the playoff bubble. He will immediately join the active roster, pending a physical.

Rapoport reported earlier today that the Browns have restructured Deshaun Watson’s contract, keeping Watson in Cleveland for at least 2025. Rapoport later suggested that Watson will face a competition for the starting role, however, indicating it could be either a rookie or a veteran acquisition.

Rapoport also mentioned that Nabers “looked good in practice” on Friday. Both Nabers’ expected availability and his promising practice showing are reassuring. Fantasy managers should keep the explosive wide receiver in starting lineups this week.

Guerendo’s continued participation is a net positive but ideally, we will see him practice in full on Saturday. It is tough to predict how Kyle Shanahan will split up backfield touches although he tends to load up his lead rusher even if they are playing through injuries. If Guerendo is active, he is a volume-based RB2. Patrick Taylor Jr. could mix in for single-digit touches.

McKivitz was limited in Thursday’s practice, meaning he’s moving in the wrong direction heading into the weekend. The 49ers could be without three starting linemen this week if McKivitz sits. Left tackle Trent Williams and left guard Aaron Banks are both injured as well.

Brown played just 21 defensive snaps this season despite the Buccaneers’ defensive injuries. It is possible they bring him back via the practice squad. The Buccaneers also waived rookie LB Antonio Grier Jr.

Gardner was initially listed as a DNP for the third day in a row, but a correct was later issued, upgrading him to a limited practice on Friday. He still remains highly questionable for Week 17, but a return to practice at least gives him a shot at suiting up. The Jets are also hopeful that defensive tackle Quinnen Williams plays through his questionable tag.

Adams was held out of Thursday’s practice before being upgraded to a limited session on Friday. He should be able to suit up this week as Aaron Rodgers chases his 500th career touchdown. All eyes will predictably be on Adams when the Jets get to the red zone. Adams will be a low-end WR1 if active.

Olave practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. His Friday practice participation has not yet been released but his questionable labeling at least tells us the team is keeping long-term outlooks in mind. Beat reporter Nick Underhill states, “Olave is questionable but I’d bet he doesn’t play.” Fantasy managers should expect to be without Olave this week though he would be a volatile WR2/3 if active.