NFL Player News

Rodgers is “doing everything” with his teammates eight months after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the 2023 season opener. It’s hardly a surprise considering Rodgers was toying with the idea of returning to the field in December, just 90 days removed from his Achilles tear. If Rodgers, 40, stays upright in 2024, the Jets offense — paired with an elite defense — could be efficient enough to make the team a Super Bowl contender.

As he should. “I just don’t understand why fans think I’m faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over,” Higgins told ESPN Thursday. “I just don’t understand why they think I’m faking an injury. It doesn’t make sense to me.” The Higgins “chatter” is related to the poor timing of his latest ailment, which popped up Sept. 5, the same day he opened by raving about how good he felt heading into the regular season. The problem for Higgins has remained that his injuries are all too real. Four months shy of his 26th birthday as he plays on the franchise tag, he’s becoming a more questionable long-term commitment by the day as he prepares to hit free agency in March.

With fellow rookie Audric Estime placed on injured reserve, UDFA Watson will serve as the No. 3 back. 24-year-old Watson is known for having some pass-catching chops. With the Broncos in “figure it out” mode, Watson might actually get a touch or two on Sunday.

That makes it five straight “limited” sessions to begin rookie Lloyd’s regular season career. He probably needs to go “full” before the Pack will activate him on game day, though perhaps they will be willing to push the envelope this week with a far greater need for a robust rushing attack with Malik Willis likely starting in Jordan Love’s (knee) place.

Jacobs is a player who gets in a lot of limited sessions then almost always suits up on Sunday. Jacobs is dealing with a classic “dual-edged sword” for Week 2, as he’s become much more important to the Packers’ offense in Jordan Love’s likely absence, but will also be in a far worse overall environment with Malik Willis at quarterback. He should be treated as a high-floor, limited-ceiling RB2 for Sunday’s game against the Colts.

Garrett was a surprise DNP for Thursday with a foot injury, but it sounds like this was more precautionary than anything else. Those who roster Garrett in IDP leagues might want to check on the 28-year-old’s status for Friday’s practice ahead of Week 2 against the Jaguars, but this does not appear to be a long-term injury.

Vele missed his second consecutive practice while dealing with his rib injury, and seems to be on the wrong side of being able to play Sunday against the Steelers. Josh Reynolds was also limited with an Achilles injury, so arguably the league’s worst receiving unit could be in a lot of trouble for a game against a tough Pittsburgh defense. On the bright side, Garret Bolles (ankle) was able to get in a limited practice Thursday, and he’s expected to be able to play in Week 2.

Wilson gets the full go after being limited Wednesday and missing Week 1 against the Falcons with his ankle issue. The 2024 third-round selection has a good chance of making his season debut against the Broncos on Sunday, but doesn’t seem like a good option for fantasy players for that contest if he does go.

Hopkins compared the injury to a sprained ankle. It had been reported earlier that the wideout had been dealing with a tear in his knee, but Hopkins was quick to shut that down. Regardless, Hopkins is not on the injury report for Sunday’s game against the Jets, but fantasy managers will have to be prepared for some potential maintenance for the 32-year-old during the 2024 campaign.

Pierce wasn’t on the injury report Wednesday, so it’s a new knock for the 24-year-old runner. Pierce ran three time for 16 yards as the clear backup to Joe Mixon during Sunday’s contest, and he’ll have that role again if he’s able to play Sunday against the Bears. If not, it’d be Cam Aker as the backup tailback.