NFL Player News

Brown suffered a career-altering torn Achilles in 2022 and was released by both the Cowboys and 49ers before signing with the Panthers. He is likely to serve as a camp body as he pushes to make the team at the nickel corner position. The Panthers currently lack depth in the secondary behind starters Jaycee Horn, Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, and Dane Jackson, meaning the veteran could work his way into a backup role if he shows out in camp.

Williams has been dealing with the groin issue for a month. He was limited for two practices this week but got upgraded to a full session before being listed as questionable, giving him a decent shot at suiting up on Sunday. With Taysom Hill’s role growing by the week, Williams will likely be deployed as the No. 3 running back going forward.

Havenstein’s return is a significant boost for the Rams’ offensive line, though starting LT Alaric Jackson (foot) is questionable after failing to practice all week. Hopefully, Jackson can resume practicing (and playing) for Week 14 if he is unable to go here.

McCoy initially suffered the groin injury in Week 3. He spent two months on the sidelines before returning in Week 11, only to immediately aggravate the issue. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was going to be okay but didn’t put a timeline on the injury. McCoy didn’t practice at all this week before being listed as questionable. The Saints are giving him the weekend to test things out, though three straight DNPs puts him on the wrong side of questionable for now. Fellow interior offensive lineman Lucas Patrick has already been ruled out.

Higbee was upgraded to full for Friday’s practice but the team opted to give him another week off before activating him from the physically unable to perform list. Neither Davis Allen nor Colby Parkinson were able to earn the long-term starting role with Higbee sidelined. All three will be unusable whenever Higbee makes his debut but he can be speculatively added to playoff-bound teams with spare bench space.

Bosa’s dual-oblique/hip injury will sideline him again and the defensive line will also notably be without starting DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), leaving the 49ers defensive-right side of the field awfully short-staffed. Josh Allen’s blindside should be kept clean and the run game will likely be able to impose its will easily, running off of left tackle Dion Dawkins. CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee) is out though CB Charvarius Ward (personal) will return after a three-game absence.

Williams was sidelined on Wednesday and Thursday and not seen practicing on Friday either. Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows observed Williams using a knee scooter to get around the locker room. He regularly plays through injury but it is fair to wonder if his Week 14 availability is also in jeopardy. LG Aaron Banks has also been ruled out after failing to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol.

All signs point to Tillman missing Week 13 after two DNPs to open the week. Tillman and the Browns play on Monday, giving the second-year wideout one more day to return to the practice field. Assuming he is out versus the Broncos, Jerry Jeudy will push for a WR2 rank in a revenge game against his former team.

Purdy was seen throwing in practice on Friday while backup Brandon Allen participated with the scout team, indicating the 49ers expect Purdy to play on Sunday. Purdy remains at risk for a potential setback but fantasy managers should bank on Purdy being available as a high-end QB2. He will unfortunately be without LT Trent Williams (heel/ankle).

We’d call him unlikely to return based on his inability to put weight on his knee before coming off between the arms of two members of the Vegas staff. Turner broke a tackle on a short catch for a 25-yard gain on his only target before leaving.