NFL Player News

Head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters his odds of suiting up on Sunday are “not looking good.” It’s safe to say Wilson won’t be active for Week 2. He could miss an extended period of time given Pierce’s instant pessimism on the short-term outlook.

Palmer suddenly finds himself behind rookie Ladd McConkey, tight end Will Dissly, and second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the weekly target pecking order for the Chargers. While unlikely to see consistent volume, a deep 13.9 average depth of target could return sporadic fantasy viability should he connect on a deep pass or two, something that could come to fruition when the Chargers host the Ravens in Week 12.

Johnston now has touchdown receptions in three straight, pushing his 2024 total to six scores. The former first-round bust has found an early resurgence with the new coaching staff in 2024, with his usage this season more in line with his skillset. Johnston could find more hefty target volume against the pass-funnel Ravens in Week 12.

Dissly got on the board early with a 29-yard first quarter touchdown, churning out significant yardage per reception on his way to 80 yards on just four catches. His volume took a slight hit compared to previous weeks but his production continues to be there in his now-expanded role in the offense. Expect Dissly to continue to serve as the primary tight end after Hayden Hurst once again found himself inactive in Week 11.

McConkey started hot with a 20-yard reception on the team’s opening drive but would be forced from the game after landing on his shoulder on the long reception. The team initially deemed him questionable to return before he made his way back onto the field in the second quarter. He made two key receptions on the team’s final possession to place them in position to sneak out of Week 11 with a win after squandering a 21-point third quarter lead, improving to 7-3 in the process. McConkey could once again be busy through the air against the pass-funnel Ravens in Week 12.

Edwards got the start in name value only after seeing the first carry of the game for the Chargers. He finish with half the opportunities of backfield mate J.K. Dobbins in what is likely to remain a loose timeshare as long as both remain healthy the rest of the way. Up next for the Chargers is a Ravens opponent that is better attacked through the air than on the ground.

Dobbins found pay dirt at the end of both halves but saw uncharacteristically low volume, with the team attempting 36 passes to just 25 team rush attempts. Gus Edwards drew the start in name only, seeing the first carry of the game but finishing with half the opportunities of Dobbins in the last-minute win. The Chargers improve to 7-3 ahead of a Week 12 showdown with the Ravens at home, marking another opponent that is easier attacked through the air than on the ground.

Herbert and the Chargers lit up the scoreboard in the first half, hanging 24 points through two quarters to take a tidy 24-6 lead into the break. They would kick an additional field goal on their first possession of the second half before watching the Bengals roar back to tie the game at 27 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Herbert and the Chargers would trade short drives with the Bengals until their final possession, with a 29-yard touchdown scamper by running back J.K. Dobbins enough to propel the team to victory and a 7-3 record. Herbert made two money throws on that drive to Ladd McConkey, putting the team in position to escape with a win after squandering a 21-point third quarter lead. He also led the team in rushing on just five carries, routinely climbing the pocket into open space to sustain drives. Herbert and the Chargers get another difficult AFC opponent in Week 12 when they host Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Gesicki immediately faded into irrelevance with the return of Tee Higgins following a three-game absence for the veteran wide receiver, failing to catch either of his two targets while seeing his snap rate plummet. It appears the mid-season surge in volume and production was just a flash in the pan, with fantasy managers clear to release him back to the waiver wire void.

Iosivas played a complementary role with the return of Tee Higgins following a three-game absence, finishing fourth in receiving behind Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins, and newfound workhorse running back Chase Brown. He made a striking grab over the middle of the field with 18 seconds remaining to give the team a chance at a Hail Mary as time expired, a pass that ultimately fell to the ground incomplete to seal the game. Iosivas’ fleeting fantasy value has all but evaporated with a full supporting cast.

Chase drew consistent double coverage against a stingy Chargers defense but still managed to score two second half touchdowns to bring the Bengals all the way back from a 27-6 deficit. They would ultimately come up just short as a Hail Mary to Tee Higgins fell through his hands in the end zone as time expired, with the loss dropping the team to 4-7 and on the outside looking in for a playoff spot out of the AFC. Their Week 12 meeting with the Steelers is likely to determine whether they have a chance at making a late push towards the postseason.