NFL Player News

The Vikings bullied the Texans front seven from start to finish and Jones ripped off a few long scampers, including a 39-yarder in the fourth quarter with the Vikings up multiple scores. He appeared unaffected by the hip injury he picked up in Week 2. Unlike last week, there was no backfield split in Week 3, with Jones seeing 24 touches to Ty Chandler’s seven. The electric Jones will be a central part of the high-powered Minnesota offensive attack for as long as he’s healthy. He’ll face his former team, the Packers, in Week 4.

Aren’t we all evaluating some things? That doesn’t necessarily mean that Jones will lose his job, but it’s a marked contrast from the last month or so of dutifully telling everyone that Jones was his starting quarterback. Drew Lock is the Giants backup quarterback, so that plays into the evaluation. (Because nobody really needs to see another shot for Drew Lock to start.) Jones would be a low-end superflex play if he makes it to Week 12 as the starter.

Canales praised Bryce Young for his performance in Week 10’s win over the Giants, but he reportedly still has some interest in Andy Dalton beyond this season and could give him another shot for further evaluation. The Panthers will face a stout Chiefs defense in Week 12, which will make for a tough challenge for whoever is under center. It wouldn’t be surprising if Young got the start coming off the bye week, but Canales is clearly keeping his options open.

“Smith-Njigba’s big day can be loosely attributed to Seattle facing more single-high coverage,” writes Dugar, “but the remaining schedule suggests there will be similar opportunities. The Bears, Cardinals, Jets and Rams all rank among the top 10 teams in single-high percentage.” Smith-Njigba exploded as a deep threat against the Rams. Perhaps he’ll take another step forward in Week 11 against the 49ers.

Avila landed on injured reserve after suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1 against the Lions. The second-year guard now appears set to return for Thursday night’s game against the Dolphins and should man the left side of the interior like we saw for all of last season. As a rookie, Avila played on over 1,100 offensive snaps, and earned a PFF blocking grade of 61.1. He allowed just two sacks on 32 pressures and is one of two linemen set to return for the Rams, as guard Jonah Jackson has also been activated ahead of tonight’s game.

He’ll likely be in the starting lineup as the Rams finally get some of their opening day offensive line back for Monday night’s matchup against the Dolphins. Jackson aggravated a shoulder injury in Week 2 and has been out for nearly two months. Jackson started out at center for the Rams, then moved to guard in Week 2 before leaving.

Pederson also said that there have been “no talks” when it comes to the idea of Lawrence having season-ending surgery. Mac Jones would get another comedic effect start against the Lions in Week 11 if Lawrence continues to remain out. Lawrence did practice most of last week in a limited fashion, but it would behoove the Jaguars to not risk their franchise quarterback’s health with the team all but buried for the season.

The decision to open Mailata’s 21-day return window on a short week is an interesting one, but perhaps it’s a sign the Eagles believe Mailata could be ready for Thursday night’s game against the Commanders. The Eagles placed Mailata on injured reserve on October 18th after he suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s Week 6 win over the Browns. Mailata was playing at a high level before going down, boasting a 90.9 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just one sack on eight pressures.

He declined to face the Ravens hurt and was replaced at left tackle by Dawand Jones. Wills Jr. has come off the injury report since, but played just two offensive snaps in Week 9. It sure sounds like the Browns are punishing him for not wanting to play through the injury. Wills Jr. will be a free agent this offseason and will probably be a stopgap left tackle option at worst.

The signing of Brightwell presumably ends any chances of Leonard Fournette landing in Cincinnati. Brightwell is a four-year veteran of the league who has a rushing line of 41-164-1. He has also caught 11 passes for 92 yards. Brightwell will start on the Bengals’ practice squad with a chance to be elevated in the coming days/weeks. This signing doesn’t move the needle from a fantasy perspective.

Sure sounds like the upcoming evaluations that Eberflus is still conveniently “in the process” of as of his latest press briefing are going to be coaching-focused. Williams took nine sacks (9 sacks?) in Chicago’s Week 10 loss to the Patriots. Something has got to give. We’d be surprised if Shane Waldron saw more than another sunrise as Bears offensive play caller.