NFL Player News

The No. 9 overall pick entered the proceedings with just three catches for 44 yards, but cleared that total on his first reception of the game by roasting Nick Cross down the left sideline. He ended up leading the Bears in receiving as Caleb Williams finally made some semblance of progress as an NFL passer. That did not include on his picks, one of which was a super late sideline ball to Odunze. For his score, Odunze got open 1-on-1 in the end zone and Williams hit him with a beautiful ball. It was major progress for both heading into a soft Week 4 matchup with the Rams. We’ll have Odunze in the top 36 for that one, especially if Keenan Allen (heel) remains sidelined.

Higgins and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula), who Taylor also called day-to-day, both participated in walkthroughs on Monday, but Taylor said we shouldn’t read too much into that. If Higgins is truly day-to-day, then it sounds like he’ll have a chance to suit up in Week 11 against the Chargers. That said, we wouldn’t read too much into his availability until we get a look at Wednesday’s injury report. Higgins has missed the last two games due to his quad injury, which has resulted in an uptick in targets for Mike Gesicki.

He also said that Jones might be limited in practice earlier in the week, which, after seeing the shot that Jones took this weekend, we completely understand. Jones rushed 17 times for 88 yards on Sunday against the Jaguars and would roll in as a high-end RB2 despite a suddenly-struggling Vikings offense against Tennessee.

He’s visiting a specialist this week and the Saints are reportedly content to take the four week timeline for now, meaning Olave could return for Week 15 against the Commanders. That doesn’t make him a must-roster in fantasy for teams that are desperate for roster spots, and the fact that the question was asked in the first place is concerning in its own right after Olave suffered his second major concussion of the season in Week 9.

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.