NFL Player News

Becton left Week 7 with a concussion and did not return. Second-year guard Tyler Steen took over and played and took the bulk of the snaps for the second time this season. He will draw the start if Becton doesn’t clear the league’s concussion protocol before Sunday.

The Browns opened Hines’ 21-day return window three weeks ago but could not get to a point where they felt comfortable activating him from the PUP list. The veteran running back who missed all of 2023 due to an accident involving a jet ski will now miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to the same injury. Hines signed a one-year deal with the Browns this offseason. He’ll be 28 next year and should have plenty of chances to resume his playing career in 2025.

Nacua has already been listed as questionable for Week 8, but he’s working his way back from the knee injury he suffered in Week 1 and could be nearing a return despite his 21-day return window opening just a few days ago. Pelissero notes that if Nacua did play, it’s unlikely he plays a full complement of snaps, but that “if all goes well, it seems like we’re trending towards Nacua at least being active” on Thursday. If he is active, Nacua will be a risky fantasy start in Week 8 given his return time and the possibility of limited snaps.

With Chris Godwin (ankle) lost for the season and Evans now looking at a multi-week absence, the Buccaneers’ receiving corps will look a lot different in Week 8’s game against the Falcons. The Buccaneers don’t have their bye until Week 11, meaning Evans is a near lock to miss at least the team’s next three games. A Week 12 return against the Giants could be on tap, but we’ll see how things go over the next month.

Mara commented on the Giants’ state at the premier of late Giants owner Wellington Mara’s documentary. Primarily referring to head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, Mara said he does not anticipate making changes either in-season, or in the offseason. This is a vote of confidence in Daboll and Schoen’s leadership of the team, though the non-changes may end there. QB Daniel Jones has fallen short of expectations and Mara did not discuss Jones during this conversation. The Giants currently stand at 2-5 and Mara’s comments indicate that at least the leadership at the top - Daboll and Schoen - won’t change any time soon.

Huntley exited the Dolphins’ Week 7 loss to the Cardinals with a shoulder injury. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) slated to return in Week 8, Huntley’s status will determine the backup situation for Miami. If Huntley cannot go, it will likely be Tim Boyle as the backup against the Cardinals.

Waddle appeared to be shaken up during the Dolphins’ Week 7 game, but he continued to play. It is unclear if he sustained the quad injury during that game, but he now starts the week off limited. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) expected to return, Waddle will get a boost for fantasy, but it is worth monitoring if this quad issues turns concerning later in the week.

Johnson popped up on the injury report with a shoulder issue Wednesday. He has not been a consistent fantasy tight end this season, with Foster Moreau mixing in with Johnson in a Saints offense that’s gone downhill since the first two weeks of the season. Johnson’ practice status can be monitored throughout the week, but expect him to play Week 8.

Parsons injured his ankle in Week 4 and has not been able to play since. A non-participation status is a little concerning, especially since the Cowboys are just coming out of a bye week. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Parsons will be a game-time decisions against the 49ers for Week 8, but his return may be leaning closer to Week 9 if he cannot practice. CB DaRon Bland (foot) also did not practice with his 21-day activation window open.

Samuel was hospitalized for pneumonia after being active but not playing for Week 7. He was released on Tuesday and was at the 49ers’ facility, but did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel was listed for both an illness and wrist injury, which he dealt with last week. It will be difficult for Samuel to get back to playing for Week 8, but practice status later in the week will help determine that; head coach Kyle Shanahan has said he was hopeful Samuel would play. Fellow WR Chris Conley (ankle) was limited in practice. With Samuel and Jauan Jennings (hip) missing practice and Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) out for the season, Conley’s status has suddenly become notable.

Bosa popped up on the injury report with an elbow injury and though he was potentially headed to a DNP status, the 49ers have him listed as limited for Wednesday. DT Kevin Givens (groin) and S George Odum (knee) did not participate in practice as the banged-up 49ers try to get healthy ahead of a Week 8 matchup against the Cowboys.