NFL Player News

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo called a good game. Bowers was held to just one target in both the second and third quarters, combined. Bowers flashed early, notably winning against the Chiefs’ No. 1 CB, Trent McDuffie, in the second quarter. Bowers was ultimately held to his lowest target total since Week 4 though. He is a high-end TE1 against the Bengals in Week 9.

Hopefully this is a non-issue come Sunday so Fant can take a swing at the Rams’ fantasy-friendly defense. It remains to be seen whether Fant suffered the injury in Week 8 or in Wednesday’s practice but Thursday’s injury report should offer clarity.

The 32-year-old Lockett frequently plays through lower-body injuries but the oblique issue is a new one. Oblique strains can restrict the sharp movements required for changes of direction so this could be an issue. It is unclear as to when he suffered it but if it occurred in practice Wednesday, he is likely to be truly questionable for Week 9. No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) did not practice.

Levis was limited with a right shoulder injury last week as well and starts out this week limited. He was inactive for Week 8, leading to a Mason Rudolph start. With DeAndre Hopkins gone and much of the Titans’ offensive playmakers on the injury report, Levis’ injury status won’t impact the Titans’ in-game hopes as much for Week 9 against the Patriots.

The Seahawks’ starting slot cornerback joins a long list of injured defenders with a foot injury. Brutal luck. Witherspoon will work to get right for a divisional showdown against the Rams on Sunday though foot injuries can be problematic.

Pollard was listed on the Titans’ injury report as a non-participant due to a foot issue. He gained 117 total yards, seeing a fruitful day in Week 8 with Tyjae Spears (hamstring) out. Now Pollard seems to be dealing with his own injury issue and updates later in the week will tell how serious it is. If he cannot go, Spears in his first game back from a hamstring injury or Julius Chestnut will lead the backfield.

Ridley was a non-participant after a big 10-catch, 143-yard day in Week 8. He was listed with a shoulder injury, same as Tyler Boyd. If he can get practice reps in later this week, expect Ridley to play Week 9 against the Patriot, falling in the back-end fantasy WR2 range. Otherwise, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will get a boost.

Boyd was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice due to a shoulder issue. With Calvin Ridley (shoulder) also not participating, the Titans’ receiving corps is in danger of rolling out a thin group led by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for Week 9 against the Patriots.

Whittington journey with this shoulder injury has been perplexing. He was unable to play in both Weeks 7 and 8 but practiced in a limited capacity throughout Week 7 before going DNP, LP and DNP in Week 8. His limited return this week is a step in the right direction but he is not yet guaranteed to suit up. It is possible he suffered a setback somewhere along the way.

Spears got in three limited sessions last week, but was inactive for Week 8 against the Lions. He starts this week as limited as well, though an increase to a full practice session later in the week will be a better indicator of whether he will play Week 9 or not. Tony Pollard will continue to receive a boost should Spears miss Week 9 against the Patriots.

Ford injured his hamstring in Week 6 and has missed the Browns’ last two games. He was able to get in a limited session last Friday and starts out Week 9 limited. If Ford can continue to ramp up his practice reps, his chances of playing next to Nick Chubb look better for Week 9 against the Chargers.