NFL Player News

Minshew was benched half-way through the third quarter, with Desmond Ridder coming in for him. He finished his day with 10 completions for 124 yards behind an increasingly banged-up offensive line. Minshew was credited with a fumble on a botched handoff to WR DJ Turner, leading to the Bengals recovering deep in Raiders territory and an ensuing score. With Aidan O’Connell on injured reserve, Minshew’s benching indicates the second time he has fallen out of Antonio Pierce’s favor. We will see how the Raiders move forward with their quarterback situation, but Minshew’s prospects as an NFL starter took a hit.

Hall served as the Panthers’ assistant DB coach over the last two seasons, marking his entry into the NFL coaching ranks. Per The Athletic’s Ben Standig, Hall’s odds of getting the job sound “promising.”

It is unclear as to whether the Eagles gave Gainwell the week off or if he was unable to participate at all due to the concussion but next week’s Wednesday practice should clarify his status. Hopefully, Gainwell’s health is trending in the right direction.

Goedert rested through the week, which was always likely to be the case. He will likely resume practicing last week and at least log full participation on Thursday and/or Friday, in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.

This marks three straight absences for Jurgens and Dickerson (knee). Both players are expected to resume practicing at some point next week, as the Eagles prepare to face the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Moore has already interviewed with the Saints twice. As Pelissero notes, a third meeting can’t happen until after the Super Bowl, hence the timing. The Super Bowl is also conveniently located in New Orleans, making an in-person visit a small ask for Moore. It’s been reported multiple times that Moore is the favorite to land the Saints opening. A third meeting all but confirms that. Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver and Giants OC Mike Kafka have both had multiple interviews with the Saints and are still in the mix.

The Eagles allowed Smith to rest all week which was likely the plan from the get-go. While the added rest is good, the team would surely prefer to have their No. 2 wide receiver healthy less than two weeks before the Super Bowl. Hopefully, Smith hits the ground running next week.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Engstrand’s “anticipated departure from Detroit is complete.” He adds that “barring something unforeseen,” Engstrand will be named as Aaron Glenn’s offensive coordinator. Engstrand has worked with the Lions since 2020 and was named passing game coordinator in 2023. He has worked closely with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and should have plenty to offer an offense that is hoping to improve on last year’s 24th place finish in both points and yards per game. The Jets have a lot to figure out on offense as far as Aaron Rodgers and possible Davante Adams are concerned, but Engstrand should get a decent leash from Glenn, who is no stranger to the work that goes into turning a franchise around.

This news comes shortly after it was announced that the team would be meeting for a second time with Cardinals OL coach Klayton Adams. Montgomery fits the bill for what the Cowboys are reportedly looking for in their next offensive coordinator — which is a coach who is tied to a successful rushing game. Under Montgomery, the Lions have had one of the top rushing attacks in the league in 2023 and 2024. As a team, the Lions averaged 146.4 rushing yards per game last season while punching in the second-most touchdowns on the ground (29). Montgomery becomes the latest candidate on a short list that includes Adams and Falcons TE coach Kevin Koger who could be primed to land the Cowboys’ OC job in the coming days.

Thielen is entering the final year of a three-year deal he signed with the Panthers back in 2023 but can be cut for a dead cap hit of $5 million. The soon-to-be 35-year-old receiver caught 48 passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games while averaging 12.8 YPR — his highest mark since 2019. His 62 targets were second only to Xavier Legette’s 84 but Legette appeared in six more games than Thielen. A savvy route runner who continues to stay a step ahead of Father Time, Thielen has a chance to remain the Panthers’ WR1 in 2025 if he returns to the team. Regardless of where he plays, it sounds like any conversations around a possible retirement have been shelved for at least one more year.

This is a second interview for Adams, who spoke with the team remotely earlier this week. Considered by many to be the frontrunner to land the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator vacancy, there’s a good chance Adams will find himself in a new role before the weekend. Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones praised Adams for being “outstanding” in the run game — an area the Cowboys hope to improve on in 2025 after ranking 27th in total rushing yards and 30th in yards per carry last season. The Cowboys’ rushing game needs more than an upgrade at offensive coordinator, but this is a backfield that is expected to see a massive overhaul during the offseason with Ezekiel Elliott no longer in the building and Rico Dowdle set to hit free agency.