NFL Player News

Shakir has now drawn at least seven targets each of the past three weeks after previously reaching that number zero times in 2024. The Bills have adopted a more pass-heavy approach, and Shakir has been one of the primary beneficiaries. Of course, you could argue today was actually something of a disappointing statline with Amari Cooper (wrist) on the shelf. It was still a solid floor-based effort in PPR. This has been legitimate WR3 usage for Shakir, and WR2/3 returns will be easily achievable in Week 10 vs. the Colts.

The Rams held a walk-through practice on Tuesday and Robinson was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day. He suffered a shoulder sprain in the Rams’ Week 14 win over the Bills, and now is trending to miss a Thursday Week 15 matchup against the 49ers. Jordan Whittington (shoulder) also missed practice Tuesday. Both Robinson and Whittington will need to practice Wednesday to have a chance at playing and producing on a short week.

Bosa continues to sit out due to hip and oblique issues. He has missed the 49ers’ last three games and is trending to sit out again for a Week 15 Thursday matchup against the Rams. Also sitting out practice was LT Trent Williams (ankle). Both are key anchors for the 49ers and are likely set to miss another game this week.

Samuel posted on social media that he was frustrated about not getting the ball enough before deleting his post. The 28-year-old has 40 receptions for 553 yards on the season, adding 32 carries for 92 yards. He has not found his previous Pro Bowl success, scoring just two touchdowns in 2024. Purdy stood by Samuel when asked about the situation, saying, “There’s just moments throughout seasons where guys just don’t get the ball, just depending on the scheme.” Purdy continued said he will “do everything [he] can to get [Samuel] the ball.” The 49ers stand at 6-7, with injuries taking a toll amidst the playoff race. Fantasy managers can expect Samuel to remain involved, though his struggles creating yardage keep him in the WR3 mix for Week 15.

“He does such a good job running when you watch him return punts that that vision can carry over to certain runs in your offense and then certain things in the passing game,” Payton added. Mims has lined up as a running back on 21 plays since Week 10 per PFF, and over that timespan he has touched the ball 25 times in four games. It’s not quite a FLEX-worthy role yet, but perhaps Payton will emphasize Mims’ role further down the stretch.

It’s looking likely that Patrick Taylor will be leading the 49ers backfield against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Guerendo’s official status will be out tomorrow, but the tenor of the Kyle Shanahan saying they’d evaluate him and this DNP are pointing to him missing Week 15. He’ll need a Wednesday turnaround to get to the questionable line.

Starting four games for the Titans this year as part of their right tackle “situation,” Watson posted a 35.1 PFF blocking grade and committed eight penalties. The team acquired him from the Browns in April for a seventh-round pick, perhaps because former Browns OL coach Bill Callahan thought he could mold the 2022 UDFA into something. The Titans have given up on that dream. Watson will try to latch on to a practice squad.

Strange, one of the last wacky Bill Belichick first-round picks in 2022, looks like he’ll get a four-game audition with the remainder of the Patriots offensive line down the stretch. The guard has missed most of the season after leaving with what was reportedly a torn PCL in Week 15 of the 2023 season. Almost a full calendar year later, he’ll aim to make his return.

Incumbent Dustin Hopkins’ problems had become too big to ignore. Hopkins missed two field goals in Week 14 and has missed at least one field-goal attempt in four of his last five games. On the season Hopkins is just 16-of-25. Hopkins is still on the roster and has no injury that we’ve heard of, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if one of those things changed in the near future.

He’s done for the season. Newsome finishes an uneven year where he was always hampered by this hamstring injury with a 54.0 PFF coverage grade. The Browns picked up his fifth-year option last offseason so he’ll enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2024 looking for a healthier rebound season.

He muffed a punt in last week’s game that apparently sealed his fate. Toney will probably continue to get back-of-roster chances, but it’s clear the NFL doesn’t think much of him at this point.