NFL Player News

Whoops. Asked about Hurts’ absence from Wednesday’s practice for “rest” purposes, Sirianni revealed Hurts is dealing with an ankle issue, even going so far as to say it was “on the injury report.” He was then “corrected” by an Eagles PR person that Hurts’ absence was “rest” related. This isn’t the first time we’ve had the Eagles misled us on Hurts’ health, but it’s also true there is zero doubt as to his Week 10 availability against the Cowboys. We suppose his effectiveness could be another matter. The Eagles will be getting a call from the league.

The Steelers get their bullying rookie center back in time to face an ascending Commanders defense. Frazier has already proven himself worthy of his second-round draft capital. Expect to see him clearing lanes for Najee Harris on Sunday.

The Steelers’ running back and kick returner returns in time to contribute to a hopeful Pittsburgh win over the exciting Commanders squad. Patterson is not flex-viable in his No. 3 role, unfortunately.

Fields cannot be started in any format this week. He is now entrenched as Russell Wilson’s backup, though a trick play or two could be in store. The Steelers my try to get creative against the explosive Commanders offense.

Smith could wind up with a token questionable tag when the Eagles release their final injury report, but he doesn’t appear to be at any risk of missing Week 10. Smith got banged up on a deep reception last week but made what may go down as the catch of the year shortly after, so it clearly didn’t affect him during the game. The Eagles held him out of Wednesday’s practice but he was back on the field for the following two sessions. Smith enters the weekend as a high-ceilinng WR2 versus Dallas.

Pace has a real chance to play this week, as does LB Blake Cashman (toe). Both players practiced in full on Friday. The Jaguars could opt for a run-heavy approach with Mac Jones potentially suiting up in place of Trevor Lawrence (shoulder). Having Pace and Cashman in the lineup would give the Vikings a big boost in derailing that type of game plan.

Samuel returned to action last week but was held without a catch and saw just one target. Keon Coleman has already been ruled out for Week 10 and Amari Cooper is listed as questionable. If the latter can’t suit up, Samuel could be in line for a larger role. With Cooper active, Samuel would not be on the fantasy radar.

Cooper missed Week 9 with a wrist injury and was limited in all three practices this week. He appears to be trending toward a return, but fantasy managers will want to check the Bills’ inactives 90 minutes before kickoff to be sure. With Keon Coleman already ruled out, Cooper could be forced into a full-time role in his first game back. He will sit in the WR3 ranks if active.

Joining Jones on the upcoming inactives list are RT Darnell Wright (knee), backup LT Kiran Amegadjie (calf) and S Jaquan Brisker (concussion). The Patriots’ pass rush is among the league’s worst so the Bears’ passing game should theoretically be able to manage the situation. HC Matt Eberflus is running out of excuses. Star EDGE Montez Sweat (shin) and starting slot CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring) will play though.

No surprises here as JuJu was unable to practice this week. The veteran wideout has been sidelined since Week 7 with the hamstring issue and doesn’t appear particularly close to returning. DeAndre Hopkins remains tethered to the coveted Rashee Rice role going forward.

Sneed has been out since Week 7 because of the quad issue. Head coach Brian Callahan noted that Sneed is dealing with both a bruise in his quad and a strain, slowing down his recovery. Sneed did not practice this week and could be out well beyond Week 10.