NFL Player News

Ertz scored a touchdown with less than a minute left that meant (essentially) nothing to the outcome but certainly helped fantasy managers. He also added a terrific catch on a two-point conversion where the 34-year-old showed he can still play with the young folks. The touchdown was just the second of the year, but based on the last two weeks, it appears he’s becoming a more important part of the Washington offense. He’s a TE2 against the Cowboys in Week 12.

The young coach has been with the Vikings for three years and has been promoted in each offseason with the team. His work with Sam Darnold in 2024 has drawn the attention of several teams during this hiring cycle, with five interviewing him as a potential offensive coordinator. Most of those teams have since gone in different directions, but the Jags and Texans are still on the board for Udinski. Even if Udinski misses out on an offensive coordinator gig this offseason, he should be calling plays for a team within the next few years.

The move allows the Buccaneers to preserve schematic continuity, with Grizzard having spent 2024 helping former OC Liam Coen orchestrate the team’s highly successful passing offense. The 34-year-old Grizzard is rapidly ascending through the NFL’s coaching ranks and could be up for head coach consideration within two or three seasons.

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.