NFL Player News

Smith’s neck isn’t improving at the rate the Jets had hoped. It would not at all be surprising if the Jets placed the veteran on IR considering their lack of anything to play for this year, they might as well see what Olu Fashanu can be at left tackle. So far, so good on that front, as the rookie has played better at his natural position against the Cardinals and Colts in New York’s last two games.

When it officially happens, the Saints will open Means’ 21-day practice window. Means had an 8/45/1 line against Tampa during a game Chris Olave left early in Week 6, but otherwise has mostly been fantasy-irrelevant. How he’ll slot in with the Saints probably depends more on Olave’s future status than his own, but deep leagues can consider stashing him ahead of his return freely with no real update on Olave.

Miller went on injured reserve in early November with the hamstring ailment. Of note, Rizzi also had some glowing things to say about Miller as compared to Dennis Allen, as he told reporters: “Kendre Miller is a talented player. There is no one who can sit here and deny that. ... He can produce for the team” as well as “I don’t have a doghouse. My dog house is empty at the moment. I don’t have a dog.” Alvin Kamara rosterers aren’t going to want to hear this, but it is possible the Saints give Miller a crack at a real role down the stretch if they fade completely out of the playoff picture. The first step, of course, is simply getting practices in. Miller’s 21-day-window to return will open as soon as the team officially designates him.

The team is hoping for “just a sprain.” It’s possible that Goedert misses some time even if this is not a serious injury, which could further condense the trusted passing options for Jalen Hurts since DeVonta Smith’s hamstring has kept him out a few games in a row now. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is often not helpful with injuries, so the Wednesday practice report will be one to monitor for Goedert ahead of Week 14’s game against the Panthers.

Coker missed all three days of practice this past week with a quadriceps injury that popped up on the report the Friday before Week 12. He’s not a must-play against the Eagles scary defense in Week 14 either way, but he’d be a good supporting cast member for Bryce Young to have back as he faces his toughest test since returning to the starting lineup.

He noted that Sanders has a “couple of big days” of practice upcoming. Sounds like Sanders will at least have a shot to suit up this week after catching three straight DNPs in practice last week following a scary-looking neck injury. Sanders had steadily been expanding his role before the injury, but not to the extent that he’d be a must-start against the Eagles if cleared.

He also responded to a question about shutting Lawrence down for the season by saying no decisions have been made yet, and that he “wants to send positive message to team that we’re still fighting.” Mac Jones would receive yet another start if Lawrence fails to clear protocol by Sunday. It seems like the Jaguars are at least giving some thought to shutting Lawrence down, which would make sense as they’re all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Burden is a former five-star recruit from the 2022 class. As a true freshman at Missouri, he caught 45 passes for 375 yards and six touchdowns but erupted in 2023 to the tune of 86-1212-9 while helping Missouri to an 11-2 record. Considered by some to be the top receiver of the 2025 draft class, Burden should hear his name called in the first round of next year’s draft.

Beatty will become the third offensive coordinator of Caleb Williams’ career, which has spanned roughly eight months. With former interim OC Thomas Brown being named as interim head coach, Beatty, who has been serving as the team’s wide receivers coach, will now get a crack at play-calling. Beatty served as offensive coordinator for the Hampton University Pirates in 2006 before moving on to Northern Illinois in 2007 to serve as their running backs coach. Beatty’s first crack at play-calling in nearly 20 years will come in Week 14 when the Bears visit the 49ers.

Warren also added that he and Poles “need to work hand in hand” during the team’s search for yet another head coach. Poles was hired as the Bears’ general manager in 2022 after spending 13 seasons with the Chiefs in a number of scouting and player personnel roles. He was instrumental in orchestrating a 2023 trade with the Panthers that led to the Bears acquiring what ended up being the No. 1overall pick in the 2024 draft, which led to the team taking Caleb Williams earlier this year. Of course, he also has some less-than-stellar marks on his resumé, like the hiring of former head coach Matt Eberflus and trading a second-round pick for Chase Claypool, who never played a full season with the team. The Bears roster is better than it was when Poles first arrived, but they still have a way to go before being competitive. A competent head coach and offensive coordinator could go a long way in this team turning the corner in what is a highly-competitive NFC North. It’s sure to be another interesting offseason for the Bears, who are about to embark on their fifth head coaching search since hiring Marc Trestman in 2013.

We don’t quite know when Mayfield suffered his injury, as the veteran quarterback was cleated by a defender on one play and had his ankle twisted on another in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers’ win over the Panthers. Regardless, Mayfield was able to finish the game and appears to be on early track to play in Week 14 against the Raiders. Bowles said he’s unsure how much Mayfield will practice this week, so it’s possible the team gives him some added rest in what will be a pivotal Week 14 matchup for the 6-6 Buccaneers.