NFL Player News

Firing Eberflus mid-season won’t turn around a season that has gone awry for the Bears since their bye week, but it’s a move that most feel could come at any time. Thursday’s clock management gaffe is just the latest in a number of indictments that have built against Eberflus’ coaching acumen over the years, and will be remembered as one of his more infamous moments when he is inevitably let go by the team. Firing Eberflus in mid-season would be more about sending a message than giving the team a tactical advantage over the final five weeks of the season, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise if he remained with the team until season’s end.

Brown dove toward the sidelines for an errant pass late in the third quarter and landed awkwardly on the ball. He remained on the ground for an extended period before getting up and leaving under his own power, but the team has deemed him questionable to return. With a quarter left in the game and the Commanders up by three possessions, it seems unlikely they would force Brown back into play even if he was well enough to give it a go. If his day is over, he would end the afternoon with three catches for 27 yards on four targets.

Schultz had four catches and 39 yards on his five targets before leaving. He tried to hurdle a defender, succeeded, but paid for it as he came down on his shoulder hard. Schultz immediately limped off on his own power. Cade Stover would receive more pass-catching looks if Schultz’s injury becomes long-term.

Calvin Austin took a huge hit to the head on the first offensive play of the game for the Steelers but remained in the game. He caught both of his subsequent targets for 29 yards and a touchdown before taking another huge hit near the sideline on the final drive of the first half. That second hit appeared to be enough to have gotten him sent for an evaluation and he will not return to the game. That will likely mean more work for Van Jefferson, Cordarelle Patterson, and Ben Skowronek.

Mitchell didn’t play a snap on offense last week. He hasn’t seen a touch since coming off the PUP list in Week 10 and is now a healthy scratch.

Smith was spotted attempting to give it a go in pre-game warmups but was ultimately held out by Philly. A.J. Brown will see plenty of targets in his absence while Dallas Goedert is poised for a de facto No. 2 receiver role. Smith appeared to be close to playing this week, meaning he should be back on the field for the Eagles’ Week 14 matchup with the Panthers. Also inactive for the Eagles are CB Darius Slay, WR Johnny Wilson, QB Tanner McKee, OL Nick Gates, OL Darian Kinnard, and OG Trevor Keegan.

Coker was ruled out on Friday, as was rookie TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck), effectively condensing Bryce Young’s target tree to a trio featuring Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Chuba Hubbard. All three stand to benefit. The Panthers also declared S Jammie Robinson, CB Shemar Bartholomew, CB Akayleb Evans, OL Jarrett Kingston and DT Jaden Crumedy inactive.

Jackson did not practice all week but will play against the Saints. Rams declared QB Stetson Bennett, RB Cody Schrader, OLB Brennan Jackson, OL Dylan McMahon, and OL Warren McClendon Jr. inactive for Week 13 against the Saints. The Rams are getting healthier on the offensive line and have more healthy scratches than injury issues this week.

Tryon-Shoyinka’s 20 quarterback pressures rank third on the team. Although he largely serves as OLB Yaya Diaby’s sidekick, Tryon-Shoyinka does so effectively, picking up five unblocked pressures and four cleanup or pursuit pressures. The Buccaneers notably placed S Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) on injured reserve this week and his primary backup, DB Tykee Smith is sidelined by a knee injury. The Buccaneers also declared DL Earnest Brown, TE Devin Culp, CB Tyrek Funderburk and QB Michael Pratt inactive. Fortunately, LT Tristan Wirfs (knee/foot) is active.

Williams entered the weekend questionable but is expected to play. He is the clear backup running back and should remain off fantasy radars. Saints declared QB Spencer Rattler, RB Jordan Mims, LB Jaylan Ford, OL Lucas Patrick, C Erik McCoy, WR Mason Tipton, and DT Khristian Boyd inactive for Week 13 against the Rams. Patrick and McCoy are out due to ankle and groin injuries, respectively. Their absences leave the Saints offensive line weaker against the Rams.