NFL Player News

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.

Corum rotated into the game on the Rams’ second possession, getting the Rams’ first backfield carries of the game. He showed burst, averaging 5.3 yards per carry against a weak Saints run defense. In true Sean McVay fashion, Kyren Williams carried the load the rest of the game while Corum was hardly seen outside of the second possession. Nevertheless, Corum has shown he can be efficient when given chances. He continues to rank as as a high-value handcuff the rest of the season.

Williams curiously did not see the first running back touches of the game, with Blake Corum rotating in on the second possession and seeing first carries against the Saints. However, Williams still proved to be the lead back, totaling 16 touches and a score with an efficient 6.9 yards per carry. He had less of the backfield share on the day, but fantasy managers should not be concerned just yet over Williams’ workload. Late season usage may lead to more breaks for him, but the high leverage carries still go Williams’ way and he will rank as a back-end RB1 against the Bills in Week 14.

Stafford and the Rams offense got off to a molasses-like slow start against the Saints. Having completed just 4-of-10 passes in the first half, Stafford had an improved second half, tossing both of his touchdowns with under 16 minutes left in the game. He connected with Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua for short-yardage scores and showed his usual, collected self as the Rams scored all of their 21 points in the second half to win. A tough Bills matchup is on the horizon for Week 14; Stafford will be in the QB2 ranks for fantasy.

Carr had an inefficient day, struggling to push the ball downfield in an increasingly banged-up Saints offense. He averaged five yards per attempt, with a flurry of short completions to Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. His sole touchdown pass was the longest completion of the day, connecting on a 28-yard score to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Saints had a chance to tie on 4th-and-3 late in the fourth quarter but Carr was hit on a throw and the ball fell incomplete to seal the game for the Rams. He’s not the most exciting fantasy play, but Carr will be a top-20 quarterback option Week 14 against the Giants.

Active for the first time since Week 8 after being sidelined with a groin injury, Fant posted his standard 2024 statline. Fant at least has a floor, but it has been accompanied by zero ceiling this season. He’s an “if you have to” option in the TE18-24 range.

Ray’s injury was not immediately apparent. He remained down after a run play for some time and his stride appeared labored as he exited the field. Ray is notably playing with a large, round cast encompassing his right hand.

Lockett has now been held to 20-or-fewer yards in four of his past five appearances. Long one of the league’s ageless wonders, Lockett has now fallen miles behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for targets relevance. Lockett is waiver wire fodder for the season’s stretch run.

The 49ers remain shorthanded, most notably along the edges of both lines with Trent Williams and Nick Bosa out. The 49ers head to the east coast in desperate need of a win after the Seahawks secured a victory and with the Rams leading late in their Week 13 game.

Smith-Njigba got out-targeted 9-4 by DK Metcalf, though he out-gained his veteran teammate 74-66. Metcalf also re-tweaked his knee, though he remained in the game. The Seahawks still can’t quite figure out what they want from their second-year wideout, but he’s now posted at least 69 yards in five consecutive contests. Hopefully that elevated floor will be accompanied by more spiked weeks down the stretch. The Cardinals aren’t a bad Week 14 matchup. JSN went 6/77/1 in the sides’ first meeting in Week 12.

Coleman will miss his third straight game while Kincaid will miss his second straight against the reeling 49ers. The Bills are coasting towards another AFC East title but need a win to remain within striking distance of the Conference-leading Chiefs.