NFL Player News

Schefter added that “the only question is for how long” Al-Shaair could be suspended. The Texans linebacker delivered a brutal shot to the head of a sliding Lawrence on Sunday that immediately placed the quarterback in the league’s concussion protocol. It wasn’t the first time a hit by Al-Shaair was drawn into question, as so many pointed out via social media. Al-Shaair posted an apology to Lawrence on Monday, we’ll see if that bears any weight on whatever punishment the league decides to hand down in the coming days.

He will practice this week, per Mike McDaniel. Ditto Cameron Goode. Chubb tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2023 season and McDaniel has previously referred to this injury as “an ACL plus” because of additional damage. It would be a nice boost to the fading Dolphins hopes if Chubb could come in and be the 2023 version of himself right away. A more likely outcome is that he takes some time to return to form. It’s good to see him on the practice field at all after nearly a full calendar year away.

McCoy did not play off the questionable line in Week 13 and has been hampered by the groin injury all season, as he aggravated the initial groin injury that sent him to injured reserve upon his return to the lineup. It would be a big boost for the Saints if they could get him back for Week 14. The Saints should run all over the Giants regardless of who their starting center is, though.

O’Connell added that the team does not believe Gilmore’s injury is long-term, but he is undergoing further evaluation. The veteran corner has started every game he’s appeared in for the Vikings this season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 62.7 while allowing 45 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns. Given the nature of these soft tissue injuries, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gilmore missed at least one game, but we’ll have a better sense of his availability when the team releases its first practice report on Wednesday.

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.