NFL Player News

Akers took a swing pass from Sam Darnold in for a score. The 25-year-old saw a good number of reps in the second half as Aaron Jones appeared to be hobbled, but Minnesota was throwing too much against an ineffective Green Bay secondary for it to matter much. Akers could see the bulk of the playing time in Week 18 against the Lions if Jones isn’t able to play.

If he’s active, Samuel could be in line for a decent workload this weekend, with the Bills planning to rest several of their starters. The veteran receiver has been limited in practice all week with an ankle injury and hasn’t played since Week 15. Even if he’s active, Samuel is right on the cusp of being a starter/backup, as his 200 routes run currently ranks fourth amongst receivers. Fantasy managers still grinding Week 18 would be best off playing it safe and avoiding Samuel.

Speaking on KNBR 680 on Friday, Lynch said of Purdy’s injury, “It’s nothing more than when you hit your funny bone. When you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place, it irritates the nerve.” He later added that Purdy “is going to be fine.” Purdy has already been ruled out for Week 18’s game against the Cardinals out of precaution, but it sounds like there’s little to be concerned about at this point in time.

Savage suffered a concussion in the Jaguars’ Week 16 game against the Raiders and missed Week 17 as a result of his injury. With one game left in the season, the veteran safety is expected to suit up to close things out against the Colts, who are unlikely to have Anthony Richardson in Week 18. Savage has totaled 42 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups this season while earning a PFF defensive grade of 47.3.

According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Watson will practice on Friday with the team and may return in time for the start of the Chiefs’ postseason. The third-year corner suffered a broken fibula in late October and was believed to be lost for the season. Now on the mend, the Chiefs will get a major boost to their secondary if Watson is able to return. Before suffering his injury, Watson had allowed just 15 receptions for 192 scoreless yards on 28 targets in six games while earning a PFF coverage grade of 74.2. The Chiefs already have a bye during the Wild Card round of the playoffs, meaning Watson wouldn’t return until the weekend of January 18th, giving him more than two weeks to practice and continue healing.

Vrabel was passed over by the league last offseason and wound up spending 2024 as a Coaching and Personnel Consultant for the Browns. His contract with the Browns has now expired, and Vrabel is ready to go on another round of interviews in hopes of landing a head coaching gig this season. Vrabel went 54-45 during his six seasons as the Titans head coach while leading them to the postseasons in three of those seasons. Considered by many to be one of the better available coaches, Vrabel will likely field more interviews as jobs begin to open up.

Prater, 40, remains on injured reserve, and the Cardinals will need to activate him shortly if he has any chance in playing in Week 18 against the 49ers. If Prater can’t go, the Cardinals will have Chad Ryland handle the kicking duties.

Russell appeared in 11 games and played mostly on special teams as he didn’t pick up a catch during the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old will likely battle for one of the final tight end spots in the Seahawks’ room in 2025. John Rhys Plumlee was signed to the active roster to take Russell’s spot.

Rivera, 62, last coached with the Commanders in 2023 and “led” the team to a 4-13 record. He did coach the Panthers to a Super Bowl and he’s widely regarded as a quality defensive mind. The Jets are also expected to complete an interview with former head coach Rex Ryan, and completed an interview with Louis Riddick for their open general manager job.

Kolar was designated to return Monday from injured reserve, and he was able to practice in full for all three sessions ahead of the season finale against the Steelers.f He’s not a fantasy option even if he does play, but it’s a welcome boost for the Ravens for their playoff push.