NFL Player News

The 49ers took a 21-13 lead into the half after going toe-to-toe with the then 13-2 Lions before Detroit flipped the script after the break. Purdy set a career high with 377 pass yards but two costly second half interceptions allowed the Lions to sneak out of the Bay Area with a victory. Purdy was injured on the team’s final possession of the game on a two-minute drive, after which Joshua Dobbs and led the team to a touchdown with under a minute to play. The team would fail to recover an onside kick, ending the game. The six-point losing margin also looks worse when you consider 49ers’ kicker Jake Moody missed two field goals and an extra point in the contest. Either way, the 49ers drop to 6-10 at the tail end of a disappointing season, with Purdy’s late injury potentially resulting in a Dobbs start to end the season in Week 18 with the team on a short week. If Purdy’s season ended today, the former Mr. Irrelevant finishes 2024 with 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

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.

Ndubuisi was just signed by the Patriots off the Commanders’ practice squad, but something must have come up in the physical. The 24-year-old will hit the waiver wire and could sign back with New England’s practice squad if he goes unclaimed.

The team announced that they completed the interview with the ESPN personality in a post Thursday. Riddick is widely respected around the league, but this would be his first GM gig after previously serving as a Director of Pro Personnel for both the Commanders and the Eagles. The Jets have also reportedly interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson and Jim Nagy for the position.

Wilson was designated to return Tuesday, but the Steelers will not activate their third-round pick ahead of the season finale against the Bengals in Week 18. Wilson will have a chance to be a part of the receiving corps in 2025, but fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before making an early investment.

The rookie wideout has been limited in both practice sessions ahead of Week 18 against the Cardinals. Pearsall hauled in eight passes and scored a touchdown in the loss to the Lions, and if he’s able to go, he may be the top target for Joshua Dobbs with Brock Purdy (elbow) unable to play.

Guerendo was able to get a full practice in Wednesday, as well, so the 24-year-old tailback should be able to go in the Week 18 finale against the Cardinals. With Brock Purdy (elbow) out, this could be a game where Guerendo gets a good amount of touches with Joshua Dobbs the signal-caller against Arizona.

Shipley was upgrade to a full participant after getting a limited session in Wednesday. The rookie tailback will likely be able to play in Week 18 against the Giants, and with Saquon Barkley sitting out, he could be in for a healthy amount of carries in the season finale.