NFL Player News

The Browns will have Deshaun Watson under contract next season, but the belief is he’ll “never play a meaningful down” for the team ever again. The Browns could kick the tires on a rookie signal-caller next season, but according to a source who spoke with Fowler, any quarterback “with starter’s talent” will be looked at — including guys like Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, unsurprisingly. They also won’t rule out bringing back Jameis Winston, who threw for 2121-13-12 in the 12 games he appeared in this season. Quarterback is one of several needs the Browns will need to address this offseason, but it’s arguably their biggest. According to Over the Cap, the Browns are roughly $17 million over the cap, but they’ll push some numbers around to get under the cap before free agency. It’s sure to be an interesting offseason in Cleveland, with potential staff changes also incoming after they conclude their season on Saturday against the Ravens.

Foreman saw an uptick in utilization towards the end of the season following season-ending injuries to Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, but he struggled with the opportunity in an offense that went 24 consecutive drives without a touchdown before a fourth quarter touchdown in Week 18. The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent ends the 2024 season with 71 carries for 232 yards and no touchdowns, adding just six receptions.

Zappe’s night started off about as bad as it could get when he threw a pick-six on the team’s second possession, book ending his game with another interception on the team’s final possession in the red zone. He got the spot start for a Browns team clearly looking towards the future. Another top pick could be spent on a quarterback in the coming NFL Draft as they appear ready to cut bait with Deshaun Watson this offseason, particularly considering their future at the position does not appear to be on the current roster. Zappe will likely head back to free agency in the coming months.

The Steelers enter Week 18’s contest having already secured a playoff bid, and they are now blocked for the AFC North title with the win by the Ravens. They could end up with the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the AFC depending on the outcome of Saturday’s game.

Brown came into the contest listed as questionable after injuring his ankle in the second half of the team’s Week 17 win. It was initially deemed a mild high-ankle injury, with him ultimately unable to overcome the pain enough to be active in a must-win game. Expect Kahlil Herbert to lead the backfield, with an offensive game plan likely biased towards the air. Also inactive for the Bengals are DE Sam Hubbard, WR Charlie Jones, WR Jermaine Burton, TE Tanner McLachlan, OL Andrew Stueber, and DE Isaiah Thomas.

Training staff used an air cast to stabilize the rookie defensive lineman’s right leg after it appeared to get trapped and rolled up on. He rose his arm to fans as he departed the playing field on the cart. The injury ends a disappointing season for the No. 54 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Flowers appeared to bang his knee at the end of a reception in the second quarter of the team’s Week 18 game against the Browns. The Ravens played their starters as they aim to clinch the AFC North, something that could prove costly pending any status updates from the team regarding Flowers’ health. Flowers did walk off the field under his own power but was in obvious pain as he was taken directly to the locker room. The team has yet to provide any updates, which could come as soon as halftime. Flowers managed 12 yards on his lone reception prior to departing.

Ekeler has been on the shelf for the previous four games but will miss the minimum with a concussion sustained in Week 12. The Commanders have said they will approach Week 18 like any other week as they look to avoid the No. 7 seed out of the NFC, but time, and game environment, will tell if they keep their starters on the field late in the contest should they be playing with a comfortable lead.

The Browns limp into Week 18 with a skeleton crew of personnel, with reports out of Cleveland indicating that both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson would see time under center. Offensive expectations should be tempered considering the team’s lowly 12.5-point Vegas implied team total.

Agholor shed his injury designation this week but will be held out as the Ravens look to clinch the AFC North against the Browns. Justice Hill joins him on the sidelines after suffering a brutal concussion two weeks ago. While less than likely, lead back Derrick Henry needs 217 rush yards to become the first player in NFL history with multiple 2,000-yard seasons.

Sanders makes his return to an active roster now without both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, likely leaving him in line to serve as the lead back in the team’s final game of the regular season against the Falcons. His ultimate workload likely depends on his level of health after working his way back from an ankle injury that forced a trip to injured reserve, but the Panthers should have every reason to continue with full effort as they work through the future of their franchise.