NFL Player News

“The majority of team personnel that I spoke with believe he’ll hit or clear the over.” The Bengals could franchise tag Higgins for less than this, but it seems clear that most sourced accounts of the league expect Higgins to hit free agency. He will be easily the league’s No. 1 priority in free agency, as even despite battling through soft tissue injuries the last few years, a wideout of this caliber rarely makes the open market in his prime. Justin Jefferson is the current leader in average annual value per season at $35 million. It wouldn’t be surprising if Higgins found somewhere around that number if he makes it to free agency.

Brown was sidelined by a hamstring strain in early August. He briefly resumed practicing before being sidelined once again. Team reporters are listing Brown as being sidelined by a hamstring injury, though Sirianni’s comments on the matter are vague. For what it’s worth, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said, “it feels like the hope is” that Brown resumes practicing “sometime in the near future,” adding that he doesn’t “sense any great concern” from the team, regarding the injury.

Bowles initially told reporters that all starters, aside from Mike Evans and Lavonte David, would play on Saturday. Per The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, Mayfield “played so well today in the joint workout with the Steelers” that Bowles changed his mind. It’s unfortunate for fantasy managers who were hoping to catch a glimpse of Mayfield’s connection with WR Emeka Egbuka but the game should still give us a look at the Buccaneers’ running back rotation with Rachaad White sidelined by a groin injury.

Howe cites “several high-ranking league sources” in the report. Recent buzz around Hill has not been great and he is now nursing an oblique injury. Still, the Dolphins do not appear to be interested in allowing the 31-year-old wide receiver to play elsewhere and Howe thinks that “there’s reason to believe [the distractions have] been left in the past.” If Hill really is turning a corner in his commitment to football, and the Dolphins can get him back to performing at an elite level, it would be a boon to the offense as a whole.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton adds that five or six starters who currently “have a lack of reps” will play on an “eight-play pitch count.” Those five or six players will be worth watching, namely to determine if the group includes players like RJ Harvey, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin and/or Pat Bryant. Should any of those players take the field, it would be nice to see them get the start and leave quickly thereafter.

Rice’s case regarding a multi-car crash will be heard by independent arbitrator Judge Sue L. Robinson, who previously issued Deshaun Watson’s initial six-game suspension after considering the matter for more than a month in 2022. Two weeks later, the NFL appealed Robinson’s suspension and agreed to an 11-game suspension with the NFLPA. Judge Robinson’s lengthy previous deliberation period could be an issue for Rice and the Chiefs. The NFL has again shown a willingness to operate on the Judge’s time, scheduling Rice’s hearing for September 30th because that is when her schedule allowed it. The Chiefs face the Ravens on September 28th, in Week 4. Should a similar timeline play out, it is possible Rice’s potential suspension is not imposed until after the Chiefs’ Week 10 bye.

The Raiders briefly rostered Steiner after he went undrafted earlier this year. Steiner will technically be listed as the FB3, with standout rookie FB Robbie Ouzts penciled in as the starter and FB Brady Russell spending half his time at TE. The signing reinforces the notion that Seattle is committed to establishing the run this season, which is good news for both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. The team correspondingly waived LB Michael Dowell.

Mike Evans and Lavonte David are the only starters who will not play. This game could provide insight into Baker Mayfield’s connection with rising rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, as well as the Buccaneers’ backfield usage with Rachaad White (groin) likely sidelined. Mayfield did not play last week.

Earlier today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “the sexual assault case against former Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond has been no-billed and he faces no further criminal charges.” Shortly thereafter, Bond posted a message on social media ostensibly indicating that the Browns had signed him. In the post, Bond thanked the Browns for giving him “this opportunity,” and committed to “learning this offense” and building strong relationships with his “teammates.” Cabot follows up Bond’s post by saying Bond has not been signed “yet and it’s not happening today.” This story will likely continue to unfold in the coming hours and days.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan “hopes” Bosa will be back next week, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. The 49ers’ defensive line is a little banged up. Defensive line rookies, DL Mykel Williams and DT CJ West, both recently hyperextended their knees. Hopefully, all three get fully healthy in time for Week 1.

NFL players frequently play through pain when function is not an issue, so McVay’s response is unsurprising. Still, having the supposition confirmed is never ideal. Stafford is scheduled to participate in a workout on Saturday, which will determine his practice availability next week. Fingers crossed that at least his functionality improves.