NFL Player News

Starting in place of Kevin Walter, Jones set up the Texans’ first field goal with an impressive 31-yard catch on a tipped ball down the sideline. With the Texans in clock-killing mode in the second half, Jones saw just four targets on the afternoon. He’ll be a risk/reward WR3 option against the Saints next week.

Martinez has bounced around the 49ers and Jets in the NFL, while winning MVP in the UFL in 2024. He worked out for the Ravens earlier this week but now joins the Seahawks as depth with Sam Darnold (quad) banged up and set to miss Week 9 against the Cardinals.

Kirk comes out of the 49ers’ bye as a limited practice participant due to a knee issue. He was not targeted in Week 7 after returning off a calf injury and should remain off fantasy rosters even if he plays in Week 9 against the Raiders.

Blankenship has been dealing with a concussion since Week 6 and still has it listed as an injury designation nearly three weeks later. He is also listed with a hand injury. Blankenship will need to progress through concussion protocol to have a chance at playing in Week 9; he is on the wrong side of questionable for now.

Gainwell saw 25 carries in a run-heavy game against the Falcons in Week 8. Bowles said, “I think we finally got to where we’re utilizing Kenny more and more, and that’s kind of the 1A, 1B we were talking about when we first signed him.” Gainwell saw 50-percent of the snaps for the first time all season last week and now has back-to-back weeks of at least 14 carries. He is still seeing low utilization in the passing game and game script has certainly played a role in his recent role, but it is notable that Bowles mentions the Bucs envisioned a 1A/1B backfield pairing between Bucky Irving and Gainwell. Despite Bowles’ comments, fantasy managers should anticipate Irving operating with the majority of backfield touches, like he did from Weeks 1-6. We will still have to see Gainwell’s usage in a more neutral game script to feel confident about him as a fantasy option moving forward.

Campbell missed the Eagles’ Week 8 game against the Commanders after not practicing all of last week due to hamstring and quad injuries. He starts out this week DNP, along with DBs Michael Carter (abdomen) and Jonathan Jones (hamstring) on the defensive side of the ball. All three will need some kind of practice later in the week to have a chance at reinforcing the Eagles defense in Week 9 against the Giants.

Elliot was listed as a limited participant for the Eagles’ Wednesday practice. The 31-year-old has made 6-of-7 field goals this season and all 17 extra points. He is still trending to play in Week 9, but if the Eagles add another kicker sometime this week, that would indicate Elliot’s ankle injury is a real issue.

McDuffie played through a groin injury in Week 8 and seemingly picked up a new back injury during the game. Rams head coach Sean McVay said McDuffie will be a DNP Wednesday, indicating the 26-year-old’s back issue is more than a minor flare-up. It’s possible he is getting the day off to rest the groin and back injuries, but Rams fans should keep an eye on his practice status the rest of the week. It’s safe to say McDuffie is truly questionable for Week 9 against the Commanders.

Rams head coach Sean McVay announced Parkinson would be a DNP on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has been dealing with a rib injury since Week 7, missing the Rams’ Week 8 game against the Chargers. Starting out DNP puts him on the wrong side of questionable for Week 9 against the Commanders.

Waddle played through a questionable tag with this injury last week, catching 3-of-6 targets for 39 yards and one touchdown against the Chiefs. He apparently made it through the contest without re-injuring himself and can be started as a WR3 this week against the Panthers.

Bryant’s 21-day practice window has been opened, and it begins with a full session, putting him on track to play in Week 9 against the Panthers. The Broncos’ passing game has severely underperformed expectations. Bryant does not necessarily need to be added in 12-team formats, though he could ultimately compete for No. 2 wide receiver duties.