NFL Player News

Journeyman Trai Essex is expected to start on Big Ben’s blindside while Ramon Foster fills in for Doug Legursky (shoulder) at right guard. Essex will be in the spotlight against a Texans front seven that is bringing the heat through three games.

Edwards went down with a non-contact knee injury in Week 3 against the Colts and did not return to the game. He could miss the rest of the season if his knee issue requires surgery. This would be a less-than-welcome development for a Houston defense that has struggled through three games.

Horn, who suffered a quad tear in Week 3’s loss to Cleveland, could miss most of the season while Jackson’s groin injury is likely less severe. Even so, Carolina’s suspect defense will be without both starting corners for now — a potential boon for opposing passing attacks, including the Lions in Week 4. Carolina has allowed the 12th lowest drop back EPA and the 15th lowest passing success rate through Week 3.

It sounds like White will be a question mark headed into Washington’s Week 4 game against the Colts in London. Quinn added that it’s too early to tell whether Austin Ekeler, who signed with the Commanders this week, will be active for Week 4. Jacory Croskey-Merritt could see a significant bump in carries and pass routes — and maybe targets — if White is sidelined this week. JCM, who has 58 percent of the team’s carries through three games, would be a nice flex option in that case.

It looks like Daniels will log some practice time ahead of the Commanders’ Week 4 London matchup against the Colts, less than two weeks after suffering yet another elbow injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Tuesday that Daniels will likely require surgery on the elbow after the season. That raises questions about whether he can return and play as he usually does in the coming months. For now it looks like Marcus Mariota will get a second straight start for Washington. He’ll be usable in superflex formats against a middling Colts coverage unit.

Gwyn went down with a serious leg injury in Week 3 against the Cowboys and will require surgery in the coming days, per Fowler. That will leave Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense without their starting center for at least the next couple months. Rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane will likely start at center for the Ravens in Week 4. It’s a blow to a Baltimore offensive line that ranks 29th in ESPN’s pass blocking win rate and third in run blocking win rate.

Waddle was spotted in a walking boot after the Broncos’ Sunday night win, prompting speculation over his status. Jane reports that Waddle is “fine” while beat reporter Zac Stevens said a source told him “there’s nothing wrong” with the 27-year-old wideout. The boot certainly could have been a precautionary measure but we will wait for Wednesday’s practice report to find out if Waddle is truly dealing with an injury.

Pettis reunites with the 49ers, who add him for receiver depth given the rash of pass-catcher injuries to open the season. He began his career as a second-round pick for San Francisco, bouncing around as a depth receiver and special teamer with the Giants, Bears, and Saints as well. Pettis may see some game day action soon given his familiarity with Kyle Shanahan, but he should be nowhere near fantasy rosters.

Though Porter has been listed on the injury report with a back issue to start the season, he was listed for “conditioning” to open this week. It’s no secret Porter is in a contract dispute and the Steelers have been getting trade calls on the 26-year-old. However, he is practicing fully ahead of a Week 4 Thursday matchup against the Browns and could certainly play. When asked if Porter will play, head coach Mike McCarthy said, “We hope so.” With Jalen Ramsey dealing with a broken wrist, Porter’s help will be welcome in the secondary.

Ramsey has been listed as a limited practice participant for the Steelers’ first two practice reports. He told Pryor that his wrist is broken but still has a chance to play against the Browns on Thursday. If he does play, Ramsey will likely wear a brace/cast on his wrist after wearing one in practice this week.

With the Commanders playing the Colts in London this week, the team has begun travelling on Tuesday. Cosmi and S Nick Cross (illness) did not travel with the team and are promptly ruled out for Week 4. Both will miss their second consecutive game and hope to return in Week 5 against the Giants.