NFL Player News

Along with the rest of the Packers’ defense, Raji took a step back last year. It’s possible he wore down after playing virtually every snap in the first three years of his career. “We have to be smart with him in terms of how much we play him, try to keep him fresh and keep him going,” said DC Dom Capers. The Packers picked two defensive tackles (Jerel Worthy, Mike Daniels) in the first four rounds of the draft.

Bryant has missed the Broncos’ last four games after being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The 23-year-old receiver is eligible to return whenever the Broncos deem him ready to do so, and his practicing this week would mean the team has opened his 21-day return window. Bryant has caught nine passes for 133 yards and one touchdown and was third among Broncos receivers in routes run (91) through the first four weeks of the season. He could make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues, but fantasy managers shouldn’t rush to put him in their lineups whenever he does return.

Thomas is once again the subject of trade talks as next week’s trade deadline rapidly approaches. The 24-year-old receiver, who broke out for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, has earned just 22 targets through seven games this season and has a 10-117-2 line. With so many wide receiver-needy teams out there, it’s hard to imagine the Jaguars holding Thomas, who has become more of an afterthought in the offense, but they’ve resisted trading him over the last year despite multiple teams showing interest.

Carlson has converted 8-of-12 field goals this season and is 16-for-18 on PATs. The veteran kicker who is known for his big leg has seen all four of his misses come on distances of 50-plus yards, but that was more than enough for the Saints to look in a different direction. Practice squad kicker Charlie Smyth, who converted 12 of his 16 field goal attempts for the Saints last season has a chance to be the next man up when the Saints take on the Browns in Week 9.

Loop will be sidelined for at least the next four weeks after suffering a right groin injury in Sunday’s loss to the Bills. The second-year kicker competed for the starting kicker job in camp and has struggled during parts of this season. He has converted on 13 of his 17 field goal attempts this year, with his four misses all coming from inside 50 yards. Veteran Jake Moody is set to take over in Loop’s absence when the Ravens face the Jaguars on Thursday night. Loop will be eligible to return in Week 14 when the Ravens play host to the Buccaneers.

Newsome signed a one-year $8 million contract with the Giants this offseason and is now being rewarded for his strong play during the first half of this season. The 26-year-old corner has allowed just 174 receiving yards on 26 targets this season, per PFF, earning a coverage grade of 66.1. He has been one of the league’s better outside corners this season and will now be under contract with the Giants through the 2029 season.

Shortly after being reinstated from suspension for a spitting incident in Week 6 against the Raiders, Gardner-Johnson is now in search of a new home. The 28-year-old safety started all six games he appeared in for the Bills this season, earning a PFF defensive grade of 55.2 while allowing 11 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. Gardner-Johnson has played for four different teams since 2024 and is now free to sign with anyone willing to take on the 28-year-old vet.

Kinlaw was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Eagles and will now miss at least the next four games after landing on IR. Kinlaw has tallied 13 tackles and one sack for the Commanders this season and will be eligible to return in Week 13 when the Commanders take on the Titans.

McNichols is believed to have suffered a severe foot injury in Sunday night’s win over the Eagles. While he is still seeking additional opinions, it was reported on Monday that he is expected to miss multiple months, which could mean this is a season-ender. McNichols has spent the last three seasons with the Commanders, contributing primarily on special teams while also mixing in for an occasional offensive play.

Adebawore, 25, is in the midst of a breakout season for the Colts. After setting career highs in tackles (36), TFLs (5), and sacks (4.0) last season, the fourth-year pro has already tallied four sacks and four TFLs in his first eight games of this season. While the Colts are in the middle of a rebuild, the decision to sign Adebawore to an extension means he’s one of the players they hope to build around in the years ahead. He is now under contract through the 2028 season.

The decision on whether or not to place Huntley on injured reserve could come in the next few days as the Ravens prepare to play the Jaguars on Thursday. With Lamar Jackson (thumb) expected to be placed on IR and possibly be out for the rest of the season, Huntley landing on IR would mean the Ravens would be starting their third-string QB (or worse) for at least the next four weeks. Rookie UDFA Joe Fagnano has already been named as the starter for Thursday’s game against the Jaguars, but was seen sporting an ankle brace in Tuesday’s practice. While he’s expected to play through it, the Ravens could be forced to play either Austin Reed or Kedon Slovis, who signed with the team earlier this week.