NFL Player News

Wilson gets a $30K signing bonus as a priority UDFA. A heralded five-star prospect, Wilson (6’4/303) was rated the number one prospect in the state of Texas, sixth overall nationally from the 2017 freshman class and 171st all-time according to 247Sports. After a freshman year apprenticeship where he adjusted to the pace of the collegiate game, Wilson broke out in a big way as a sophomore, registering 553 snaps, 34 pressures, 25 stops, 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 12 games as he earned honorable mention All-ACC recognition. His development peaked in 2019 when he posted 44 tackles, 5.0 sacks and four PBU while being named as a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award. However Wilson took a demonstrable step back in 2020, recording just one sack and 10 pressures while experiencing a PFF defensive grade drop from 90.7 in 2019 to a 67.7 mark last year. His performance drop is evident on tape, as Wilson looked noticeably bigger which may have sapped some of the quickness and athleticism that made him special. His lack of special physical traits showed up at his pro day workout as well with a brutal 25.5 vertical jump, 4.91 shuttle and 23 bench reps, for an underwhelming 4.99 RAS. Wilson has vice grip like strength in his hands and brandishes a commendable toolbox of pass rush moves with good closing speed. Wilson is a war daddy type player.

Madubuike sat out in Week 1 after practicing in a limited capacity all week. Prior to his neck injury, he was a pivotal player on the Ravens’ defensive line. It seems as though he is still ramping up after a lengthy recovery.

Sitting out on a Wednesday is not the end of the world for established starters. However, this does push McConkey further into the questionable column. The Chargers signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling yesterday. Although Valdes-Scantling is unlikely to meaningfully contribute, the fact that the team felt they needed to bring in an extra wide receiver is slightly concerning. McConkey still has two days to get right. If he returns tomorrow, that would be great news.

Lane underwent surgery to address a fracture in his wrist and will now miss at least four games on short-term injured reserve. He will be eligible to return in Week 6. Ravens No. 1 WR Zay Flowers (hamstring) is also nursing an injury. Theoretically, fellow rookie WR Elijah Sarratt should be active in Week 2 against the Saints, though it is unclear if he would have a meaningful role if Flowers plays.

Murray was knocked out of Week 1 after just a few snaps when he took a late hit directly to his helmet from a Green Bay defender. A limited practice today means he is already making progress through the league’s concussion protocol. He is arguably on the positive side of questionable to start the week. Murray would be a borderline QB1 in versus Chicago’s awful defense if he clears the protocol ahead of Sunday. Carson Wentz will draw the start if Murray isn’t available.

That escalated quickly. On Monday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Mason’s “sore thumb” was being evaluated. Apparently, it had sustained a small fracture, which has now been “fixed,” ostensibly surgically, given O’Connell’s phrasing. Short-term injured reserve placement requires players to miss four games, but the Vikings are on bye in Week 6, so Mason will be eligible to return in Week 7. Mason led the backfield with 15 carries in Week 1, so his absence provides RB Aaron Jones with a touch-count boost. Veteran RB DeeJay Dallas operated as the RB3. Rookie RB Demond Claiborne was inactive last week, but should be active in Week 2 against the Lions. Speculatively stashing him could be worthwhile.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports McDonald is expected to return this season. McDonald was a core special teamer last year. He suffered a knee injury on his second snap of Week 1.

Tonges injured his MCL in Week 1. His return timeline has not yet been reported. With Tonges sidelined, TE George Kittle’s ramp-up period could be expedited. Backup TE Luke Farrell should also see more playing time, though he is not fantasy-relevant. The 49ers correspondingly promoted WR KhaDarel Hodge to the active roster and signed TE
Jack Stoll.

Burrow is seemingly set for a limited session on Wednesday. He is not wearing pads and is reportedly “doing handoffs in a helmet and jersey.” This could simply be a planned load management day. Burrow will speak to the media after practice, so we could get an update later today. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said earlier this week that his team suffered no major injuries, so there is no reason to worry at this time.

This all but rules him out for Week 2. Cooper Rush is getting treatment for the back injury he played through in Week 1 and can also be considered questionable. With Michael Penix not quite ready to return from his 2025 knee injury yet, the Falcons could be down to Jack Strand for their date with the Panthers.

Louis suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1. He was initially expected to miss a few weeks, and now that number will be at least four while he’s on injured reserve. The team signed cornerback Jaylin Simpson to their active roster in a corresponding move.