NFL Player News

Small stepped up towards the end of the season when he took over the lead back duties after Tiyon Evans entered the transferred portal. He and Jaylen Wright split carries for most of this game and was it was very effective. Both runners were able to get an open lane from their offensive line to move the ball. That’s what got Small into the end zone as he went up the gut for the two-yard score. Small was the one who was able to gain the big yards in this game. His most significant moment came late in the fourth when he was able to break off a big 60-yard run that would result in a touchdown to tie this game at 38. This was undoubtedly an exciting end to this game as both teams traded off big plays and went touchdown-for-touchdown. The only moment that will have you scratching your head is why did Tennessee go for the big play when they were close to field goal range instead of giving the ball to Small? The Vols had to settle for a 56-yard field goal attempt that was missed to force overtime and would eventually lose. The sophomore certainly proved he could lead the backfield in this offense. With quarterback Hendon Hooker, wide receiver Cedric Tillman and Small on this team, watch out for the Vols in 2022.

Eagles DC Vic Fangio said during training camp that Greenard could miss Week 1, so even a limited practice today is a good sign for the veteran EDGE. Philly traded for Greenard during the offseason and immediately signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension. The team will see how he responds to a week of practices before making a decision on his status before Sunday.

Now we know what Brooks has been dealing with for the past week or so. Beginning the week with a limited session is a good sign regarding his Week 1 availability, but obviously we hope to see him practice fully as soon as possible, given his extensive injury history. He could end up rotating in behind RB Chuba Hubbard if active.

Giants coach John Harbaugh told reporters he thinks Nabers is ready to go. Harbaugh didn’t fully commit to him playing in Week 1, but we would be stunned if Nabers isn’t out there on Sunday. Even if Nabers takes a few weeks to get back to form, he should be in fantasy lineups out of the gate. Nabers is, at worst, a high-end WR2 for his first game since suffering a torn ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season.

Reporters first asked whether Young had received an offer from the team. Tepper passed on answering. A reporter then asked what would prompt the team to offer Young an extension. Tepper initially declined to answer once again, before adding, “but look, success is success. And you know it when you see it.” Anything is possible, but given those remarks, it seems plausible that no offer was made. The Panthers picked up Young’s fifth-year team option in April, keeping the 25-year-old quarterback under contract through 2027. This could be a make-or-break year for him as the starter, though.

Flowers was asked how he was feeling today while meeting with the press, with a beat reporter specifically asking Flowers about his quad. Flowers suffered a quad bruise early in training camp and missed time last week with an undisclosed injury. Now feeling “better than ever,” Flowers is seemingly on track to play in Week 1 against the Colts without issue.

Johnson went down while running a route on August 9th. He resumed running roughly two weeks ago, but has not yet rejoined his teammates in drills. Although Johnson is not on the fantasy radar himself, he has hogged passing down snaps in recent seasons. Starting RB James Cook has been expected to take on a larger receiving role this season, and Johnson’s potential absence adds credence to that idea.

KOC didn’t mince words, saying, “This gives us the best chance to win this Sunday.” O’Connell did note that the backup quarterback decisions will be made on a week-to-week basis. Still, this serves as another indictment of J.J. McCarthy, who will presumably be inactive for Week 1. The former first-round pick is unlikely to play at all this year and will likely be looking for a new team after the season ends.

This is good news. Shakir has been sidelined for multiple weeks, rehabbing an undisclosed injury. His return today puts him on track to play in Week 1 against the Texans’ top-tier defense. Whether Shakir can be a reliable FLEX with WR DJ Moore now in Buffalo and TE Dalton Kincaid reportedly set to take on a larger role remains to be seen. Getting back on the field is the first step, though.

Jags GM James Gladstone said last week that the team was open to an in-season extension with Washington, who is set to hit free agency next offseaosn. Both sides want to get a deal done, but they are clearly still at odds over the details of the contract. Even if it takes longer than expected, it does look like Washington will sign an extension before he gets to test the waters of free agency. Coming off an outstanding training camp, Washington should be treated as a fantasy WR2 for the Jags’ Week 1 date with the Browns.