NFL Player News

Kelly previously worked with coach Mike Vrabel in Houston, where the former held onto his job through a mass turnover since he was close to Deshaun Watson. Kelly’s role would reportedly be similar to that of Jim Schwartz’s on defense rather than replacing the team’s current OC Todd Downing. The latter has been criticized for the offense’s shortcomings and unimaginative play-calling following Tennessee’s one-and-done stint in the postseason.

Smith has already been ruled out for Week 4. The Eagles take on the Jags in London next week. It sounds like fantasy managers should be prepared to be without their start receiver for that contest as well. Dontayvion Wicks currently profiles as the team’s top wideout, but it’s hard to imagine the team not getting first-round rookie Makai Lemon more involved as well. Both players are solid FLEX options for Week 4.

Clowney hasn’t played since injuring his knee in Week 1. Though he isn’t expected to be a major factor in the Texans’ plans, Houston’s defense hasn’t been the shutdown unit that it was last year. They currently rank as a below-average team in EPA per play allowed. Clowney won’t change their fortunes overnight, but he will hopefully help them make incremental improvements.

Spears played through the ankle issue last week and there was no indication during this week’s practice that he suffered any sort of setback. He is good to go for Week 4, though fantasy managers can’t count on him for much. He touched the ball just three times last week.

Jones injured his knee and was considered “week to week” going forward. The good news is that this means it won’t be season-ending IR, but the Bears will be without their starting left tackle for at least four games. Theo Benedet will start in his place this week. Now healthy, Ozzy Trapilo could take over that job in the coming weeks as well.

The Panthers entered the season down both of their starting tackles. They will also be without left guard Damien Lewis this week. Getting Freeling back is a big win for Bryce Young and the offense. Freeling has struggled in pass protection so far but is serviceable in the run game.

The 49ers are already banged up on defense with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams ruled out on Friday. Greenlaw was listed as questionable after getting in a single limited practice. He has 22 combined tackles, 11 defensive stops, and one pressure this year.

Rapoport noted that IR is an option, but the injury is not considered long-term. Harmon suffered the foot injury on Thursday against the Browns. He was carted to the locker room and was later spotted wearing a boot on the sidelines. The second-year tackle had 1.5 sacks in three games before leaving Week 4 early. His potential breakout campaign will now be put on hold for upwards of a month.

Rapoport did note that the Lions could make another push to sign LaPorta later this year, so the door isn’t entirely closed. LaPorta is set to become a free agent next offseason. The team could, however, place the franchise tag on him. He has gotten off to a quiet start with 14 catches for 144 yards and one score. LaPorta is currently on pace for a career-low in yards per game. He would still have plenty of suitors in free agency, even if the counting stats don’t improve this year.

Previous reports put the timeline at 2-4 weeks, so it’s possible the injury is worse than initially expected. The good news is that testing revealed no ligament or tendon damage in Mayfield’s thumb. Per Schefter, Mayfield’s return will depend on how quickly he can grip the ball. That is typically the first step in throwing a football. For now, UDFA rookie Jalon Daniels will draw the start. He is worth a look in Superflex leagues but can’t be played in one-quarterback formats.

McConkey was limited in Wednesday’s practice, downgraded to a DNP on Thursday, and returned for another limited session on Friday. It looks like the team was just heavily managing his workload during the week, but that could continue into today’s game. McConkey has been the only modestly successful part of the offense this year, and the Chargers would be wise to keep him healthy, even if that means limiting his snaps. He remains in the WR2 mix, though the injury makes him a riskier bet than usual.