NFL Player News

Horvath (6'2/228) never topped more than 450 rushing yards in his four years at Purdue, but he put up some solid receiving lines including 30 catches for 304 yards in just six games in 2020. Not invited to the Combine, Horvath ran a 4.61 40 at his Pro Day with a 35.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump. He is more agile than expected given his size and looks very comfortable catching the ball, but he takes a while to get going and does not deliver the power his size would suggest. He may earn a roster spot as a versatile fullback who can work in the passing game.

The Bengals are taking a cautious approach with Flacco’s shoulder injury, just like they did in Week 9 before their bye. He sat out of practice on Wednesday and Friday but got some light work in on Thursday. Flacco still played in Week 9, throwing for an astounding 470 yards and four scores. He will likely get a similar practice regimen this week. Flacco should be good to go as a volume-based QB2 for his Week 11 date with the Steelers.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka made the announcement after Jaxson Dart was placed in the league’s concussion protocol. Winston’s aggressiveness and willingness to push the ball downfield should benefit Darius Slayton, Theo Johnson, and Wan’Dale Robinson in Week 11 and beyond, if Dart misses more time while recovering from his latest head injury. Winston last season in Cleveland threw 13 touchdowns to 12 picks over seven starts. He averaged nearly 300 passing yards per game for the Browns. Winston should be picked up in all superflex formats.

McDermott complimented the “flexibility” Hardman brings to the offense. The Bills on Tuesday signed Hardman to their practice squad. The longtime Chiefs gadget player and kicker returner could suit up for the Bills as soon as Week 11 against the Bucs. He had just 26 receptions over his past final two seasons with the Chiefs and hasn’t scored a regular season touchdown since 2022. Hardman will likely be a situational player in the run-heavy Buffalo offense.

Harrison underwent surgery to address to appendicitis and will be sidelined for at least one week, according to the Cardinals. Harrison’s absence comes as Jacoby Brissett — with Kyler Murray on IR — has breathed new life into the previously dormant Arizona passing attack. The Cardinals will also be without Zay Jones, who injured his Achilles in Week 10’s loss against Seattle. Look for Greg Dortch to take on a full-time role this week against a weak 49ers pass defense. Michael Wilson could see a slight increase in targets with MHJ sidelined. Trey McBride will continue seeing ample targets in the pass-first Arizona offense.

Bucs beat writers described Wednesday’s session as a walk-through, meaning Irving wasn’t practicing in full while battling shoulder and foot issues that have plagued him since mid-September. With continued practice participation on Thursday and Friday, Irving could make his return to game action this week against Buffalo. The Bucs could also wait another week to make sure Irving is back to full health before re-installing him as the team’s starting back.

Dart was out cold on the turf in Week 10 against the Bears after slamming his head on the ground in the third quarter. He was checked for a head injury for the fourth time this season before being escorted to the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the contest. Dart is almost certain to miss Week 11 against the Packers. The Giants moved Jameis Winston into the QB2 role ahead of Week 11, meaning Winston would get the starting nod should Dart miss the game. Russell Wilson will serve as New York’s emergency QB3 now that Russ loyalist Brian Daboll is out.

It’s not a great mode to be in as the Bucs head into their Week 11 matchup against the Bills. Stroud said he did not expected Godwin or Irving to practice Wednesday, and both players would seem unlikely to suit up against Buffalo. Look for Rachaad White and Sean Tucker to continue splitting the Bucs’ backfield workload against a weak Buffalo rush defense, and for Tez Johnson to operate as the team’s WR2 with Godwin sidelined.

Winston is being bumped to the QB2 role behind Dart, according to Russini. That means Russell Wilson — a favorite of recently fired head coach Brian Daboll — has been demoted to the emergency QB3 role ahead of the Giants’ Week 11 game against the Packers. Winston’s hair-on-fire play might not be great for real football purposes, but his aggressiveness and willingness to push the ball downfield should benefit Darius Slayton, Theo Johnson, and Wan’Dale Robinson if he gets the start against Green Bay. Dart last week suffered yet another head injury and has a good chance of missing at least one game. Winston should be rostered in all superflex fantasy formats this week.

Glazer reports Alexander is stepping away from football “to focus on getting himself right physically and mentally before deciding on his future.” The 28-year-old appeared in two games for the Ravens this season before the Eagles acquired him for a late-round pick swap prior to the trade deadline. Alexander has struggled to stay healthy each of the last three seasons, appearing in a combined 16 games since the start of the 2023 season. He most recently was dealing with a knee issue and could not get fully healthy to contribute to either the Eagles or Ravens this year. Now, it appears he is stepping away from the Eagles and football to determine his physical and mental health before choosing a path for the future. Alexander is not yet retired, but he is unlikely to be a contributor for the 2025 season.

Hooper was diagnosed with a concussion and also did not practice on Monday. The Patriots play on a short week against the Jets on Thursday, making a return to the field unlikely for Hooper in Week 11. Expect more looks for Hunter Henry as practice squad tight end C.J. Dippre may be called up to play a small role this week.