NFL Player News

This year’s “low” tender is worth $2.6 million. It gives the Pats the right of first refusal if Bryant signs an offer sheet elsewhere. Since he is a former UDFA, the Pats will receive no compensation if Bryant signs and New England does not match. Bryant was the Pats’ primary slot corner last season, but they are probably looking for an upgrade after he was a weak link over the middle of the field.

An entire offseason spent creating goofy Instagram videos in hopes of willing himself onto the Commanders’ roster didn’t go as Aiyuk had hoped. Instead, the 28-year-old receiver, who last played a snap in 2024, remains under contract with the 49ers after failing to apply for reinstatement, which remains the first step he would need to take if he hopes to be made available to other teams. The 49ers put a “left squad designation” on Aiyuk back in July, meaning while he remains under contract with the team, he does not count against the team’s 53-man roster. It seems unlikely he will remain with the Niners if/when he applies for reinstatement, meaning the team will either have to release him or find a trade suitor for him before this month’s deadline. It would be surprising if Aiyuk played a snap for any team in 2026.

This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given that NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Jacobs is “going to continue to play” while the league reviews this latest round of allegations. The league is not only reviewing these latest allegations, but is also looking into whether or not Jacobs was “upfront” with them about the initial allegations that led to him being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Barring an unexpected development this week, we would expect Jacobs to be on the field against the Patriots this week.

Parsons is not expected to suit up in Week 9 against the Patriots, but this is the next step in his recovery as he looks to return to the field. On Sunday, it was reported that the Packers were targeting a Week 12 return for Parsons, which would mean he plays on Thanksgiving Eve against the Rams if all goes according to plan.

After taking some time to evaluate his quarterback room, Steichen has decided to stick with Jones, saying he believes Jones gives the Colts “the best chance to win right now.” Jones has struggled mightily in his second season with the Colts and is now sitting on a 1,542-5-9 passing line this season, and he tossed two picks in Week 8’s 42-7 blowout loss to the Jaguars. He was pulled in favor of Anthony Richardson late in the game, but he will get at least one more start against a woeful Cowboys defense that is fresh off blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead to the Cardinals in a comeback that was orchestrated by Gardner Minshew. With only two teams on bye this week, Jones is nothing more than a desperation streamer in 2QB/superflex leagues.

Canales said the oft-injured Brooks still has “some things to clear recovery-wise” but noted that he could still have his practice window opened this week. Brooks suffered a core muscle injury in Week 2 against the Falcons and handled just 11 touches in his first two games of the year. Given his injury history, it’s hard to know how close he could truly be to dressing on game day, but even when he does return, we would still expect Chuba Hubbard to handle the majority of touches given how efficient he has been this season. In addition to Brooks, Canales said the team is also weighing when to open the return window for Xavier Legette, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a knee injury.

Pittman has been on injured reserve since October 10th, and began running last week. While the veteran receiver said he hopes to return after the Steelers’ bye week, he also said that there’s “no time frame” for his return. Pittman’s foot injury was a reaggravation of a previous injury he had earlier in the season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers exercised extreme caution to ensure it doesn’t flare up again when he returns. Pittman’s first season in Pittsburgh has been disappointing, to say the least. He has appeared in just three games and has totaled seven receptions for 89 scoreless yards.

Turner was initially believed to have suffered an ankle injury in the Bengals’ Week 8 win over the Titans, but it was later ruled to be a heel injury. According to Taylor, the fourth-year corner has a chance to suit up in Week 9 when the Bengals take on the Falcons in Madrid, so his status will be one to keep an eye on throughout the week. Turner has earned a PFF coverage grade of 72.9 this season, allowing opposing receivers to catch 16-of-26 targets for 132 yards and one touchdown.

Branch suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8’s shutout loss to the Buccaneers and will miss next week’s game against the Bengals in Madrid. The rookie third-rounder has caught just 10 passes for 64 scoreless yards this season and has also served as the Falcons’ primary kick and punt returner.