NFL Player News

Just days before his 38th birthday, Ryan tweeted his intent to join CBS for the upcoming season. While he insisted this was not a retirement post, it’s possible the league has already moved on from Ryan. Ryan’s lone season with the Colts couldn’t have gone much worse, as he ate 38 sacks in 12 games while throwing for 3057-14-13. Being benched twice in favor of Sam Ehlinger and/or Nick Foles only added to Ryan’s down season, but it was clear he was a far cry from the player he once was. Concerns over Ryan’s declining arm strength likely resulted in little interest on the open market after the Colts cut ties with him in mid-March. If this is indeed the end for Ryan, he would walk away ranking ninth in career touchdown passes (381) and seventh in career passing yards (62,792). His 2016 MVP season was overshadowed by a loss in Super Bowl LI after his team jumped out to a 28-3 lead, but the 14 years of stability he provided the Falcons at the quarterback position, and multiple 10+ win seasons are worthy of recognition.

Benson is entering the final week of his 21-day practice window. If he isn’t activated before the 21 days are up, the Cardinals are forced to leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. Benson practiced on Wednesday two weeks ago but has been listed as a DNP ever since. He appears to have suffered a setback while recovering from the meniscus injury that has sidelined him since Week 4. At this point, it looks more likely than not that he is done for the year. Bam Knight will close out the season as Arizona’s top back.

Evans is currently on injured reserve while recovering from the broken clavicle he suffered in Week 7. The team opened his practice window earlier this week, allowing him to return to the practice field as he prepares to play. Evans has been ruled out for Week 14 already, but it sounds like Week 15 is on the table. If not, fantasy managers can assume he will be back in the lineup for Week 16 versus the Panthers.

When a player is ready to go, Schefter and most other reporters will say they are “expected to play.” That Schefter didn’t use those words means Kincaid still has some hurdles to clear before getting the green light. The team will likely test out his hamstring and knee during warmups before making a final call. Assuming all goes well, Kincaid will return for a game teeming without shootout potential. Even in his first game since Week 10, Kincaid will push for a TE1 ranking.

Olave dealt with back spasms in practice two weeks ago. He played through them versus the Dolphins and caught four passes for 47 yards and a score. It wasn’t his best showing of the year, but he looked fine. He missed Wednesday’s practice this week but was on the field for the following two sessions before being listed a questionable. Per usual, Olave is on track for volume-based WR2 numbers versus the Bucs.

Reed was activated from injured reserve over the weekend. The team then listed him as questionable, largely as a procedural measure. Reed will be active today, though we fully expect his role to be limited in his first game since Week 2. The Packers have been looking for a No. 1 receiver all year. Reed has a clear path to that role in the long run, making him a great stash for the fantasy football playoffs.

The Eagles are currently 19th in points per game and 14th in EPA per play. They ranked seventh and sixth in those metrics last year. There has been significant turnover along their offensive line, in part because of injuries, but not enough to warrant this drastic a falloff. The biggest change Philly was forced to make over the past offseason was at offensive coordinator. Kevin Patullo took over the job after Kellen Moore departed for the head coaching gig in Atlanta. Patullo has been unable to get Saquon Barkley going after he set records in 2024. The passing game has also struggled at times and the Eagles are now on a two-game losing streak. Sirianni said after last week’s loss to Chicago that Patullo will retain play-calling duties this week. His increased involvement in the offense, however, is undoubtedly a sign that Patullo is on the hot seat.

Graham was listed as questionable after being added to the injury report in the middle of the week. He appears to be good to go now. Graham has five TFLs and .5 sacks this year. The rookie will look to get on board with his first solo sack of the year against fellow top-five pick Cam Ward.

At 6-6 with a spiraling offense and a defense that has failed to live up to the hype, the Steelers are seemingly headed for, at best, another short-lived playoff run. They still need to make the postseason, likely by winning the AFC North, to even see another Wild Card Round loss. Pittsburgh fans have yet to experience a losing season under Tomlin. On the other hand, they haven’t seen a playoff win since 2017. His defense-first approach worked wonders when the offense took care of itself. That hasn’t been the case since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and it might be time for the team to try something new. Schefter notes that Tomlin is under contract through 20226 and his contract has a team option for 2027. The Steelers need to decide on that option by March 1. Declining the option could mark the beginning of the end for one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.

Thompkins, 25, has been elevated from the practice squad twice. He likely will contribute on special teams.

With Jayden Reed (hamstring) activated off injured reserve, the Packers clear the needed room with the waiving of Heath. The 25-year-old will likely revert to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed.