NFL Player News

Simmons was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was then downgraded to a DNP on Friday, making it unlikely he will be able to suit up on Sunday. The Broncos defense has arguably been the worst in the league this year and is set to be without one of their top play-makers for Week 4. It’s now or never for Justin Fields. Denver ruled out Mike Purcell, Josey Jewell, and Frank Clark.

It’s the second consecutive full practice for Jackson, who is attempting to return from a three-game absence to face the Bills in Week 8. The two full sessions were also his first such practices since injuring his ankle, a positive development toward an active status in a marquee matchup. He’ll have one more opportunity to maintain his level of participation, which would likely keep him off the injury report heading into the weekend.

Both players emerged from their Week 7 win a bit banged up, with their return to practice Thursday a positive development toward an active game-day status. Right tackle Tytus Howard (concussion) remained sidelined, who will have one more opportunity to get on the practice field and remain asymptomatic to have a chance at playing against the Steelers in Week 8.

Hamilton was seen in full pads, participating in practice the day after being held out due to a knee injury. The All Pro safety-linebacker hybrid is arguably the most important piece of the Baltimore defense considering his absurd flexibility to play multiple positions on the field. While the official status of his return has not been provided by the team, it’s a step in the right direction ahead of a divisional showdown against the Bengals in Week 8.

With two DNPs to start the week, Spears looks unlikely to play on Sunday. He also missed Week 7 with the knee issue. Tony Pollard racked up 28 touches and scored three rushing touchdowns. While we’re not banking on another multi-score outing anytime soon, his role alone is worth an RB2 ranking if Spears remains out.

Tate has now missed two practices with the shoulder issue, making him truly questionable for Sunday’s game versus the Bengals. Tate has been operating as the Titans’ clear WR1, meaning there would be plenty of opportunities up for grabs if he can’t go. Wan’Dale Robinson could be in line for more targets, but his slot-only role doesn’t have much overlap with Tate’s job. Second-year wideout Elic Ayomanor might be the best bet to see more work if Tate is out this week, though that would only move him into the WR4 ranks.

Heck spent the offseason with the Dolphins but did not make their final roster. He has 29 career starts, with all but two of them coming at right tackle. His most recent action came in Tampa Bay, where he started six games in 2025.

There’s a good chance Egbuka has been upgraded to a full participant in practice, meaning he is making his way through the league’s concussion protocol. He remains on track to play this week after missing Week 7. With Baker Mayfield back under center, Egbuka may be able to turn around his season after a rather quiet start to the year. He is in the WR2 mix for Week 8 versus the Falcons.

Gainwell missed Wednesday’s session with the hip issue. He will likely be listed as limited today, but that still puts him on track to play in Week 8 against the Falcons. Gainwell racked up 14 carries in a blowout win over the Panthers last week, but that hasn’t been the norm for him. Gainwell is averaging 6.4 touches per game and has topped out at three receptions in a week. He is buried in the RB4 ranks for Week 8.

Rap isn’t breaking much news here. Chase didn’t practice on Wednesday, but the Bengals listed him as getting a rest day on top of the ankle issue. It was just a maintenance day for one of the league’s best wideouts. Chase remains in the WR1 overall mix for his Week 8 game against the Titans.

Blue was called up as the replacement for Dameon Pierce, who was placed on injured reserve this week. Saquon Barkley entered Week 7 with a lingering hamstring issue. He then suffered a back injury and was in and out of the lineup for the remainder of the game. With little left to play for, the Eagles may choose to put their star running back on ice for a while. That would leave Blue and Elijah Mitchell as the next men up. Mitchell was the RB3 for Philly in Monday’s game, but he wasn’t signed to the active roster. Our money is on Blue seeing more work this week, though it’s a messy situation at best.