NFL Player News

Here we go. Herbert was injured in the Bears’ Week 5 win over the Commanders and placed on injured reserve shortly after. The third-year back was off to a hot start before going down, totaling 355 yards from scrimmage on 61 touches while averaging 5.8 yards per touch. Herbert will presumably step into his RB1 role once fully healthy, and could have an outside shot at playing on Thursday night against the Panthers. With his 21 day window now open, the Bears don’t have to play Herbert on Thursday if he’s not yet ready to go. It’s possible they opt to sideline him until Week 11 when they take on the Lions. In addition to Herbert, the Bears also opened the 21 day window for WR Equanimeous St. Brown and DB Josh Blackwell.

No real surprises here. The Patriots come into this game relatively healthy, except for defensive tackle Milton Williams being on the IR.

Palmer had missed the last few weeks with an ankle injury, but was able to get in a few limited practices this week and appears good to go. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is not quite at 100%, but the Bills need his athleticism and downfield capability in their receiving corps. Surprisingly, Gabe Davis was made in inactive for this game, which might signal a more pass heavy approach for the Bills since Davis is arguably their best run blocking wide receiver.

The Bills’ top cornerback picked up a toe injury in practice towards the end of the week, and is unfortunately unable to go on Sunday. This is a huge loss for Buffalo, as Benford has been near elite over the last few weeks since overcoming an early season injury. The bills will start Tre’Davious White and Maxwell Hairston at corners and their depth will be severely tested, which is probably why they tried to sign Darius Slay a couple of weeks ago. The Bills also declared WR Gabe Davis, OT Tylan Grable, OT Chase Lundt. DT Phidarian Mathis, LB Terrel Bernard, and S Darnell Savage inactive.

No surprises on the Browns inactives as Dylan Sampson was ruled out earlier in the week. His absence is a boost for Quinshon Judkins, who should see more receiving work with Sampson sidelined. LG Joel Bitonio (knee, back), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion, rib), DT Mason Graham (rib), and WR Malachi Corley (concussion) are active after being listed as questionable.

Brown will sit out Kansas City’s crucial Week 15 tilt against the Chargers for personal reasons. His absence could open up more routes and targets for JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Chiefs will also be without McDuffie, making Justin Herbert’s matchup a little better. Herbert is a borderline option in one-QB leagues even with McDuffie out.

Meredith and Thomas were on the questionable line while Smith and Bachman were ruled out on Friday. No major changes from expectations here; Kenny Pickett will start against the Eagles in a #RevengeGame and figures to be one of the weaker superflex options on the slate today.

Higgins was ruled out on Friday due to the concussion he suffered in Week 14’s loss to the Bills. His absence will create a bigger role for WR Mitchell Tinsley, who saw a season-high nine targets in Week 13 against the Ravens when Higgins was sidelined.

Bagent was sent home with an illness and Case Keenum will serve as Caleb Williams’ backup for Week 15 against the Browns. Otherwise, the Bears are fairly healthy with four games left in the regular season.

Thibodeaux remains out with his shoulder injury, and there’s a good chance he won’t return in 2025. Wilson will again be the emergency quarterback behind Jaxon Dart and Jameis Winston.

Bateman was questionable entering the weekend but has been officially sidelined for Sunday’s game. DeAndre Hopkins will likely serve as his replacement on Sunday against the Bengals, but Hopkins is an easy fade for fantasy managers give then he hasn’t caught more than two passes in any game this season. In addition to Bateman, the Ravens also declared CB Keyon Martin, OT Joseph Noteboom, DT Aeneas Peebles, and QB Cooper Rush inactive for Week 15.