NFL Player News

Heading into Week 11, FOX’s Jay Glazer reported Reich was on the “hottest seat in the league.” A Week 12 loss to the Titans was likely the boiling point for the front office and owner David Tepper, who was reportedly heard shouting expletives while leaving the locker room. We may not ever fully know who was responsible for the disaster that has unfolded in Carolina this season, but No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young’s struggles have been well documented and amplified by the fact that No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud has thrived early with the Texans. Rumors are Stroud was the preferred pick over Young by Reich and the staff, but the selection of Young came directly from Tepper. Still, Carolina’s issues extend beyond their rookie quarterback. The Panthers are among the worst pass-blocking units in the league and boast a defense that’s allowing the third-most points per game (26.5). Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor is expected to take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, with the Panthers expected to make a run at Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in the offseason. A premium head coaching candidate could be tough to come by with the Panthers not having a first round pick in 2024, and Tepper now moving on to his third head coach in four seasons.

Fantasy managers on the west coast will want to double check the veteran tight end’s status prior to the 9:30 ET kickoff with the Jaguars playing in London, but it appears Engram will make his long-awaited return to the lineup after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-game warmups ahead of the team’s Week 2 game against the Browns. Barring a setback prior to Sunday, Engram should return to a short-area role for a Jaguars team that finally got its first win of the season in Week 5 over the Colts.

Mixon has missed the previous three contests with an ankle injury but appears set to return for the team’s Week 6 game against the Patriots. After handling 30 carries and seeing three targets in his only full game of the season in Week 1, fantasy managers can immediately treat Mixon as an RB1 in his first game action in almost a month.

Bland’s season debut will have to wait as he works his way back from foot surgery, which eventually will be a massive boost to a Cowboys defense largely underperforming through the first five weeks of the 2024 season. Bland made history in 2023 as he recorded five pick-sixes on nine total interceptions.

Russini adds that, based on her read of the situation in Pittsburgh amidst growing fan support and support within the organization, “the momentum Fields has built might make it impossible for a healthy Wilson to reclaim that spot at the top of the depth chart.” Fields led the Steelers to a 3-0 record before dropping the last two contests, but he has largely done exactly what the Steelers have asked of him, limiting turnovers and commanding a competent offense. Fields has just one interception and one lost fumble on the season, although he has put the ball on the ground in all but one game. As long as Fields continues to take care of the football, he conceivably gives the Steelers the best chance to win football games, and appears to have growing support both within and outside the organization.

The Steelers have had troubles finding secondary options through the air behind George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, making the likely season debut of Roman Wilson something of significance. Wilson fell to the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which is also notable considering the franchise’s high hit rate in pass-catching talent out of the draft. Fantasy managers in deep leagues could do worse than stashing the rookie for the time being.

With Jonathan Taylor out for Week 6’s matchup against the Titans, it makes sense for Indianapolis to add depth in the backfield with Hull. Trey Sermon will operate as the lead back with Tyler Goodson as the No. 2.

Thibodeaux will miss at least the next four games. He broke the scaphoid bone in his wrist last week. Duggan notes that it’s a 4-6 week timeline to return and the Giants have five upcoming games before their bye week. It’s a big blow to the Giants’ defense.

Landman has been on injured reserve since Week 1 with a quadriceps injury. He had 110 total tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass deflections and an interception in 16 games in 2023.

Alford suffered his concussion in the Falcons’ Week 5 win over the Buccaneers, but with extra time to clear protocol, is now good to go for Week 6 against the Panthers. The Falcons’ starting slot corner has played on 180 defensive snaps this season, per PFF, and has allowed opposing receivers to go for 22-185-2 on 26 targets, earning a coverage grade of 51.9.

The Patriots are elevating Jennings with Rhamondre Stevenson out for the Week 6 matchup against the Texans. Antonio Gibson figures to operate as the lead back with JaMycal Hasty backing up.