NFL Player News

Bell’s absence is a blow for a Carolina secondary that has mostly been solid in 2023 while the rush defense has been devoured by opponents. Bell being sidelined creates a slightly better matchup for Derek Carr and the New Orleans pass catchers.

The news was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Cooper is going on injured reserve for an ankle sprain. He’ll be sidelined for at least four games with a designation to return. Rapoport mentions that Cooper should be back “shortly.” Cooper could still make an impact in the second half of his rookie season, but he isn’t worth holding in most fantasy formats at this point.

Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show Friday, Breer was quick to point out the Lions’ defensive struggles. Detroit has allowed 917 yards and 71 points in two games. Breer noted that while the Lions are dealing with injuries in the secondary, that doesn’t excuse their problems in the running game. Detroit has allowed 294 rushing yards, 4.8 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns this year. While it’s still early in the season, Breer says the Lions defensive performance isn’t a “one-off” and that it’s been “messy” for a while. It was a stark contrast from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport’s take on the Pat McAfee show earlier this week where he said, “My guess is the Lions are going to be fine.” Lions HC Dan Campbell has pulled the plug on his offensive coordinator midseason twice in five years, but has afforded his defensive coordinators a longer leash. Sheppard was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator after Aaron Glenn was hired by the Jets prior to the 2025 season.

Rapoport adds that Noel is “really talented.” We agree, but the Texans have consistently played WR Xavier Hutchinson ahead of him. Noel, 24, is an explosive player, and the Texans will be looking for playmakers to contribute with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined this week. Noel is officially on the boom-bust FLEX radar in Week 2 against the Bengals.

Rapoport’s full quote is winding and hyperbolic, but it sounds like Boutte will be a featured receiver if the Texans believe he is ready to handle that role with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined. Rapoport notes that Boutte played in “the same” offensive scheme during his time with the Patriots, so adjusting to his new team’s playbook theoretically should have been easy. That said, Boutte caught just one pass last week. He can be treated as a volatile but viable FLEX starter in Week 2.

Giants RG Francis Mauigoa (shoulder) was limited as well. Both offensive linemen are on track to face the Rams in Week 2’s Monday Night Football game, which is good news for QB Jaxson Dart.

Whittington is WR1 Puka Nacua’s direct backup, and Nacua appeared on the injury report today with a hip injury. Neither player practiced. This situation is worth monitoring closely.

The Falcons have already named QB Cooper Rush (back) the Week 2 starter. Tagovailoa would only serve as a backup if he is somehow active. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues.

This is a little surprising. The Buccaneers seem to be taking it very slowly as they bring McMillan back from his knee injury. At this point, he must be treated as being truly questionable to play. He is a boom-bust FLEX if active.

Eagles CB Cooper DeJean (calf/abdomen) was also cleared to play, though S Andrew Mukuba (knee) is questionable to play after logging a limited session on Friday. The Eagles’ D/ST should have a decent week against the Titans.

Meyers was limited to two targets last week, but he made the most of them by catching both for 40 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars face the Broncos’ stout defense this week, but the Jaguars’ ascending passing offense can hold its own. Treat Meyers as a FLEX starter again in Week 2.