NFL Player News

The Arizona coaching staff, Venerable said, “loves” Conner and his tough running and veteran leadership. “The best version of this offense last year ran through [Conner],” Venerable said during an interview with Rotoworld’s Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter. “James Conner is one of their best players.” Venerable suggested Michael Carter could mix in behind Conner, rather than rookie RB Trey Benson functioning as the clear RB2. Benson, the 66th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is considered an explosive back, though he never had more than 20 rushing attempts in a single game during his college career. We would expect Benson to be the Cardinals’ lead back should the 29-year-old Conner once again miss time with injury in 2024.

Even if Pearsall miraculously practices in a limited capacity, he would be unlikely to suit up. The 49ers’ perimeter wide receiver has not practiced since spraining his PCL in Week 4. He remains difficult to drop, given his early-season successes, but the situation is agonizing nonetheless. Check back tomorrow to see if Pearsall’s fortunes have changed overnight.

The Raiders get back S Lonnie Johnson, who broke his leg in training camp. Rookies, DT Tonka Hemingway and WR D’Onte Thornton, are active tonight as well. The Raiders will ostensibly use the next few weeks to see if one or more of their rookie wide receivers, including Jack Bech, can unseat one of head coach Pete Carroll’s favorites, WR Tyler Lockett.

Mims (concussion) and Surtain (pectoral) both missed the Broncos’ Week 9 game against the Texans as well. The Broncos’ top-tier defense should be okay in this one, but it is an unfortunate missed opportunity for Mims’ fantasy managers. The speedy wide receiver would have had decent odds of producing an explosive gain or two against the Raiders.

Godwin has not yet returned to practice, so missing Week 10 against the Patriots makes sense. Fowler adds that RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) could sit out in Week 10 as well. The Buccaneers face the Saints on December 7th, at which point, Godwin should apparently be back. Unfortunately, that is five games away, which could prove costly for fantasy managers who continue to stash him. He does not need to be rostered at this time.

Per Shanahan, Purdy is “getting closer to returning.” Just last week, the 49ers decided not to have Purdy active, even for backup duties, after practicing in a limited capacity all week. He remains limited through two Week 10 practices. While Shanahan’s words are encouraging, caution is advised. Stay tuned, tomorrow afternoon.

The Eagles activated Smith’s 21-day practice window on Tuesday, and he appears to be on track to retake the field on Monday night. In late September, Smith re-injured the same triceps muscle he tore in Super Bowl LIX. Fortunately, he rehab plan has evidently gone according to plan, as a return “around” the Eagles’ Week 9 bye was the goal.

Rapoport made the comments in a segment explaining the Colts’ thought process behind shipping two first-round picks out to acquire CB Sauce Gardner. Jones’ starting job is evidently secure, regardless of QB Anthony Richardson’s health down the road. That said, Jones is only under contract through the end of this season. If Rapoport’s report is true, we should expect to see the front office sign him to a long-term deal.

Ever willing to play through injury, even reportedly injured ribs, Nacua is firmly on track to play in Week 10 against the 49ers, whose injury-depleted pass rush should struggle to pressure QB Matthew Stafford. Expect Nacua to perform as an elite WR1, per usual, while Stafford slings it from cozy pockets on Sunday. Hopefully, we see Nacua once again practice in full on Friday.

Barkley’s pre-bye groin injury in Week 8 caused a scare, thrusting backup RB Tank Bigsby to the top of many waiver wire bids. It appears as though Bigsby has been reduced to a high-value bench stash, though, with Barkley practicing in full to begin the week. The Eagles’ No. 1 running back can be started as a borderline RB1/2 on Monday.

Brown told reporters earlier today that he will play on Monday night. His full practice participation supports that. Brown has been a volatile producer this season, but he is seemingly healthy, coming off the team’s Week 9 bye. He finished as a WR1 in Week 8 and can be started as a WR2 with WR1 upside this week.