NFL Player News

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, a source told him Hopkins’ four-week absence is likely but not guaranteed, indicating that he could miss more time. Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky reported earlier this week that Hopkins “could miss four to six weeks,” which appears to be in line with the team’s thinking. In his first season with the Titans, Hopkins posted a receiving line of 75-1,057-7 while averaging 14.7 YPR — the third-highest average of his career. His absence could make life tough for Will Levis in what’s expected to be a revamped passing attack in 2024, but he still has Calvin Ridley, who could absorb a significant target share if Hopkins misses time in the regular season.

Johnson is set to miss his fourth consecutive game in Week 15 against the Raiders, which was his original target for return. The 35-year-old right tackle is dealing with a Lisfranc sprain, but Rapoport passes along that Johnson will likely return to practice next week and depending on how that goes he could be active against the Commanders in Week 16 or Bills in Week 17.

If you’re not familiar with the reserve/left squad list, that’s okay, it is something typically reserved for players about to retire. The awkward saga between Aiyuk and the 49ers appears to be ending in a messy divorce, with the recent move by the team all but ensuring the two sides split in the coming offseason. The transaction also officially ends Aiyuk’s 2025 season before it began. Stay tuned through the offseason.

The veteran quarterback was in the midst of a career year before it was halted due to a torn Achilles. The six-to-eight month recovery window gives him the potential to be ready for preseason camp ahead of the 2026 regular season, which is sure to figure into the team’s plans moving forward. That will likely be a point of continuous discussion surrounding the Colts considering Jones was playing the 2025 season on a one-year, “prove-it” deal.

McCaffrey dealt with an illness that limited his practice participation this week. He was removed from the injury report Friday before being added back and listed as questionable Saturday with a bak injury. It is unclear when the new ailment surfaced. Late-week additions to the injury report are never something fantasy managers want to see, also leading to a significant decision in the first week of fantasy playoffs considering the 49ers don’t play until the afternoon Sunday. McCaffrey will remain a top tier RB1 if active against the Titans. Fantasy managers might want to hedge by grabbing Brian Robinson off of waivers, if available. ESPN’s Adam Schefter later followed up the report by saying McCaffrey will go “good to go” Sunday.

Saubert played 2025 on a one-year contract, with the extension tying him to the Seahawks through the 2026 season. Largely lauded for his run-blocking and pass-blocking abilities, Saubert should return to contributing primarily from 12-personnel once he makes his way back from injured reserve.

The team elevated RB Pierre Strong from the practice squad in an associated move, which comes as both Josh Jacobs and Wilson are listed as questionable. Stay tuned ahead of the team’s inactives Sunday.

Schefter reports that the Colts are signing Rivers to the active roster. The quarterback who turned 44 earlier this week and ranks seventh in all-time passing yards entering Week 15 was a semifinalist for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Rivers will now have to wait another five years before he’s eligible again, assuming he retires again after this season. Fantasy managers considering using the signal caller who was in the same draft class as Eli Manning, who last played in 2019, in the fantasy playoffs have lost the plot.

While Rivers hasn’t officially been named the starter, reports that lean towards him starting against the Seahawks continue to pile up. Riley Leonard (knee) practiced in full all week and has no injury designation, but the Colts seem convinced after last week’s loss to the Jaguars that Rivers, who has a wealth of experience that includes familiarity with Shane Steichen’s offense from his Chargers days, gives them the best chance to win. Rivers isn’t a recommended fantasy option in his first game action since January 2021.

Jennings was already ruled out for Week 15’s matchup with the Bills, but now he’s set to miss the next four games after being placed on injured reserve. Jennings had already seen his role in the offense evaporate with the return of Rhamondre Stevenson. D’Ernest Johnson will serve as the Patriots’ third running back in Jennings’ absence.

Odunze is listed as questionable with a foot injury after missing last week’s Bears loss in Green Bay. The 23-year-old wide receiver practiced all week in a limited fashion. Odunze had just two catches and eight yards in his last game action against the Eagles in Week 13. If active, he’ll be a risky FLEX option for desperate teams in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.