NFL Player News

No stranger to dealing with injuries over the last couple seasons, Armstead’s brain injury-forced absence would be a big deal for a Dolphins team that is struggling to move the ball. The last thing Tim Boyle needs is pressure. Armstead’s practice status will be worth monitoring ahead of Monday Night. Corner Kendall Fuller is also in concussion protocol for the Dolphins.

It’s not a done deal yet, but Belichick’s talks with North Carolina can no longer be written off as a power play toward an NFL gig. The interest appears to be real and mutual. Belichick was passed over for multiple head coaching gigs during the last NFL hiring cycle and has spent the 2024 season in various media roles. Bill was never long for the media world and is set to enter the college ranks for the first time in his storied career. He will replace legendary college football coach Mack Brown, who was relieved of his duties after a 6-6 regular season campaign. With the NIL era reshaping how college football teams are managed, Belichick’s experience as the Patriots’ de facto general manager will also come in handy. It’s certainly an odd fit for arguably the greatest NFL coach of all time, but we like Belichick’s odds in an increasingly stale looking ACC.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Drew Lock was in a walking boot and would miss at least one game, putting DeVito back under center for Week 15. In his lone 2024 start, DeVito completed 21-of-31 pass attempts for 189 scoreless yards and was sacked four times against the Bucs. DeVito’s primary job against the Ravens will be to funnel targets to Malik Nabers against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL.

Brown, per Quinn, suffered internal injuries two weeks ago against the Titans and looks to be out indefinitely. Brown has positioned himself as the Commanders’ de facto WR2 behind Terry McLaurin. Brown’s absence could open up more targets for McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and Dyami Brown in the run-heavy Washington offense.

Fowler added that “no firm determination has been made” about who will start for New Orleans this week after Derek Carr went down in Week 14 with a left hand injury. Though he’s been better than Spencer Rattler this year, Haener has completed just 49 percent of his attempts, with a 37 percent drop back success rate. Whether it’s Haener or Rattler, the Washington defense profiles as an elite fantasy option in Week 15.

It appears Hopkins will get another chance to redeem himself after missing nine of his 25 field goal tries in 2024. The Browns on Tuesday signed K Riley Patterson, prompting speculation that Hopkins’ days as Cleveland’s starter were over. Hopkins should remain on waiver wires this week.

Njoku apparently tweaked his hamstring last week against the Steelers. Njoku should be OK for Week 15 against the Chiefs if he’s able to log a limited practice on Thursday or Friday. Kansas City represents a great matchup for Njoku, as no defense has allowed more tight end receptions this season than the Chiefs. Njoku has 30 targets over his past two games.

Downs, who was sidelined two weeks ago against the Patriots, has a good shot to suit up out of the Colts’ bye with an early-week practice. The team’s clear-cut No.1 receiving option, Downs will have a tough matchup against a stingy Denver coverage unit in Week 15 if he plays. Only the Texans have allowed a lower drop back success rate than the Broncos in 2024.

Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowl center, has been on injured reserve since early November with a knee injury. His return to the Colts lineup would be a welcomed development for Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. Pro Football Focus grades the Colts offensive line as the tenth best pass blocking unit and the second best run blocking unit. Kelly could return as soon as this Sunday against the Broncos.

Ulbrich said the team is hopeful Vera-Tucker can suit up this Sunday against the Jaguars in a meaningless game for both teams. Vera-Tucker could be an important addition to keep Aaron Rodgers upright and force feeding the ball to Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams against a terrible Jags defense.

Gardner missed the Jets’ Week 14 overtime loss against the Dolphins, but will be back in action this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Gardner sidelined, the Jets secondary gave up 331 passing yards and two touchdowns to Miami. They shouldn’t have much problem shutting down Mac Jones and the Jacksonville passing offense in Week 15.