NFL Player News

The Bills traded picks No. 132 and 169 to move up 23 spots. A very, very large man, Walker (6’7/331) arrived on campus in 2022 as a fully formed interior defensive lineman with a basketball background and proceeded to earn Freshman All-American recognition with 40 tackles and an 81st% pass rush grade. He officially broke out in 2023 when he generated 12.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles and a sensational FBS-leading 51 pressures while lining up at three tech and over tackle. The Second Team All-SEC DT played in the A-gap more often last year and suffered a back injury which affected his production recording 22 pressures with a modest 71st% defensive grade. Walker also didn’t test particularly well with sub-20th percentiles 40-yard dash, 10-yard split and vertical jump marks for a lowly 3.75 Relative Athletic Score. He was most effective at three tech where he could take advantage of 1-on-1 outside matchups and outmaneuver opponents with his sheer size and power. Long 34.¼” arms help him engulf rushers and he’s agile enough to circumvent blockers and create havoc. His long cut frame makes it difficult to get low and drive blockers, and he sometimes will give low-effort when stuck on blocks. While there are effort and weight concerns, Walker has the prototypical combination of length and girth to be a linchpin member of a successful NFL defensive line.

Mariota injured his hand on the first drive of the third quarter, and he’s been replaced by Josh Johnson. He was also evaluated for a concussion and appeared to be limping before exiting, as well. The 32-year-old signal-caller completed 7-of-14 passes for 95 yards before leaving the contest.

Swift was questionable for Saturday’s Week 16 contest against the Packers, but as expected, the tailback will get the nod for the crucial divisional matchup. The Bears inactives for the contest will be WR Rome Odunze WR Luther Burden, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB Ruben Hyppolite, QB Case Keenum and DL Jonathan Ford.

Both Watson and Josh Jacobs will be active for the pivotal division showdown against the Bears. Watson should be considered a WR3 for the contest. The Packers inactives for the Saturday showdown will be S Evan Williams, RT Zach Tom, DL Quinton Bohanna, TE Josh Whyle and DL Nazir Stackhouse.

Even with Jacobs not practicing all week, the tailback will go in a crucial game for the Packers in their chances of winning the NFC Central. The 27-year-old may not see as many touches as he would, but he’s worth RB2 consideration for the contest against Chicago.

Pierce was able to get in a couple of full practices, and barring a setback, the 25-year-old should be ready to roll for the Monday Night Football tilt against the 49ers. Pierce’s skill set does not pair well with Philip Rivers, so he should be consider as a WR4 at best for the foreseeable future.

Watson has been out of action since the middle of September with his Achilles injury. The 29-year-old could be an option in the final weeks, but in a role that provides zero fantasy upside.

Ehlinger will not be active for Week 16 against the Jaguars, but the quarterback will get a nicer paycheck will operating as the emergency signal-caller going forward. The 27-year-old was offered a chance to join the Colts’ active roster after the Daniel Jones’ injury, but he declined and chose to stick with Denver. One can’t help but think this is a reward for his loyalty.

Three of the four losses by the Rams this season were influenced heavily by special teams mishaps, leading to the change as the Rams fight for playoff seeding in the NFC. Blackburn was hired prior to the 2023 season and was unable to finish his third season with the team.

Pearsall picked up two injuries in Week 15 and will now miss the team’s Monday Night Football game against the Colts. His absence could thrust Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson into more prominent roles, although it would likely be wide receiver Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle that stand to benefit the most against the Colts.

The Bears get back one of their defensive leaders after Edmunds missed the previous four contests while on injured reserve. His return comes at the perfect time, ahead of a divisional clash with the Packers on Saturday evening.