NFL Player News

Reiss’ article was published this morning, and the Patriots signed former Cardinals practice squad player, RB D’Ernest Johnson, directly onto the active roster this afternoon, so it is possible the front office focuses on adding a pass rusher at this point. Regardless, the fact that the team has identified the running back position as an area of need is unfortunate for starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie backup RB TreVeyon Henderson. Fellow backup RB Terrell Jennings has also somewhat worked his way into the rotation, creating a fantasy-unfriendly situation. Hopefully, the Patriots stand pat with their current group and eventually allow Stevenson and Henderson to work in a usable rotation for fantasy purposes.

The Eagles demoted Andy Dalton after his end zone interception in Week 3. He took over for Jalen Hurts while the latter was being evaluated for an injury and immediately gave the ball away in scoring position. McKee has two career starts since being drafted in 2023.

Colts EDGE Laiatu Latu landed on Mariota’s right ankle while taking him down for a sack in the first quarter. Mariota was slow to get up and immediately made his way to the blue tent. He walked to the locker room after a brief stay in the tent. Seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis is under center for the Commanders.

Smith has already been ruled out for Week 4. The Eagles take on the Jags in London next week. It sounds like fantasy managers should be prepared to be without their start receiver for that contest as well. Dontayvion Wicks currently profiles as the team’s top wideout, but it’s hard to imagine the team not getting first-round rookie Makai Lemon more involved as well. Both players are solid FLEX options for Week 4.

Clowney hasn’t played since injuring his knee in Week 1. Though he isn’t expected to be a major factor in the Texans’ plans, Houston’s defense hasn’t been the shutdown unit that it was last year. They currently rank as a below-average team in EPA per play allowed. Clowney won’t change their fortunes overnight, but he will hopefully help them make incremental improvements.

Spears played through the ankle issue last week and there was no indication during this week’s practice that he suffered any sort of setback. He is good to go for Week 4, though fantasy managers can’t count on him for much. He touched the ball just three times last week.

Jones injured his knee and was considered “week to week” going forward. The good news is that this means it won’t be season-ending IR, but the Bears will be without their starting left tackle for at least four games. Theo Benedet will start in his place this week. Now healthy, Ozzy Trapilo could take over that job in the coming weeks as well.

The Panthers entered the season down both of their starting tackles. They will also be without left guard Damien Lewis this week. Getting Freeling back is a big win for Bryce Young and the offense. Freeling has struggled in pass protection so far but is serviceable in the run game.

The 49ers are already banged up on defense with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams ruled out on Friday. Greenlaw was listed as questionable after getting in a single limited practice. He has 22 combined tackles, 11 defensive stops, and one pressure this year.

Rapoport noted that IR is an option, but the injury is not considered long-term. Harmon suffered the foot injury on Thursday against the Browns. He was carted to the locker room and was later spotted wearing a boot on the sidelines. The second-year tackle had 1.5 sacks in three games before leaving Week 4 early. His potential breakout campaign will now be put on hold for upwards of a month.

Rapoport did note that the Lions could make another push to sign LaPorta later this year, so the door isn’t entirely closed. LaPorta is set to become a free agent next offseason. The team could, however, place the franchise tag on him. He has gotten off to a quiet start with 14 catches for 144 yards and one score. LaPorta is currently on pace for a career-low in yards per game. He would still have plenty of suitors in free agency, even if the counting stats don’t improve this year.