NFL Player News

Jackson was a full participant in practice throughout the week and told reporters on Tuesday that he was ready to go. It looked like Jackson would be back in Week 8 after the team listed him as a full participant on Friday, but that charade was quickly unmasked when it was reported that he worked with the scout team for the final practice of the week. The team then ruled him out and even retroactively changed his practice status, a move that could result in a fine. A final week of rest may have been for the best as Jackson appears to be fully healthy, putting him back at the top of the QB ranks for Week 9. His return will also push Zay Flowers up in the WR2 range while keeping Mark Andrews at the back of the TE1 ranks.

Mayfield had the majority of his playmakers available for the first time all year, and of course, his first touchdown pass went to Devin Culp. The second went to Chris Godwin to extend the Bucs’ lead to 28-14, but he threw an egregious interception that set up an Atlanta score, and there were several more questionable decisions — and less-than-spectacular throws — that saw Tampa Bay drop another close contest. Mayfield remains a QB1, but the Panthers are a much tougher test than anticipated.

Three touchdowns from Kyle Pitts? In this economy? This was a remarkable effort from the tight end in what has been an impressive — if frustrating (until Thursday) because of the lack of scores — campaign. The Buccaneers simply had no answer for him, and the Falcons lack of other competent targets sans Bijan Robinson provided the volume. He’s now up to four scores on the season, and he’ll have a chance to add to that total with Kirk Cousins clearly feeling confident in feeding him as often as possible against the Cardinals in Week 16.

Cousins was very fortunate to not lose a fumble in the final drive of the game, but he was able to lead the Falcons to a game-winning field goal with no time left. All three touchdowns were thrown to Kyle Pitts, because of course they were. The veteran was much better than his dismal showing against the Seahawks in Week 14, and for the most part, he’s held his own since taking over as the starter for Atlanta. He’s still a lowend QB2 for Week 16 against the Cardinals.

Hughes is currently undergoing X-rays, and it seems more likely than not that he won’t be back for the contest. Cobee Bryant will replace Hughes at corner for the time being.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news before Thursday Night Football, saying Blank had just visited the set. We suspect Rapoport’s sourcing is highly reliable here. The Falcons are currently 4-9. It is possible, both Morris and Fontenot are ousted in early 2026.

Rivers is reportedly taking “some first-team reps” and is throwing the football “well.” Rivers is also, apparently, familiar with the Colts’ playbook because he runs the same offense, serving as the head coach of an Alabama high school. Perhaps unbelievably, Rivers is seemingly going to start in Week 15. He has no floor as a QB2/3.

Falcons WR Darnell Mooney is, unfortunately, just a dart-throw FLEX option with London sidelined. Mooney has totaled 45-plus receiving yards just twice this season. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts will continue operating as the No. 1 pass catcher. He should be started as a high-end TE1.

Otton is, unfortunately, sidelined by a knee injury. The pass-catching corps gets WR Mike Evans (collarbone) and WR Jalen McMillan (neck) back tonight, though, boosting QB Baker Mayfield’s fantasy-scoring potential. Mayfield will also helpfully have LT Tristan Wirfs (oblique) protecting his blindside this evening.

Making his 2025 debut on the same night Mike Evans is returning from his broken collarbone, McMillan is going to be lightly targeted as the Bucs’ No. 4 wideout but can hopefully provide better routes/snaps than Tez Johnson had been of late. McMillan had an intriguing if highly inconclusive rookie year. An end-of-bench stash in dynasty leagues, McMillan is off the re-draft radar for the fantasy playoffs.

Evans takes the field on game day for the first time since Week 7. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Evans will be on “somewhat of a pitch count” in his first game back, though coaches often allow players to play without restrictions if their body responds positively to early-game work. Evans is a tad risky, but his upside remains high. He should probably be in most fantasy lineups.