NFL Player News

Taylor told reporters that Higgins — who was checked multiple times after a couple major hits on Sunday — reported symptoms after the game. Given the quick turnaround from his last concussion, it would be surprising if Higgins managed to play this week. It looks like Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley, as well as Mike Gesicki, will be solidly on the 12-team radar for Week 15.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the contract could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed. The deal averages $22.5 million per year, resetting the running back market. The Lions’ bell cow back enters his age-24 season firmly in play for fantasy football’s overall RB1 spot.

Stroud is currently eligible for a contract extension, and Breer believes Stroud is conducting himself “with a seriousness that underlies the big year he has in front of him.” Citing good health and a growing relationship with OC Nick Caley, Breer adds that Stroud has also taken “more command of the offense” this summer. The Texans might not need Stroud to be a prolific passer every week, given their elite defense, but it sounds like Stroud is taking the necessary steps to deliver more reliable results when called upon. Hopefully, he indeed rises to the occasion when the regular season arrives.

Positive reports on Higgins continue rolling in. Per Breer, Higgins “looks like a refined receiver who now knows how to use his body.” He believes Higgins and WR1 Nico Collins can “create a real matchup problem for defenses with their collective size.” He makes no mention of last year’s WR2, Xavier Hutchinson. Higgins appears to have locked up the gig. He warrants WR4/FLEX treatment in drafts.

The good news is that Miller was not listed with a knee injury after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7 last year. The bad news is that he evidently has a new injury, and the Saints have a fairly deep running back room right now. RBs Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler and CJ Donaldson are all vying for roster spots. Per Underhill, Neal is taking advantage of the extra reps. He could have the inside track to the RB3 role right now.

Per Underhill, Brown’s “momentum is undeniable,” and “it would be a surprise if Brown doesn’t play himself into a role on offense.” It sounds like making the final roster is a box that’s already been checked for the sixth-round rookie. He notably took reps with QB Tyler Shough on Thursday. Although Brown could have a very tough time becoming fantasy-relevant in re-draft formats, he is a player to know for dynasty purposes.

This is another step in the right direction, although Duggan adds that there was a “slight scare” when S Tyler Nubin got a little too close for comfort on a swing pass to Nabers today. Both players are reportedly “fine,” but Nubin might want to reduce his enthusiasm moving forward. Duggan believes Nabers could join “live team periods” next week, giving us a benchmark to check in on. Stay tuned.

ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports that Flowers appeared to be “pretty seriously injured” after suffering a right leg injury. Backup S Gervarrius Owens also suffered an injury. Backup defensive backs typically do not warrant monitoring, but the Bears are currently without starting S Coby Bryant (knee) and slot CB Kyler Gordon (calf). The Bears’ secondary depth is thinning.

Per Biggs, the Bears believe Jones did not suffer a “significant injury,” but it is unclear as to whether he will need time off. Reports on Sweat have been tougher to find. We do not yet know his status. Jones’ primary backup, OT Ozzy Trapilo, is expected to be sidelined “deep” into the season after rupturing a patellar tendon late last season. These injuries are worth watching.

Parsing injury language is always tricky, but when Payton said Waddle was experiencing muscle tightness, a strain made sense. The tissue was reacting to something. Waddle did not practice on Thursday and was seen limping while wearing a sleeve on his left leg. The fact that the team thinks he can return in just under a week from yesterday’s injury is good to hear. Week 1 is still a month away, so we like his odds of suiting up. The injury might end up costing him preseason game reps, though. We expect the team to be cautious with their star wide receiver.

Slater suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his left knee last year. He took a trip to the medical tent on Tuesday, and The Athletic’s Daniel Popper later reported that trainers were working on his left leg. He resumed practicing on Wednesday, though, and was seen participating in team drills on Thursday. He appears to be good to go.