NFL Player News
Pete Carroll back in the league: Raiders new HC 01/24/2025 09:31 am
Three-year deal
Just in: Pete Carroll and the Raiders now have reached agreement on a three-year deal with a fourth-year team option, sources tell ESPN.
Another veteran legendary coach has returned. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: At age 73, Carroll is back in the league ready to lead the Raiders in a tough AFC West division. Las Vegas is coming off a 4-13 season under Antonio Pierce who was let go earlier this month. The biggest task for Carroll and the Raiders is to find a young quarterback in the next two years. They have the 6th pick in the upcoming draft but there's already rumors that Russell Wilson could be a bridge option in 2025 if a young QB is out of reach.
Jaguars land Liam Coen as new HC 01/24/2025 06:35 am
Former Bucs OC headed ot Jacksonville
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen has informed the team of his intention to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a surprising twist that included him initially backing out of the interview pool, but then reconsidering the job after general manager Trent Baalke's exit. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: This will be the Jaguars fourth head coach in the last six years. It seems the firing of Baalke as GM was enough to convince Coen to take the job. He'll have a tough task attempting to turnaround a Jaguars team that finished 4-13 this season and he needs to get QB Trevor Lawrence headed in the right direction. Jacksonville has the 5th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Anthony Richardson lays out offseason plans 01/22/2025 10:40 pm
QB expects to work with same expert that helped Josh Allen
When Anthony Richardson returns to his offseason training in Florida, he'll be working on very specific areas of improvement with his team of coaches and trainers. Among them: refining his throws on short and intermediate routes and throwing with more touch. He'll be focusing on overall technique as well, such as his sometimes-sloppy footwork. He also has plans to work with biometric expert Chris Hess, who counts Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen among his clients whose throwing motions he has helped refine. During a recent NFL Films segment, Allen called Hess "the most influential person in my mechanical career." Allen credits Hess with helping him dramatically increase his completion rate from 52.8% as a rookie to 69.2% by his third season. (ESPN.com - Stephen Holder)
FF Today's Take: Allen noted that Hess helped him realize that his hip was too often out in front of his arm when throwing, which largely contributed to how often he was inaccurate in his early years with the Bills. It should come as no surprise if Hess reaches a similar conclusion about Richardson, who is a massively talented player with relatively little football experience and poor fundamentals. The good thing about Richardson in fantasy this upcoming season is that his cost will be low enough to draft as a QB2, which should be enough to make him a huge bargain if Hess can work his magic on him.
Cooper Kupp confirms he will play in 2025 01/21/2025 10:30 pm
WR coming off third straight injury-plagued season
Cooper Kupp said Monday there is "no doubt" in his mind that he wants to play football next season and that while he "would love to be in L.A.," he has no control over what will happen this offseason.
"I feel like I've got a lot of good football left in me," Kupp said in the Rams' final open locker room session of the season. "I'll be playing football next year. That much I know."
Kupp has two years left on the contract extension he signed in 2022, with $5 million guaranteed in 2025. If the Rams cut Kupp this offseason, they will save $15 million in cash and $7.52 million against the salary cap. If the Rams release him without a post-June 1 designation, they will absorb $22.2 million in dead money due to the remaining prorated portions of his signing bonus and $5 million of his roster bonus. (ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop)
FF Today's Take: The aforementioned contract particulars suggest that if Kupp is cut, it will be as a post-June 1 designation. Another factor in the Rams' offseason decision-making with Kupp may be whether Matthew Stafford wants to keep playing. Either way, it appears Kupp is nearing the end of his time with the Rams, which likely means Los Angeles will begin prepping Jordan Whittington for a bigger role. If Kupp is cut this offseason, Whittington should be considered a major sleeper in 2025 drafts.
Tank Dell's outlook for 2025 season in doubt 01/20/2025 04:20 pm
Suffered serious knee injury in Week 16 loss to KC
DeMeco Ryans says it's too early to put a timeline on whether Tank Dell will play in 2025.
He didn't want to speculate on whether they'd need to find receiver because of that. But added they'd look to improve their team in all areas. (Jonathan Alexander on Twitter)
FF Today's Take: At the very least, Dell should not be expected to play for the first half of next season. Perhaps he can play a bit role late in the season - not unlike what Tyler Higbee did for the Rams this season - but even that seems unlikely given how serious Dell's injury was. Houston will likely try hard to re-sign Stefon Diggs (ACL) and could even invest a Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick into the position after John Metchie, Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson failed to distinguish themselves.
Ben Johnson set to become Bears HC 01/20/2025 04:00 pm
Oversaw top-five offense in his three years as Detroit OC
Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FF Today's Take: The Bears have only had two offensive-minded head coaches since Mike Ditka was fired following the 1992 season and both of those hires - Marc Trestman and Matt Nagy - worked out poorly. It is hard to imagine Johnson going down that same road. Not only has he established himself as one of the most creative offensive minds in the league, but he will begin his Chicago tenure with a blue-chip quarterback prospect (Caleb Williams) and at least two stud receivers (D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze). Williams, in particular, should enjoy the creativity and consistency Johnson will bring to the team. Do not be surprised if Williams is a low-end fantasy QB1 as soon as next year.
Zay Flowers misses practice Thursday 01/16/2025 01:10 pm
Knee injury
Pro Bowl WR Zay Flowers is the only Ravens player not practicing Thursday.
Flowers hasn’t practiced since injuring his knee in the regular season finale 12 days ago.
Ravens play at Bills in a divisional round game Sunday. (Jamison Hensley on X)
FF Today's Take: Flowers missed the Ravens Wildcard game and is in danger of missing their Divisional Round matchup against the Bills. The Ravens used a run-heavy gameplan against the Steelers and could do the same this weekend if Flowers sits. We'll have another update on Flowers after practice on Friday.
Diontae Johnson gets the ax 01/14/2025 10:55 pm
WR lasts three weeks with Houston
The #Texans have waived WR Diontae Johnson. (Jonathan Alexander on Twitter)
FF Today's Take: Johnson was seen pouting - presumably about lack of involvement - in the team's Wild Card Round win over the Chargers. As a result, he is moving on from his fourth team in less than a year. The timing is still surprising considering the Texans need help at receiver with Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell both out for the season. After getting traded twice and waived twice in 10 months, Johnson may have no choice but to settle for a third receiver job at his next NFL stop.
Jayden Reed not seriously hurt in Wild Card Round 01/13/2025 03:20 pm
WR will not need surgery on his injured shoulder
Jayden Reed says he won’t need surgery on his shoulder. “Thank God for that.” (Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz fun)
FF Today's Take: Reed figures to be a polarizing player in upcoming fantasy drafts. His star quickly ascended after going 64-793-8 as a rookie, but his usage dipped in a big way over the second half of this season as Green Bay became more of a run-heavy team. The primary reason why he could be a polarizing figure is because Christian Watson's knee injury will likely sideline him for most of the 2025 season, which should allow Reed more opportunities. Watson's absence alone may be enough to get Reed back into the high-end WR3 conversation.
Cade Otton listed as Questionable 01/10/2025 03:14 pm
Two full practices to end the week
S Antoine Winfield Jr., CB Jamel Dean, TE Cade Otton and S Mike Edwards all had full participation Friday but are questionable for Sunday’s game. DL Logan Hall was limited but also questionable. It’s about as healthy as the Bucs have been all season. (Rick Stroud on X)
FF Today's Take: HC Todd Bowles said Otton was "trending in the right direction" for Sunday. The Bucs tight end suffered a knee injury in Week 15 and hasn't played since but did get in two full practices to end the week. He'll be a risky option this if week if he's able to suit up against the Commanders.
Zay Flowers out for Wildcard Weekend 01/09/2025 12:02 pm
Knee injury
WR Zay Flowers (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Steelers, coach John Harbaugh said. (Jamison Hensley on X)
FF Today's Take: This is a big loss for the Ravens as Flowers led the team in receptions (74) and receiving yards (1059) during the season. Rashod Bateman becomes the de facto No.1 receiver for Lamar Jackson but expect to see a lot of two tight ends on the field with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Harbaugh also stated that RB Justice Hill will be back for this game.
David Montgomery should be ready for Divisional Round 01/07/2025 10:30 pm
RB making solid progress in recovery from MCL injury
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Tuesday that he expects David Montgomery to be ready to play when top-seeded Detroit hosts its Divisional Round playoff opener in two weeks.
"I do," Campbell said quite simply and confidently when asked if he thought Montgomery would be available. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Montgomery brings a level of power running not many in the league provide, but the Lions' offense should be in good shape regardless of whether he can play next week. The bigger question is if Montgomery will be fully recovered just over a month after suffering the injury. If not, he could play more of a complementary role to Jahmyr Gibbs, who once again proved he is more than capable of being a featured back during Montgomery's absence.
Isaac Guerendo avoids major injury 01/06/2025 10:30 pm
MCL and ankle sprains
RB Isaac Guerendo’s MRI this morning showed an MCL sprain and ankle sprain, source said. No ACL damage. (The Athletic - Matt Barrows)
FF Today's Take: Guerendo entered Week 18 with foot and hamstring issues. He failed to make it through the first drive in Week 18, ultimately leaving the game for good after two carries. The fourth-rounder's rookie season ends with 84 carries for 420 yards and four touchdowns and 15 catches for 152 yards. Guerendo will likely begin the 2025 season as the No. 3 back again behind Christian McCaffrey and impending restricted free agent Jordan Mason, but he showed enough this season to move ahead of Mason with a strong training camp.
Zay Flowers unlikely to play in Wild Card Round 01/06/2025 02:20 pm
WR will be "challenged" to play vs. PIT
Ravens coach John Harbaugh calls WR Zay Flowers "day-to-day" and clarifies that the injury is not season-ending. Sounds like it will be a challenge this week. But after that... possible. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FF Today's Take: Early speculation suggests Flowers could be dealing with a Grade 1 LCL sprain, which comes with a recovery timetable of 2-4 weeks. With how poorly the Steelers finished the season, the Ravens should be able to advance without Flowers, but it might be a challenge to keep winning after that without him. Expect Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman to see more work in his absence this weekend.
Likely torn ACL for Christian Watson 01/06/2025 02:00 pm
Readiness for 2025 season in doubt after Week 18 injury
Sources: #Packers standout WR Christian Watson is believed to have torn his ACL and suffered additional damage, ending his season and putting the beginning of 2025 in jeopardy. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FF Today's Take: Watson seemingly figured out the source of his persistent hamstring issues this offseason, but he will go into this offseason trying to recover from something much more serious. An ACL tear this late in the season means Watson will be lucky to be ready to play before midseason next year and it is likely he will not recapture his previous form until 2026. The Packers cannot replace Watson's field-stretch abilities, but they are deep at receiver and figure to move forward into next season relying on Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks.
Broken right forearm for Blake Corum, out for the playoffs 01/05/2025 06:53 pm
Rams lose their No.2 RB
#Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters that RB Blake Corum broke his right forearm and is out for the playoffs. (Ian Rapoport on X)
FF Today's Take: Corum was set to get substantial playing time in Week 18 but finished with just 3 touches for 22 yards. Ronnie Rivers handled 16 touches and figures to be the backup behind Kyren Williams when the Rams face the Vikings or Lions, pending the outcome of the Sunday night game in Week 18.
Darnell Mooney Out for Week 18 01/05/2025 10:30 am
Shoulder injury
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney is inactive today. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Mooney will miss Week 18 with a shoulder injury, leaving the Falcons with Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud as their top two widouts. KhaDarel Hodge should get some increased playing time as well but won't be a fantasy recommendation.
Tony Pollard expected to play in Week 18 01/04/2025 10:16 pm
Ankle injury
Titans RB Tony Pollard, listed as questionable for Sunday due to an ankle injury, is expected to play vs. the Texans, per source. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury the last few weeks causing him to miss Week 17 against the Jaguars. He got in two limited practices this week before sitting out Friday's session. With Tyjae Spears (concussion) out, Pollard could see a big workload with a little Julius Chestnut sprinkled in.
49ers rule Out Deebo Samuel for Week 18 01/03/2025 03:44 pm
Rib injury
#49ers injury report for Sunday:
Out: QB Brock Purdy (elbow), WR Deebo Samuel (ribs, wrist), OL Spencer Burford (calf), CB Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), DE Robert Beal Jr. (ankle)
Doubtful: LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf)
Questionable: TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring), CB Isaac Yiadom (pelvis), OT Colton McKivitz (knee), S Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) (Nick Wagoner on X)
FF Today's Take: Deebo is listed with rib and wrist injuries this week and will take a seat in the season finale. His absence will push Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) into the receiving spotlight for the 49ers against the Cardinals. Joshua Dobbs will be starting at quarterback which may dampen the enthusiasm for the San Francisco pass catchers.
Joe Flacco will start for Indianapolis in Week 18 01/03/2025 12:08 pm
Anthony Richardson ruled Out with back injury
Colts ruled out QB Anthony Richardson for Sunday’s regular-season finale vs. the Jaguars due to his back injury. One final start this season for Colts QB Joe Flacco. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Flacco will once again give some fantasy life to wide receivers Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. Last week, Pittman finished with a 9-109-1 line on 10 targets against the Giants. The Jaguars have given up the 4th most fantasy points to QBs, and the 7th most fantasy points to wide receivers in half-PPR leagues.