NFL Player News

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said in a radio interview Thursday morning that Bryant (hamstring) has been ruled out Monday night against the Giants, Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports.

Bryant had a perfect kicking day Week 6 against Tampa Bay, but had to be helped off the field and did not speak to media afterwards. It turns out this injury will force him to miss time, and the Falcons should confirm Quinn's assertion when their official injury report is released this week. With Bryant on the shelf, the recently signed Giorgio Tavecchio will handle kicking duties for the Monday night matchup.

Zuerlein (groin) said Wednesday that he still needs to make it through the week of practice and see how he feels before confirming his availability for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

The Rams left no doubt about their expectation of Zuerlein returning in Week 7 when they released Cairo Santos on Tuesday. Coach Sean McVay then said Zuerlein has been cleared for Sunday's game at San Francisco, but the kicker sounded a bit more hesitant when talking with the media after Wednesday's walk-through practice. A successful practice Thursday would ease any lingering concerns.

Coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein (groin) has been cleared to return for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

The announcement was forecast by Tuesday's release of Cairo Santos, who kicked for the Rams in place of Zuerlein the past two weeks. With his four-game absence behind him, Zuerlein will look to build upon his sole performance of the season Week 1, when he hit four of five field-goal attempts and all three extra-point tries in a win over the Raiders.

Sturgis (quad) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

While Sturgis sat out the Week 6 win over the Browns, Michael Badgley handled kicking duties and hit his only field-goal attempt en route to an eight-point outing. Badgley could continue to handle the team's kicking duties again this weekend against the Titans if Sturgis is held out as a precaution. Sturgis' limited practice participation Wednesday suggests that he at least has a chance to return to action Sunday.

Tucker did not attempt a field goal but made all three of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 21-0 win over the Titans.

Tucker did all that was required of him Sunday, even though his three points were less than usual. With 51 on the season, however, he still ranks seventh among kickers.

Hopkins made all three of his field-goal attempts and both his extra-point tries in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Panthers.

Hopkins drilled kicks from 49, 56 and 29 yards in Sunday's perfect effort. His 11 points inflated his season tally to 40 through five games.

Zuerlein (groin) likely will return Sunday at San Francisco after Cairo Santos was released Tuesday, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

On Monday, coach Sean McVay relayed "there's a chance" Zuerlein (groin) would be able to return from a four-game absence this weekend, according to Simmons. Santos' release all but confirms Zuerlein will be back in action. As the kicker on the league's third-highest scoring offense, Zuerlein is a must-own, no matter the format.

The Rams released Santos on Tuesday, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.

On Monday, coach Sean McVay said "there's a chance" Greg Zuerlein (groin) would be able to return from a four-game absence Sunday in San Francisco, according to Simmons. With the release of Santos, who served as the Rams' kicker the past two games, Zuerlein clearly is good to go. Considering Santos knocked through five of six field goals as well as five of six extra points, he likely is on the speed dials of a number of teams around the NFL.

Sanders converted on all three of his field goals from 25, 47 and 50 yards in Sunday's win over the Bears.

Sanders played a key role in the Dolphins' surprising win Sunday, as his third and final kick was the team's game-winner in overtime. It was by far Sanders' most impressive performance of the season, but the Dolphins' offense hasn't allowed the kicker to get consistent work so far this season, making him a less desirable fantasy option.

Butker connected on each of his four field-goal attempts and four extra-point attempts Sunday against the Patriots.

Butker has yet to miss either a field goal or extra point so far this campaign, going a perfect 36-for-36 on overall kicks and 11-for-11 on field goals. He should be one of the top fantasy kickers the rest of the way as part of a Chiefs team trailing just the Saints in points per game (35.8).