NFL Player News

Spillane finished with eight tackles (seven solo) in New England's 13-10 loss to Seattle on Wednesday night.

The inside linebacker was active during a strong defensive effort by the Patriots in their season opener. Spillane recorded 97 tackles (48 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble across 13 regular-season games a year ago. He should be able to continue to accumulate numbers in the center of New England's defense this season.

Williams recorded four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, in a 13-10 victory against New England on Wednesday.

Williams' sack came late in the fourth quarter on the Patriots' final drive, which ended with an interception. The veteran defensive end recorded 18.0 regular-season sacks over the past two seasons and is off to a strong start in that regard in 2026. Williams also averaged 63 regular-season tackles between 2024 and 2025, which boosts his value as a fantasy IDP asset.

Witherspoon recorded five assisted tackles in Wednesday night's victory over New England.

Witherspoon went without a solo tackle in a regular-season contest for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2023, but he was still a big part of a defensive effort Wednesday that included three interceptions of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The cornerback was on the field for 70 of the team's 71 total defensive snaps, and after inking a record-breaking four-year, $132 million contract in August, there are high expectations for him in 2026.

Stribling (ankle) returned to Thursday's game against the Rams, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Stribling spent a brief amount of time in the medical tent on the 49ers' sideline but was quickly cleared to return to the game. The second-round rookie has yet to draw a target on 18 pass attempts by Brock Purdy, and Stribling appears to be pretty clearly behind all of Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey for opportunities.

Pritchett recorded six tackles (five solo) and two passes defensed, including an interception, during Wednesday's 13-10 win versus the Patriots.

With Seattle down seven early in the fourth quarter, Pritchett swung the momentum hard by tipping up a deep pass intended for Romeo Doubs to himself and returning the pick for 30 yards. The play set up a Seahawks touchdown to tie the game at 10-10. Pritchett played 53 of Seattle's 71 defensive snaps in Week 1, and he may have earned himself more consideration for playing time moving forward.

Stribling (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Stribling took a trip to the blue medical tent on the sideline near the end of the first quarter. Prior to the injury, Stribling wasn't targeted on any of Brock Purdy's 14 pass attempts. Demarcus Robinson would be in line for more work behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel if Stribling is unable to return Thursday.

Love recorded six total tackles (four solo) and an interception in Wednesday's 13-10 win over New England.

Love was on the field for all 71 of the team's defensive snaps, helping limit the Patriots' quarterback Drake Maye to a 54.9 passer rating in the victory. The safety's biggest play of the game came in the fourth quarter when he jumped in front of a pass intended for DeMario Douglas deep down the field, securing his first interception of the year. Love was limited to just eight regular-season contests during the 2025 campaign due to a hamstring injury, and he's now started off 2026 with a standout performance.

Jobe tallied six tackles (five solo) and intercepted a pass in Thursday's 13-10 win over the Patriots.

Jobe made the defensive play of the game for Seattle, stepping in front of a Drake Maye pass intended for Mack Hollins in the end zone with less than 30 seconds remaining to halt New England's attempt at a comeback. That helped Jobe get his 2026 campaign off to a strong start after he logged a career-high 12 defensed passes over 16 regular-season games last year. Jobe played 70 of the Seahawks' 71 defensive snaps Wednesday and figures to take on a near every-down role during the campaign.

McDonald (ankle) didn't participate in practice Thursday.

McDonald was listed as a limited participant because of the ankle issue Wednesday and downgraded to DNP on Thursday. That's a concerning trend ahead of Sunday's season opener versus Buffalo. Friday's final injury report of the week should provide more clarity about McDonald's likelihood of suiting up against the Bills.

Gillotte (foot) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

The defensive end ruptured his plantar fascia during a drill late in training camp, but even then, the injury was not considered serious. Now, it appears that Gillotte is on track to play Week 1 against the Broncos. The 2025 third-round pick finished with 38 tackles (14 solo), including 1.5 sacks, in a rotational role as a rookie.