NFL Player News

Brightwell was elevated from the Bengals' practice squad Saturday.

Brightwell has been on Cincinnati's practice squad since August. He is expected to play a depth role for the Bengals in Week 12, as fellow running back Samaje Perine is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The 26-year-old Brightwell will play behind starter Chase Brown and Tahj Brooks.

The Cowboys signed Davis to their active roster off the practice squad Saturday.

Davis logged a season-high 19 percent offensive snap share and turned in campaign-high marks with four carries for 20 yards last Sunday against Las Vegas. He reverted back to the Cowboys' practice squad Wednesday, but Dallas has now decided to sign him to the active roster. Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News speculates that Davis will take on the No. 2 RB role behind Javonte Williams, which is how he had been deployed the past two weeks. Jaydon Blue thus seems marked for third in the RB pecking order.

The Saints waived Cooks (personal) on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The two sides mutually agreed to part ways earlier this week, and Saturday's transaction makes that official. The veteran wideout will hit the waiver wire, and he could garner interest from teams looking to add another pass-catching option for the rest of the 2025 campaign. Through 10 regular-season games with New Orleans, Cooks caught 19 passes (on 25 targets) for 165 yards.

Zappe was elevated from the Browns' practice squad Saturday.

This marks the second time that Zappe has been elevated from the Browns' practice quad this season. The 26-year-old will be operating as the No. 2 quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders making his first career NFL start in place of Dillon Gabriel (concussion). Zappe started one game for the Browns in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Slay (concussion) is expected to play Sunday against the Bears after having his injury designation removed Saturday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Slay missed last Sunday's contest against the Bengals while in the NFL's concussion protocol. He managed an FP/FP/LP practice progression this week but was deemed questionable on Friday's injury report. However, Slay has since cleared protocol and now is set to return to the field against Chicago.

Heyward (ankle) had his injury designation removed by Pittsburgh on Saturday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Heyward managed an ankle injury this week and logged a DNP/DNP/LP practice progression. The limited session Friday appears to be enough for the veteran defensive tackle to take the field Sunday against Chicago. Heyward has had a quiet season sack-wise with just 1.5 sacks through 10 games, though he also has six defensed passes and a forced fumble.

The Jaguars activated Strange (hip) from injured reserve Saturday, but he remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Strange was a limited participant in practice all week, and though he's still carrying a designation into Sunday, his activation from IR indicates that he'll likely make his return to the lineup following a five-game absence. With Hunter Long (hip) ruled out for Week 12, Strange should step back in as the Jaguars' top tight end on the depth chart while Quintin Morris and Johnny Mundt provide depth at the position. Prior to his injury, Strange caught 20 passes (on 24 targets) for 204 yards across five appearances.

Lewis (groin) no longer has an injury designation ahead of Sunday's clash against the Chiefs.

Lewis has been dealing with a groin injury and missed Indianapolis' past three games. A Week 11 bye gave him more time to heal, though he was deemed questionable on Friday's injury report. The Colts removed that designation Saturday, lining Lewis up to return to action in a key AFC battle against Kansas City.

Landman signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Rams on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Landman has earned a new contract extension in his first year with the Rams. The 30-year-old was previously playing under the veteran minimum deal for $1.1 million. The fourth-year pro has 91 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, so far this season.

The Colts activated Ward (concussion) off injured reserve Saturday, and he no longer has an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Ward missed Indianapolis' past five games while in concussion protocol. The veteran cornerback was designated to return from IR on Wednesday and logged a trio of practices without limitations this week to set up a return to action against Kansas City. Ward will presumably reclaim a starting role at cornerback Sunday, and he'll be lining up alongside new teammate Sauce Gardner, who Indianapolis acquired in a trade while Ward was sidelined.