NFL Player News

Hickman logged 10 tackles (six solo) during the Browns' 21-17 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

Hickman played every defensive snap and reached double-digit tackles for the first time in his three-year NFL career, and he finished second on the Browns in tackles behind Carson Schwesinger (11). Hickman is up to 32 tackles (19 solo) and one pass defense through the first five games of the regular season.

Smith secured eight of 10 targets for 114 yards in the Eagles' 21-17 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

Smith shook off a highly undesirable matchup on paper to produce team-best totals in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon, as well as a season-long 52-yard catch. The Eagles' unusual pass-centric approach Sunday certainly helped Smith's numbers, but even on lower-volume days for the air attack, Smith has been the more consistent producer between him and A.J. Brown by far through Philadelphia's first five games. Smith will take a 25-272-1 receiving line on 30 targets into a favorable Week 6 road matchup against the Giants on Thursday night.

Hand (groin) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Commanders, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Hand went to the locker room in the first half after sustaining a groin injury, and further tests have determined that the injury is severe enough for him to be sidelined for the rest of Sunday's contest. Scott Matlock will continue to see additional snaps at defensive end with Hand done for the day.

Schwesinger logged 12 tackles (two solo) during the Browns' 21-17 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

Schwesinger led both teams in total tackles Sunday while playing every single snap on defense. The rookie second-rounder has logged at least eight tackles in four of the first five games of his NFL career and has opened his rookie campaign with 43 tackles (18 solo), including 1.0 sacks.

Dowdle rushed 23 times for 206 yards and a touchdown and brought in three of four targets for 28 yards in the Panthers' 27-24 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Stepping into the lead-back role in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf), Dowdle exceeded all expectations in his first opportunity to helm the ground attack in Carolina. Dowdle repeatedly knifed the Dolphins' front seven for big gains, including 43- and 53-yard scampers. Dowdle's otherworldly performance raises an intriguing dilemma for head coach Dave Canales whenever Hubbard is healthy again, but the Panthers can certainly afford to give the latter time to fully heal, especially with Dowdle next getting a crack at the inconsistent defense of his former Cowboys squad in a Week 6 home matchup.

Stroud completed 23 of 27 passes for 244 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 44-10 win over the Ravens. He added one rush for 30 yards.

Stroud faced a thinned version of the Baltimore defense that was missing Kyle Hamilton (groin), Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) in its secondary alone. He took advantage of the good spot, throwing more than three touchdowns for only the second time in his career while completing three passes of at least 20 yards. Stroud was ultimately pulled early in the fourth quarter due to the game being a blowout, but it was a positive fantasy performance and also a good showing for the Houston offense overall.

Verse registered six tackles (four solo) during the Rams' 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Verse played a season-high 74 defensive snaps Thursday, though he wasn't able to extend his sack streak to three games. He's logged at least five tackles in each of his last three games, and the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year has 22 tackles (14 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles through the first five games of the regular season.

Young tallied six tackles (four solo), including 0.5 sacks, during the Rams' 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

Young logged a sack in each of the first four games of the regular season, and he extended his streak to five games in overtime after combining with Kobie Turner on a nine-yard takedown of Mac Jones, which led to a 49ers field goal two plays later. Young has opened the regular season with 29 tackles (19 solo), including 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble through five games.

Waddle brought in six of nine targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 27-24 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

In his first full game this season without Tyreek Hill (IR, knee) alongside him, Waddle stepped up as expected and led the Dolphins across the board in receptions, receiving yards and targets. The talented veteran had another couple of close calls downfield that could have resulted in an even bigger day, but as it was, Waddle posted new season highs in catches, receiving yards and targets. He also recorded his third touchdown of the season on a go-ahead 46-yard grab with just under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, making it a productive all-around day despite the disappointing team outcome. Waddle will aim to put together a successful encore performance in a tough Week 6 home matchup against the Chargers next Sunday afternoon.

Curl logged seven tackles (four solo) during Thursday's 26-23 overtime loss to San Francisco.

Curl played all but one of the Rams' 86 defensive snaps in Thursday's loss and finished tied with Poona Ford for the third most tackles on the team behind Nate Landman (14) and Quentin Lake (11). Curl has registered at least seven tackles in each of the first five games of the regular season and has accumulated 42 tackles (26 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and three pass defenses (including two interceptions).