NFL Player News

Stroud is still in the NFL's five-step concussion protocol Monda, and his availability for Thursday's home game against the Bills remains uncertain, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stroud has missed two straight games and now faces a short week of preparation before Houston's appearance on Thursday Night Football, and he has yet to resume practicing. As such, if Stroud remains a non-participant Monday, it will forecast Davis Mills drawing another start. Even if Stroud gets back on the practice field Monday, there are no guarantees he'll be available Thursday, as before returning to game action the 2023 first-round pick will need to gain full clearance from the concussion protocol, including from an independent neurologist.

Van Ginkel recorded eight total tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Bears.

The Wisconsin product was one of two Vikings to get after the quarterback in the Week 11 loss, bringing down Caleb Williams at the start of the fourth quarter. Van Ginkel has played in just five games this season due to a lingering neck issue, recording 22 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, and four passes defended over 223 defensive snaps. He's expected to continue causing problems for opposing offensive linemen in the Week 12 matchup against the Packers.

The Jets plan to have Taylor replace Justin Fields as their starting quarterback for Sunday's game in Baltimore, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Taylor previously relieved Fields during New York's loss to the Panthers in Week 7 and then appeared set to take over as the team's starter Week 8, but a knee contusion suffered versus Carolina derailed that opportunity. However, Fields' continued struggles as a passer now pave the way for Taylor to take over under center Week 12. With Garrett Wilson (knee) on injured reserve, Taylor may be challenged to rack up notable production through the air, though improving upon Fields' average of 139.9 passing yards per game is a more than reasonable target. Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie and Tyler Johnson will operate as Taylor's top wideouts versus Baltimore.

Penix is believed to have suffered a season-ending partially torn ACL in Sunday's overtime loss to the Panthers, James Palmer of The Athletic reports.

Things continue to sound ominous for Penix, who was forced to exit Sunday's Week 11 loss to Carolina in the second half with a knee injury. Signs are pointing toward Penix missing the remainder of the 2025 season, though he's currently seeking a second opinion on the injury. Kirk Cousins appears to be in line to start next Sunday against the Saints and potentially beyond. Penix has already torn the ACL in his left knee twice throughout his playing career, dating back to college.

Cashman recorded 15 total tackles (six solo) in Sundays 19-17 loss to the Bears.

The Minnesota product has now led the Vikings' defense in total tackles for four consecutive games, recording 51 stops during that span. Since returning from injury in the Week 7 loss to the Eagles, Cashman has played 100 percent of Minnesota's defensive snaps. He's expected to remain the team's top inside linebacker and a valuable IDP option in the Week 12 matchup against the Packers.

Freiermuth secured his lone target for 19 yards during Sunday's 34-12 win over Cincinnati.

Although Freiermuth ended his four-game streak of multi-reception games Sunday, he was somewhat efficient on his lone target against the Bengals. Although Freiermuth has remained inconsistent in recent weeks, his fantasy production has certainly been better than it was over his first five appearances of the year. Across his last five outings, Freiermuth has secured 15 of 18 targets for 203 yards and three touchdowns, and he's been a more reliable option than teammate Jonnu Smith during that time.

Jacobs (knee) has avoided a major injury and will not require surgery, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Packers will evaluate Jacobs again toward the end of the week, and the running back has yet to be ruled out for next Sunday's game against the Vikings. It's a best-case scenario for Jacobs, who was forced to leave Sunday's win over the Giants in the first half. In Jacobs' absence, Emanuel Wilson played a season-high 71 percent of the offensive snaps and rushed 11 times for 40 yards and one touchdown, adding one catch for nine yards on one target. Chris Brooks played just five offensive snaps and handled one carry for eight yards. If Jacobs needs to miss time, Wilson would become an immediate plug-and-play fantasy starter.

The Jets are expected to bench Fields in favor of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Fields improved as a passer slightly during New York's loss to the Patriots on Thursday Night Football in Week 11, completing 15 of 26 passes for 116 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, but as has been the norm he did much of his damage on the ground with 11 carries for 67 yards and another TD. Despite the context of Fields working without top wideout Garrett Wilson (knee, IR), his struggles through the air now appear to have officially cost him his tenure as the Jets' starter. Expect head coach Aaron Glenn to confirm the QB change prior to New York next taking the practice field, which will occur Wednesday, at the latest. It remains to be seen whether Fields will work as the No. 2 option behind Taylor.

Garrett recorded five total tackles (all solo), including 4.0 sacks, in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Ravens.

After going without a sack from Week 4 through Week 6, Garrett has erupted for 11.0 sacks over the Browns' last four games. The 29-year-old surpassed Brian Burns and now leads the NFL with 15.0 sacks through 10 appearances this season, needing just 1.5 more in Cleveland's final seven games to set a new personal best. Expect Garrett to continue wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in the Week 12 matchup against the Raiders.

Smith failed to secure either of his two targets during Sunday's 34-12 win over the Bengals.

Smith has struggled to carve out much of a role to begin his time with the Steelers, and he's been especially uninvolved in the passing game over the past two weeks, as he's secured just one of four targets for four yards during that time. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been slightly more reliable recently, leaving Smith as a shaky fantasy option heading into the final month and a half of the regular season.