NFL Player News

Vele (shoulder) is believed to have avoided a major injury but is considered week-to-week, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The timing of the injury could make it tricky for Vele to return this season, Underhill added. Vele was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 20-17 win over the Panthers after he secured five of six targets for 69 yards prior to his departure. If Vele is unable to play this upcoming Sunday against the Jets, Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin and Dante Pettis would appear to be next in line for snaps behind No. 1 wideout Chris Olave.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said that Fiske won't participate in Tuesday's walkthrough practice due to an ankle injury, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

McVay suggested that Fiske's status for Thursday's game against the Seahawks will likely be a gameday decision. The defensive lineman hasn't missed a game this season, tallying a pair of sacks among his 28 tackles over 14 appearances.

Valdes-Scantling secured his lone target for a 19-yard touchdown during Monday's 28-15 win over the Dolphins.

Valdes-Scantling made his second appearance with the Steelers after being signed to the active roster earlier in the day. He was on the field for 52 percent of the team's offensive snaps and reached the end zone early in the third quarter to give Pittsburgh a two-possession lead. Valdes-Scantling's fantasy upside is limited however, after being targeted just once in each of his first two appearances with the team.

Coach Dan Quinn confirmed today that no players on injured reserve, including Jean-Baptiste (pectoral), will return for the end of the year, Tom Schad of The Washington Post reports.

Jean-Baptiste was forced to undergo surgery for the pectoral injury he suffered in the Commanders' Week 4 loss to the Falcons. The defensive end played just three games this season, totalling six tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks. With a near guarantee that his season is over, the 25-year-old will have to look toward a 2026 return to the field.

Thielen secured his lone target for seven yards during Monday's 28-15 win over Miami.

Thielen ranked second among Pittsburgh's wide receivers Monday by playing 58 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but he wasn't heavily involved in the passing game. The 35-year-old has seen an uptick in playing time since being waived by Minnesota and subsequently claimed by Pittsburgh, but he's been targeted just once in each of his first two appearances with his new team. Despite his increased snap counts, Thielen's fantasy potential remains limited late in the regular season.

Johnson gained four yards on two carries during Monday's 28-15 win over the Dolphins.

Although Jaylen Warren was questionable for Monday's matchup due to an illness, he was able to suit up, and Johnson saw a minimal workload once again. He was on the field for just two offensive snaps and was limited to two carries for a third consecutive week. Kenneth Gainwell has been the primary beneficiary when Warren has been limited this year, and that's unlikely to change over the final few weeks of the regular season.

Coach Dan Quinn does not anticipate activating any players currently on injured reserve, including Amos (lower leg), Ben Standig of Big 100 Washington D.C. reports.

Amos suffered a fractured fibula during the Week 10 loss to the Lions, and it appears to have officially ended the rookie's season. With no activations from IR anticipated, the Commanders will likely end their season without either starting cornerback, as Marshon Lattimore (knee) also resides on injured reserve. Amos ends his rookie campaign with 32 tackles (19 solo) and six passes defensed through 10 games.

Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Jackson (knee/groin) has been cleared for full practice this week, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson was activated from injured reserve 12 days ago but has yet to play this season and hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since Week 8 of the 2023 campaign with the 49ers when he suffered a knee injury. It appears Jackson has a real chance to suit up Saturday against the Eagles.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that he doesn't anticipate McCaffrey (collarbone) returning from injured reserve this season, Tom Schad of The Washington Post reports.

With the 4-10 Commanders having been eliminated from playoff contention, Quinn suggested that the team won't look to bring McCaffrey or any other players back from IR with little at stake over the final three weeks of the season. Before suffering a fractured collarbone Nov. 2, McCaffrey recorded 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns on 15 targets while also averaging 29.6 yards on 26 kickoff returns over nine appearances. The 24-year-old should be back to full health in advance of the Commanders' offseason program.

The Jets waived Martinez from the practice squad Tuesday, Susanna Weir of the team's official site reports.

Martinez was signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster in Week 15 to serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Brady Cook. The quarterback's waiving signals that at least one of either Tyrod Taylor (groin) or Justin Fields (knee) will be available for Sunday's game against the Saints. Martinez will now be placed on waivers and, if he clears, will become a free agent.