NFL BUZZ - NOVEMBER 9th RAPID FIRE

Puka Nacua faces a potentially significant absence, Josh Jacobs is headed for surgery, and Arizona's offense continues to lose key players. Meanwhile, several backfields are shifting, Patrick Mahomes received encouraging news, and the trade market is heating up ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Here's the latest from around the league!

🌵 Arizona Cardinals

• Michael Wilson: OUT FOR THE SEASON! Wilson suffered a neck fracture, reportedly on the fourth play of Sunday's game, and remarkably continued playing. Arizona's remaining receivers include Reggie Virgil, Simi Fehoko, Devin Duvernay, and Harrison Wallace III. (Sources: Mike LaFleur, RotoWire, Underdog NFL, 32BeatWriters)
• Gardner Minshew: SEASON IN JEOPARDY! Minshew is seeking additional medical opinions on a torn UCL in his throwing arm, with season-ending surgery a possibility. Carson Beck is next in line, while Arizona is signing veteran Josh Johnson from Cincinnati's practice squad. (Sources: Adam Schefter, Josh Weinfuss, Ian Rapoport)

🍑 Atlanta Falcons

• Bijan Robinson: WORKHORSE ALERT! Bijan handled 87% of Atlanta's RB opportunities and an incredible 95% of carries against Cincinnati. He also ran a route on 65% of dropbacks and received every RB carry inside the 10-yard line.

🐦‍⬛ Baltimore Ravens

• Jacoby Brissett: EXPECTED TO START! Head coach Jesse Minter expects Brissett to start Week 10 against the Chargers as Baltimore continues navigating Lamar Jackson's absence. (Sources: Jeff Zrebiec, Rotoworld)

🦬 Buffalo Bills

• Josh Palmer: PLACED ON IR! Palmer will miss at least four games after suffering a hamstring injury. (Source: Joe Buscaglia via RotoWire)
• Dion Dawkins: INACTIVE for Monday night's matchup against Minnesota. (Source: Buffalo Bills via Adam Schefter)

🐾 Carolina Panthers

• Chuba Hubbard: COMPLETE BACKFIELD CONTROL! Hubbard played 92% of Carolina's snaps against Denver and handled 89% of RB carries. He also dominated third-down and two-minute work, playing every backfield snap in those situations.
• Jonathon Brooks: RETURN WINDOW APPROACHING? Carolina will evaluate whether to open Brooks' practice window as he recovers from a core injury. (Source: Mike Kaye via RotoWire)
• Xavier Legette: PRACTICE WINDOW OPENING! Legette's 21-day practice window is set to begin as he works back from a knee injury. (Source: Underdog NFL)

🐻 Chicago Bears

• Luther Burden III: CONCUSSION PROTOCOL! Burden entered the protocol after leaving Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Chicago's Week 10 bye provides additional recovery time. (Sources: Courtney Cronin, Adam Schefter)

🟤 Cleveland Browns

• Deshaun Watson: BACK UNDER CENTER! Cleveland plans to start Watson against Houston in Week 10 after holding him out in Week 9. (Sources: Jeremy Fowler, Underdog NFL)
• Dylan Sampson: ROLE CONTINUES TO GROW! Sampson's snap share has climbed from 46% in Week 7 to 56% in Week 8 and 64% in Week 9. Todd Monken identified him as Cleveland's third-down back. (Sources: Dave Kluge, Todd Monken)
• Quinshon Judkins: LOSING PASSING-DOWN WORK! Judkins still handled 65% of RB carries against New Orleans but didn't play the final 17 offensive snaps, all passing situations. Sampson's growing role is worth monitoring. (Source: Todd Monken via MicNuggets)

⭐ Dallas Cowboys

• Jake Ferguson: MULTIWEEK ABSENCE EXPECTED! Ferguson is expected to miss multiple games with a knee injury. Brevyn Spann-Ford is next in line at tight end. (Sources: Brian Schottenheimer, Jeff Mueller)
• Tyler Goodson: ALSO EXPECTED TO MISS MULTIPLE WEEKS with a knee injury. (Source: Brian Schottenheimer)
• Jonathan Mingo: INJURY CONCERN! Mingo exited Sunday's game against Indianapolis with an ankle injury.
• CeeDee Lamb: TARGET MONSTER! Lamb is averaging nearly 14 targets per game over his last six contests, with double-digit targets in five of them. (Source: SleeperNFL)

🐴 Denver Broncos

• Jonah Coleman: BACKFIELD TAKEOVER! Coleman played 82% of offensive snaps against Carolina, ran routes on 71% of dropbacks, and handled 17 of Denver's 21 RB carries. (Source: Jacob Gibbs via Jeff Mueller)
• TRADE WATCH: Denver has reportedly explored both the running back and tight end markets ahead of Tuesday's deadline. (Source: Jordan Schultz)

🦁 Detroit Lions

• Sam LaPorta: DRAWING TRADE INTEREST! Multiple teams have reportedly contacted Detroit about LaPorta, but the Lions appear intent on keeping him and pursuing a long-term deal. (Source: Jeremy Fowler via SleeperNFL)
• Jahmyr Gibbs: DOMINANT USAGE! Gibbs handled 81% of Detroit's RB opportunities and 87% of carries against Miami, including every RB rushing attempt inside the 10.

🧀 Green Bay Packers

• Josh Jacobs: SURGERY REQUIRED! Jacobs will undergo surgery on his fractured right ring finger. Reports suggest he could miss up to three weeks, and Matt LaFleur hasn't ruled out injured reserve. (Sources: Matt Zenitz, Matt Schneidman, Ian Rapoport)
• Kaleb Johnson: WAIVER WIRE ALERT! Johnson becomes the immediate name to watch following Jacobs' injury, especially after his productive relief performance in Week 9.

🐂 Houston Texans

• David Montgomery: RETURN GETTING CLOSER? Montgomery is progressing in his recovery from a groin injury and could return to practice in Week 10 or 11, according to DeMeco Ryans. (Source: Aaron Wilson via RotoWire)

🐴 Indianapolis Colts

• Jonathan Taylor: TRADE LOOKING LESS LIKELY! Jordan Raanan reports a deal with the Giants would now be surprising. Previous discussions reportedly involved second- and fifth-round picks plus a player. (Source: Jordan Raanan)
• Jonathan Taylor — USAGE: Taylor handled 73% of Indianapolis' RB opportunities and 68% of carries against Dallas, maintaining his position as the lead back.
• Mo Alie-Cox: INJURY CONCERN! Alie-Cox left Sunday's game with a groin injury.

🐆 Jacksonville Jaguars

• DEFENSIVE OVERHAUL! Jacksonville reportedly acquired three defensive players in separate trades:(Sources: Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero)
  • Jordan Davis from Philadelphia for a 2027 first-round pick and 2029 second-round pick.
  • Jessie Bates III from Atlanta for a 2027 second-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick.
  • Davon Godchaux from New Orleans for a conditional sixth-round pick.

🏹 Kansas City Chiefs

• Patrick Mahomes: GOOD NEWS! An MRI revealed no major damage to Mahomes' throwing elbow. Andy Reid considers him day to day, with soreness and rehabilitation the primary concerns. (Sources: Ian Rapoport, Andy Reid via MicNuggets)
• Xavier Worthy: DAY TO DAY! Worthy continues recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him out against the Jets. (Sources: Matt Derrick, Underdog NFL)

⚡ Los Angeles Chargers

• Justin Herbert: FRACTURE RULED OUT! Testing confirmed Herbert did not fracture his left middle finger during Sunday's game. (Source: Jim Harbaugh via Alex Insdorf)
• Ladd McConkey: DAY TO DAY! McConkey continues dealing with back spasms that kept him from playing Sunday. (Sources: Alex Insdorf, RotoWire, SleeperNFL)

🐏 Los Angeles Rams

• Puka Nacua: MAJOR INJURY UPDATE! Sean McVay says Nacua is likely headed to IR after suffering MCL and PCL sprains along with turf toe. The Rams are exploring all options at receiver as they prepare for a potentially extended absence. (Sources: Sean McVay, Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport)
• Terrance Ferguson: EXPECTED TO MISS MORE TIME! McVay believes Ferguson's hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for another couple of weeks. (Source: Rotoworld)
• RECEIVER DEPTH: Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington are names to monitor as Los Angeles prepares for Arizona. (Source: Nathan Jahnke via 32BeatWriters)
• OFFENSIVE USAGE: The Rams used three-tight-end formations on 43% of dropbacks against Washington, while Kyren Williams handled 59% of RB opportunities.

🐬 Miami Dolphins

• Malik Willis: GROIN CONCERN! Jeff Hafley acknowledged Willis experienced groin tightness that affected his ability to run in Week 9. His mobility will be worth monitoring. (Source: Jeff Hafley via FinsXtra)

🟣 Minnesota Vikings

• Odell Beckham Jr.: ACTIVE! Beckham was promoted from the practice squad and available against Buffalo. (Sources: Adam Schefter, Ben Goessling)
• Kyler Murray / Jauan Jennings: Both were inactive for Monday night's matchup. (Source: Rotoworld)

🇺🇸 New England Patriots

• Rhamondre Stevenson: MRI RESULTS PENDING! Stevenson underwent imaging on his injured knee, but no confirmed diagnosis or recovery timetable was available today. (Sources: Mark Daniels, Mike Reiss)
• A.J. Brown: RETURN WATCH! New England plans to bring Brown to Germany for its matchup against Detroit. However, his ankle and knee injuries remain concerns, and travel doesn't guarantee he'll play. (Sources: Mark Daniels, Rotoworld)

⚜️ New Orleans Saints

• Audric Estime: BACKFIELD SHIFT! Estime handled 59% of New Orleans' RB opportunities and 68% of carries against Cleveland, including EVERY RB carry inside the 10-yard line. He also ran routes on 28% of dropbacks.

🗽 New York Giants

• J.J. McCarthy: HIP POINTER! McCarthy was estimated as a limited participant Monday, but John Harbaugh sounded optimistic about his availability Thursday against Washington. (Sources: Adam Schefter, Pat Leonard, Dan Salomone)
• Cam Skattebo: RETURN EXPECTED! Skattebo was also estimated limited Monday with a hamstring injury. Harbaugh expects him to be fully available Thursday after nearly playing Sunday. (Sources: Dan Salomone, SleeperNFL)

✈️ New York Jets

• Omar Cooper Jr.: BREAKOUT OPPORTUNITY! With Garrett Wilson sidelined, Cooper led the Jets with 33 routes and 11 targets, catching eight passes for 58 yards. (Source: SleeperNFL)
• Geno Smith: NOT AVAILABLE! The Jets reportedly received trade inquiries about Smith but rejected them. (Source: Tom Pelissero)

🦅 Philadelphia Eagles

• Dallas Goedert: TRADE WATCH! Goedert acknowledged speaking with Howie Roseman a couple of weeks ago but indicated he wasn't particularly concerned about the deadline. (Source: Dave Zangaro via SleeperNFL)

🟡 Pittsburgh Steelers

• DK Metcalf: MORE OPPORTUNITIES COMING? Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio says Pittsburgh is examining ways to put Metcalf in better positions and increase his involvement. (Source: Brooke Pryor via 32BeatWriters)

🌉 San Francisco 49ers

• Brandon Aiyuk: REINSTATED! Aiyuk returned to the team for a physical and was reinstated from the reserve/left squad list. San Francisco received a two-week roster exemption. (Sources: Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport)
• Deebo Samuel: PRACTICE RETURN EXPECTED! Samuel is on track to practice Wednesday as he recovers from a hamstring injury. (Sources: David Lombardi, Nick Wagoner)
• Mike Evans: STILL SIDELINED! Evans is unlikely to return this week because of his Achilles injury and isn't expected to practice Wednesday. (Source: Underdog NFL)

🌊 Seattle Seahawks

• Drew Lock: ENCOURAGING NEWS! Initial testing on Lock's oblique injury was positive, and Seattle expects him to start Week 10 against Las Vegas. (Sources: Mike Macdonald, Adam Schefter)
• Sam Darnold: OUT FOR WEEK 10! Darnold remains sidelined with quad and rib injuries. Seattle hopes to have him back for Week 12 following its bye. (Source: Underdog NFL)
• WR TRADE WATCH: Seattle is reportedly searching for another receiver to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba. (Source: Jordan Schultz)

🏴‍☠️ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Bucky Irving: WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT? Todd Bowles indicated Tampa Bay could reduce Irving's carries slightly to keep him healthy while maintaining his role as the lead back. (Sources: Todd Bowles, Rotoworld, MicNuggets)

🪖 Washington Commanders

• Treylon Burks: RETURN POSSIBLE! Dan Quinn is optimistic Burks can play Thursday against the Giants after missing Week 9 with a foot injury. (Sources: Rotoworld, Underdog NFL)
• Rachaad White: PASSING-DOWN SPECIALIST! White handled 50% of Washington's backfield opportunities and 47% of carries against the Rams, including all two-minute RB snaps and 75% of third-down snaps.

Data & Analysis Credit

A huge thank you to Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, Jeremy Fowler, Jordan Schultz, RotoWire, Rotoworld, SleeperNFL, Underdog NFL, 32BeatWriters, Jeff Mueller, MicNuggets, and the many beat reporters, coaches, and analysts whose reporting and data help make NFL BUZZ possible.

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