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Brandon Aiyuk Trade Viewed As Possible, Latest On 49ers’ WR Outlook

November 27th, 2025 at 4:21pm CST by Adam La Rose

Before the start of the current season, the 49ers voided a 2026 option bonus for Brandon Aiyuk. That has fueled speculation a parting of ways will take place after the current campaign.

Further details have emerged regarding the team’s decision to void Aiyuk’s guarantees. As ESPN’s Fowler writes, the sixth-year receiver declined to attend appointments for his knee rehab during the offseason. That is believed to be among the reasons San Francisco proceeded with voiding Aiyuk’s guarantees, a move he chose not to contest by means of an NFLPA grievance.

Aiyuk’s 2024 campaign ended when he suffered ACL, MCL and meniscus tears. He has yet to play since, despite a number of updates before and during this season pointing to him being cleared at some point. There is still optimism the 27-year-old will be cleared, although that would in turn lead to an interesting question of whether or not Aiyuk would be willing to play given where things stand at this point.

Fowler adds that some teams around the league see an Aiyuk trade as being possible, especially with his contract being easier to move in the absence of guaranteed compensation for next season. The former first-rounder’s deal still runs through 2028, however, so a release allowing him to choose his next destination is still a more realistic outcome. That would leave Aiyuk in the same situation as Christian Wilkins, after the Raiders voided his guarantees and moved forward with a release.

Aiyuk topped 1,000 yards for the first time in 2022. The following season, he set a career high in yards (1,342) and yards per catch (17.9), helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl along the way. The process of working out an extension was far from smooth, to say the least, and even with a long-term deal in hand Aiyuk’s future is once again a talking point.

Elsewhere at the receiver position, Matt Barrows of the Athletic writes (subscription required) the 49ers are likelier to retain Kendrick Bourne this offseason than Jauan Jennings. The latter was in the team’s long-term plans as of September, but as a pending free agent he could depart on the open market this spring. Jennings landed a two-year pact in 2024, the season in which he comfortably posted career-best numbers. Things have not been the same in 2025 for the former seventh-rounder.

Bourne’s second San Francisco stint has seen him make seven starts with the team dealing with several injuries. He has posted 482 scoreless yards while serving as an experienced secondary option in the passing game. Retaining Bourne, 30, will likely come at a lesser cost than re-signing Jennings once more. Of course, Aiyuk will play a large role in determining how the team operates at the WR spot once his situation becomes clearer.

Ravens Place RB Justice Hill, DT Taven Bryan On IR

November 27th, 2025 at 3:30pm CST by Adam La Rose

Justice Hill and Taven Bryan have already been ruled out for the Ravens’ game tonight against the Bengals. Both veterans will be unavailable for an extended period.

Hill and Bryan have been moved to injured reserve, per a team announcement. As such, today’s Thanksgiving finale will mark the first of at least four games they are required to miss. A neck ailment has shut Hill down for the time being; Bryan has a knee injury.

As was the case last year, Derrick Henry has led the way in terms of backfield usage for Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer has essentially alternated between productive and quiet games in 2025, however, adding to the importance of the Ravens’ other backfield options. That has included Hill, whose seven-year career has been spent exclusively with Baltimore.

The 28-year-old has received more than three carries only once so far this season, but he has remained a regular presence in the passing game. Hill’s injury ensures he will not come close to matching the career-high 42 receptions he made in 2024, but his absence will be felt moving forward. Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali will serve as Henry’s backups down the stretch.

Since the season-ending neck injury suffered by Nnamdi Madubuike, depth along the defensive interior has been a question for the Ravens. Bryan joined the team’s practice squad in September, and he has since found his way onto the active roster. A veteran of 118 games, he has made five appearances in a rotational capacity this season. Bryan’s absence will lead to an increased workload for the likes of Travis Jones, John Jenkins and Brent Urban along the D-line.

The Ravens designated edge rusher Adisa Isaac and receiver Dayton Wade for return from IR during roster cutdowns, meaning their activations have already been accounted for. The team has yet to use any of its remaining six activations so far, but in Hill and Bryan’s case doing so will be needed if they are to play again this season.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart Clears Concussion Protocol

November 27th, 2025 at 2:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jameis Winston has started each of the past two games as a fill-in for the Giants. He will return to backup duties in Week 13.

Jaxson Dart has cleared concussion protocol, per a team announcement. That sets the first-round rookie up to return to action on Sunday against the Patriots. Avoiding any further injury-induced absences the rest of the way will be a key goal for team and player in this case.

Including the preseason, Dart has already been evaluated for a concussion four times this year. Concerns about the number he hits he takes during a game have been raised since he took over QB1 duties. As such, few were surprised when Dart suffered a concussion in Week 10. He remained in the multi-step protocol from that point until today.

Dart was a full participant in practice yesterday (h/t ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). That was a clear indication a return in time for Week 13 would be in store. The Giants are still shorthanded on offense, with wideout Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo out for the season. Dart’s return will allow for his development to continue, though, while also giving interim head coach Mike Kafka more time to audition for the full-time gig alongside New York’s QB of the future.

The fate of general manager Joe Schoen is also uncertain at this point, although signs point to him being safe. It was Schoen who traded back into the first round to select Dart in April’s draft, a move which seems to have helped his standing in the organization. A strong finish to the campaign would not move the Giants into postseason contention, but it could offer promise for 2026.

Winston guided New York to close losses against the Packers and Lions during his two starts. Defensive breakdowns remained an issue during that period, prompting the dismissal of DC Shane Bowen. As the team looks to make needed improvements on that side of the ball, Dart will be back in the fold beginning on Sunday.

Lions DE Josh Paschal Will Not Play In 2025

November 27th, 2025 at 1:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

On November 5, Josh Paschal returned to practice for the Lions. The fourth-year defensive end’s 21-day activation window was opened as a result.

Yesterday marked the point at which the Lions needed to activate Paschal from the reserve/NFI list for him to be eligible to play in 2025. As Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network notes, however, that did not take place. Paschal has therefore reverted to season-ending IR and he will not be available this year.

That news will deal a blow to the Lions’ depth along the defensive front. Pachal saw an uptick in usage over the course of his first three seasons in the Motor City, making 10 starts in 2024. The 25-year-old recorded only two sacks but he comfortably set a new career high with 17 QB pressures. Instead of having the opportunity to contribute in that capacity late in 2025, Paschal will remain focused on recovery.

The former second-rounder has been rehabbing from back surgery dating back to the summer. It came as little surprise when he landed on the reserve/NFI list during cutdowns, something which ensured at least a one-month absence during the regular season. Now, though, team and player will proceed knowing Paschal will not be available at any point down the stretch or (if applicable) in the playoffs.

The timing of this development is particularly impactful given the fact Paschal is approaching his first trip to free agency. The Kentucky product’s rookie contract is set to expire in March, and an entire season on the sidelines will obviously deal a major blow to his value. It would come as little surprise if Paschal were to take a one-year pact with Detroit or another team for 2026 with the hopes of delivering a healthy campaign.

Entering their Thanksgiving contest, the Lions ranked mid-pack in several defensive categories. Detroit’s D-line will need to finish the year without any reinforcement on the part of Paschal being in the fold.

Colts QB Daniel Jones Playing Through Fractured Fibula?

November 27th, 2025 at 12:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Colts have cooled off in recent weeks, losing two of their last three games and only scoring 20 points in both of those contests. The health of quarterback Daniel Jones has also emerged as a talking point.

Jones has been dealing with a lower leg issue recently, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it is a fracture in his fibula. Rapoport adds Jones intends to continue playing through the injury, citing a source who states the fracture is not a concern. The Colts have neither confirmed nor denied Jones’ reported diagnosis.

Nevertheless, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reports Jones will be listed as a full participant for today’s practice. He echoes the sentiment that this ailment is not expected to result in missed game time. Jones was listed as limited once in practice last week, and the same was true for yesterday’s practice report. Otherwise, the standout free agent signing has managed to log full sessions recently.

When speaking to the media, Jones himself said (via James Boyd of The Athletic) he first realized the issue last week but added he is unsure when exactly it occurred. The former first-rounder noted the ailment is affecting his fibula but also declined to confirm whether or not any fractures have taken place.

Jones won out a training camp competition with Anthony Richardson and he has started every game so far for his newest team. The ex-Giant has set new career highs in several categories this year, giving his market value a considerable boost. A new Indy deal will bring with it a considerable raise, but negotiations on that front are not expected to begin until the offseason.

As a result, Jones’ play down the stretch will be make for a compelling storyline. The 28-year-old struggling during the closing stages of the season would likely still leave the Colts in a playoff spot, but that could have a notable impact on his valuation. Jones took a one-year pact worth $14MM, nearly all of which was guaranteed. Both a franchise tag and a long-term deal will be far more expensive from the Colts’ perspective if either route ends up being taken.

Richardson remains on injured reserve at this point. That leaves sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard as the Colts’ backup. Leonard has not seen any game action since Jones suffered the injury, and it appears that will continue to be the case moving forward.

Vikings Bring Back QB Desmond Ridder

November 27th, 2025 at 12:06pm CST by Adam La Rose

Desmond Ridder is back in Minnesota. The journeyman quarterback has signed a practice squad deal with the Vikings, per a team announcement.

J.J. McCarthy is in concussion protocol, and today’s news essentially confirms he will (expectedly) miss at least one week. With Carson Wentz sidelined for the remainder of the season, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will get the nod in Week 13. Ridder could very well dress as his backup against the Seahawks.

After Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart changed late in the summer (with Wentz being added as a veteran backup and Sam Howell being traded away), McCarthy’s ankle injury created the need for insurance under center. That resulted in Ridder working out for the Vikings in early September and landing a deal on the active roster. The former third-rounder departed the Raiders in free agency but he was among the Bengals’ final roster cuts at the end of training camp.

Ridder did not wind up seeing any playing time during his brief Minnesota stint. The 26-year-old has not played at all this season. A workout with the 49ers took place in October, but no contract came about as a result. Ridder will now head back to the Vikings at least until McCarthy clears concussion protocol.

During his rookie year, Ridder started the final four games of the season. His showing in that role resulted in a 13-game stretch of starts the following campaign, but the Cincinnati product again put up underwhelming numbers. Ridder made a total of six appearances last season as a member of the Raiders, including one start. In all, he has totaled 18 regular season starts, posting a passer rating of 82.6 along the way.

The Vikings have lost five of six games since their bye week, with poor play under center representing a major problem. It will be interesting to see how Brosmer fares in his NFL debut, but Ridder will give Minnesota a more experienced replacement option if necessary.

Bears Activate CBs Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon From IR

November 27th, 2025 at 11:21am CST by Adam La Rose

When the Bears take on the Eagles in this year’s Black Friday game, they will do so with a pair of notable reinforcements in the secondary. Both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are set to play tomorrow.

Johnson and Gordon will be activated from IR in time for Friday’s game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Both players remained on IR through Week 12. Each have continued to make progress in their respective recoveries, however. As such, they will be available against the Eagles after drawing a questionable designation on the team’s injury report. The moves are now official.

Johnson seemed to be lost for the year after just one game played following his core muscle surgery. He returned to practice roughly two weeks ago, however, setting up an activation in relatively short order. Getting the two-time Pro Bowler back in the fold will represent a major boost for Chicago’s CB room, particularly on the perimeter.

Similarly, Gordon’s return will give the Bears their preferred option in the slot. His practice window opened last week. Gordon inked a three-year, $40MM extension in April, making him (like Johnson) a key figure on defense for Chicago now and into the future. Both starters will look to remain healthy the rest of the way as the Bears (8-3) attempt to maintain their lead in the NFC North.

With that said, takeaways have not been an issue for the team during its shorthanded stretch in the secondary. Chicago’s 16 interceptions lead the NFL, and Nahshon Wright has enjoyed a stellar campaign with five interceptions and 10 pass deflections through 11 games in a first-team role. It will be interesting to see if Wright’s role and playing time are affected with Johnson and Gordon back in the fold.

This news will leave the Bears with three IR activations for the remainder of the regular season. Offensive tackles Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie remain on injured reserve at this time. Bringing one or both of them onto the active roster will leave Chicago near the limit of eight for the campaign.

Rams Claim CB Derion Kendrick; WR Tutu Atwell, CB Ahkello Witherspoon In IR-Return Window

November 27th, 2025 at 10:34am CST by Sam Robinson

NOVEMBER 27: Witherspoon clarified (via Henderson’s colleague Sarah Barshop) his injury was actually a broken scapula, rather than a clavicle. That has allowed for his rehab process to move quicker than anticipated.

NOVEMBER 26: Derion Kendrick is heading back to Los Angeles. After the Seahawks waived the cornerback Tuesday, the Rams made a successful claim to reacquire him.

Additionally, the NFC West-leading team has two players in the IR-return window. The Rams, who have not used any of their eight allotted injury activations this season, designated wideout Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon for return Wednesday. In a corresponding move, however, corner Roger McCreary is now on IR. Los Angeles also signed tight end Nick Vannett from its practice squad.

[RELATED: Injured Reserve Return Tracker]

The Seahawks hoped to circle back to Kendrick via a practice squad spot, per ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson, but this waiver claim will scuttle that. Kendrick played in 10 games as a Seattle reserve this season, intercepting two passes. But the team reduced his playing time and cut the fourth-year player following a mistake on the Titans’ punt-return touchdown in Week 12.

Kendrick has now been cut and claimed twice apiece by NFC West teams this year. The Rams waived him upon setting their initial 53-man roster in August, leading to a Seahawks claim. He now returns to L.A., which has seen cornerback present some health concerns this season.

McCreary heads to IR a month after being acquired from the Titans via trade. The fourth-year cover man must miss at least four games. Witherspoon has missed the past nine Rams contests, dealing with a broken clavicle. Sean McVay, however, expressed optimism Witherspoon and Atwell would return to practice this week.

A sixth-round Rams draftee in 2022, Kendrick started 18 games for the team from 2022-23. He played 76% of the Rams’ 2023 defensive snaps, helping the team back to the playoffs, but suffered an ACL tear before the 2024 season. Kendrick logged a mere 18% snap rate with Seattle this season. The Rams did not make a notable CB move this offseason, seeing a much-rumored Jalen Ramsey return not come to fruition. They did obtain McCreary at the deadline but will now need to make some adjustments after the ex-Titan slot cog suffered a hip injury Sunday.

McCreary has not made an impact as a Ram, seeing all of one defensive snap in four games. The Rams have used Emmanuel Forbes and Cobie Durant as their primary CBs this season, with Darious Williams and Josh Wallace mixing in. Witherspoon started in the two games he played this season, and the 30-year-old defender made 22 starts from 2023-24 with L.A. Witherspoon represents an experienced piece the Rams could redeploy soon, as they make a push for their first No. 1 seed since the Kurt Warner-led 2001 squad went 14-2 en route to Super Bowl XXXVI.

The Rams re-signed Atwell on a one-year, $10MM contract this offseason; he went down with a hamstring injury in October. Atwell has not played since Week 6.

The diminutive wideout has an eye-popping stat line this season, catching four passes but totaling 164 yards on those plays. An 88-yard TD keyed this explosive start. After a 562-yard 2024, Atwell stands to contribute again as a tertiary target alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams down the stretch. Atwell still sits third among Rams WRs in yardage, and with Tyler Higbee on IR, the team could use auxiliary help in a hotly contested NFC West race.

Giants Expected To Retain GM Joe Schoen?

November 27th, 2025 at 9:52am CST by Adam La Rose

The 2025 season has seen the Giants fire head coach Brian Daboll and, shortly thereafter, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Joe Schoen remains in place as general manager, and signs point to that continuing in 2026.

The team statement issued in the wake of Daboll’s dismissal offered praise for the roster Schoen has built during his tenure. Schoen will also lead the team’s search for a new head coach, an indication his standing with ownership remains strong. On that point, Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano reports there is an “internal expectation” the Giants will maintain the status quo at the GM spot beyond the 2025 season.

Schoen has been in place since 2022. His and Daboll’s first year in charge resulted in a surprise run to the divisional round of the playoffs, but since then the Giants have managed just 11 wins. In Week 12, New York became the first team eliminated from postseason contention for 2025, and a third straight season with double-digit losses has been clinched. Especially with Daboll and now Bowen out of the picture, the case for a complete housecleaning is easy to see.

As Vacchiano notes, however, instability on the sidelines and in the front office has been a defining characteristic of the Giants during the post-Tom Coughlin period. Over the past 10 years, four general managers and six head coaches have been in place. Retaining Schoen and pairing him with a veteran coach would allow for New York’s core (featuring the likes of quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rusher Brian Burns) to move forward with consistency in terms of organizational direction.

Per Vacchiano, hiring a head coach who has previously held that role in the NFL is considered a “high priority” for some in the Giants’ building. That comes as little surprise, given the team’s struggles under first-time head coaches dating back several years. Candidates such as Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo have not worked as an NFL HC before, but they will no doubt receive a look as well.

Schoen’s stock with ownership has received a boost based on the decision to trade back into the first round and select Dart, Vacchiano adds. Other Day 1 draft additions in recent years such as offensive lineman Evan Neal and cornerback Deonte Banks have certainly not paid off, something which has helped split outside opinions on the matter of whether or not Schoen will (or should) be retained. Factors such as cap management and the financial situation Schoen inherited from Dave Gettleman will also be taken into consideration.

As things stand, the only GM opening in the NFL is that of the Dolphins. More vacancies are likely to open by the time the regular season has ended, but it would come as a surprise to many if the Giants were to find themselves in the market for a Schoen replacement.

Baker Mayfield Could Play In Week 13; Latest On Other Buccaneers Injuries

November 27th, 2025 at 8:57am CST by Adam La Rose

A loss against the Rams on Sunday dropped the Buccaneers to 6-5. The team faces a number of questions on the injury front entering Week 13, but there are a number of positive developments in that regard.

Baker Mayfield was unable to finish the game in Week 12 after injuring his left (i.e. non-throwing) shoulder. An MRI revealed Mayfield suffered a low-grade AC joint sprain, and as such he could be an option to play against the Cardinals in Week 13. Much of his availability for the game will come down to pain management.

“If it’s gonna hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go,” the third-year Buccaneer said (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine). “But I won’t know that until later in the week of getting practice reps and see how that goes.”

The coming days will be worth watching closely in this case. Tampa Bay has lost three straight games and four of five. The team still sits atop the NFC South, but the 6-6 Panthers loom as a threat to win the division. Having Mayfield – who has a track record of playing through injuries – on the field during the closing stages of the season would be key for the Bucs. They could have reinforcements coming soon as well.

Receiver Chris Godwin returned to the lineup in Week 12, and it was known at that point running back Bucky Irving was close to suiting up as well. Tampa’s lead back has not played since Week 4, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he is expected to play this week. Head coach Todd Bowles has since confirmed (via team reporter Scott Bair) Irving will make his return barring any setbacks during practice. As a rookie, the 23-year-old topped 1,500 scrimmage yards; Irving was also productive early this year before going down.

A return to action in that case will thus provide a notable boost to Tampa Bay’s offense. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes (video link) receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are close to being able to play. Evans has been sidelined since October due to a broken clavicle, while McMillan has yet to suit up in 2025. Having a WR at full strength (including standout rookie Emeka Egbuka, of course) would give the Buccaneers plenty of options in the passing game. Per Garafolo, starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a torn pec. He could manage to play late in the regular season as a result.

Tampa Bay could have several key contributors back in the fold by the end of the campaign. Mayfield’s status will remain uncertain for the time being, but no more than a short absence in his case appears likely. The Bucs’ health down the stretch will make for an interesting story to follow as they look to bounce back from how the past few weeks have gone.

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