The San Francisco 49ers are under the impression Brock Purdy's shoulder injury won't sideline him...

<p>The San Francisco 49ers are under the impression <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>'s shoulder injury won't sideline him for long.</p><p>The franchise believes Purdy, who is sidelined for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, should be able to return for next week's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1860658968424538309">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a> reports.</p><p>There does not seem to be a high level of concern with Purdy's injury, Schefter adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Purdy popped up on the injury report earlier this week after leaving practice early Thursday due to pain in his throwing arm. He then missed practice Friday before being ruled out for the matchup against Green Bay.</p><p>The 49ers have been plagued by injuries throughout their 2024 campaign. Star pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a> is also out Sunday, reigning Offensive Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> missed the first eight games of the season due to an Achilles injury, and wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/125339" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/125339">Brandon Aiyuk</a> went down with a season-ending knee injury in October.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53651">Brandon Allen</a> is starting in place of Purdy on Sunday.</p><p>San Francisco is 5-5 on the year with Purdy throwing 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions.</p>

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) waits on the field for players to gather for a prayer after the San Francisco 49ers played the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

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Report: 49ers believe Purdy should return next week vs. Bills

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was appalled at questions over whether his squad deserves a spot in t...

<p>Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was appalled at questions over whether his squad deserves a spot in the top 12 of next week's College Football Playoff rankings following a 38-15 loss to Ohio State.</p><p>"Is that a serious question?" Cignetti said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/Jake_Trotter/status/1860427595428372984">ESPN's Jake Trotter</a>. "I'm not even going to answer that one. The answer's so obvious."</p><p>Indiana got off to its best start in school history with a 10-0 start under Cignetti. However, the Hoosiers' undefeated run came to an end Saturday to Big Ten rival Ohio State.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ohio State's scoreboard shows a message saying "Buckeys Win?? Google It!" after the game <a href="https://t.co/5b1qIAuoia">pic.twitter.com/5b1qIAuoia</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1860420646423171166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohio State dominated Indiana, limiting quarterback Kurtis Rourke to 68 passing yards and eight completions. The Hoosiers jumped out to a 7-0 lead but then surrendered 31 consecutive points before two late scores made it 38-15.</p><p>Indiana claimed the fifth spot in the third CFP rankings, which were released Tuesday.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers walks across the field before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Cignetti: 'So obvious' Indiana should be in CFP despite 1st loss

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is off the injury report and on track to play Sunday against ...

<p>Detroit Lions tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188193" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188193">Sam LaPorta</a> is off the injury report and on track to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced Friday.</p><p>LaPorta missed the Lions' 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week due to a shoulder injury. He also battled an ankle injury earlier this season but did not miss time due to the issue.</p><p>The Pro Bowl tight end is third on the team in receiving yards with 366 and has caught three touchdown passes from quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Detroit currently occupies the top spot in the NFC at 9-1 after ripping off eight consecutive victories. </p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions runs onto the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on September 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Buccaneers beat the Lions 20-16.

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Lions' LaPorta on track to return vs. Colts

The NFL is flexing a matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers into Thursday Ni...

<p>The NFL is flexing a matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers into Thursday Night Football in Week 16 in place of an AFC North meeting between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, the league announced Friday.</p><p>This marks the first time the league has opted to change a Thursday Night Football tilt.</p><p>Browns-Bengals in Cincinnati will move to Sunday in Week 16 and kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Thursday night bout, which takes place in Los Angeles on Dec. 19, could carry huge playoff implications as the Chargers and Broncos are in the thick of the AFC's wild-card race. The 7-3 Chargers led by head coach Jim Harbaugh currently occupy the fifth spot while the 6-5 Broncos are the seventh and final seed.</p><p>The two AFC West clubs met Oct. 13 in Denver with Los Angeles emerging victorious 23-16. The Chargers rolled out to a 23-0 lead before the Broncos answered with 16 points but were unable to complete the comeback.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers gets set during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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NFL flexes Broncos-Chargers to TNF in Week 16; Browns-Bengals out

The New York Jets would prefer to move on from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025, sources...

<p>The New York Jets would prefer to move on from veteran quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> in 2025, sources told <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/jets-joe-douglas-firing-what-comes-next">SNY's Connor Hughes</a>.</p><p>The Jets are in the midst of cleaning house after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133365" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133365">firing</a> general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday. The franchise also dismissed head coach Robert Saleh earlier in the campaign following a 2-3 start and stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties.</p><p>Getting rid of Rodgers in the offseason would signal the end of a disastrous chapter for New York. The Jets entered the season with a healthy Rodgers and expectations of contending atop the AFC, but they're far from those hopes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New York owns a 3-8 record - tied for worst in the AFC East - and has gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.</p><p>Rodgers has struggled to look like his usual self in 2024. He's completed 63.4% of his passes for 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, though his 6.4 yards per attempt and 88.9 passer rating would rank as career lows for him as a full-time starter.</p><p>Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Rodgers for Tyrod Taylor to members of the franchise's brass following a Week 4 loss because he felt Rodgers was holding the team back, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5933929/2024/11/19/joe-douglas-new-york-jets-gm-fired/">The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt</a> report. The coaches reportedly convinced Johnson to back off the decision, arguing it would negatively affect the locker room and embarrass Rodgers.</p><p>To improve the team's trajectory, the Jets swung a trade in October with the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite star receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/57482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/57482">Davante Adams</a> with Rodgers. However, the added help hasn't moved the needle, with Adams accumulating 278 yards and one touchdown through five games.</p><p>New York acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023, but his first season with the team lasted only four snaps before a torn Achilles tendon sidelined him for the year.</p><p>The 40-year-old is signed through 2025 but has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/aaron-rodgers/1085">Over The Cap</a>.</p><p>The Jets have won no more than seven games in a season since hiring Douglas in 2019. The club hasn't made the postseason since the 2010 campaign and has started 15 different quarterbacks since its last playoff appearance.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets celebrates during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Report: Jets eye Rodgers divorce in 2025 after cleaning house

The top five remained unchanged in the third College Football Playoff rankings released this seas...

<p>The top five remained unchanged in the third College Football Playoff rankings released this season, while Boise State climbed into the top 12, giving the Broncos a bye in the format.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Previous Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>11-0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Miami</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Boise State leapfrogged BYU, which fell to 14th in this week's rankings. No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Texas, and No. 8 Miami would also receive first-round byes in the playoffs if the season ended today as the highest-ranked teams leading a conference.</p><p>BYU suffered a hit after Kansas ruined its undefeated season, but the program keeps a spot in the CFP thanks to being the highest-ranked Big 12 team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tennessee wouldn't make the CFP despite being ranked 11th.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE UPDATED CFP BRACKET PROJECTION 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/btjbCEx38a">pic.twitter.com/btjbCEx38a</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1859028168792809847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Four of the top five teams come from the Big Ten, while eight SEC programs are in the top 25.</p><p>Arizona State, Iowa State, UNLV, and Illinois are the newcomers to the third edition of the CFP rankings.</p><p>Below are the rest of the teams that occupy the top 25 spots.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Previous Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td> SMU</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> BYU</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td> Colorado</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td> Clemson</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td> South Carolina</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td> 21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td> Army</td>
<td> 9-0</td>
<td> 24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Tulane</td>
<td> 9-2</td>
<td> 25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td> Arizona State</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td> Iowa State</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td> Missouri</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td> 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td> UNLV</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td> Illinois</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td>NR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 16: Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball for a first down late in the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.

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CFP rankings: Top 5 unchanged, Boise State in position for bye

The undefeated Oregon Ducks have clinched their spot in the Big Ten championship game, the confer...

<p>The undefeated Oregon Ducks have clinched their spot in the Big Ten championship game, the conference announced Tuesday. </p><p>The conference came to the conclusion Tuesday after <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/blt323f32f0ef5dac27/">conducting</a> a "comprehensive evaluation of all possible scenarios over the final two weeks," which determined that the 11-0 Ducks could finish no worse than second in the conference.</p><p>Oregon defeated Wisconsin 16-13 on Saturday to keep its perfect season alive.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Ducks were No. 1 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.</p><p>Oregon is set to get a big boost with top wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/149233" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/149233">Tez Johnson</a> stating on Instagram on Tuesday that he's returning to the field, per <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1858898110828744718">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. Johnson has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in a contest against Michigan on Nov. 2.</p><p>The conference title game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.</p>

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) celebrating during the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on September 28. 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

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Oregon clinches spot in Big Ten title game

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Sea...

<p>San Francisco 49ers tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a> is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury, the team announced. </p><p>Kittle was listed as questionable coming into the contest after being a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday.</p><p>It's the second time this season the five-time Pro Bowl tight end's been sidelined due to a hamstring injury after also missing the team's Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With Kittle down, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66116" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/66116">Eric Saubert</a> is the next man up at tight end for San Francisco. Saubert's caught four passes for 67 yards this season.</p><p>Kittle is the 49ers' leading pass-catcher with a team-high 43 receptions, 560 yards, and seven touchdowns. </p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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49ers' Kittle out vs. Seahawks due to hamstring injury

Julian Lewis, the No. 2 overall recruit from the 2025 class, has decommitted from USC, he told Ha...

<p>Julian Lewis, the No. 2 overall recruit from the 2025 class, has decommitted from USC, he told <a href="https://x.com/Hayesfawcett3/status/1858218059548316016">Hayes Fawcett of On3Sports</a>.</p><p>Lewis is ranked as a five-star quarterback, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/255128/julian-lewis">ESPN</a>. He'd been committed to the Trojans' program since August 2023.</p><p>Speculation about Lewis flipping has been centered around Colorado and Indiana, according to <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/elite-qb-julian-lewis-decommits-from-usc-trojans/">Hunter Shelton of On3Sports</a>. He also recently visited Georgia.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lewis reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class in January.</p><p>In light of Lewis' departure, USC flipped four-star quarterback Husan Longstreet from Texas A&amp;M, his father confirmed to <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/5-star-qb-husan-longstreet-flips-commitment-from-texas-am-to-usc/">On3's Steve Wiltfong</a>. Longstreet is the 47th overall 2025 recruit and ranks fourth among pocket passers, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/253523/husan-longstreet">ESPN</a>.</p>

ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 16: High school quarterback Julian Lewis of Carrollton High School attends a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Athens, Georgia.

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5-star QB Julian Lewis decommits from USC

The Chicago Bears plan to simplify their offense under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in ...

<p>The Chicago Bears plan to simplify their offense under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in hopes of getting quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> back on track, <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-plan-to-simplify-offense-for-caleb-williams-under-new-oc-thomas-brown">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a> reports.</p><p>The Bears fired former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron earlier this week after just nine games. His dismissal came after Williams failed to score a touchdown in three straight games while Chicago totaled 27 points.</p><p>The rookie stood up during a team meeting following Waldron's termination and apologized for his part in the offense not performing up to standard, according to <a href="https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/1858196933292212376">Fox Sports' Jay Glazer</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams started his rookie campaign with a 4-2 mark but has really struggled over the team's three-game slide. The first overall pick has completed only 50.5% of his passes amid the skid and averaged only 4.9 yards per attempt.</p><p>Benching Williams ahead of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers was not considered, but giving the rookie a break was brought up in a meeting prior to Waldron's firing, Rapoport adds.</p><p>The 4-5 Bears rank 24th in points scored and 30th in offensive yardage this season.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on November 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Bears to simplify offense for Williams under new OC

The New England Patriots are activating star defensive lineman Christian Barmore off the non-foot...

<p>The New England Patriots are activating star defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161833" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161833">Christian Barmore</a> off the non-football illness list, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1857826469080084733">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Barmore has been sidelined since being diagnosed with blood clots in July. </p><p>The 25-year-old should make his season debut Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, Rapoport reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barmore returned to practice Thursday for the first time since his diagnosis. He missed Friday's practice and finished the week with a questionable label for Sunday's matchup.</p><p>The 2021 second-round pick has been a key cog in the Patriots' defense with his 8.5 sacks last season leading the team. New England rewarded Barmore with a four-year extension worth up to $92 million last offseason.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots reacts during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Patriots activate Barmore from non-football illness list

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is off the injury report, putting him on track to retur...

<p>Seattle Seahawks wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111570">DK Metcalf</a> is off the injury report, putting him on track to return Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Metcalf has been sidelined the past two games with a reported Grade 1 MCL sprain. He injured his knee in an Oct. 20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, forcing him to miss losses to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks had a bye last week.</p><p>Seattle has struggled without Metcalf, failing to score more than 20 points in either contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite his absence, Metcalf is still tied for most receiving yards on the team with 568. He's also hauled in 35 catches and three touchdowns.</p><p>The Seahawks are attempting to correct course after losing five of their past six games. Their 4-5 record is tied for last in the NFC West.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 20: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Seahawks' Metcalf off injury report, to return vs. 49ers

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to return Sunday against the Los Angeles...

<p>Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a> is expected to return Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Friday, including <a href="https://x.com/Ben_Baby/status/1857465880566792356">ESPN's Ben Baby</a>.</p><p>Higgins missed the past three games due to a quadriceps injury, with the Bengals going 1-2 in that span. He wasn't listed on the injury report released later Friday.</p><p>The 25-year-old has missed as many contests as he's played in this season. In addition to the three games he was sidelined due to a quad injury, he also missed the first two weeks of the year with a hamstring issue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Higgins has caught 29 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns over five games. He's playing the season on the franchise tag.</p><p>Taylor didn't provide an update on the status of offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82710" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82710">Orlando Brown Jr</a>., who was listed as questionable with a knee/fibula injury.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 03: Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks across the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Bengals' Higgins expected to play vs. Chargers after 3-game absence 

Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons isn't carrying an extra chip on his shoulder ahead of a mat...

<p>Atlanta Falcons safety <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/64359" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/64359">Justin Simmons</a> isn't carrying an extra chip on his shoulder ahead of a matchup against his former team Sunday.</p><p>In fact, Simmons says he's "looking forward" to facing the Denver Broncos, where he enjoyed eight seasons from 2016-2023.</p><p>"No bad blood on my end," Simmons said, according to team reporter <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/justin-simmons-denver-broncos-week-11">Amna Subhan</a>. "I have nothing but love. They'll always be in my heart as a great organization. And then at the same (time), knowing where I am now, really looking forward to going in there and finding a way to win a football game."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Simmons' 30 interceptions over his eight years in Denver ranked first in the NFL. He grabbed five-plus picks on three occasions, including a league-leading six in 2022. The veteran ended his Denver tenure with two Pro Bowls as well.</p><p>The Broncos parted ways with Simmons this past offseason. He then signed with the Falcons.</p><p>The two-time Pro Bowler has grabbed one interception over nine starts with Atlanta. His new team is in the midst of a 6-4 campaign, while his old club enters with a 5-5 mark.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 03: Justin Simmons #31 of the Atlanta Falcons defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Falcons' Simmons: 'No bad blood' ahead of Denver return

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones went on the offensive against obstruction concerns with AT&T Sta...

<p>Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones went on the offensive against obstruction concerns with AT&amp;T Stadium after wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/120335" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/120335">CeeDee Lamb</a> lost sight of a potential touchdown due to the sun in Sunday's 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.</p><p>"By the way, we know where the sun is going to be when we decide to flip the coin or not," Jones said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonmachota/status/1855776226578743361">The Athletic's Jon Machota</a>. "We do know where the damn sun is going to be in our own stadium."</p><p>Obstruction issues became a hot topic again after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a>'s second-quarter pass to Lamb in the end zone fell incomplete due to the blinding sun.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jerry Jones building a stadium that blinds his own players &amp; causes losses is so on brand <a href="https://t.co/Nb9VK3FbEQ">pic.twitter.com/Nb9VK3FbEQ</a></p>— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1855743322653909416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jones shut down the idea of adding curtains to the stadium to prevent the mishap from happening again.</p><p>"Well, let's tear the damn stadium down and build another one?" Jones told reporters. "Are you kidding me?"</p><p>He continued: "Everybody has got the same thing. Every team that comes in here has the same issues. I'm saying, the world knows where the sun is. You get to know that almost a year in advance. Someone asked me about the sun. What about the sun? Where's the moon?"</p><p>Lamb <a href="https://x.com/jonmachota/status/1855789087522697541">said</a> postgame that he'd be "1000%" in favor of the franchise adding curtains to the stadium. </p><p>"I couldn't see the ball," Lamb remarked. "I couldn't see the ball at all. The sun."</p><p>The Cowboys dropped to 3-6 with Sunday's loss. They're expected to be without starting quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> for the remainder of the year due to a hamstring injury.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 3: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Cowboys' Jones defends stadium: 'We know where the sun is going to be'

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell says it would be "craziness" not to still have confi...

<p>Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell says it would be "craziness" not to still have confidence in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> despite the quarterback's three-interception game in Sunday's 12-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.</p><p>"We're still 100% confident in Sam," O'Connell said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42315868/vikings-coach-craziness-not-confident-sam-darnold">ESPN's Kevin Seifert</a>.</p><p>Darnold has thrown 10 interceptions this season, including five over the last two weeks. However, O'Connell said the thought of benching the signal-caller never crossed his mind during Sunday's contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Not one (moment)," the head coach said. "Not one all day long. In fact, I was looking at it as a great opportunity to see growth and continue to move the team. We're going to check back on this moment and use it the right way, and Sam is going to be better off for it. I truly do believe that."</p><p>Darnold said postgame that he has to "do a lot better job taking care of the football."</p><p>Two of the quarterback's three interceptions came with the Vikings in the red zone. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another interception by the Jaguars defense!<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsJAX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsJAX</a> on FOX<br>📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/ypSceGlipk">pic.twitter.com/ypSceGlipk</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1855697946597261532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Minnesota escaped with a victory after recording takeaways on each of Jacksonville's final three drives. The win moved the Vikings to 7-2.</p>

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after his team defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Vikings' O'Connell still confident in Darnold despite 3-INT game

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is inactive for Sunday night's matchup against the Detr...

<p>Houston Texans wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161840" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161840">Nico Collins</a> is inactive for Sunday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions, the team announced.</p><p>Collins has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5, although he was activated off injured reserve earlier this week.</p><p>He was listed as questionable coming into the Week 10 matchup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Collins' absence continues to be a big loss for a receiving corps that's also lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65482">Stefon Diggs</a> to a season-ending injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188130" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188130">Tank Dell</a>'s 355 receiving yards rank third on the Texans, only behind Collins and Diggs.</p><p>Houston enters with a 6-3 record after last week's loss to the New York Jets. </p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans looks into the stands after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Texans' Collins inactive for SNF vs. Lions

New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi assumed he was in store for a "crappy" sideline deb...

<p>New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi assumed he was in store for a "crappy" sideline debut after a pregame toilet trip ended up in disaster ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.</p><p>"I go into the head coach's locker room, which you know I've never used before. So here I am early in the morning, I go to the bathroom, and this is how my day started: I clog the toilet," Rizzi said postgame. "And I'm like, this is going to be a crappy day, pun intended."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST WATCH!!!!!<br><br>Darren Rizzi: insightful, informative and very real!<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saints</a> interim head coach with a no B.S. glimpse into how his day started in the Superdome.<br><br>How can you not love this guy!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/QrBjLjhMB2">pic.twitter.com/QrBjLjhMB2</a></p>— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/FletcherWDSU/status/1855726845926543467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Instead, Rizzi's debut couldn't have gone much better. The Saints snapped a seven-game losing skid by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-17. New Orleans prevented Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins from converting a fourth-down attempt with just seconds remaining to get its first win since Week 2. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Saints named Rizzi the interim coach after dismissing Dennis Allen following his two-plus seasons at the helm.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Darren Rizzi of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome on November 10, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Saints' Rizzi: I thought clogging toilet would lead to 'crappy' debut

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey says he feels "ready to go" ahead of his exp...

<p>San Francisco 49ers running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> says he feels "ready to go" ahead of his expected season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.</p><p>"The last eight weeks were extremely unfortunate," McCaffrey said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42274011/49ers-mccaffrey-feels-great-happy-tough-away-over">Nick Wagoner of ESPN</a>. "For me, it's very tough being injured. It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now. Ready to go."</p><p>McCaffrey has been sidelined due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. He was a surprise inactive for Week 1 before landing on injured reserve ahead of the team's Week 2 game. During that time, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year reportedly travelled to Germany for treatment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old didn't confirm the Germany trip but added: "When you're on IR and you're hurt, you'll do anything to come back."</p><p>He continued: "So, I'm feeling good now. That's all that matters."</p><p>The 49ers are expected to activate McCaffrey off IR on Saturday. San Francisco is aiming to improve its 4-4 mark and keep pace in the NFC West, which is led by the 5-4 Arizona Cardinals.</p><p>McCaffrey last played in last season's Super Bowl. He led the NFL in 2023 in yards from scrimmage (2,023) and total touchdowns (21).</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 11: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers heads to the end zone on a 21-yard touchdown catch during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 25-22.

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McCaffrey feeling 'ready to go' ahead of season debut

Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson threw four touchdowns each Thursday, but it was the Baltimore Ravens...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> threw four touchdowns each Thursday, but it was the Baltimore Ravens coming out victorious in a 35-34 thriller against the Cincinnati Bengals.</p><p>The Ravens held on after the Bengals elected to go for a game-winning two-point conversion with under 40 seconds remaining instead of playing for overtime. Cincinnati's two-point play fell short after Burrow's pass to Tanner Hudson was incomplete.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> go for 2 just three days after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Buccaneers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Buccaneers</a> played for OT and lost. No flag on defensive holding or forcible contact to Joe Burrow’s head. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravens</a> sweep the season series. <a href="https://t.co/Ug8ThcNa0Z">pic.twitter.com/Ug8ThcNa0Z</a></p>— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1854745006596124954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Bengals looked to be in control, holding a 21-7 lead midway through the third quarter before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87651" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87651">Marlon Humphrey</a>'s forced fumble on running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188276" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188276">Chase Brown</a> swung momentum.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jackson said postgame that Humphrey's takeaway woke up Baltimore's offense, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1854748180807655454">The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec</a>.</p><p>The Ravens quarterback engineered four straight touchdown drives to end the game. Three of Jackson's four touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter, including an 84-yard score to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161904" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161904">Tylan Wallace</a>. He recorded 290 passing yards and a 141.4 passer rating.</p><p>The reigning MVP's performance was enough to hold off an onslaught from Burrow and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a>. The Bengals' star duo connected on three touchdown passes, including the team's last score in the final minute.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JA'MARR CHASE AGAIN. <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BENGALS</a> SCORE. <a href="https://t.co/N3CqUCI2ti">pic.twitter.com/N3CqUCI2ti</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1854743659587015051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Burrow finished with 428 passing yards and four touchdowns. Chase accumulated 264 yards and three scores on 11 receptions.</p><p>Jackson said he knew the game would be a back-and-forth affair and tried to rally his teammates on the sideline.</p><p>"I was telling my guys on the sideline, 'We gotta score. If they score, we gotta score. That's the type of game it's going to be,'" Jackson told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/jamisonhensley/status/1854748865955819954">ESPN's Jamison Hensley</a>.</p><p>The victory moves the Ravens to 7-3 and gives them the sweep in the season series against their division rivals, while the Bengals plummet to 4-6.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in front of Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 07, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Lamar, Burrow combine for 8 TDs as Ravens hold off Bengals in thriller 

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