NFL Player News
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Jaylin Noel WR | HOU
Texans' Jaylin Noel: Personnel packages affected role
Noel said Wednesday that his diminished role in Week 9's loss to Denver was the result of personnel packages used by the offense, Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Following two productive weeks, when Noel caught nine of 13 targets for 140 yards, the rookie's upward trajectory reversed course against the Broncos last week. He was limited to 11 snaps on offense, zero targets and just four routes run. Part of that was due to the returns of Nico Collins and Christian Kirk from injury, but Noel also cited matchup reasons. He noted the team's abundant use of two-wide receiver sets, which meant more running backs or tight ends on the field. Noel, who primarily plays in the slot, is typically not on the field in such packages. Losing quarterback C.J. Stroud to a concussion also played a role, as Houston shifted to a conservative rush-focused attack that required its best blocking personnel on the field. Stroud has been ruled out against the Jaguars in Week 10, which should limit Noel's role on offense again.
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Dillon Gabriel QB | CLE
Browns' Dillon Gabriel: Will hear new voice calling plays
Gabriel will be hearing the voice of first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees calling plays this week against the Jets, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski gave up play-calling duties for a second straight season, citing a need to create explosive plays and fix trouble areas. And there are many areas that need fixing. Beyond a rotating cast of starters on the offensive line, Gabriel has been limited to mostly short passes by an unexciting and unproductive group of wide receivers. The rookie quarterback told Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he hasn't noticed much change in the day-to-day operations since Stefanski announced the switch Monday. A new play caller should not result in a radically different plan Week 10, when the Browns face the league's 26th-ranked rush defense (135.8 ypg). Look for Rees to establish the run with Quinshon Judkins and keep Gabriel out of difficult third-down situations.
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Quinshon Judkins RB | CLE
Browns' Quinshon Judkins: Facing 26th-ranked rush defense
Judkins is expected to be a big part of the offense in Week 10 against the Jets, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Judkins shook off a shoulder injury suffered in the Week 8 loss to New England and was a full-go during Wednesday's practice session. The Browns will look to take advantage of New York's defense, which lost two of its best players at the trade deadline and has allowed 135.8 rushing yards per game (26th in NFL). Leaning on the ground game, as Cleveland did during its Week 7 win over Miami, should be a part of the game plan under first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who was anointed by Kevin Stefanski to replace the head coach as the play caller this week. Judkins has been the lone highlight on a disjointed offense and should play a big role going forward as it looks to keep rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel out of difficult third-down spots.
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Luke Haggard OT | TB
Buccaneers' Luke Haggard: Returns to practice Wednesday
Haggard (shoulder) was a full participant in Tampa Bay's practice Wednesday.
Haggard returned to practice Wednesday after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. Now healthy, the 25-year-old should resume his role as the team's starting right guard.
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Bobby Hart OT | LAC
Chargers' Bobby Hart: Misses practice Wednesday
Hart (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.
Hart suffered an injury in the team's 27-20 win over the Titans in Week 9, and he's now opened the week on the sidelines at practice. The offensive tackle will have two more chances to return to practice prior to Sunday night's game against the Steelers.
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Chris Lindstrom G | ATL
Falcons' Chris Lindstrom: No practice Wednesday
Lindstrom (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
Lindstrom suffered a foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Patriots and has been termed day-to-day. He'll almost certainly need to upgrade his practice activity in the next two days to have a chance to play in Week 10 against the Colts.
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Luke Goedeke OT | TB
Buccaneers' Luke Goedeke: Limited in practice Wednesday
Goedeke (foot) was a limited participant in Tampa Bay's practice Wednesday.
Goedeke managed to practice for the first time since suffering a foot injury in September. The 26-year-old was designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the week, and the team has until Nov. 24 to officially activate him. Once healthy, Goedeke should return to his role as the Buccaneers' starting right tackle.
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Penei Sewell OT | DET
Lions' Penei Sewell: No practice Wednesday
Sewell (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.
Sewell has been on the injury report throughout the season with a variety of issues, and he exited Detroit's Week 9 loss with a lower-body injury. He instead popped up on the injury report with a shoulder issue ahead of a Week 10 matchup against the Commanders. Sewell's progress throughout the rest of the week should provide a clearer indication of his availability.
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Dylan Horton DE | HOU
Texans' Dylan Horton: Returns to practice Wednesday
Horton (knee) was a full participant in Houston's practice Wednesday.
Horton missed the Week 9 loss to Denver with a knee injury but is now healthy again. The 25-year-old should return to his role as a reserve defender and special teamer during Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars.