The Week 8 rookie check‑in highlights several emerging NFL players. Saints rookie Barion Brown posts his best game yet, returning a kickoff and catching a 57‑yard pass from Tyler Shough, though his role may shrink after the bye when first‑round pick Jordyn Tyson returns. Colts safety A.J. Haulcy records a team‑leading nine tackles in Week 7 but faces a big‑play Jaguars offense. Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane struggles covering Jaxon Smith‑Njigba but could benefit from injuries to Chiefs receivers. Falcons linebacker Harold Perkins sees increased snaps and makes key tackles against the 49ers. Tight end Bauer Sharp serves as a blocker in the Bucs’ blowout, while QB Garrett Nussmeier sits behind a healthy Patrick Mahomes and edge rusher Jack Pyburn is inactive for Kansas City.
The New Orleans Saints desperately need a reset. Their upcoming Week 8 bye arrives at the perfect time. At 2-5, they have shown flashes of offensive potential but have struggled to put together four complete quarters. The defense has its own problems. Injuries have also complicated the coaching staff’s plans. One issue stands above the […]
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The New Orleans Saints face a rocky start after a Monday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons, sparking talk of head coach Kellen Moore’s future. Yet the article argues the NFC South remains the league’s weakest division, giving the Saints a chance to rebound and reach the playoffs. Highlights include a first-ever NFL regular‑season game in France (Saints vs. Steelers on Oct. 25), the release of DB David Long from IR, and a fan poll on whether to trade for Chase Young in exchange for a first‑round pick and two seconds. The piece urges fans to stay engaged via the SB Nation app.
After the Steelers’ 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris, quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested the NFL bundle all 16 international games into a single “international week,” adding an extra bye to keep a 17‑game schedule. He claimed owners rejected the idea over safety and revenue concerns, but league sources say the concept never even reached the negotiating table and label it “nonsensical.” Current CBA rules prohibit a full week of overseas games, and the league is only poised to expand to ten international matchups, not sixteen.
The New Orleans Saints have released DB David Long from injured reserve, per the NFL’s Official Transaction Wire. Long, 28, was a third-round pick by the Rams out of Michigan back in 2019. He finished his four-year, rookie contract worth $3,801,391, including a $973,060 signing bonus and $973,060 guaranteed, and signed a one-year deal with […]
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The Steelers announce key injury updates ahead of Week 7 in Paris. Strong safety DeShon Elliott is cleared from IR and expected to suit up against the New Orleans Saints, while running back Rico Dowdle remains questionable with a left toe/knee issue after limited practice participation. Cornerback Brandin Echols and wide receiver Ben Skowronek are ruled out and will not travel. Other notable statuses: T.J. Watt is resting, Alex Highsmith is active, and several players remain on IR or out. The roster changes set the tone for Pittsburgh’s matchup with the Saints on Oct. 27.
DeShon Elliott returned to the field last Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and did so on a limited basis. The Steelers starter played 19 snaps, or 33 percent of the total, while Jalen Ramsey and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings combined to register the remainder. But it wasn’t just his snap count against the New Orleans Saints […]
The post ‘You’re Kind of Wasting It’ — The Athletic’s DeFabo Criticizes Steelers’ Use of DeShon Elliott appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
The Steelers have brought safety DeShon Elliott back after a six‑game injury layoff, but veteran safety analyst Mike DeFabo questions the role he’s being asked to play. Elliott saw only 19 snaps against the New Orleans Saints, mainly as a deep post safety, while the Steelers' defensive line benefitted most from his near‑the‑line play in 2024—108 tackles, blitz pressure and run support that nearly earned him a Pro Bowl nod. DeFabo argues that shifting Elliott away from the line of scrimmage squanders his strengths. The article debates whether Pittsburgh should keep him deep in coverage or revert to the aggressive, near‑line duties that defined his impact.
In Episode 120 of The Depot Dive, Josh Carney and host dissect the Steelers' 24‑17 victory over the Saints in Paris, zeroing in on the performance of both offensive and defensive lines. The discussion then shifts to Colts wide receiver Josh Downs’ trade request, highlighting the Steelers' reported interest alongside other potential targets. The episode offers detailed analysis of line play and the team's upcoming roster moves.
After the Steelers’ win over the Saints in Paris, quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested the NFL schedule all international games in a single “international week,” adding a second bye and expanding to 16 overseas sites. Sources close to the league say the idea never entered collective‑bargaining talks and owners reject it as “nonsensical,” preferring a 17‑game season for revenue. Rodgers also criticized owners for being stingy on travel budgets. ESPN’s Dan Graziano dismissed the claim as false, noting no such proposal was ever discussed.
Buffalo Bills could target Eagles linebacker Zack Baun before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The 29‑year‑old, a former Wisconsin standout and former Saints third‑round pick, has thrived under Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard in Philadelphia, earning First‑Team All‑Pro honors in 2024 with 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, and leading the Eagles in tackles and interceptions during their Super Bowl run. Baun’s 2026 base salary is a modest $1.215 M, but a $14.4 M option bonus in 2027 raises his cap hit to $17 M. Trade value is projected at a late‑Round 2 pick in 2027 plus a Round 7 in 2028. The article weighs his fit in Buffalo’s linebacker rotation and the cost versus potential pass‑rush upside.
Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller are struggling to sustain the ground game without Travis Etienne Jr., which opens a strong […]
Things have gotten sideways for the New Orleans Saints. And there’s talk of a coaching staff shakeup. But there’s always 2027 to look forward to, and here is the Saints’ seven-round NFL Draft, according to the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator during their bye week. Despite being in a lousy division, the Saints are […]
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New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is in the midst of an extended absence due to a […]
The Steelers Now post, updated Oct. 22, breaks down the Pittsburgh Steelers’ two‑deep depth chart for Week 7’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers starts, with Mason Rudolph as the primary backup and third‑string Drew Allar listed for emergencies. The backfield features RB Jaylen Warren alongside Rico Dowdle (questionable) and Travis Homer. Wide receivers include DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Isaiah Hodgins, while Ben Skowronek is noted as out. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington lead the unit. The defensive roster lists starters like Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Asante Samuel Jr., with injury and status markings (red for injured, maroon for IR/PUP/NFI). The chart combines official data, team sources, and the site’s analysis, highlighting rookies, returning starters, and practice‑squad elevations.
Strong safety DeShon Elliott says he’s ready to log 80 defensive snaps against the Cleveland Browns after a limited 19-snap return versus the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 13. The Steelers’ star recovered from a torn hamstring injury sustained against Green Bay last October and feels healthy, though coaches may favor rookie Robert Spears-Jennings, who out‑snapped Elliott 27‑19 on Sunday. Elliott praised the seventh‑round rookie’s work ethic but remains a team‑first player, leaving his exact role to the coaching staff for the upcoming Sunday matchup.
Facing a receiver injury crisis, the Steelers sign former wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling to the practice squad before Sunday’s game in Paris against the Saints. Coach Mike McCarthy explains that while Valdes‑Scantling didn’t dress for the matchup—opting instead for depth players Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson—he can earn playing time by mastering the playbook and contributing on special teams. McCarthy praises the veteran’s work ethic, noting that a solid performance could see him elevated for the upcoming schedule.
Week 7 roundup highlights the Vikings as the NFL’s lone unbeaten team after a 16-10 win over the Colts, capped by T.J. Hockenson’s 5‑yard touchdown on National Tight End Day. After five seasons on practice squads, Brandon Smith finally records his first NFL catches—two for 24 yards—in Pittsburgh’s 16-10 victory over New Orleans. Noah Fant adds two receptions as the Saints slip to 2‑5. The Lions edge Green Bay 20-17, with Sam LaPorta limited to one catch and Jack Campbell leading Detroit with 11 tackles. George Kittle posts six catches for 88 yards, but the 49ers fall 29-20 to Atlanta. Tyler Goodson contributes 10 carries and a blocked kickoff return for Dallas, while Erick All suffers a season‑ending ACL tear after a three‑catch, 26‑yard effort in Cincinnati’s win.
Welcome back to our WR/CB Matchups for Week 8 of the 2026 fantasy football season. The Texans, Saints, Giants, and […]
The Falcons host the Buccaneers in Week 8, a clash that could push Atlanta to a 4‑4 record while sinking Tampa Bay to 2‑6. Both teams sit near the bottom of the NFC South, but the Bucs have sparked a defensive resurgence and a strong ground game under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, despite a collapsing passing attack led by an injured Baker Mayfield. Atlanta’s balanced offense—league‑average passing and effective rushing—has been inconsistent, yet recent wins over the 49ers, Saints and Panthers show potential. The game hinges on Tampa’s ability to generate turnovers and run the ball, and whether the Falcons can string together another quality performance.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano lashes out at Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for claiming the NFL once discussed an “international week” where all 32 teams would play abroad in exchange for an extra bye. Graziano says none of the 2020 CBA negotiators recall such talks, calling Rodgers’ remarks “utter nonsense.” The dispute surfaces as Pittsburgh, fresh from a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, prepares for a crucial Week 8 rematch with the Cleveland Browns—both teams sitting 5‑2 in the AFC North. The article outlines the alleged proposal, the insider’s rebuttal, and the upcoming division showdown on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Entering the bye week at 2‑5, the New Orleans Saints face a stark reality in the NFC South. Head coach Kellen Moore cites glaring flaws: an anemic run game—Tyler Shough’s leading 7‑yard rush—and a defense that struggles to stop opponents on the ground, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ dominance. Despite occasional passing fireworks and a solid secondary that keeps teams out of the end zone, missed field goals and a costly interception against Pittsburgh cost a winnable game. With rivals Carolina, Tampa Bay and Atlanta pressing, the Saints must revamp their rushing attack and tighten execution to stay playoff‑alive.
ESPN veteran Jeremy Fowler says Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren is now the Steelers’ most dynamic offensive weapon and predicts his role will only grow. In the past five games Warren has racked up 472 rushing yards on 81 carries (5.8 avg) and 233 receiving yards on 17 catches, putting him on a 2,000‑yard scrimmage pace and tying Kenneth Walker for the league’s most 125‑yard games. The team has shifted to jumbo packages, even fielding six linemen against the Saints, to give Warren more blockers. While durability concerns linger, coaches from other teams say he should see the ball as often as possible.
Cornerback Doneiko Slaughter misses Wednesday practice with a hamstring strain suffered while covering a punt in the Steelers' 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Slaughter, a special‑teams staple who has played all seven games this season, joins a secondary already hit by injuries: Jalen Ramsey plays through a fractured wrist, Jamel Dean missed a week with an ankle issue, and DeShon Elliott just returned from a 2025 hamstring tear. The team added depth with veteran Sean Murphy‑Bunting and has yet to activate Terell Smith or practice‑squad Darius Rush. Slaughter hopes to return before the Week 8 matchup with Cleveland.
The Steelers find themselves on the trade radar as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler lists linebacker Patrick Queen as a 20% trade candidate, noting Dallas Cowboys interest. Despite being a 2027 free agent, the 5‑2 Pittsburgh team likely retains him. Queen, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, posted a team‑high 10 tackles in the 16‑10 win over the Saints and currently totals 48 tackles and one interception this season. The article also references other Steelers trade chatter and recent power‑ranking success.