Contract News
Mark Andrews has agreed to a three-year, $39.3 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens, keeping the Pro Bowl tight end under contract through 2028. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money. As the franchise’s all-time leading receiver, Andrews was slated to become a free agent this offseason, but his new contract solidifies his long-term future in Baltimore.
Transaction News
Darius Slay has been claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills, sources report. The veteran cornerback, recently released, returns to the AFC East just days after playing against Buffalo. The Philadelphia Eagles also submitted a waiver claim in hopes of bringing Slay back to Philadelphia, but the Bills had higher priority. Slay’s addition provides a critical boost to a Buffalo secondary that has battled injuries this season.
Injury Updates
Justin Herbert is preparing to play on Monday night against the Eagles, just one week after undergoing surgery on his fractured left hand. Although Herbert did not practice Wednesday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the quarterback participated in team walkthroughs. The team has yet to officially confirm his availability for Week 14.
The Kansas City Chiefs have placed offensive lineman Josh Simmons on injured reserve due to a wrist injury. Simmons’ absence removes a rotational option for Kansas City’s front line as the team prepares for a critical game against Houston.
In Green Bay, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned as a full participant in practice while running back Aaron Jones was limited. Jones continues to recover from lower-body issues that have limited him over the past several weeks.
In a positive development in New York, Kris Boyd surprised his Jets teammates with a visit as he recovers from being shot earlier this season. Boyd remains on injured reserve but his appearance at team headquarters was an emotional lift for the locker room.
Coaching and Organizational News
Ongoing frustration in Pittsburgh has led to renewed scrutiny of head coach Mike Tomlin‘s future with the Steelers. Analysts including Andrew Fillipponi and Mike Florio have questioned whether the franchise may finally consider parting ways with the longtime coach if the team fails to advance this season. Pittsburgh has struggled with offensive efficiency and growing tension following recent on-field results.
In a related report, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth emphasized that “everyone shows up” to team film sessions. His comments follow criticism from outside voices, including Aaron Rodgers, about player engagement in struggling organizations. The Steelers’ internal culture has come under the microscope amid their recent inconsistency.
In Philadelphia, offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo addressed a troubling incident in which his home was vandalized following the Eagles’ recent loss. Patullo said that “a line was crossed,” highlighting increasing tensions among Philadelphia fans and underscoring the intense pressure facing the coaching staff.
League News
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has not ruled out the possibility of adding a second game on Black Friday in future seasons, as the league continues to experiment with standalone broadcast windows. While the NFL sees potential in expanding its holiday lineup, the move could run afoul of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which restricts games from airing on Friday nights to protect high school and college football. A second game would likely require scheduling creativity to avoid legal complications.
NFL fans may also be seeing more commercials during RedZone broadcasts, according to emerging reports. Viewers have observed increased ad interruptions this season, raising concerns about the potential dilution of the product, which has long been praised for its continuous, commercial-free format.
Quarterback Notes
Lamar Jackson will face division rival Pittsburgh in Week 14, a matchup that could be pivotal for both playoff seeding and narrative arcs around Jackson’s health. Despite nagging injuries earlier this season, Jackson looks to reassert himself as a top-tier dual-threat quarterback against a Steelers defense that has been opportunistic.
In Indianapolis, Daniel Jones continues to recover behind a custom leg brace built using 3D printing technology developed by his former Duke roommates. The innovation is part of an effort to protect Jones’ surgically repaired leg as he works to return to form, with the Colts’ playoff aspirations still in contention amid a tightly packed AFC race.
Game Preview: Week 14 Spotlight
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in what some analysts call “desperation mode” heading into Sunday night’s matchup against the surging Houston Texans. With Patrick Mahomes and the offense searching for consistency, Kansas City faces a significant test against one of the NFL’s top young defenses. The outcome could have major implications on playoff seeding and the AFC West title race.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the Ravens-Steelers game, not only for its playoff implications but also in evaluating where Lamar Jackson stands physically and whether the Steelers can shake off the growing concerns surrounding their offensive unit and coaching direction.