Lions HC Dan Campbell Assumes Week 10 Offensive Play-Calling Duties
11:00pm: When speaking after his team’s 44-22 win, Campbell said (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard) he decided to make the change following last week’s game. Morton was still involved in handling the offense in Week 10, though. Campbell added this situation is different from that of 2021, the year in which he permanently took over play-calling duties from Anthony Lynn midway through the campaign.
6:33pm: Leading up to Week 10, there were questions about a potential change in terms of how the Lions would operate on offense. For at least one game, head coach Dan Campbell is handling play-calling duties. 
“I’ve got a million ideas,” Campbell said last week when speaking about his team’s offense (via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network). “And I believe it’s going to work this week. And if it doesn’t, then I’ve got another idea. I’ve got plenty. We’ll get this thing going.”
Entering Sunday’s game, the Lions ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring but only 12th in terms of yards per game. Middling production through the air led to talk about new offensive coordinator John Morton being stripped of play-calling duties. Garafolo was among those who noticed Campbell appeared to be handling those duties, although the fifth-year head coach regularly consults a callsheet even when that is not the case.
When speaking to Fox Sports’ Megan Olivi at halftime, Campbell confirmed he has assumed the role of play-caller for today’s game. He noted the team simply wanted to “change things up,” and it will be interesting to see if that setup continues moving forward. Campbell called plays early in his Lions tenure.
Those responsibilities were shouldered by Ben Johnson during his three-year tenure as Detroit’s offensive coordinator. His success in that role made him one of the league’s top head coaching candidates, and Johnson took charge of the Bears this offseason. Campbell and the Lions looked internally to replace DC Aaron Glenn by promoting Kelvin Shephard to that spot, but Morton was brought in as an outside hire following his two seasons working alongside Sean Payton in Denver.
The Lions have enjoyed a very strong outing against the Commanders, a team which has been reeling as of late. Still, that level of success could lead Campbell to carry on calling plays moving forward. Otherwise, Morton will be tasked with building on Detroit’s momentum and in doing so putting to rest doubts about his status.
Steelers ‘Hope’ To Retain QB Aaron Rodgers In 2026
Whenever Aaron Rodgers‘ career ends, he will officially retire as a member of the Packers. His current team could spend another season with him atop the QB depth chart, though. 
It was reported late last month the Steelers would be open to re-signing Rodgers for 2026. The future Hall of Famer took a one-year deal to head to Pittsburgh, and he stated before the campaign began he expected to hang up his cleats once the season ended. If a different approach were to be taken, the Steelers would welcome it.
Taking previous reports one step further, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports writes the team “hopes” Rodgers will continue playing next season. Pittsburgh entered the year without a long-term succession plan in place under center, but a second season with Rodgers at the helm would give the team more time to establish one. Not long from his 42nd birthday, the four-time MVP has given the Steelers a consistent presence at the QB spot, especially compared to their other post-Ben Roethlisberger passers.
Rodgers was not a lock to play in 2025, and he spoke with other teams (including the Vikings, reported to be his preferred destination) before joining the Steelers. He has delivered strong showings across the board while remaining healthy and leading the team to a 5-4 record. Provided Rodgers continues to enjoy a productive campaign, it would come as little surprise if a mutual interest were to emerge regarding a deal covering 2026.
The Steelers allowed Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to depart in free agency, reuniting with Mason Rudolph along the way. He was made aware of Pittsburgh’s Rodgers interest but signed a two-year deal nevertheless. The Steelers also added a developmental arm in the form of sixth-rounder rookie Will Howard. The Ohio State product has yet to see any time on the field, and that is likely to remain the case with Rodgers and Rudolph healthy.
Pittsburgh’s defense played a key role in the team’s win against the Colts but in general the unit has not lived up to expectations. If that continues, the Steelers’ offense will face increased pressure. Rodgers has done well to date, and Jones cautions the team’s approach will depend on how the coming weeks play out. At this point, though, efforts to continue Rodgers’ career for one more year can be expected after the current campaign comes to an end.
Texans S M.J. Stewart To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
The Texans managed to win on Sunday thanks to a miraculous fourth-quarter comeback. They will be shorthanded in the secondary for the remainder of the campaign, however. 
Safety M.J. Stewart was injured in the first half of today’s contest against the Jaguars. An air cast was placed on his left leg before he was carted off the field. Further testing has revealed Stewart tore his quadriceps, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. As a result, season-ending surgery will be required.
This news means Houston will be without a key contributor on defense moving forward. Stewart hardly saw the field during the first three weeks of the season, but the decision to release C.J. Gardner-Johnson created a vacancy in the starting lineup. Stewart was tasked with filling that spot, and the eighth-year veteran saw a major uptick in playing time after that switch.
Now, the Texans will be forced to find another new first-team option at the safety spot. The team sits at 4-5 on the year thanks to today’s win, so a push into a wild-card spot remains possible. If Houston is to reach the postseason, continued strong play on defense – the team entered Week 10 ranked top-six in the NFL against the run and pass – will be required. Without Stewart in the fold, however, a veteran presence will be missed.
The former second-rounder has been with the Texans since 2018. Stewart remained in place via a one-year, $2.5MM deal this offseason. His free agent market was not in line to be particularly robust anyway, but this injury will obviously hurt his earning potential on the open market.
With the trade deadline having come and gone, Houston’s opportunities to add depth will be limited. The Texans have $7.71MM in cap space, though, so a modest free agent signing will be feasible.
Giants QB Jaxson Dart Suffers Concussion
A late blown lead resulted in another loss for the Giants. The team’s ability to rebound next week could be hampered by an injury at the quarterback spot. 
Jaxson Dart fumbled late in the third quarter of today’s game against the Bears. He was not initially evaluated on the sidelines after his head hit the field on the play and returned to the game during New York’s next possession. During the period between quarters, however, the rookie was tested in the medical tent before being taken to the locker room.
Shortly thereafter, Dart was officially ruled out of the contest with a concussion. The Giants’ offense was led by Russell Wilson the rest of the way. Despite leading by 10 points with less than four minutes remaining, New York wound up losing 24-20. That marks another close loss on the part of the Giants, a team whose offense is already without top receiver Malik Nabers and impressive running back Cam Skattebo.
It is likely Dart will be unavailable as well for Week 11. A path exists for players in concussion protocol to clear the required steps in time to play the following week, but absences spanning at least one game are commonplace. Presuming Dart is indeed sidelined for the next contest, the Giants will turn to Wilson as their starter once again.
That setup was in place at the start of the campaign, but as expected Dart took over QB1 duties in short order. Sunday marked the first-rounder’s seventh start of the season, although it included a continuation of a playing style many feared would result in an injury. In part due to the absences of Nabers and Skattebo, Dart has taken plenty of hits during his time in the lineup. Observers warned about injuries being an increased risk in his case, and he is now on track to miss time. The Giants were fined for their handling of Dart’s previous trip to the medical tent, but a repeat of that discipline should not be expected.
Wilson is a pending free agent, but the Giants elected to keep him past the trade deadline. Fellow veteran Jameis Winston – who is under contract through 2026 and hopes to remain with the team – will handle backup duties provided Dart is unable to suit up. Attention will turn to the latter’s recovery process before the Giants look to continue his development.
Von Miller Hopes To Play In 2026
Von Miller took a one-year pact to play for the Commanders in 2025. If the future Hall of Famer has his way, he will continue his career for at least one more season. 
“Hopefully I can still be here with the Washington Commanders,” Miller said during an episode of his new Free Range podcast (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala). “If I’m able to be in an environment like this with the coaching staff, like [Dan Quinn]… I can definitely play next year.”
Miller’s Broncos tenure ended when he was traded to the Rams in 2021. After winning his second Super Bowl, the final chapter of his career seemed to be in place with a six-year, $120MM Bills contract. Miller enjoyed a strong debut campaign in Buffalo (eight sacks in 11 games), but an ACL tear brought that season to an end. He was unable to live up to expectations upon returning to action.
In a move which came as little surprise, Miller was released this past offseason. Free agent interest was shown by a small number of suitors before a pact was worked out with Washington. The 36-year-old is attached to a $6.1MM contract with nearly $5MM guaranteed. Miller has played in each of the Commanders’ nine games this season, collecting four sacks while handling a 35% snap share.
A return to Buffalo via trade became something to watch for at the trade deadline, but no swap was worked out. The Commanders did not wind up operating as sellers despite their record. That will allow Miller to finish the campaign in the nation’s capital. His performances over the closing stages will be key establishing his market value.
It will be interesting to see if a mutual interest arises this spring in terms of Miller and the Commanders maintaining their relationship through 2026. Failing that, retirement will be delayed at least one more year provided another deal can be lined up.
Chiefs, Seahawks Nearly Completed Boye Mafe Trade
Boye Mafe is a pending free agent and it was reported not long before the trade deadline he is unlikely to remain in place with the Seahawks. As a result, a trade would have come as little surprise. 
One was nearly worked out. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Seattle was in talks about a Mafe trade with the Chiefs. He adds the teams came close to finalizing a swap, with one source thinking a trade was actually in place at one point. Instead, the Seahawks elected to keep the fourth-year edge rusher in the fold.
That was known to be Seattle’s preference. As such, the Chiefs must have submitted an enticing offer for a trade to receive serious consideration on the part of the Seahawks. Kansas City had been identified as a candidate to add along the defensive front before the deadline, and the team could still do so on the free agent market.
Any acquisition at this point would not be expected to make a major impact, although the same may have been true of Mafe given his struggles this season. The former second-rounder totaled 18 sacks in his first three campaigns (including nine in 2023) but he has been held without one so far this year. Mafe has nevertheless logged a regular role and totaled eight quarterback pressures.
The 26-year-old will look to chip in as part of one of the league’s top defenses down the stretch. The Seahawks are near the top of the league with 27 sacks, and Mafe adding to that total could prove to be key as they compete for top spot in the NFC West. Seattle made a notable move on offense by adding wideout Rashid Shaheed, and it will be interesting to see how the decision to keep Mafe (along with cornerback Tariq Woolen for that matter) plays out as they approach free agency.
Chiefs Could Make Free Agent DL Addition
Not long before the trade deadline, the Chiefs emerged as a suitor for reinforcements along the defensive line. That was in spite of the team’s recent reunion with Mike Pennel. 
The veteran was granted his release from the Bengals, something which paved the way for a third Kansas City stint. Another move – this time via trade – was considered a possibility for the Chiefs as a means of acquiring further depth along the D-line. Nothing took place on that front, but another acquisition could still be in store.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes the Pennel deal will not stop Kansas City from making an addition move along the defensive front. Few defensive tackles were viewed as true trade candidates, and with the major exception of Quinnen Williams none were dealt at the deadline. As Jones notes, though, the Chiefs could turn to the free agent market for a late-season acquisition.
Chris Jones has been available for each of the team’s nine games so far, but in that span he has notched only two sacks. The three-time All-Pro’s down year in terms of production has not been helped by the underwhelming output of veteran Derrick Nnadi. Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott is out for the season, so adding a rotational presence along the interior could prove to be impactful down the stretch.
Production along the edge has been an issue outside of George Karlaftis. With Felix Anudike- Uzomah also out of the picture for the remainder of the campaign, adding a pass rusher would come as little surprise. In any case, a low-cost move should be expected. Kansas City currently sits near the bottom of the league with just $3MM in cap space. That reality informed the team’s approach at the trade deadline, but it may not get in the way of a modest signing.
Bears Pursued CB Alontae Taylor Trade
Shortly before the trade deadline, the Bears were mentioned as a team to watch. A blockbuster deal was not expected, and indeed the team’s only move was the acquisition of Browns pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. 
During his post-deadline media availability, general manager Ryan Poles spoke further about his actions on the trade front. He noted (via Adam Jahns of CHGO Sports) calls were made to a number of other teams regarding additions along the edge. Several high-profile options in that regard were mentioned as candidates to be dealt, and a trio of players (Keion White, Dre’Mont Jones and, most notably, Jaelan Phillips) wound up changing teams.
Poles said conversations took place with a wide array of potential sellers, adding some of the prices seen in the league’s blockbuster deals were “stunning” in his view. In the end, it comes as little surprise Chicago was not among the suitors which made a massive move. Poles, head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen “kept the big picture in mind” when evaluating trades. The Bears are currently 5-3 on the year, but that assures them of little in terms of playoff positioning given the state of the NFC North.
As such, a more expensive acquisition like Phillips – who was dealt for a third-round pick – or Trey Hendrickson – who was available for a second-rounder – was not pursued at the deadline. Chicago will move forward with only Tryon-Shoyinka in place as a new depth option. The Bears did, on the other hand, work toward a notable move elsewhere on defense.
Chicago was “deep in talks” with the Saints about a trade for Alontae Taylor, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. The fourth-year cornerback was also a target of the Colts prior to their Sauce Gardner blockbuster. The Bears would have represented a logical landing spot for Taylor. He and Allen worked together during the latter’s time as New Orleans’ head coach. Taylor, 26, would have provided the Bears with a welcomed starting option in the secondary during a year in which cornerback injuries have been an issue.
A trade on that front would have been a rental since Taylor’s rookie contract will expire at the end of the campaign. A lucrative new pact is likely in store in his case this spring, and the Saints’ decision to retain him means an extended stay in New Orleans could be worked out. Failing that, the Bears could be among the teams showing interest on the open market given their pursuit of a trade acquisition.
In the meantime, Chicago will look for other moves to provide depth in the secondary. The Bears are one of several teams scheduled to host Asante Samuel Jr., who recently received full medical clearance. With roughly $6.64MM in cap space, a modest free agent pact would be feasible for Chicago if the team manages to work out a deal with Samuel or another corner currently available.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/8/25
Here are Saturday’s taxi squad moves around the NFL:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Carl Jones Jr.
- Released: WR Miles Boykin
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Jawhar Jordan
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: TE Tanner Conner
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: DT Ta’Quon Graham
- Released: DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: OLB DeMarvin Leal
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: T Logan Brown
- Released: WR Mac Dalena
NFL Mailbag: Trades, Steelers, Fins, Shaheed
This week's edition of the PFR mailbag answers multiple questions related to the trade deadline while also looking into the Steelers' chances of a Super Bowl run.
Krystal asks:
Which contender do you think will be hurt most by not making a deadline trade? What was your favorite trade outcome at this deadline?
The Chiefs did make a midseason addition by reuniting with Mike Pennel, although that was a free agent signing following his Bengals release. Kansas City was short on cap space but swinging a deal for someone like Breece Hall would have helped a backfield facing questions (and, to be fair, the Chiefs did make an offer on that front).
The Bills were also in the market for at least one addition with nothing taking place. Again, only a low-cost trade (in terms of finances) would have been feasible, but I expected something in their case. The buzz about a receiver addition made tons of sense, and it’s not as if the rentals who were moved came at an exorbitant price with respect to draft capital.
