Dolphins CB Storm Duck Out For Season
The Dolphins’ secondary has been dealt another blow on the injury front. Storm Duck was carted off the field yesterday and he will not return in 2025. 
Duck’s knee injury will sideline him for the remainder of the campaign, head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Monday (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). The second-year cover man had been handling a rotational role on defense in 2025, as he had during his rookie campaign. A lengthy rehab process is now in store, however.
Miami released Kendall Fuller this offseason before trading away Jalen Ramsey. Those moves ensured new starters would be in place at the cornerback spot, but injuries at that position have piled up over the course of 2025. Kader Kohou and Artie Burns each suffered ACL tears during the summer, creating the need for further secondary depth leading up to the campaign.
Other injuries have since occurred which have left the unit in an even more unenviable situation. Adding Duck to the list of unavailable options will further limit the available corners for Miami moving forward. To this point in the season, the Dolphins have fared relatively well in allowing 199 passing yards per game (good for 11th in the NFL). Maintaining that level of play will be more difficult in the wake of another absence, though.
As a former UDFA, Duck is on the books through the 2026 campaign. He could reprise his role as a part-time defensive and special teams contributor upon returning to full health next season, something which would of course be key in determining his financial future beyond that point. Depending on how the team proceeds in the secondary, however, the 24-year-old’s injury situation could leave on him the outside looking in with respect to a 2026 roster spot.
Raiders Minority Owner Carol Davis Dies At 93
Carol Davis, the widow of late Raiders owner Al Davis, has passed away. Carol died at the age of 93 on Friday, per a team announcement. 
“Carol provided unbridled support and unparalleled guidance to the Davis family and the Raiders organization for over 60 years,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Her direct impact on the greatness of the Raiders continues to be felt, cherished, and honored, and is woven into the fabric of this historic franchise. If Al was the heart of the Raiders, Carol was the soul.”
Long referred to as the First Lady of Raider Nation, Carol Davis was connected to the franchise since Al was hired as head coach in 1963. Carol remained involved with the organization through Al’s tenure as controlling owner, which began in 1972 and ended with his passing in 2011. Since that time, Al and Carol’s son Mark Davis has operated as the franchise’s owner.
September 21, 2020 marked the first game at Allegiant Stadium during the Raiders’ inaugural season in Las Vegas. Carol Davis lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch that day in a ceremonial gesture to honor her late husband. Mark Davis did the same yesterday in the wake of his mother’s passing.
As things stand, Mark Davis remains in line to continue as the Raiders’ controlling owner for the foreseeable future. The franchise will now be without a mainstay moving forward, however.
Browns’ Carson Schwesinger Suffers High Ankle Sprain
OCTOBER 27: An MRI has confirmed the diagnosis in this case, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He adds the sprain is not considered to be a major one, which is a small consolation. Per Rapoport, Schwesinger will be reevaluated after the Browns’ upcoming bye week.
OCTOBER 26: One of the homeruns of the 2025 draft has been Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The first pick of the second round immediately stepped up as a starter for the defense. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old may miss some time after suffering a high ankle sprain in today’s loss to the Patriots, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. 
The timetable for returns from high ankle sprains can vary along with the grade of severity. While a minor high ankle sprain can be overcome in a week or two, we’ve seen high ankle sprains severely limit a number of players this year. Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed three games, Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman spent five games on injured reserve, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young missed today’s game, and Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been out since Week 2 all because of high ankle sprains.
After being initially diagnosed and treated in the post-game locker room today, Schwesinger was seen walking out with a walking boot on his right ankle. The team is likely going to pursue more information to determine the exact severity of the injury before making any determinations on availability for the week. The Browns’ bye week is next up on the schedule, so if the injury is a lower grade sprain, he may not miss any time at all.
If Schwesinger does miss time, though, a thin linebacking corps behind him will be tasked with stepping up. Linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Nathaniel Watson, and Winston Reid all remain on their respective injured lists waiting to make their season debuts. Schwesinger and veteran Devin Bush have dominated time at linebacker so far this year, with backups Jerome Baker and Mohamoud Diabate seeing about a quarter of the snaps of the starters.
Baker and Diabate would likely be the two names in consideration to start in place of Schwesinger. So far this year, Baker has just edged out Diabate for playing time and has done more with his opportunities. Though both have starting experience, Baker has more and would likely be the choice to start next to Bush if needed for a couple of weeks. That would only matter if the rookie starter misses time, and we won’t know the likelihood for that until he undergoes further evaluation.
Another Browns rookie got injured today. Fellow second-round pick Quinshon Judkins left today’s game early with a shoulder injury. After getting rolled over on a tackle, the starting running back was quickly announced as out for the remainder of the game. The promptness of the announcement could have had to do with the disparity in scores of the two teams at the time of the injury, but it might also have been due to the severity of the injury, as well. His diagnosis will be one to look out for in the next few days, as well.
Cowboys Less Likely To Make Defensive Trade Addition?
One of the league’s top talking points ahead of the trade deadline has been the potential for the Cowboys to swing a deal. Any acquisition made for the remainder of the campaign would be aimed at improving the team’s underperforming defense. 
Calls about high-profile edge rushers such as Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson have been made recently, but nothing is imminent regarding a move of that magnitude. Owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed a willingness to part with some of the draft capital acquired in the Micah Parsons blockbuster. It would come as a surprise if that were to take place in the middle of the campaign, of course, but even a smaller deal may not be forthcoming.
The Cowboys fell to 3-4-1 on the season with their lopsided loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Dallas’ defense delivered another poor outing, surrendering over 400 yards for the fourth time in 2025. Internal reinforcements are on the way in the form of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in particular, and Jones’ latest comments certainly suggest his return to full health will mark the most significant addition for the Cowboys’ defensive outlook.
“I don’t know what’s realistic,” Jones said about a trade addition (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Could one better player — if we didn’t pay too big a price to have a better player on defense to possibly help?… Are we one player away on defense? I think we’re not. I think we’re more than that away, but what we’re closer to than it looks, in my mind, is executing better on defense.”
Many will no doubt remain skeptical about the Cowboys’ ability to rebound defensively, at least to the point of helping the team emerge as a true contender. A rental addition would likely do little in that regard, so standing pat on the trade front could prove to be a sensible move. On the other hand, Dallas ranks second in the league in scoring and fourth in total offense on a per game basis; even a move to mediocrity on the other side of the ball could allow the team to contend for the playoffs as a result.
With over $31MM in cap space, Dallas could easily afford a rental addition ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. If Jones holds true to his stance on the team’s defense needing more than one short-term acquisition, though, it would come as no surprise if he elected to stand down on the trade front this season.
Raiders Sign WR Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett‘s time with the Titans came to an end last week. The veteran wideout’s request to be release was granted, allowing him to hit the open market. 
In short order, Lockett’s next gig has been lined up. A deal is in place with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. He adds Lockett will officially sign later today, putting him in line to make his Vegas debut as early as Week 9. The move has now taken place.
This news comes as little surprise. Lockett’s first 10 campaigns took place as a member of the Seahawks before he was cut this offseason. Much of that time in Seattle allowed him to overlap with Pete Carroll, who is now in place as the Raiders’ head coach. A reunion between the two is now in store to close out the 2025 season.
Lockett, 33, topped 1,000 yards each year from 2019-22 but saw his production decline over the course of his final two Seattle campaigns. Upon being released, the former Pro Bowler took a one-year, $4MM deal with the Titans. Tennessee has struggled on offense with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, though, and Lockett totaled just 70 scoreless yards during his brief tenure there. He will look to rebound in Vegas ahead of reaching the open market once again next spring.
The Raiders are among the teams in line to adopt a seller’s stance ahead of the trade deadline. Wideout Jakobi Meyers in particular could be on the move as contending teams look for rental additions to close out the campaign. It will be interesting to see if the Lockett addition has an impact on Vegas’ willingness to move on from Meyers over the coming days.
The Raiders have struggled across the board on offense this season, and improving during the post-bye portion of their schedule will be a key priority. Lockett will look to contribute on that front during the second half of the season. Finding success in that role could earn him an extended stay in Vegas and a more permanent second stint working with Carroll.
Colts Hope To Retain Daniel Jones Beyond 2025; Latest On Anthony Richardson
To date, no known talks on a new Colts deal for Daniel Jones have taken place. It is the team’s intention, however, to keep its surprisingly productive new quarterback in the fold past the current campaign. 
Indianapolis wants to keep Jones in place beyond 2025, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports (video link). That comes as little surprise given the way in which the Colts have thrived early this year. The team sits atop the AFC with a 6-1 record, and maintaining that strong play could increase the chances for Jones to command a major raise compared to the deal he signed in March. The former Giants starter took $14MM on a one-year pact when joining his current team.
Jones won out a training camp competition with Anthony Richardson but expectations were tempered given the latter’s struggles when on the field so far in his career. The Colts have enjoyed plenty of success on offense thanks to strong showings by their offensive line and skill position group. Jones has played a role as well, and he has set new career bests in several passing categories early on. If things continue along a similar path over the coming weeks, it would certainly be feasible for the Colts to work out a long-term agreement.
Things obviously did not go as planned when the Giants did the same in 2023. Jones landed a four-year, $160MM pact that year but found himself out of the organization by the end of last season. After a brief stint with the Vikings, the Duke product moved on in free agency. Doing so again could be possible this coming spring, and Jones would profile as the top signal-caller on the market if his strong showing continues. If the Colts could negotiate a lucrative multi-year pact, though, they could secure their future under center as the Richardson selection was aimed at doing.
The 23-year-old landed on injured reserve earlier this month following the orbital fracture he suffered during a pregame accident. In an update on Richardson’s status, Rapoport notes a return to action at some point this season could be in store. The former No. 4 pick has fallen well short of expectations early in his career, with injuries and inconsistent showings as a passer limiting his value.
The Colts will need to decide on Richardson’s fifth-year option this spring. If a trade opportunity presents itself, it will be interesting to see if Indianapolis explores it. Part of the team’s plan on that front will of course depend on whether or not a long-term Jones pact can be worked out.
Bills Pursuing Trade For WR, S; Saints’ Rashid Shaheed A Possible Target?
The Bills have lost two in a row and find themselves in an unexpected fight with the Patriots for first place in the AFC East. Buffalo’s top three wideouts – Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Josh Palmer – have not been terribly productive, and as NFL.com’s Eric Edholm observes, the team has not put up more than 245 net passing yards since Week 1. As such, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports hears the Bills could be on the lookout for WR help at the trade deadline.
The fact that Brandon Beane’s trade for Amari Cooper last October did not pan out as hoped presumably will not deter the GM from exploring the receiver market again this year. Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required) acknowledges the Saints’ Rashid Shaheed is not as clean of a schematic fit for the Bills as New Orleans teammate Chris Olave would be, but the contract-year Shaheed is a more realistic trade candidate than Olave, whom the Saints are seeking to extend (and who is unlikely to be dealt). Buscaglia names the Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers and the Ravens’ Rashod Bateman as other pass catchers Beane could consider.
Albert Breer of SI.com also identifies Shaheed as a potential target for the Bills. As an impending free agent on a losing team, the 27-year-old speedster is drawing trade interest from around the league, so Buffalo could have competition for his services. Shaheed has caught 30 passes for 356 yards and two touchdowns and has averaged 14.0 yards on eight punt returns.
Las Vegas is reportedly open to trading Meyers, a 2026 free agent. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the Raiders will not simply give him away despite his expiring contract and their 2-5 record, and they will only move him if they get “strong value” in exchange. As of yet, such an offer has not been presented to Vegas brass.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) confirms the Bills are looking for a reinforcement at wide receiver, but Buffalo will have company in that regard. The Broncos and Steelers were previously named as clubs in the WR hunt, and Schefter reports Denver and Pittsburgh join the Bills as the teams that have been the most aggressive in pursuing a pass-catching upgrade.
Russini says Buffalo is looking into the safety market as well. That makes sense in light of the fact that Buffalo was recently forced to place Taylor Rapp on injured reserve, and Buscaglia suggests a reunion with cornerback (and current Dolphin) Rasul Douglas is another way the team could upgrade its pass defense.
That said, the Bills’ 31st-ranked run defense has been a more pressing issue. To that end, Buscaglia names Jets DT Harrison Phillips and Browns DT Maliek Collins as potential fits.
But, as Edholm points out, the Bills have just $2.5MM of cap space at the moment, so Beane may need to be creative as he seeks ways to upgrade his roster prior to the November 4 deadline.
Cam Skattebo Suffers Dislocated Ankle
10:09pm: Per Giants senior managing editor Dan Salomone, Skattebo has been diagnosed with a dislocated ankle. Skattebo has already been “scheduled to undergo surgery tonight at a local hospital in the Philadelphia area.” Unfortunately, the brutal injury looks like it could end Skattebo’s exciting rookie season just as it was starting to take off.
3:12pm: Cam Skattebo continued his impressive rookie season early in the Giants’ Week 8 game. A massive ankle injury threatens to lead to considerable missed time, however. 
Skattebo scored an 18-yard receiving touchdown early against the Eagles. Not long after, he suffered the injury and was carted off the field. Skattebo’s right ankle was in an air cast as he departed. The Giants quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
A team announcement (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter) has since noted that Skattebo has been taken to hospital for further evaluation. The 23-year-old’s initial diagnosis is a dislocated ankle. More clarity will emerge on his status after further testing, though.
If Skattebo does wind up missing significant time, it will mark an unwanted development for team and player. The fourth-rounder has emerged as a key figure for the Giants’ offense, especially since the decision was made to hand over starting quarterback duties to fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. Skattebo recorded at least 45 rushing yards each game since Week 2 entering today, and he scored six touchdowns before Sunday’s early major. Being without him moving forward will deal a notable blow to New York’s ground game.
Of course, the Giants are already without top wideout Malik Nabers for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL tear. His absence has hindered the team’s passing attack, creating an increased emphasis on production along the ground. Skattebo will be counted on to remain a notable contributor in that regard in the event he can return this season, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
In the meantime, New York will move forward with a backfield of Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray. Receiver has been named as a position to watch for the Giants ahead of the trade deadline, although a notable addition would come as a surprise given their record. Based on Skattebo’s prognosis, running back depth could also be targeted over the coming days.
Former Jets C Nick Mangold Passes Away
Former Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the best pivots of his generation, has passed away at the age of 41, the team announced. Just two weeks ago, Mangold said he was battling chronic kidney disease and was in need of a transplant (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports).
A first-round pick of the Jets in 2006, Mangold spent his entire 11-year career with Gang Green. His tenure was marked not only by excellent play but by availability, as the Ohio State product suited up for at least 14 games every season from 2006-15. The ankle injury he sustained in 2016, which limited him to eight contests that year, ultimately put an end to his playing days.
Before that, however, he earned seven Pro Bowl nods and two First-Team All-Pro appearances. He was also a key cog in two of the most successful Jets outfits in franchise history, the 2009-10 iterations that journeyed to the AFC Championship Game with Mark Sanchez under center.
In all, Mangold’s career spanned 171 regular season and playoff games (all starts). While his time in the league came to an unceremonious end with a cost-cutting release in 2017, he had solidified his standing as a franchise icon long before that. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a Jet in 2018 and was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022.
In a statement passed along by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, owner Woody Johnson said, “Nick was more than a legendary center. He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
We at PFR offer our condolences to Mangold’s family, friends, and the many coaches and teammates he played with and for during his standout career as a collegian and in the pros.
Steelers Working Out WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
As the Steelers battle to extend their lead atop the AFC North, reports are coming out that the team is entertaining some depth at a position of intrigue. According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Pittsburgh will host veteran free agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a workout tomorrow. 
Valdes-Scantling started his career in Green Bay, catching passes off current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The deep-ball menace would become the fourth wide receiver to reunite with the 41-year-old since Rodgers left the Packers. Unlike Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb, Valdes-Scantling didn’t find his way to New York, but he’ll get his opportunity to reunite with his former quarterback following the weekend.
While Valdes-Scantling didn’t follow Rodgers like the rest, he took a pretty good path of his own. Signing with the Chiefs and going from Rodgers to Patrick Mahomes, Valdes Scantling won two Super Bowl rings in his first two years out of Green Bay. He signed with the Bills — going from Rodgers to Mahomes to Josh Allen — in 2024, but after seeing minimal success in six weeks in Buffalo, Valdes-Scantling was released in order to make room for trade acquisition Amari Cooper. Following his release, Valdes-Scantling rebounded on a contract with the Saints, where he filled in on a receiving corps that had lost Chris Olave for the season.
The Steelers could use another contributor in their receiving corps. Despite their team success, the passing attack ranked 18th in the NFL in yards per game coming into the week. While behind D.K. Metcalf, the team rosters contributors like Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek, the receivers haven’t produced much outside of Metcalf. After Metcalf, four players see more targets than WR2 Austin.
Running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth have been the players Rodgers has relied upon most after Metcalf. While Austin’s two receiving touchdowns are good for second on the team (tied with two other players), he’s fourth in receiving yards and sixth in receptions. Wilson, Skowronek, and Scott Miller have combined to contribute six catches for 67 yards and one touchdown, leaving much to be desired at the position.
Perhaps, at 31 years old, Valdes-Scantling doesn’t have it in him to be the impact addition the Steelers need on offense. Perhaps, his connection with Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay four years ago will help ignite the offense and elevate their chances for success. He’ll get his chance tomorrow to find out.