49ers focused on limiting damage by Browns' Myles Garrett

Thu Nov 27 10:11am ET
Field Level Media

Two defenses coming off impressive performances set their targets on history-defying young quarterbacks when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Brock Purdy will be looking for a third consecutive victory, while Shedeur Sanders will be seeking to deliver the Browns their first winning streak of the season when the former low-round draft choices go head-to-head for the first time.

The start will be the 41st for Purdy, the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft. He already ranks fourth all-time in touchdown passes among seventh-round picks with 72. That is 71 more than Sanders, the rookie fifth-rounder who notched his first last Sunday in a 24-10 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is impressed with Sanders, Cleveland's third different starting QB this season.

"You could tell how important it is to him and how much work he's going to put into it," Saleh said. "A guy who's as good as gifted as he is, both physically and mentally, and with the confidence he has, you just know he's going to get better."

Purdy suffered his first career defeat as a starter after 10 straight wins bridging his rookie and second seasons when he was sacked three times and intercepted once in the 49ers' most recent trip to Cleveland, a 19-17 loss in Week 6 of the 2023 campaign.

Now 25 and in his fourth NFL season, he was able to overcome three interceptions when the 49ers (8-4) rode a stingy defense to a 20-9 home win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Purdy was not sacked in the game.

Six days later, he'll have to deal with one of the top defenses in the league. Having held the Raiders to 268 total yards while sacking Geno Smith 10 times, the Browns (3-8) entered the week ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed (273.0) and sacks (42.0).

Myles Garrett was credited with three of the sacks and also forced two fumbles. He had six hits on Smith in all.

"He's the best in the league," Purdy assured reporters this week. "I can't be holding onto the ball too long."

Having recorded four sacks on Baltimore's Lamar Jackson in Week 11, Garrett will be attempting to become the first in the NFL since 1982 (when the stat was first recorded) to register three or more sacks in three straight games.

The San Francisco defense dominated Monday's win over the Panthers. Led by Bryce Huff, who helped pressure Bryce Young into a 169-yard performance, and Ji'Ayir Brown, who intercepted Young twice, the 49ers held an opponent to under 10 points for the first time since a 34-3 win at Jacksonville in November of 2023.

They'll take aim this week at Sanders, who earned a second start after throwing for 209 yards and just one interception against the Raiders.

The son of former 49ers star Deion Sanders expects better of himself this week.

"I'm never comfortable in a situation I'm in," the 23-year-old said. "I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow in each and every week."

The matchup of Purdy and Sanders is the first this season between quarterbacks taken in the fifth round or later.

The 49ers watched the New Orleans Saints' Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick in 2024, burn them for three TD passes in Week 2, but that was against former first-rounder Mac Jones, who was subbing for an injured Purdy.

San Francisco will turn to Matt Gay at kicker for the second straight game as Eddy Pineiro was once again ruled out with a right hamstring injury. The 49ers also listed defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) as out.

The Browns won't have tight end Brenden Bates (ankle), defensive end Alex Wright (quadricep) or defensive tackle Adin Huntington (quadricep). Running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is questionable.

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Justin Herbert Dec 1 4:20pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) is undergoing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Specifically, Herbert is having a metacarpal fracture fixed in his left hand, but the current plan is for the 27-year-old to be available to start next Monday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. Herbert injured his hand early in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he missed just nine plays in the first half before returning to finish with 151 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception on 20 attempts. We'll likely see Herbert wearing a protective glove on his left hand next Monday while also operating more out of the shotgun. Fantasy managers should probably be more worried about Herbert's lack of protection from his offensive line in the upcoming matchup against Philly's strong defensive front.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 1 4:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that the team will not open quarterback Kyler Murray's (foot) 21-day practice window this week, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Murray is eligible to come off Injured Reserve, but he's just not ready yet. The 28-year-old will not play in Week 14 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and his next chance to play won't come until Sunday, Dec. 14, versus the hosting Houston Texans. Veteran Jacoby Brissett has elevated Arizona's offense since Murray suffered a foot sprain in Week 5, so even when Murray is cleared from his injury, Brissett could remain as the starting QB for the rest of the season. Murray's injury and poor performance before he got hurt raise plenty of questions about his long-term future in the desert going into the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Dec 1 3:50pm CT
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) underwent surgery on his groin/hip and will not kick again this season, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Bass will end up missing the entire 2025 season and will close out the year on Injured Reserve. Veteran Matt Prater has been filling in for Bass all year in Buffalo and has made 17 of his 19 field-goal attempts (89.5%) and 34 of his 37 extra-point tries in 12 games played. In fantasy football, Prater has been the No. 14 kicker in terms of overall points, and he'll definitely be in play for the upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and their generous defense. Bass signed a four-year contract extension with Buffalo in 2023, so he should be back with the team next year if he's recovered from his injuries.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 1 3:50pm CT
Sauce Gardner

The Indianapolis Colts are not considering putting All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) on Injured Reserve at the moment, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Head coach Shane Steichen said that Gardner did not damage his Achilles in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans, but his calf injury is expected to sideline him for an undetermined length of time. If the 25-year-old defensive back went on IR, he'd be required to miss at least four games. Overall, it's good news for Gardner, but the Colts are prepared for him to miss some time, potentially several weeks. In his three games in Indy since being acquired in a trade from the New York Jets, Gardner has 13 tackles (11 solo) and two pass breakups. The Colts' secondary will be more vulnerable this weekend for a huge divisional contest against the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Dec 1 3:43pm CT
Royce Freeman

Free-agent RB Royce Freeman (Bears) was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad Monday, Dec. 1.

From TheHuddle

Kyren Williams Dec 1 3:40pm CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that running back Kyren Williams' ankle was "pretty good" on Monday after he had an injury scare in Sunday's upset loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Williams hurt his ankle in the second quarter on Sunday but returned following halftime and finished with 13 rushing attempts for 72 yards and a touchdown while playing 67% of the snaps. Backup Blake Corum finished with seven carries for 81 yards and a touchdown while playing 33% of the snaps. Williams said the scar tissue from previous injuries made it easier for him to deal with on Sunday. It sounds like the 25-year-old should be just fine for Week 14 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, although Corum could take on a larger workload as the Rams look to keep Williams healthy and fresh for a postseason run.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 1 3:33pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) did not participate in practice Monday, Dec. 1.

Fantasy Spin: There is a chance that St. Brown will not be available after suffering the injury in the last game, so fantasy players can check on his status later in the week. He is a weekly starting option in leagues when healthy, but players will need other options ready in case he is not able to play.

From TheHuddle

Jayden Daniels Dec 1 3:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact, and he does not expect to make a final decision on the QB's Week 14 status until Friday, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Quinn added that Daniels is going through "functional movements" this week as the next step for his return to action following a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9. The second-year signal-caller has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, but his status still seems very much up in the air, and with the Commanders well out of the playoff picture, it doesn't make sense for the organization to rush their franchise QB back. We'll have a better idea of Daniels' Week 14 status later this week, but we wouldn't be surprised if Marcus Mariota makes another start this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 1 3:10pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that even though wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) is back at practice, he has to be given medical clearance to play, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "The plan is to see where he's at by the end of the week," LaFleur said. Reed has been back at practice for over a week now, but he's still up in the air to be officially activated from Injured Reserve to play in a big Week 14 divisional game against the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old is recovering from a broken foot that required surgery and a broken collarbone that he suffered back in Week 2. Reed should have a key role eventually in Green Bay's offense, and his nose for the end zone (18 total touchdowns through two-plus seasons) makes him a stash candidate in fantasy football leagues. However, expect Reed to be eased back into the Packers' offense when he's finally activated.

From RotoBaller

Jaycee Horn Dec 1 2:50pm CT
Jaycee Horn

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Monday that the team expects to get Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn (concussion) back after their Week 14 bye, according to David Newton of ESPN. Horn suffered a concussion in Week 12 and did not suit up for a surprising Week 13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The 26-year-old defensive back will have an extra week to rest during the team's bye, though, and the team is hoping he'll be ready to return in Week 15 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Getting Horn back will be a massive boost to the Panthers' defense, as he's played at a Pro Bowl level in 2025 with 25 tackles (15 solo), a career-high five interceptions, and six pass breakups in 12 starts. The Panthers' defense/special teams unit will be a popular streaming option in Week 15 in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Dec 1 2:43pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis) is considered doubtful for the Week 14 game, according to head coach Zac Taylor.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson Dec 1 2:40pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday that defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) remains week-to-week and is doubtful to play in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, per ESPN's Ben Baby. Hendrickson aggravated a hip injury in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets and has missed the last four games. The 30-year-old All-Pro pass-rusher is on track to miss a fifth straight game, and it's fair to wonder if he'll end up having season-ending surgery on his hip instead of waiting until the offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler has been a huge disappointment for fantasy managers in IDP formats this year after he had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in both 2023 and 2024. Hendrickson has played in seven games in 2025 and has 16 tackles (11 solo), four sacks, eight QB hits, and a forced fumble.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Dec 1 2:30pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that he didn't have an update on quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), and the team has yet to open his 21-day practice window as he continues to rehab while on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 30-year-old is making progress from a torn right Achilles that he re-ruptured in January, but he's still not ready to practice with the rest of the team and is a long shot to take any snaps under center for the Browns this year. Watson will be in the final season of a five-year, $230 million guaranteed deal in 2026, but the expectation is that he won't play for the Browns again. Cleveland started the year with veteran Joe Flacco under center before trading him to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie Dillon Gabriel got his chance as the starting QB before suffering a concussion, opening the door for Shedeur Sanders to take the gig the last two weeks. If he plays well enough, Sanders could finish the year as the Browns' QB.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 1 2:30pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday that wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Higgins suffered a concussion late in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots and was ruled out on a short week in last Thursday night's Thanksgiving Day win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old is still in the concussion protocol, but that doesn't mean he won't be cleared later this week in order to play on Sunday, Dec. 7, versus the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Higgins' practice status from Wednesday through Friday. If Higgins is forced to miss a second straight game, both Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley will take on elevated roles in the passing game again behind target hog Ja'Marr Chase. Higgins has 40 receptions (70 targets) for 575 yards and seven touchdowns this year.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Dec 1 2:20pm CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that running back Justice Hill (neck) will be out three to four weeks with a disc issue in his neck, but there's still a chance that he will return this year, according to Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun. Hill injured his neck in practice early last week and landed on Injured Reserve before the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. The 28-year-old pass-catching back will miss at least three more games, but he will be eligible to return from IR in Week 17 on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Keaton Mitchell was starting to take on a bigger role behind starter Derrick Henry even before Hill was injured, so if he does return before the end of the 2025 regular season, Hill could be Baltimore's RB3 on passing downs. He only has 18 rushing attempts on the year for 93 yards and two TDs, adding 169 receiving yards and one score.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Dec 1 2:10pm CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry carried the ball only 10 times in a primetime Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals. In a season that has not played out as most had prognosticated for the Ravens, this marked the fourth time that Henry was held to 12 carries or fewer. While it was the first such occurrence since a Week 4 loss to the Chiefs, head coach John Harbaugh stressed on Monday that he wants the Ravens to be a running team. With quarterback Lamar Jackson clearly hampered by a growing list of ailments, much of that identity will presumably fall on Henry's shoulders. Henry himself has also visibly lost a step from his fantasy MVP days, but he has still been a serviceable RB1 for most of the season, and if given a full workload, especially as temperatures drop and the frequency of on-field business decisions increases, he remains one of the safest plays in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 1 2:10pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Monday that wide receiver Drake London (knee) is moving to "day-to-day" this week and "certainly has a chance" to play this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. London has missed the team's last two games due to a PCL sprain in his knee, but the 24-year-old is making progress and could be active this weekend if he can do enough in practice this week to be cleared. It would be a huge boost for the 4-8 Falcons, but considering they aren't in playoff contention, it doesn't make sense for the team to rush their best receiver back. London will be a must-start in fantasy football when he returns, but his ceiling will be lowered with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins running the offense for the rest of the year. London has a 60-810-6 line on 94 targets in nine games played in 2025.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 1 1:50pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Still in the NFL's concussion protocol, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is symptom-free, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy will need to log a full practice on Wednesday to clear the league's protocol, but barring unforeseen circumstances, O'Connell has said he will start the team's Week 14 game against the Commanders. McCarthy reported concussion symptoms following a Week 12 loss to the Packers, and in his absence, the Vikings turned to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who led them to a disastrous loss to the Seahawks. Brosmer threw for under 130 yards with zero touchdowns and four interceptions. While the subpar play of McCarthy has had a profoundly negative impact on Justin Jefferson and the rest of the Vikings' pass catchers, Sunday represented rock bottom. Jefferson's four receiving yards marked a career low that was undoubtedly felt by fantasy managers fighting for a playoff spot, but with McCarthy expected back under center for Week 14, Jefferson slots back in as a low-end WR2/Flex, far from the must-start status he generally carries into the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Maliek Collins Dec 1 1:43pm CT
Maliek Collins

Cleveland Browns DT Maliek Collins (quadriceps) will need to undergo surgery on the quadriceps injury he suffered in Week 13 and will miss the rest of the season, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.

From TheHuddle

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 1 1:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) was not present for the team's Monday practice after exiting early from a Thanksgiving loss to the Packers. He has since been diagnosed with a low-ankle sprain, casting doubt on his availability for a Week 14 matchup with the Cowboys that now carries heavy playoff implications. With only one week remaining in most fantasy regular seasons, the extra rest after Thursday night's game could put him back in play for another must-win Week 15 affair with the Rams. St. Brown's rare combination of consistency and ceiling has once again made him one of the most valuable fantasy assets of 2025, so any missed time in the fantasy playoffs would be a difficult blow to overcome. With St. Brown sidelined for nearly the entire game on Thursday, Jameson Williams recorded a career-high 144 receiving yards, and although much harder to trust than his All-Pro teammate, he remains a must-start for as long as St. Brown is out.

From RotoBaller