NFL Network's Mike Garafolo showed Eagles LB Nicholas Morrow wearing the green helmet dot during warmups for tonight's game against the Vikings. That indicates he'll take over play-calling duties in the defensive huddle, vacated with Nakobe Dean's injury. That matters because it points to Morrow likely staying on the field most among LBs. We've knocked Christian Elliss -- who wore the dot last Sunday after Dean left -- out of the LB rankings and installed Morrow in LB4 range. Morrow was just elevated from the practice squad earlier this week, when Dean landed on IR.

The Bears have agreed to a three-year deal with LB T.J. Edwards, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The length of the deal and timing -- right at the start of "legal tampering" -- points to Edwards taking a starting role in Chicago. The Bears have 2022 starter Nicholas Morrow hitting free agency, so there's room for 2022 rookie Jack Sanborn to remain in the starting lineup with Edwards. We'll see, of course, how the rest of free agency and the NFL Draft play out. The deal solidifies Edwards' short-term dynasty outlook, giving him a bump up our dynasty rankings. We'd hang on to Sanborn for now as well. He proved quite productive across five full outings after Roquan Smith left, before an ankle injury cost Sanborn the final three games.

Bears HC Matt Eberflus announced today that the team is placing LB Jack Sanborn on IR for the left-ankle injury that knocked Himont of Sunday's loss to the Eagles. That will end the rookie's season. Joe Thomas stepped in for Sanborn in that game and figures to start over the final 3 weeks. LB Nicholas Morrow becomes the best bet for tackles at the position. You can find him in our Week 16 IDP waiver-wire article.

The Ravens are acquiring LB Roquan Smith from the Bears for 2nd- and 5th-round NFL Draft picks. Smith is in the final year of his rookie contract, so we'd bet on an extension with Baltimore following. His arrival likely means the end of full playing time for Ravens LB Patrick Queen. They'll likely start together, but the move for Smith signals dissatisfaction with the middle of the defense. Queen has become a full-timer this season after seeing 80% and then 76% the previous 2 seasons. Smith's departure from Chicago leaves tackle upside for LB Nicholas Morrow, who was already playing full-time snaps. Joe Thomas stands 3rd among Bears LBs in playing time currently and might be the top candidate to absorb vacated snaps.

Update: The Ravens are also sending LB A.J. Klein to the Bears, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He'll likely get at least a shot at stepping into Smith's vacated role.

The Raiders have activated LB Nicholas Morrow off the COVID list. He spent less than a week on there, so was clearly just a close contact rather than a positive test. Morrow should be ready to face Denver -- and get back into IDP lineups -- this Sunday.

The Raiders have placed LB Nicholas Morrow on the COVID list, where he joins Nick Kwiatkoski. That leaves Vegas with Cory Littleton, Raekwon McMillan and Kyle Wilber as the top 3 LBs. None is a strong IDP bet.

The Raiders have ruled out defensive starters S Johnathan Abram (concussion), LB Nicholas Morrow (concussion), DE Clelin Ferrell (shoulder) and CB Damon Arnette (concussion, neck) for Thursday night’s game against the Chargers. That obviously enhances an already favorable matchup for a struggling Chargers offense. We’ll see if Anthony Lynn & Co. allow Justin Herbert’s crew to take advantage

The Raiders could be without DE Clelin Ferrell, LB Nicholas Morrow and S Johnathan Abram when they play the Chargers on Thursday night. Morrow and Abram each left in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game with concussions. HC Jon Gruden said Monday they're in the concussion protocol. The short turnaround for Week 15 makes them unlikely to be ready. Ferrell left in the 1st quarter with a left-shoulder injury. Gruden also said it will be "tough" for Ferrell to make it back for Thursday night, according to SB Nation's Bill Williamson. We'll keep an eye on their statuses, but plan to have none of the 3 available for IDP use. Ferrell's absence would likely mean starter-level snaps for Arden Key, after DE Carl Nassib was a healthy scratch the past 2 weeks. Morrow's absence should mean a playing-time boost for disappointing LB Cory Littleton. Dallin Leavitt looks like the fill-in for Abram, with Jeff Heath's concussion having landed him on IR Saturday. The Raiders also might continue to miss starting CB Damon Arnette (concussion).

Raiders LB Nick Kwiatkoski returned for limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, his 1st action since straining a pectoral muscle early in the season opener. DC Paul Guenther indicated there's a chance Kwiatkoski could return for Sunday's game against the Bills, according to News 3 in Las Vegas. If he does, expect Nicholas Morrow to return to a reserve role. Whoever plays at LB for the Raiders this week will face a Buffalo offense whose suddenly pass-happy approach has meant fewer points for opponent LBs through the 1st 3 weeks.