Latest NFL News & Rumors: Friday, October 21

San Francisco 49ers acquire RB Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers

• The 49ers traded second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2023 and a fifth-round pick in 2024 to acquire McCaffrey.
• McCaffrey’s talent as a dual-threat player is undeniable, but he’s dealt with several injuries over the last two years, playing in just 10 total games. 
• He’s played in all six games this year, totaling 670 scrimmage yards. His 83.3 PFF grade ranks third among qualifying running backs.
• The 49ers are now without a first-, second- or fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft. They still have two third-round compensatory picks for losing Robert Saleh and Mike McDaniel to head coaching jobs.
• The Panthers continue to go into rebuild mode and will take on a $25.9M total dead cap hit, the most ever for a non-quarterback.   

Baltimore Ravens RB JK Dobbins to miss 4-6 weeks

• Dobbins is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, ESPN reported.
• Dobbins missed all of last season with a torn ACL, LCL and meniscus. He returned in Week 3 of this season and has played in four games so far, totaling 123 yards on 35 carries. He’s earned a 63.5 PFF grade.
• The Ravens will likely turn to Kenyan Drake, who had over 100 yards rushing last week. Justice Hill is also returning after a two-week absence, and Gus Edwards could soon be activated off the PUP list.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett clears concussion protocol

• The first-round pick is expected to start on Sunday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins.
• Pickett was knocked out of last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He went 11-of-18 for 67 yards and threw his first career touchdown. He earned a 49.5 PFF grade.
• Backup Mitch Trubisky finished the game, throwing for 144 yards and a touchdown as Pittsburgh put an end to a four-game skid.
• The Dolphins are also getting their quarterback back from concussion as Tua Tagovailoa is slated to return after missing the last two games.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson will be a game-time decision

• Wilson has been dealing with a hamstring injury and is officially listed as questionable. He was limited in practice all week.
• Denver’s big investment in Wilson has not gone as planned so far. Wilson’s passing grade (58.7) and overall grade (59.5) rank outside the top 30 among qualifying quarterbacks.
• The Broncos' backup is Brett Rypien – who has one career start – fittingly against the New York Jets in 2020. He went 19-of-31 for 242 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in a win. He earned a poor 39.6 PFF grade.
• Wilson has missed just three games in his career, all coming last year due to a finger injury that required surgery.

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