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Fantasy Player Profile Will McDonald

  • Will McDonald
  • DL #9
  • Will
    McDonald
  • IRInjured Reserve
  • Manager: FA
  •  
@BUF: #22 vs opposing DL - 14.88 FPA

News

  • Heading to IR

    The Jets placed McDonald (knee) on injured reserve Friday, Susanna Weir of the Jets' official site reports.

    Analysis: McDonald was unable to practice all week after suffering a knee injury in the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints. The 26-year-old's move to IR ensures he is done for the season, likely giving Braiden McGregor more reps in McDonald's place. The third-year pro accounted for 30 tackles (19 solo), including 8.0 sacks, in 15 games played.

    Published: Fri, Dec 26 at 2:08pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Out for Sunday

    McDonald (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

    Analysis: The Iowa State product likely sustained a knee injury in the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints, and he's now in line to miss his first game of the season Sunday. McDonald has been a bright spot on New York's defensive line, tallying 30 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks, through 15 appearances this season. Expect Braiden McGregor and Micheal Clemons to fill in for McDonald on the Jets' defensive line in Week 17.

    Published: Fri, Dec 26 at 11:12am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with knee injury

    McDonald (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: McDonald may have injured his knee during the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints, when he played 65 snaps (57 on defense, eight on special teams) and finished with four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks. He'll have two more chances to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's AFC East tilt against the Patriots.

    Published: Wed, Dec 24 at 4:26pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Full participant Thursday

    McDonald (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

    Analysis: McDonald's upgrade to full participation cleared him of injury designation, and he is set to suit up for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. McDonald has logged at least a 70 percent snap share in each of the last two games, though he may see extra playing time if fellow defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson (ankle) cannot suit up for Sunday's divisional clash.

    Published: Thu, Dec 4 at 2:56pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Limited due to ankle issue

    McDonald (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald logged his usual defensive snap share against Atlanta on Sunday, but he appears to have also picked up an ankle injury. It bears monitoring his practice status the remainder of the week, but at this point there's no indication he's dealing with a major issue. McDonald has 7.0 sacks on the season, though 4.0 of those came in one game (versus Cleveland in Week 10).

    Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 4:16pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • No tackles in Week 12 loss

    McDonald registered zero tackles during the Jets' 23-10 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

    Analysis: McDonald led all Jets defensive linemen with 44 defensive snaps Sunday, but the third-year pro didn't show up on the box score otherwise. He has been one of the more productive defensive linemen for the Jets this season, and he'll look to bounce back this Sunday against the Falcons.

    Published: Tue, Nov 25 at 7:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Good to go vs. Baltimore

    McDonald (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

    Analysis: The third-year defensive lineman will continue to play through a nagging quadriceps injury that limited his practice participation during Week 12 prep. McDonald has accumulated 21 tackles (12 solo), including 7.0 sacks, through 10 regular-season games.

    Published: Sun, Nov 23 at 9:09am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable to face Baltimore

    McDonald (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

    Analysis: The third-year defensive end missed Wednesday's practice due to a nagging quad issue, but he ended the week with back-to-back limited sessions to draw the questionable tag for Week 12. If McDonald is not cleared to play, then Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor and rookie fifth-rounder Tyler Baron would be slated for more defensive snaps opposite starter Jermaine Johnson.

    Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 6:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Back on injury report

    McDonald (quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald was on the injury report with the same issue ahead of the Jets' Week 11 loss to the Patriots. He still managed to suit up, which bodes well for his availability in Week 12 against the Ravens.

    Published: Wed, Nov 19 at 4:26pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ineffective in Week 11

    McDonald tallied one total tackle (none solo) in Thursday night's 27-14 loss to the Patriots.

    Analysis: Although McDonald tallied just one combined tackle in the Jets' Week 11 loss, he pressured Drake Maye three times. McDonald, a third-year edge rusher from Iowa State, is having another productive season, recording 21 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks (4.0 of which came in the Week 10 win over the Browns), across the Jets' first 10 games. He's expected to remain New York's top pass rusher and continue starting opposite Jermaine Johnson in the Week 12 matchup against the Ravens.

    Published: Sat, Nov 15 at 10:31am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared to play Thursday

    McDonald (quadriceps) is active for Thursday's game against the Patriots.

    Analysis: McDonald was able to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, and he's been cleared to play in Thursday night's AFC East tilt after going through pregame warmups. The 2023 first-rounder is up to 7.0 sacks through nine regular-season games, 4.0 of which came during Sunday's loss to the Browns.

    Published: Thu, Nov 13 at 4:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Listed questionable for TNF

    McDonald (quadriceps) is questionable for Thursday night's game against the Patriots.

    Analysis: McDonald got in a limited practice Wednesday, giving him a chance to suit up Thursday, as he's coming off a monster Week 10 performance against Cleveland in which he piled up 4.0 sacks.

    Published: Wed, Nov 12 at 5:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Estimated as limited Tuesday

    McDonald (quadriceps) was estimated as a limited participant on Tuesday's practice report.

    Analysis: McDonald was estimated as DNP on Monday, so it appears McDonald is tracking toward playing Thursday night against the Patriots. McDonald is coming off a monster Week 10 performance against the Browns, where he piled up five tackles (four solo), including 4.0 sacks, and five QB hits on 71 percent of the defensive snaps.

    Published: Tue, Nov 11 at 2:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Estimated as non-participant

    McDonald (quadriceps) was listed as a non-participant in the Jets' practice estimate Monday, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: McDonald popped up on the injury report Monday after having a dominant performance in the Week 10 win over the Browns, during which he recorded five total tackles (four solo), including 4.0 sacks. If this injury ends up being serious enough to hold the 26-year-old out of Thursday's matchup versus the Patriots, Micheal Clemons would likely get the start at defensive end in his place.

    Published: Mon, Nov 10 at 5:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Monster performance in Week 10

    McDonald recorded five total tackles (four solo), including 4.0 sacks, in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Browns.

    Analysis: McDonald was an unstoppable force in Week 10, sacking quarterback Dillon Gabriel three times in the second quarter and another time in the fourth. The defensive end beat his previous high of 3.0 sacks that he notched in Week 2 of the 2024 campaign. On the season, McDonald has now produced 20 total tackles (12 solo), including 7.0 sacks, over nine games.

    Published: Sun, Nov 9 at 7:32pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared of concussion

    McDonald was not on Wednesday's injury report.

    Analysis: McDonald was evaluated for a concussion in Sunday's loss to Denver. He apparently cleared those checks and should be available for a Week 7 matchup against the Panthers.

    Published: Wed, Oct 15 at 4:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Being evaluated for concussion

    McDonald is being evaluated for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Broncos.

    Analysis: McDonald sustained a head injury during the first half of Sunday's game, and he is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return. Micheal Clemons and Braiden McGregor will see more snaps at defensive end for as long as McDonald is out of the game.

    Published: Sun, Oct 12 at 7:47am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Two sacks in loss

    McDonald recorded three total tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Sunday's 34-32 loss to the Steelers.

    Analysis: McDonald started off his season with a bang, bringing down quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice in New York's loss. The defensive end compiled 10.5 sacks in 2024 while playing all 17 regular-season games with the team, and he'll have a strong chance at beating that number in 2025 if he can build off of his Week 1 performance.

    Published: Tue, Sep 9 at 6:32pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Absent from first injury report

    McDonald (knee) isn't included on Wednesday's injury report, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com report.

    Analysis: McDonald missed New York's final two preseason contests due to a knee issue, but he appears to now be clear of the issue. The third-year defensive end thus seems to be in line to suit up Week 1 versus the Steelers. McDonald will be tasked with spearheading the Jets' pass rush after leading the team with 10.5 sacks last year.

    Published: Wed, Sep 3 at 4:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with knee issue

    McDonald didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Giants due to a knee injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: McDonald dealt with back spasms earlier this month. The 15th overall pick in the 2023 Draft, McDonald appeared in all 17 regular-season contests last season, making 15 starts, and finished with 28 tackles (18 solo), including a team-high 10.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

    Published: Sat, Aug 16 at 7:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs one tackle in preseason win

    McDonald (back spasms) tallied one tackle during Saturday's 30-10 preseason win over the Packers.

    Analysis: McDonald had his practice level managed early August due to back spasms, but the injury never appeared to be severe enough to impact his game-time availability. The 2023 first-round pick is working to build off a breakout 2024 campaign in which he tallied 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Meanwhile, the Jets activated Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) from the active/PUP list Sunday.

    Published: Sun, Aug 10 at 5:50pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leaves practice early

    McDonald (back spasms) left practice early Tuesday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

    Analysis: McDonald was one of three Jets to leave practice early Tuesday as he dealt with back spasms. The 26-year-old is entering his third season in the league and is becoming an emerging star and one of the premier pass rushers in the league. Last year, he appeared in every game, tallying 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, and is expected to add onto that production this year.

    Published: Tue, Aug 5 at 9:57am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Puts on weight

    Head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters Wednesday that McDonald added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

    Analysis: The 2023 first-round pick from Iowa State is already coming off the best season of his career, posting 28 total tackles, including 10.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles across 17 regular-season games. With a new defensive-minded head coach in Glenn and added muscle, McDonald appears poised to take another step forward and emerge as one of the NFL's top edge rushers in 2025.

    Published: Wed, May 21 at 12:30pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Breaks out in second season

    McDonald posted 28 total tackles (18 solo), including 10.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles across 17 games in 2024.

    Analysis: The 2023 first-round pick from Iowa State made a tremendous leap in production from his rookie season to 2024, tying Jonathon Cooper, Dante Fowler and Travon Walker for the 12th-most sacks in the NFL. McDonald also ranked among the NFL's top 15 edge rushers in quarterback hits (12), pressures (61) and batted passes (three) this season. He's now entering the third season of his rookie contract and is expected to remain one of the premier edge rushers in the league, with aspirations of earning…read more

    Published: Mon, Jan 13 at 2:08pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Pair of sacks in loss

    McDonald registered 2.0 sacks in Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Seahawks.

    Analysis: McDonald was able to get to Geno Smith two times in the defeat, notching his third multi-sack performance of the year and first since Week 3. The 25-year-old has now produced 21 total tackles (16 solo), including 10.0 sacks, while also adding two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed over 12 games this season.

    Published: Mon, Dec 2 at 9:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Fills stat sheet in loss

    McDonald finished with three tackles (three solo), including a tackle for a loss and 1.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in Sunday's 37-15 loss to the Steelers.

    Analysis: The defensive end also played on 65 percent of the defensive snaps. McDonald has 15 tackles (12 solo), including 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed in seven games this season. The 2023 first-round pick recorded just 14 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, in 15 games as a rookie.

    Published: Tue, Oct 22 at 5:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets to the quarterback Sunday

    McDonald recorded two tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 23-17 loss against the Vikings.

    Analysis: McDonald's sack came on a third-and-1 deep in Jets territory to force Minnesota to settle for a field goal. He was causing problems for Sam Darnold that didn't show up on the stat sheet as well, and it looks like McDonald found his footing as a pass rusher early in his second year. He brings some IDP allure into a Week 6 matchup versus Buffalo.

    Published: Mon, Oct 7 at 9:17am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Five sacks in last two games

    McDonald had 2.0 sacks among his three tackles (one solo) and four quarterback hits in Thursday's 24-3 win over the Patriots.

    Analysis: McDonald stayed hot after his 3.0-sack breakout in Week 2. With Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) done for the season, McDonald will be counted upon to play a key role on the edge for the Jets, even if Haason Reddick's ongoing contract dispute is resolved at some point.

    Published: Fri, Sep 20 at 6:44am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Three sacks in win

    McDonald recorded four solo tackles and three sacks in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Titans.

    Analysis: McDonald lived in Tennessee's backfield, getting to quarterback Will Levis three times to match his combined sack total from the first 16 games of his career. Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles in the victory, and with Haason Reddick holding out, McDonald will likely move into a starting role at defensive end beginning with the Jets' Thursday night game versus the Patriots in Week 3.

    Published: Sun, Sep 15 at 7:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Quiet rookie season

    McDonald finished his rookie season with 3.0 sacks among his 14 tackles (nine solo) while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 15 games.

    Analysis: Despite being a first-round selection (15th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDonald was limited to a reserve role on the Jets' deep defensive line in his first NFL campaign. There were questions about his ability in run support entering the NFL given his 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame, and McDonald was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist in 2023, but he was outclassed in that role by Bryce Huff (10.0 sacks) while failing to exceed 30 percent of defensive snaps in any game. With Huff set to…read more

    Published: Fri, Jan 19 at 9:29am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets first career sack

    McDonald recorded a sack for his lone tackle in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Texans.

    Analysis: McDonald logged his first full sack in the fourth quarter, bringing his season total up to 1.5. The 2023 first-round draft pick brought down backup quarterback Davis Mills, who had replaced the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion) on the previous drive.

    Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 9:58am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Active for Week 11

    McDonald (ankle) is active Sunday versus the Bills.

    Analysis: McDonald was forced to miss the team's Week 10 loss to Las Vegas while dealing with an ankle injury, but he'll make his return to the field Sunday against Buffalo. The rookie has recorded two tackles, including a half-sack, over the last two games in which he's appeared.

    Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 12:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable due to ankle injury

    McDonald (ankle) has been deemed questionable for Sunday's Week 11 matchup with the Bills.

    Analysis: McDonald missed the Week 10 loss to Las Vegas due to his knee issue and is in danger of sitting out this coming Sunday as well. He did manage to log a trio of limited practices this week, so he seems to have a chance of suiting up against Buffalo. If he does miss the clash, however, Carl Lawson could potentially get more reps.

    Published: Fri, Nov 17 at 5:41pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Limited on practice estimate

    McDonald (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on the Jets' practice estimate Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: It seems to be a step in the right direction for McDonald after he sat out of Sunday's loss at Las Vegas. He'll still probably need to upgrade to full participation Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

    Published: Wed, Nov 15 at 2:05pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't play Sunday night

    McDonald (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

    Analysis: McDonald popped up on the team's injury report after not participating in Friday's practice. He has contributed both on special teams and as a depth edge rusher behind John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson this season. Bryce Huff is more likely to get an uptick in defensive snaps than veteran Carl Lawson, with the former recording five sacks over his last four games.

    Published: Sun, Nov 12 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable after missing practice

    McDonald (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Las Vegas, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: It's not clear when McDonald sustained the ankle injury or how severe it might be at this point. If he can't suit up in Week 10, Carl Lawson will likely see more work at defensive end against the Raiders.

    Published: Fri, Nov 10 at 3:03pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Unavailable for Week 2

    McDonald (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

    Analysis: A rookie first-round pick, McDonald recorded one tackle across 13 offensive snaps in Week 1, but he won't suit up in Week 2. This comes as a bit of a surprise, but it appears McDonald is near the bottom of the depth chart for the time being.

    Published: Sun, Sep 17 at 12:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Notches sack in shutout win

    McDonald recorded one sack and two quarterback hits in Saturday's 27-0 preseason win over the Panthers.

    Analysis: McDonald had three tackles and a quarterback hit in his NFL debut the previous week, so the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has shown some intriguing ability to get to the passer. McDonald's speed and bend off the edge give him a high ceiling as a pass rusher, but with questions about how he'll hold up in run defense at just 239 pounds, the rookie will likely begin his career as a situational rusher rather than an every-down player.

    Published: Mon, Aug 14 at 7:04am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns to practice Tuesday

    McDonald (leg) practiced Tuesday, Ralph Ventre of SI.com reports.

    Analysis: The rookie first-round pick was sidelined for the first couple practices of training camp due to a leg contusion, but he was back on the field for Tuesday's padded session. Per Ventre, McDonald stood out during his first action and is on track to be part of the Jets' edge rusher rotation in 2023. The Iowa State product was a three-time All-Big 12 First-Team honoree and totaled 34 sacks across five collegiate seasons.

    Published: Tue, Jul 25 at 10:30am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with leg contusion

    McDonald (leg) did not practice Friday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

    Analysis: McDonald was on the sidelines with a leg contusion that he suffered at Thursday's practice, but head coach Robert Saleh said Friday that he expects the rookie to "be back soon." The 24-year-old is expected to be a top reserve option behind John Franklin-Myers and Carl Lawson on New York's defensive line in 2023.

    Published: Fri, Jul 21 at 9:37am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
2025 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1PIT,
L 32-34
22---6.50
2BUF,
L 10-30
-----0.00
3@TB,
L 27-29
1----9.00
4@MIA,
L 21-27
2----2.00
5DAL,
L 22-37
1----1.00
6DEN,
L 11-13
1----1.50
7CAR,
L 6-13
-----1.50
8@CIN,
W 39-38
11---4.00
9Bye-----0.00
10CLE,
W 27-20
44---12.50
11@NE,
L 14-27
-----0.50
12@BAL,
L 10-23
-----0.00
13ATL,
W 27-24
3----3.50
14MIA,
L 10-34
-----0.00
15@JAX,
L 20-48
1----1.00
16@NO,
L 6-29
31---5.50
17NE,
L 10-42
-----0.00
18@BUF,
Sun 1:25 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
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Will McDonald
DL #9 NYJ | Manager: FA
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