Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Packers RB Josh Jacobs is inactive for Sunday's game against Minnesota, designated as a healthy scratch by coach's decision. Despite lingering knee and ankle injuries, he was not given an injury designation, with the team opting to rest him for the playoffs. His next game action is slated for the wild-card round, with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks handling backfield duties.
Cowboys RB Phil Mafah is active for today's game against the Giants, marking his first action of the season. Mafah, a seventh-round rookie, is a 234-pound between-the-tackles grinder. Work distribution with Jaydon Blue and Hunter Luepke is unclear.
Cowboys RB Hunter Luepke is active for today's game against the Giants. The work distribution in the backfield with Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah is completely unclear, offering fantasy upside but also uncertainty.
Malik Willis (right shoulder/hamstring) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game at Minnesota. He will not serve as the emergency QB3, with Jordan Love backing up starter Clayton Tune. Willis entered the weekend as the Packers' least healthy quarterback on the active roster.
Texans WR Nico Collins is inactive for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts, designated as a healthy scratch. This decision prioritizes his health ahead of the postseason, as reported by NFL Network's Jane Slater and Aaron Wilson. Collins is not expected to play any snaps, with Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Justin Watson handling Week 18 WR duties. His next game action is slated for the wild-card round.
Jordan Love is active for Sunday's game in Minnesota, serving as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Clayton Tune. Love cleared concussion protocol Thursday and will be available after Malik Willis (shoulder/hamstring) was ruled inactive.
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney (knee) is active for today’s game against the Saints. He was limited in practice throughout the week, along with Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and is not expected to be at 100% for the season finale.
Former Colts QB Philip Rivers is reportedly drawing significant interest from multiple NFL teams for a head coach position, signaling a potential career transition from playing to coaching at the professional level. Teams are actively researching Rivers as a coaching candidate for the upcoming 2026 cycle, with interviews potentially on the horizon. This development suggests a strong possibility of Rivers moving into a prominent coaching role in the league.
San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy sustained a 'stinger' in his left shoulder after a hard hit during Saturday's loss to the Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Purdy 'checked out alright' and could have re-entered the game if needed. The injury is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming wild-card matchup. Purdy completed 19 of 27 passes for 127 yards and one interception in the game, and his status will be monitored this week.
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller has been officially ruled out for the team's Week 18 season finale due to a groin injury. His absence further impacts the Dolphins' offensive lineup, which will also be without key playmakers Jaylen Waddle (ribs) and De'Von Achane (shoulder) against the Patriots.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin contributed significantly to the team's 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers, kicking three crucial field goals. His points were instrumental in helping the Buccaneers avoid elimination and remain alive in their playoff hunt after a sloppy, rain-soaked contest. The win keeps Tampa Bay's playoff hopes alive, with the team now awaiting the Saints-Falcons outcome to potentially clinch the NFC South.
Cade Otton was instrumental in the Buccaneers' 16-14 playoff-saving victory over the Panthers, securing 7 of 9 targets for a season-high 94 yards and his first touchdown of the season. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets, including an 18-yard TD grab to open scoring and a crucial 20-yard reception late. Otton concludes the 2025 season with a career-high-tying 59 receptions and 572 receiving yards, the second-highest total of his four-year career, helping keep Bucs' playoff hopes alive.
Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers to a crucial 16-14 victory over the Panthers, keeping their playoff hopes alive. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 203 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown to Cade Otton, and added 31 rushing yards. Despite an interception, his efficient 9.2 YPA play secured the win. Mayfield concludes the 2025 season with 3,693 passing yards and a 63.2% completion rate, his lowest in three years. The Bucs now await the Saints-Falcons outcome to clinch the NFC South.
Lamar Jackson is confirmed to return for the Baltimore Ravens' crucial Week 18 matchup, as indicated by the latest NFL injury report. His availability is paramount for the team's must-win game, which carries significant playoff implications. This update provides a major boost for the Ravens as they head into the final week of the regular season, aiming to secure their standing.
Christian McCaffrey was stifled by the Seahawks in Saturday's 13-3 loss, rushing 8 times for 23 yards and adding 6 receptions for 34 yards. He owned a bobbled pass that led to a game-sealing interception, stating it was a play he had to make. Despite the disappointing game, McCaffrey concludes the regular season with an excellent 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns.
Jauan Jennings took on a primary wide receiver role for the San Francisco 49ers in Saturday's game against the Seahawks due to Ricky Pearsall's inactive status. Despite the increased opportunity, Jennings recorded 4 receptions on 6 targets for 35 yards in the 13-3 loss. He finished third on the team in targets, with a 16-yard reception being his most impactful play. Jennings concluded the regular season with 55 receptions for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns across 15 contests.
49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) was active for Saturday's game against the Seahawks after missing Week 17. Despite not being 100%, he played, recording 5 receptions on 7 targets for 29 yards in the 13-3 loss. His limited production was attributed to the team's offensive struggles, though he tied for the team lead in targets. Kittle had 48 catches for 574 yards and 6 TDs in eight games before his absence.
Sam Darnold quarterbacked the Seattle Seahawks to a 13-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, securing the NFC's No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage. Darnold completed 20 of 26 passes for 198 yards and added 6 rushes for 9 yards. He played an effective game-manager role, avoiding key mistakes and completing five passes of at least 15 yards. The decisive win positions Darnold and the team favorably for their postseason run, granting them an extra week of rest.
49ers QB Brock Purdy struggled in Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Seahawks, completing 19 of 27 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He sustained a stinger on the final offensive play and ended with a bloodied thumb, but coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed he's fine and would have returned. Purdy's status is not in jeopardy for the playoffs despite the rough outing and physical hits.
Zach Charbonnet rushed 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 13-3 win over the 49ers, adding three receptions for 23 yards. He broke free for an impressive 27-yard rushing score late in the first quarter, the only touchdown of the game. Working in a near-even split with Kenneth Walker, Charbonnet closed the regular season in strong form, totaling 219 yards from scrimmage combined across his final two contests. He is expected to retain a key role for Seattle's playoff run.
