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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Saturday, January 3

Walker Rushes for 97 Yards, Surpasses 1,000-Yard Mark

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Kenneth Walker rushed 16 times for 97 yards and added four receptions for 36 yards in Saturday's 13-3 win over the 49ers. He worked in a nearly even split with Zach Charbonnet, contributing to Seattle's run-heavy game plan. Four of his rushing attempts went for double-digit gains, including a 19-yard scamper. This performance pushed Walker over 1,000 rushing yards for the regular season, his first time achieving this milestone since his rookie year, closing the season strong with over 100 scrimmage yards in two of his last three games.

Smith-Njigba Hauls in 84 Yards, Finishes Season with 1,793

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded six receptions on eight targets for 84 yards in Saturday's 13-3 win over the 49ers. Despite the Seahawks relying heavily on their run game, limiting Sam Darnold to only 26 passes, Smith-Njigba still garnered eight targets, double any other Seattle pass catcher. Half of his receptions exceeded 15 yards, marking his fourth game over 80 receiving yards in his last five. He concludes the regular season with impressive totals of 118 receptions, 1,793 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Dowdle Fumbles, Slips on Flea-Flicker, but Cashes $1M Incentive in Loss

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Panthers RB Rico Dowdle had a forgettable game in the 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers, rushing 7 times for 10 yards and catching 2 for 20 yards. He lost a fumble on a flea-flicker attempt and recovered another. Despite the struggles, Dowdle cashed a $1 million incentive, reaching 1,350 scrimmage yards for the season. He concludes his first Panthers season with 1,076 rushing yards and 6 TDs, anticipating a key playoff role if the Falcons win.

Dak Prescott Leads NFL in Passing Yards, Could Be First Cowboys QB to Finish Season as League Leader

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Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott currently leads the NFL with 4,482 passing yards in 2025, putting him in position to become the first Cowboys player to finish a season with the most passing yards among all NFL quarterbacks. He holds a slim lead over Matthew Stafford (4,448 yards) and Jared Goff (4,233 yards). Prescott will face Jameis Winston and the Giants in the season finale.

Ravens DT Taven Bryan Downgraded to Out for SNF, Remains on IR

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Ravens defensive tackle Taven Bryan has been downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday Night Football. Bryan went on injured reserve November 27 with a knee injury. Despite returning to practice and being a full participant later in the week, he remains on injured reserve with one week left in his 21-day practice window.

Bateman Ruled Out for Week 18 Due to Illness, Ends Season with 224 Yards

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Ravens WR Rashod Bateman has been officially ruled out for Sunday's AFC North title game against the Steelers due to an illness, having missed practice all week. Downgraded from questionable to out, Bateman concludes his 2025 regular season with 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games. His absence means the Ravens' passing game will lean on other receivers, with Bateman aiming to recover for the wild-card round.

Mike Evans: Two catches for 34 yards in Week 18 win

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Mike Evans secured both of his two targets for 34 yards in the Buccaneers' 16-14 Week 18 win over the Panthers. He contributed 21- and 13-yard gains, though the Panthers largely limited receiver production. This marked a quiet end to an injury-shortened season for Evans, who appeared in a career-low eight games, finishing with 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns on 62 targets. He anticipates continuing his season in the wild-card round, contingent on a Saints victory over the Falcons.

Bijan Robinson Poised for Historic 2,400 Scrimmage Yards, Leads NFL in Third Season

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Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, whom coach Raheem Morris calls the NFL's best player, leads the league with a career-high 2,255 scrimmage yards in his third season. He needs just 145 yards against the Saints to become only the third player in NFL history to reach 2,400 scrimmage yards in a single season. Robinson has also amassed the most career scrimmage yards (5,605) before his 24th birthday, making his contract extension a top priority for the Falcons.

DeAndre Hopkins Elevated to Ravens' No. 2 WR for Week 18

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With Rashod Bateman officially ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Steelers due to illness, DeAndre Hopkins is expected to step up as the Baltimore Ravens' No. 2 wide receiver. This elevation comes as Bateman, who has been a non-factor for much of the season, is sidelined. Hopkins' role is primarily noted for one-game daily fantasy contests.

Bryce Young Posts Solid Numbers, Career Highs in Panthers' Loss

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Bryce Young completed 24 of 35 passes for 266 yards, two touchdowns (to Tommy Tremble and Jalen Coker), and one interception in the Panthers' 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers. He also rushed for minus-1 yard and had a recovered fumble. Young, who was also noted for his Week 18 fashion, finishes the 2025 season with career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), touchdowns (23), and interceptions (11) across 16 games. The Panthers' playoff hopes hinge on the Falcons defeating the Saints.

Bucky Irving Handles Massive Workload in Buccaneers' Victory

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Bucky Irving shouldered a career-high 26 rush attempts for 85 yards and added 13 receiving yards on one catch in the Buccaneers' 16-14 win over the Panthers. Despite working hard for his yards against a stout defense, Irving managed to move the chains five times. He concludes his injury-hampered regular season with 588 rushing yards at 3.4 yards per carry. Irving looks forward to potential improved production in the wild-card round if the Saints defeat the Falcons.

McMillan Tops 1,000 Yards, Leads Panthers in Receiving Despite Late Fumble

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Panthers rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan led the team with 4 catches for 85 yards in their 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers, pushing him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He concludes his impressive rookie campaign with 70 receptions, 1,014 yards, and 7 touchdowns. McMillan lost a fumble on Carolina's final desperation play. He's a betting favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year and could make his first NFL postseason appearance if the Falcons win.

49ers LT Trent Williams Ruled Out for Seahawks Game with Hamstring Injury

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San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams has been officially ruled out for Saturday's crucial game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury. He did not practice all week and was listed as questionable. His absence, alongside Ricky Pearsall, will significantly impact the 49ers' offensive line for the important division matchup.

Ricky Pearsall Inactive for Seahawks Game Due to Knee/Ankle Injuries

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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) is officially inactive for Saturday's game against the Seahawks. This decision, despite him playing last week and practicing with limitations, prioritizes his health for the playoffs. Pearsall previously missed Week 16 with an ankle sprain and PCL injury aggravation, returning in Week 17 with 5 catches for 85 yards. His absence will elevate other receivers.

Patriots Activate DT Milton Williams from IR for Finale, Boosting Run Defense

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Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams has been activated from injured reserve and is eligible to play in the regular-season finale against the Dolphins. Williams, who missed five games with an ankle injury sustained in Week 11, was a key offseason addition, recording 32 pressures and 3.5 sacks in 10 games. His return is crucial as the Patriots' run defense struggled significantly in his absence.

Patriots Activate LT Will Campbell from IR for Regular-Season Finale

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Patriots left tackle Will Campbell has been activated from injured reserve and is eligible to play in New England's regular-season finale against the Dolphins. Campbell, a first-round pick, missed the last four games with an MCL sprain suffered in Week 12, his first career injury absence. His return is a welcome reinforcement for the offensive line, with QB Drake Maye expressing appreciation for his return.

Demarcus Robinson Steps Up as Primary WR with Pearsall Out

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Demarcus Robinson is set to take on an increased role as a primary wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers in Saturday's game against the Seahawks, following Ricky Pearsall's (knee/ankle) inactive status. He is listed as the team's No. 3 WR, alongside Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings, and could see more targets from QB Brock Purdy.

Kendrick Bourne Elevated to No. 2 WR with Pearsall Inactive

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With Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) ruled inactive for Saturday's game, Kendrick Bourne is elevated to the San Francisco 49ers' No. 2 wide receiver role. He will be a primary target option for QB Brock Purdy alongside Demarcus Robinson and Jauan Jennings, potentially seeing an increased snap share and target volume against the Seahawks.

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Fined $23,186 for Unnecessary Roughness

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Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined $23,186 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness/use of the helmet in last week's game against the Chargers, despite not being flagged on the play. This marks his third fine of the season for an illegal hit, following previous penalties for hitting a defenseless receiver and roughing the passer. Last season, Al-Shaair was suspended three games for a hit that concussed Trevor Lawrence.

Falcons CB A.J. Terrell Questionable for Saints Game Due to Illness

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Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell has been added to the injury report and is listed as questionable for Sunday's crucial home game against the Saints due to an illness. Two other players, defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro and long snapper Liam McCullough, also share the questionable designation due to illness. The outcome of this game could determine the NFC South winner.