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NFL News

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

Saturday, January 3

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.

Matthew Stafford Focused on Rams' Playoff Momentum After Recent Struggles, MVP Race

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Rams QB Matthew Stafford, a frontrunner for NFL MVP, is focused on team success despite a recent three-interception game against the Falcons. He's had one of his best seasons, leading the league with 42 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, guiding the Rams to an 11-5 record. Stafford aims to bounce back in the finale against the Cardinals to build playoff momentum, having previously helped receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua achieve record-setting seasons.

Drake Maye Aims to Stay Red-Hot Against Dolphins, Secure Playoff Seeding

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Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has embraced a leadership role, aims to maintain his strong performance against the Dolphins in Week 18. A win could secure at least the AFC's No. 2 seed. Maye, an efficient downfield passer, will face Miami's frequent Cover 2 defense, where he's completed 76.5% of passes since Week 11. He may need to exploit intermediate windows over the middle, an area where the Dolphins have shown vulnerability.

Giants Place WR Wan'Dale Robinson on Injured Reserve with Rib Injury

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The New York Giants have placed WR Wan'Dale Robinson on injured reserve due to a rib injury, ending his 2025 season. Robinson missed Week 18 practice and was ruled out for the finale against the Cowboys. He concludes the campaign with an impressive 92 catches on 140 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games, largely achieved without teammate Malik Nabers. Robinson, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to be highly sought after this offseason following two consecutive seasons with over 90 receptions.

Rams' Jared Verse Fined $11K for Peace Sign Taunt During Blocked FG TD

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Rams linebacker Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been fined $11,593 for 'unsportsmanlike conduct [taunting]' after flashing a peace sign at the Falcons' bench during his 76-yard blocked field goal return for a touchdown. Verse was not flagged on the play but admitted he was concerned about a penalty and his coach's reaction. The NFL has previously fined players for similar gestures.

Clayton Tune Set to Start at Quarterback for Packers on Sunday

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Clayton Tune is confirmed to be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in their Sunday game against the Vikings. He will be backed up by either Jordan Love or Malik Willis, as Desmond Ridder was not elevated from the practice squad.

Packers Do Not Elevate Desmond Ridder from Practice Squad for Sunday's Game

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Desmond Ridder, who signed to the Green Bay Packers' practice squad this week, was not elevated to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Vikings. As a result, Jordan Love or Malik Willis will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Clayton Tune, with Ridder remaining on the practice squad.

Malik Willis to Serve as Packers' No. 2 QB for Sunday's Game

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Malik Willis is set to serve as the Green Bay Packers' No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Vikings, backing up starter Clayton Tune. The team opted not to elevate Desmond Ridder from the practice squad, making Willis a potential option should Tune encounter any issues during the game.

Jordan Love to Serve as Packers' No. 2 QB for Sunday's Game

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Jordan Love is set to serve as the Green Bay Packers' No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Vikings, backing up starter Clayton Tune. The team opted not to elevate Desmond Ridder from the practice squad, making Love the next man up should Tune encounter any issues during the game.

Davis Allen Part of Rams' Week 18 Tight End Group

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Rams TE Davis Allen is slated to be part of the tight end group for Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Cardinals. With Terrance Ferguson doubtful due to a hamstring injury, Allen will line up alongside Tyler Higbee, who was recently activated from injured reserve, and Colby Parkinson in the Rams' TE room.

Colby Parkinson to See Action in Rams Week 18 TE Rotation

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Rams TE Colby Parkinson is expected to be part of the tight end rotation for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Cardinals. With Terrance Ferguson doubtful due to a hamstring injury, Parkinson will join Tyler Higbee, who was activated from injured reserve, and Davis Allen in the TE room.

Tyler Higbee Activated from IR, Expected to Play in Week 18

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Rams TE Tyler Higbee (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve and is trending toward being available for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Cardinals. Higbee will join Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen in the tight end room as the Rams face Arizona. His return comes as fellow TE Terrance Ferguson is doubtful with a hamstring injury, putting his playoff availability in jeopardy.

Terrance Ferguson Doubtful for Week 18 with Hamstring; Playoff Status Iffy

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Rams TE Terrance Ferguson was added to the injury report Saturday with a new hamstring injury, making him doubtful for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Cardinals. The hamstring issue reportedly surfaced after Friday's practice, and the rookie is now unlikely to play in the regular-season finale. This development also puts Ferguson's availability for the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs in jeopardy. Tyler Higbee (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve and is trending toward being available, joining Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen in the TE room.

Kene Nwangwu to Share Jets Backfield Duties in Week 18

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Jets RB Kene Nwangwu is set to share backfield duties for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills. With both Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) ruled out, Nwangwu will operate alongside Khalil Herbert, who is expected to lead in carries. The team may also elevate Raheem Blackshear from the practice squad to provide additional depth at running back for the regular-season finale.

Khalil Herbert Expected to Lead Jets Backfield in Week 18

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Jets RB Khalil Herbert is expected to handle primary backfield duties and potentially lead in carries for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills. This increased role comes as both Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) have been ruled out for the regular-season finale. Herbert will share the backfield with Kene Nwangwu, and the team may also elevate Raheem Blackshear from the practice squad to provide depth.

Isaiah Davis Ruled Out for Week 18 with Concussion

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Jets RB Isaiah Davis (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills. His absence, along with Breece Hall (knee) being out, means Khalil Herbert and Kene Nwangwu will handle the primary backfield duties for New York in the regular-season finale. The team may also elevate Raheem Blackshear from the practice squad.

Raheem Blackshear Could Be Elevated for Jets Week 18 Game

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Jets RB Raheem Blackshear may be elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills. This potential move comes as both Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) have been ruled out, leaving Khalil Herbert and Kene Nwangwu as the active roster's primary running backs.

Breece Hall Out for Week 18, Concludes Season with 1,415 Total Yards, Enters Free Agency

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Jets RB Breece Hall (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills, sidelining him for the finale. He finishes the 2025 season with career highs, including 1,415 total yards and five touchdowns (1,065 rushing, 350 receiving). Hall enters the 2026 offseason as a free agent, expected to draw significant interest after his performance.