Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Friday, January 2

Quentin Lake on Track to Return for Playoffs After Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rams safety Quentin Lake is on track to return for the playoffs after being sidelined since suffering a left elbow injury that required surgery. He began practicing this week and was awarded a three-year contract extension worth over $25 million in guarantees, signaling his importance to the team.

Davante Adams Questionable for Week 18, Tracking for Playoffs Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rams wide receiver Davante Adams is listed as questionable for Week 18 against the Cardinals due to a hamstring injury, having returned to limited practice sessions after being sidelined since Week 15. While HC Sean McVay plans to play starters, Adams might be an exception for the finale, though he is on track to return for the first round of the playoffs.

Nate Adkins Cleared to Return for Week 18

AutoDraft Pro AI

Broncos tight end Nate Adkins (knee) has been removed from the final injury report after practicing fully all week. He will be back for Sunday's game against the Chargers, having missed Week 17 after being injured in Week 16.

Justin Herbert Not Slated to Play in Week 18 Finale

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand/rest) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos but is not slated to play, as the team intends to rest him. Trey Lance is expected to start in his place, with DJ Uiagalelei elevated to back up Lance.

Eric Smith Reports Herbert Not Slated to Play Sunday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports that quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand/rest) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos but is not in line to play, as the Chargers intend to rest him.

Josh Allen Cleared for Week 18 Start, Limited Snaps Expected

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bills QB Josh Allen (foot) has no injury designation for Sunday's season finale against the Jets, returning to limited practice Friday. Coach Sean McDermott confirmed Allen is "good to go" to start, but his playing time is expected to be limited to preserve health for the postseason and extend his 128-game consecutive start streak. Backup Mitchell Trubisky is anticipated to handle most snaps. Allen has played through foot discomfort, completing 64.8% of passes for 392 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, and 2 rushing TDs in his last two games.

Achane Doubtful for Week 18 Finale with Shoulder Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (shoulder) is officially doubtful for Sunday's season finale against the Patriots, having missed practice all week. Coach Mike McDaniel indicated his absence is probable as Miami is out of playoff contention. Achane, who leads the Dolphins with 1,838 scrimmage yards (5th NFL), 1,350 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 5.7 YPC, 67 catches for 488 yards, and 4 TDs, has not missed a game in 2025. Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon will lead the backfield if he sits.

T.J. Watt Cleared to Return for Pivotal Week 18 Clash vs. Ravens

AutoDraft Pro AI

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is expected to return for Sunday's pivotal AFC North title game against the Ravens after missing three games with a partially collapsed lung. The injury occurred during a dry needling procedure. Watt stated he feels good with no limitations after a week of practice and is excited to play, having recorded 53 tackles and seven sacks in 13 games this season.

Lamar Jackson Cleared to Play Week 18 vs. Steelers, No Injury Designation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is off the final injury report and will play in Sunday night's AFC North title game against the Steelers. He missed last Saturday's win with a back contusion but was a full participant in practice all week and is expected to wear additional padding. Jackson's premier quarterback status also significantly enhances the appeal of the Ravens' potential head coach opening, providing a strong foundation for any new coaching staff.

Kamari Lassiter Ruled Out for Week 18 with Knee/Ankle Injuries

AutoDraft Pro AI

Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (knee/ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts. He injured his knee last week after playing through an ankle issue, despite still logging 56 defensive snaps. Lassiter, a Pro Bowl alternate, has recorded four interceptions, 17 pass breakups, and 91 tackles this season.

Drake Maye Solidifies MVP Case as Patriots Pursue Top Seed

AutoDraft Pro AI

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is solidifying his MVP case, potentially after throwing five touchdown passes in Week 17, as New England pursues the AFC's top seed. His performance has earned him a feature in Yahoo Fantasy Slab Packs for top performers.

Myles Garrett cleared for Week 18, targets NFL single-season sack record.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is off the injury report after dealing with a hip issue and is set to play against the Bengals. He is a half-sack away from tying and a full sack from setting the single-season record with 22.0 sacks in 2025. Garrett also leads the league with 32 tackles for loss and anchors the Browns' top-ranked defensive line, solidifying his status as a Defensive Player of the Year favorite with a 92.7 overall grade.

Rome Odunze Questionable for Week 18, Hopes to Play After Foot Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is listed as questionable for Week 18 against the Lions due to a foot injury, having returned to limited practice Friday after missing four games. While he hopes to play, he is not expected to, though he appears to be tracking for a return in the postseason opener.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Placed on IR, Ends Adversity-Worn Sophomore Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been placed on injured reserve, ending his sophomore season due to heel and foot injuries. He finishes with 41 catches for 608 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, a season marked by a concussion, appendix surgery, and multiple lower-body injuries, preventing a potential breakout.

Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle Questionable for Week 18 with Rib Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Patriots. He was limited in practice Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's session. While expected to play, his rib injury and the game's low stakes for Miami add risk to his fantasy profile; he was catch-less on a 26% snap rate last week. His availability will be determined closer to game time, with Miami potentially resting other key players.

Nakobe Dean Ruled Out for Week 18 with Hamstring Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean has been ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Commanders due to a hamstring injury. He joins several other key Eagles starters who will be sidelined as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Jalen Carter Ruled Out for Week 18 with Hip Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Commanders due to a hip injury. Carter had returned to the lineup last week after shoulder procedures, recording a sack and a blocked extra point, but popped up on the injury report Thursday and missed practice Friday.

Breece Hall Questionable for Week 18 Finale; Predicted 2026 Steelers Signing

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jets RB Breece Hall is listed as questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Patriots due to a knee injury, having practiced in a limited fashion Friday. If unavailable, Kene Nwangwu and Khalil Herbert would handle carries, with Isaiah Davis ruled out. Looking ahead to 2026, Hall is boldly projected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers and achieve an explosive 1,500 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns, fitting Arthur Smith's outside run scheme.

Jason Pierre-Paul Elevated to Active Roster for Week 18

AutoDraft Pro AI

Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the Buccaneers' Week 18 game against the Panthers. This marks his third and final elevation of the season, providing additional depth for a crucial divisional matchup.

Calijah Kancey Activated from IR, Set for Week 18 Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to return for Week 18 against the Panthers. Kancey tore a pectoral muscle in Week 2, requiring surgery, and will be on a snap count. He has totaled 29 quarterback hits and 73 pressures in 28 career games, and his return is crucial as the Bucs aim for a playoff spot.