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NFL News

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

Friday, January 2

Jason Pierre-Paul Elevated to Active Roster for Week 18

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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

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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.

Travis Etienne's Fantasy Value Slightly Dinged by Tuten's Return

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Running back Travis Etienne's fantasy value for Week 18 is slightly dinged by the return of teammate Bhayshul Tuten (finger). Tuten is expected to resume his No. 2 role for the Jaguars' game against the Titans.

Bhayshul Tuten Cleared to Return for Week 18

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Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) has been removed from the final Week 18 injury report after practicing fully all week. The rookie is expected to return to his No. 2 role for Sunday's game against the Titans, a return that slightly impacts Travis Etienne's fantasy value.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Questionable for Week 18, Trending Towards Playing

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Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Bears. He participated in limited practices on Thursday and Friday. Coach Dan Campbell stated St. Brown is "trending the right way" and has a good chance to play, potentially completing all 17 games for the third time in his career. His playing time might be impacted by the injuries, but an active St. Brown would be impossible to leave out of season-long fantasy lineups.

Kayshon Boutte Cleared to Return for Week 18

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Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (concussion) has been removed from the final injury report after practicing fully all week. He is expected to return to his deep-threat role for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins.

Malik Willis Questionable for Week 18, Emergency QB Role Possible

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Packers quarterback Malik Willis (right shoulder/hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest in Minnesota. With Clayton Tune starting and Jordan Love not expected to play, Willis, who was limited in practice all week, could serve as the emergency third quarterback behind Tune and potentially Desmond Ridder.

Vikings Name J.J. McCarthy Week 18 Starter After Hand Injury, Returns to Full Practice

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand) is officially named the starter for Sunday's season finale against the Packers, returning to full practice after missing Week 17 with a hairline fracture. This marks his 10th start in an injury-marred rookie season (hand, ankle, concussion). Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the decision. McCarthy faces a crucial opportunity, relying on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with key players out, against a Packers defense expected to rest starters. WR Justin Jefferson has publicly endorsed McCarthy for 2026.

John Jenkins Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Ravens

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Nose tackle John Jenkins has signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens, marking the first extension in his 13-year NFL career. Jenkins has started 13 games and appeared in all 16 this season, recording 36 tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

Jayden Reed Cleared to Play Week 18 Despite Illness

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Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (illness) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings. While he is cleared, Green Bay plans to hold out quarterback Jordan Love, and other starters may not finish the game, potentially impacting Reed's production.

Josh Jacobs Cleared for Week 18, Workload Uncertain

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Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings. However, his workload is uncertain as Green Bay plans to rest quarterback Jordan Love and potentially other starters. Jacobs is 71 rushing yards away from reaching 1,000 for the season.

Xavier Worthy Doubtful for Week 18 Due to Illness

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Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's season finale against the Raiders due to an illness, having been unable to practice all week. With other receivers on IR, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Jalen Royals are positioned as Kansas City's starters in three-receiver sets.

Jake Ferguson Cleared to Play Week 18 Despite Calf Issue

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Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (calf) has been removed from the final Week 18 injury report and is cleared to play against the Giants. He upgraded to full practice participation Friday after being knocked out of last week's game, and is expected to contribute with Dallas sporting a high implied total.

Javonte Williams Ruled Out for Week 18, Ends Breakout Season

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Running back Javonte Williams has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Giants due to shoulder and neck injuries, ending his breakout season. He finishes with career bests of 252 rushes for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Cowboys have publicly expressed interest in re-signing Williams, who is scheduled for free agency.

Kareem Hunt Poised for Increased Role if Pacheco Sits Week 18

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Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is poised to handle a significant share of the backfield work if Isiah Pacheco (rest) is sidelined or limited for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Hunt returned to a full practice session Friday after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.

Isiah Pacheco Questionable for Week 18 Due to Rest

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Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is listed as questionable for Week 18 against the Raiders due to rest, having been a limited participant in practice all week. While seemingly healthy, Kansas City, being out of playoff contention, may opt to rest him, potentially giving Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith more backfield work.

Brashard Smith Could See Increased Role if Pacheco Sits Week 18

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Chiefs running back Brashard Smith is in line for an increased role in the backfield alongside Kareem Hunt if Isiah Pacheco (rest) is sidelined or limited for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Kansas City is out of playoff contention, potentially leading to starters being rested.

Malik Davis Ruled Out for Week 18 with Eye/Calf Injuries

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Running back Malik Davis has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Giants due to eye and calf injuries. He reportedly still struggles with vision after taking a blow to the eye last week, where he finished with career highs of 20 carries for 103 yards. Davis could be a contender for the No. 2 RB role next season.

Marquise Brown Poised for Week 18 Incentives, Elevated WR Role

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Marquise Brown is among players with a strong chance to reach significant contract incentives in Week 18, potentially earning substantial financial bonuses tied to statistical benchmarks or team achievements. With Xavier Worthy doubtful for Sunday's game, Brown is positioned as one of the Kansas City Chiefs' likely top two wide receivers, increasing his opportunity to hit those targets and making his individual performance a key storyline.

Chris Olave Ruled Out for Week 18 Due to Blood Clot in Lung

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Wide receiver Chris Olave has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Falcons due to an illness, which was revealed to be a blood clot in his lung. He required hospitalization earlier this week but was released on Thursday, with expectations for a full recovery after treatment. Olave finishes his season with career highs in targets (156), catches (100), receiving yards (1,163), and touchdowns (nine).