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

Friday, January 2

Israel Abanikanda Candidate for Week 18 Elevation

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With Javonte Williams and Malik Davis ruled out for Week 18, Israel Abanikanda is a candidate to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the Cowboys' game against the Giants. He could provide depth in a depleted backfield.

Hunter Luepke on Active Roster for Week 18

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With Javonte Williams and Malik Davis ruled out, running back Hunter Luepke is on the active roster for the Cowboys' Week 18 game against the Giants. He is expected to contribute to the backfield alongside Jaydon Blue and potentially Phil Mafah.

Gunnar Helm Out for Week 18 with Toe Injury

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Titans tight end Gunnar Helm (toe) has been ruled out for Week 18's game against the Jaguars. His absence is expected to result in increased playing time for fellow tight end Chig Okonkwo, as Helm had been splitting routes recently.

Chig Okonkwo's Playing Time to Increase with Helm Out

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Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo is expected to see a boost in playing time for Week 18 against the Jaguars, as fellow tight end Gunnar Helm (toe) has been ruled out. Okonkwo has been splitting routes with Helm recently and is considered a viable fantasy option for the finale.

Jordan Mason Set to Start Week 18 with Aaron Jones Out

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Running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is off the final injury report and is positioned to start Sunday's season finale against the Packers, with Aaron Jones (hip) ruled out. Mason is expected to control backfield work against a Green Bay defense that may rest starters, having previously handled double-digit carries in Jones's absence this season.

Aaron Jones Ruled Out for Week 18, Future with Vikings Uncertain

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Running back Aaron Jones has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Packers due to a hip injury, concluding a season plagued by multiple injuries. He played only 12 games, posting a career-low 4.2 yards per carry, and his future with the Vikings is uncertain given his age, contract structure, and recent health struggles. Jordan Mason is set to start in his absence.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson Ruled Out for Week 18 Finale Against Packers

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Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (back) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Green Bay Packers. With Hockenson sidelined, Josh Oliver is expected to step into the lead tight end role for the Vikings in Week 18.

Chase Brown Cleared to Play Week 18 After Illness

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Bengals RB Chase Brown (illness) returned to practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday sessions, indicating he's trending positively for Sunday's season finale against the Browns. He had no limitations in practice and is cleared to lead the Bengals backfield. Since the team's Week 10 bye, Brown has accumulated 745 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns in seven contests, and he's expected to maintain his typical 60-plus percent snap share.

Wan'Dale Robinson Ruled Out for Week 18, Ends Career-Best Season

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Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Cowboys due to a rib injury, concluding a career-best season where he caught 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson is scheduled for free agency in March, and the Giants are expected to pursue his re-signing.

Cor'Dale Flott Ruled Out for Week 18, Heads to Free Agency

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Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Cowboys due to a knee injury. The 24-year-old started 14 games this season, accumulating 38 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble, and is now headed to free agency.

Cam Ward in Week 18: Titans tipped for win, but could be outdueled by Lawrence.

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Tennessee Titans player Cam Ward is featured in Week 18 NFL predictions. Analyst Jordan Dajani recommends Ward and the Titans for a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season finale. However, another prediction suggests Trevor Lawrence could outduel Ward, potentially leading Jacksonville to the AFC South title. This highlights a crucial matchup for Ward and his team as they conclude their season.

Chiefs Aim for Week 18 Win for Travis Kelce

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The Chiefs are looking to close out a tough campaign with a win against the Raiders in Week 18, potentially for Travis Kelce. The star tight end has not yet indicated whether he will return next season.

Bijan Robinson poised to 'make history' in Week 18 finale, eyes NFL record.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is predicted to 'make history' in the 2025 NFL Week 18 finale, with a shot to become the NFL's all-time single-season leader in yards from scrimmage. He was a fantasy MVP, consistently scoring over 25 fantasy points in Weeks 15-17. This highlights a potentially significant and record-breaking performance in the season's final week, as he looks to make his case for 2026.

Joe Burrow's Talent Elevates Bengals' HC Appeal, Seeks Third Straight Win

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Joe Burrow's elite talent makes the Cincinnati Bengals' potential head coach opening highly desirable, offering a strong foundation for any incoming coach. His proven ability to lead a high-powered offense positions the Bengals' job among the most attractive in the NFL. Burrow and the Bengals are also seeking a third straight win in their upcoming game, as analysts predict he will go out strong.

Theo Johnson Ruled Out for Week 18, Ends Season with Illness

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Giants tight end Theo Johnson has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Cowboys due to an illness, marking his second consecutive missed game and ending his second pro season. He played in 15 games, catching 45 passes for 528 yards and five touchdowns, and is likely to retain his starting job in 2026.

Jaxson Dart's Week 18 Outlook Takes Hit with Key Absences

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Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart's Week 18 outlook against the Cowboys takes a hit with wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (rib) and tight end Theo Johnson (illness) both ruled out. He will rely on Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, and Daniel Bellinger as his primary receiving options.

Isaiah Hodgins to See Increased Targets in Week 18

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With Wan'Dale Robinson (rib) and Theo Johnson (illness) ruled out for Week 18, Isaiah Hodgins will be among the Giants' top receiving options, alongside Darius Slayton and Daniel Bellinger, against the Cowboys. This situation could lead to increased targets for Hodgins.

Darius Slayton to Lead Giants WR Room in Week 18

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With Wan'Dale Robinson (rib) and Theo Johnson (illness) ruled out, Darius Slayton is expected to lead the Giants' wide receiver room alongside Isaiah Hodgins in Week 18 against the Cowboys. This situation could make Slayton a more intriguing fantasy option for the season finale.

Darius Slayton to Lead Giants WR Room in Week 18

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With Wan'Dale Robinson (rib) and Theo Johnson (illness) ruled out, Darius Slayton is expected to lead the Giants' wide receiver room alongside Isaiah Hodgins in Week 18 against the Cowboys. This situation could make Slayton a more intriguing fantasy option for the season finale.

Daniel Bellinger to Handle Lead TE Duties for Giants in Week 18

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With Theo Johnson (illness) ruled out for Week 18, Daniel Bellinger is set to handle the lead tight end duties for the Giants in their game against the Cowboys. This situation could make Bellinger a more intriguing fantasy option given the absences of other key targets.