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NFL News

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

Friday, January 2

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.

Matthew Stafford to Start Week 18 Finale, Workload Uncertain

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Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will start Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cardinals, as head coach Sean McVay confirmed starters will play. However, it's plausible Stafford and other key veterans may not play a full complement of snaps, especially if the outcome has no impact on playoff seeding.

Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Questionable for Week 18, Unlikely to See Full Snaps

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Bills TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 18 finale against the Jets, having been a limited participant in practice all week. Coach Sean McDermott previously indicated Kincaid, who was inactive in Week 17, might have his snaps limited even if active, prioritizing his health for the upcoming postseason. Given his recent injury history, it's anticipated he will play minimally, if at all, against the Jets.

Luther Burden Cleared to Play Week 18, Strong Fantasy Start

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Bears wide receiver Luther Burden (quad) is not listed on the final Week 18 injury report after completing full practices on Thursday and Friday. He is considered a strong fantasy start against a Lions defense that has struggled against wide receivers recently.

Kyle Pitts Questionable for Week 18, Expected to Play vs. Saints

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Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is listed as questionable for Week 18 against the Saints due to a knee injury, but head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic he will play. After a muted Week 17 performance, Pitts aims to rebound, having averaged nearly 100 receiving yards and a touchdown per game in the four weeks prior to his recent dip in production.

Drake London Questionable for Week 18 with Knee Injury, Expected to Play

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Falcons wide receiver Drake London is listed as questionable for Week 18 against the Saints due to a lingering PCL sprain in his knee, but head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic he will play. London has managed to play through the injury in the last two games, though his production has been muted with only four catches for 31 yards in that span.

Darnell Mooney Questionable for Week 18, Expected to Play

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Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints due to a knee injury, but head coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism that he will play. Mooney was a limited participant in practice all week as Atlanta prepares for a crucial divisional matchup.

Sauce Gardner Ruled Out for Week 18 with Calf Tightness

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Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner has been ruled out for Week 18 against the Texans due to calf tightness. He returned last week after being out since November 30 but experienced tightness after playing 51 percent of defensive snaps. Gardner, acquired via trade, started four games this season, recording 16 tackles and three pass breakups.

Kenneth Gainwell Named Steelers' MVP After Breakout Season

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Running back Kenneth Gainwell has been named the Steelers' Most Valuable Player by his teammates in his first year with the team. He led the team in kickoff return yards (601), was second in rushing (527 yards), and third in receiving (422 yards). After signing a one-year, $1.79 million contract, his performance makes a larger deal in 2026 likely.

Harold Fannin Ruled Out for Week 18 Finale; Ends Rookie Season with Strong Stats

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Browns TE Harold Fannin (groin) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Bengals, marking his third consecutive missed practice. With David Njoku also sidelined, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella will handle tight end duties. Fannin concludes an impressive rookie season, recording a team-high 72 catches on 107 targets for 731 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. The 2025 third-rounder is seen as a key part of the Browns' future.

Brenden Bates to See Increased Role in Browns' Week 18 Tight End Group

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Brenden Bates is slated to handle Cleveland's tight end duties in Week 18 against the Bengals. This opportunity arises as both Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee/personal) have been ruled out for the season finale. Bates will share responsibilities with Blake Whiteheart and practice-squad member Sal Cannella, stepping into a more prominent role due to the team's significant absences at the position.

Blake Whiteheart Steps Up for Browns' Week 18 Tight End Duties

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Blake Whiteheart is slated to handle Cleveland's tight end duties in Week 18 against the Bengals. This increased role comes as both Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee/personal) have been ruled out for the season finale. Whiteheart will share responsibilities with Brenden Bates and practice-squad member Sal Cannella, facing a significant opportunity due to the team's injuries at the position.

Sal Cannella Elevated to Handle Browns' Week 18 Tight End Duties

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With both Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee/personal) ruled out for the Week 18 season finale against the Bengals, practice-squad member Sal Cannella is slated to handle Cleveland's tight end duties. He will share responsibilities with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates. This unexpected elevation comes as the Browns face significant absences at the position.

David Njoku Ruled Out for Week 18 Finale Due to Knee/Personal Reasons

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Browns TE David Njoku (knee/personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Bengals. This decision, combined with Harold Fannin (groin) also being inactive, leaves Cleveland's tight end responsibilities to Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and practice-squad member Sal Cannella. Fantasy managers are advised to avoid this situation despite the favorable matchup.

Ashton Jeanty's Rookie Season Fails to Lift Raiders From Rushing Last Place

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Despite being the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ashton Jeanty's rookie season has not resolved the Las Vegas Raiders' persistent rushing woes. The team is poised to finish last in the NFL in rushing yards for the second consecutive year, currently at 1,199 yards (3.56 YPC) in 2025, following a last-place finish in 2024. Jeanty himself has carried 240 times for 888 yards and five touchdowns, but the rest of the team combined for only 311 yards.

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota Ruled Out for Week 18 Finale

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Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand/quad) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to Josh Johnson starting for a second consecutive week. Despite the injury, there's no indication it will pose an offseason issue for Mariota, who has been a good fit as Jayden Daniels' backup. However, Mariota is on a one-year contract and is set to become a free agent in March, raising the possibility that he may not return to Washington next season.

Commanders Name Josh Johnson Week 18 Starter with Mariota Out

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Commanders coach Dan Quinn has officially named Josh Johnson as the starting quarterback for Sunday's season finale against the Eagles. This will be Johnson's second consecutive start, as Marcus Mariota (right hand/quad) has been ruled out for the game. Johnson previously completed 15-of-23 passes for 198 yards in the Christmas Day loss to the Cowboys. With Jayden Daniels already shut down for the season and LT Laremy Tunsil also ruled out, Johnson will lead a Washington team facing an Eagles squad expected to rest many starters.

Trevon Diggs Joins Packers, Declares 'I'm Still the Best'

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Former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs has joined the Green Bay Packers, aiming to bolster their defense. Diggs, known for his ball-hawking skills, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I'm Still the Best" as he looks to make an immediate impact with his new team.

Dolphins Sign RB Donovan Edwards from Practice Squad for Depth

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The Miami Dolphins have signed running back Donovan Edwards to their 53-man roster, bringing him up from Washington's practice squad. This move is seen as potential depth insurance, particularly with starting running back De’Von Achane having missed practice all week due to a shoulder injury. Edwards will provide an additional option in the Dolphins' backfield for the upcoming Week 18 finale.

Dolphins TE Darren Waller Placed on IR, Season Ends with Groin Injury

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Dolphins TE Darren Waller has been placed on Injured Reserve due to a groin injury, officially ending his 2025 season and ruling him out for Week 18. Waller, who came out of retirement to play for Miami, finishes his comeback campaign with 24 receptions for 283 yards and six touchdowns on 34 targets across nine games, tying Jaylen Waddle for the team lead in TD catches. He showcased red zone ability but is now a free agent after playing on a one-year, $2 million deal, with his future NFL return uncertain. Greg Dulcich is expected to step up as the top pass-catching tight end.