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NFL News

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

Thursday, January 1

J.J. McCarthy Returns to Full Practice, Set to Start Week 18 for Vikings

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand) returned to full participation in Thursday's practice, confirming his recovery from a hairline fracture sustained in Week 16. He is now set to start against the Packers in Week 18 after missing the Christmas Day victory over the Lions, where Max Brosmer started. In nine games this season, McCarthy has completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Teammate Justin Jefferson expressed his desire for McCarthy to be the Vikings' top quarterback next season.

Dallas Goedert Misses Thursday Practice, Expected to Sit Out Week 18 Finale

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Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice for the second consecutive day. He is likely to sit out the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Commanders as the Eagles plan to rest key starters in preparation for the wild-card round. This decision aims to ensure his full recovery before the playoffs, despite him having missed only one game all year. Grant Calcaterra, Kylen Granson, and Cameron Latu would see increased playing time if Goedert is inactive this weekend.

Alvin Kamara Misses Thursday Practice, Likely Out for Week 18 Finale

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Saints RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) did not practice Thursday, putting him on track to miss Sunday's regular-season finale against the Falcons. This would mark his sixth consecutive missed contest. With Devin Neal on IR, Audric Estime is positioned to lead the Saints' backfield in Week 18 if Kamara is inactive. The team will rely on Estime to close out the 2025 campaign.

Jalen Carter Misses Thursday Practice with New Hip Injury

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Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who made an immediate impact last Sunday with a sack and a blocked extra point upon his return, missed Thursday's practice due to a hip injury. This new issue comes after he previously missed time for procedures on both shoulders. The Eagles have not announced their plans for playing starters in Week 18, but it's expected that injured players will be rested to ensure full health for the team's playoff opener.

Josh Jacobs Limited in Practice Again, Could Sit Out Week 18 for Playoffs

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Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, continuing to battle lower-body injuries since he sustained a knee injury in Week 11. He sat out Week 12 but has suited up for the last five contests, totaling 73 touches. Jacobs ranked third among Packers RBs in offensive snaps (13) in Week 17. With Green Bay locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, Jacobs could be inactive Sunday at Minnesota to get him as healthy as possible for the postseason.

Lamar Jackson Declares He's '100 Percent' Playing Sunday vs. Steelers

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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back contusion) confirmed he will play Sunday night against the Steelers, stating he feels "great" and is "100 percent." He was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday after missing Week 17. Jackson plans to wear extra padding for his back, which is one of multiple injuries (hamstring, toe, knee) that have limited his mobility this season. The high-stakes game will decide the AFC North title, with the loser eliminated. In 12 starts, Jackson has 2,311 passing yards (63.7% completion), 18 TDs, 6 INTs, and 340 rushing yards with 2 TDs.

Rams Extend Quentin Lake for $42M; Playoff Return Expected After Elbow Surgery

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Rams safety Quentin Lake signed a three-year, $42 million extension ($25.7M guaranteed) through 2028. Lake, a two-time captain, had a career year with 61 tackles, 10 passes defensed, an interception, and a sack in 10 games before dislocating his left elbow in Week 11, requiring surgery. The team opened his 21-day practice window Thursday, anticipating his return for the playoffs, though he is not expected to play Sunday. His versatility and impact were missed.

Falcons Place Cornerback Mike Hughes on Injured Reserve

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The Atlanta Falcons announced Thursday that they have placed cornerback Mike Hughes on injured reserve. Hughes injured his ankle in the first quarter of the Falcons' Week 15 win over the Buccaneers and has subsequently missed the last three games. C.J. Henderson and Cobee Bryant have seen increased playing time in his absence. In a corresponding move, the Falcons signed edge rusher Khalid Kareem to the 53-player roster.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson Misses Fifth Straight Practice with Shoulder Injury

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Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) did not practice Thursday, marking his fifth consecutive non-participation due to the injury. He was unable to play in Week 17 and is now trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Packers. Barring a surprising return to practice Friday, Josh Oliver is expected to operate as Minnesota's starting tight end if Hockenson is sidelined for Week 18.

Dolphins TE Darren Waller Misses Second Straight Practice with Groin Injury

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Dolphins TE Darren Waller (groin) did not practice Thursday, marking his second consecutive absence. His chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Patriots appear murky. Waller, who has regularly had his practice reps capped this season, may need to return as at least a limited participant Friday to have any chance of being cleared. If he's out, Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill will step up as the top tight ends.

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane Misses Second Straight Practice with Shoulder Injury

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Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (shoulder) did not practice Thursday, marking his second consecutive absence. He has one more opportunity to participate in practice before Sunday's regular-season finale against the Patriots. If Achane is unable to suit up for Week 18, Jaylen Wright is expected to lead Miami's backfield, with Ollie Gordon also inheriting an increased role on offense.

Vikings RB Jordan Mason Practices Fully, Poised for Increased Role if Jones Sidelined

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Vikings RB Jordan Mason (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, progressing from a limited session Wednesday. Mason was knocked out of a Week 16 game due to the ankle injury and was sidelined last Thursday. With fellow RB Aaron Jones (hip) yet to practice this week, Mason could be in line for a leading role in Week 18 against the Packers if Jones is inhibited or unable to play.

Vikings RB Aaron Jones Misses Another Practice with New Hip Injury

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Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, marking his second consecutive 'Did Not Practice' designation this week due to a new hip injury. Meanwhile, fellow RB Jordan Mason upgraded to full activity. Friday's injury report will be crucial in determining Jones' odds of suiting up for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Packers.

Bengals RB Chase Brown Misses Second Straight Practice with Illness

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Bengals RB Chase Brown (illness) missed Thursday's practice, marking his second consecutive 'Did Not Practice' designation. His availability for Sunday's season finale against the Browns remains uncertain. If Brown is sidelined or limited for Week 18, additional backfield reps and touches would become available for fellow running backs Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks. The team's final practice on Friday will be crucial for his status.

Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Full Practice, Eyes Larger Role

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Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, having returned to full health after missing Wednesday. He and Chris Rodriguez are positioned to split backfield reps Sunday against the Eagles. In Week 17, with Rodriguez sidelined, Croskey-Merritt rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, a performance that could lead to him seeing a larger share of the backfield workload versus Philadelphia.

Jets RB Breece Hall Limited in Practice Thursday, Trending Towards Playing

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Jets RB Breece Hall (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice after a 'Did Not Practice' designation on Wednesday. Hall suffered a knee injury in Week 17, which he subsequently downplayed. His return to a limited session suggests he is trending in the right direction and has a chance to play through the issue in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. Friday's final injury report will clarify his official status.

Rome Odunze Misses Fifth Straight Practice with Foot Injury, Season Finale Doubtful

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Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, marking another DNP. He has missed four consecutive games with a stress fracture in his foot, and his next on-field work will be his first since December 12. With his continued absence, Odunze appears destined to miss a fifth straight game to end the regular season. As long as Odunze is sidelined, the Bears will rely on other wide receivers such as DJ Moore and Luther Burden.

Jordan Davis' Team Oregon Dominates Texas Tech in CFP Quarterfinal

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In the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl, Oregon dominated Texas Tech with a 23-0 victory. Jordan Davison scored twice, contributing to the Ducks' advancement to the CFP semifinals. The Red Raiders were held to nine first downs, marking only their third shutout loss in playoff history. (Note: The article content refers to "Jordan Davison" while the player array specifies "Jordan Davis". The summary reflects the article content associated with the name provided in the players array.)

Luther Burden Returns to Full Practice, Ready for Week 18 After Quad Injury

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Bears wide receiver Luther Burden (quadriceps) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, indicating a full recovery from the quad injury suffered on the last play of Chicago's Week 17 loss to San Francisco. After being limited on Wednesday, Burden appears fully recovered and ready for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Lions. This news comes as fellow wideout Rome Odunze remains sidelined.

Josh Allen Misses Practice with Foot Injury; Week 18 Status Uncertain, X-rays Negative

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Bills QB Josh Allen (foot) missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices, making his Week 18 status against the Jets uncertain. X-rays on his foot were negative, but his outlook for playing Sunday is not currently positive. The injury happened in Week 16 against the Browns and was seemingly aggravated against the Eagles. With the Bills likely finishing as the No. 6 seed and playoffs looming, giving Allen time off to avoid further aggravation is a possibility. Coach Sean McDermott has not indicated plans for Allen's playing time this weekend.