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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Bills TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday, as did fellow TE Dawson Knox. Kincaid was inactive in Week 17, and with his knee issue persisting, the Bills could opt for caution regarding his participation in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets, especially with the NFL postseason looming. The team has one more chance to work fully before assigning injury designations.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has received no injury designation for Saturday's critical NFC South showdown against the Panthers. Mayfield, who has been dealing with right shoulder and knee issues, completed a second consecutive full practice on Thursday, confirming his readiness for the upcoming game. This is positive news for the team heading into a must-win scenario.
Buccaneers outside linebacker Anthony Nelson has been officially ruled out for the upcoming must-win game against the Panthers. Nelson, who has been dealing with a knee injury, missed practice throughout the entire week, confirming his unavailability for the critical matchup. His absence is expected to significantly impact the team's defensive front, creating a challenge as the Buccaneers aim for a crucial victory in their divisional contest.
Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean has been officially ruled out for the upcoming must-win game against the Panthers. Dean, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, missed practice throughout the entire week, confirming his unavailability for the critical matchup. His absence is expected to significantly impact the team's secondary, creating a challenge as the Buccaneers aim for a crucial victory in their divisional contest.
Sam Darnold is highlighted as a player with lucrative opportunities in Week 18, indicating potential performance-based incentives or milestones to achieve in the final regular-season game. These opportunities could provide an extra layer of motivation for the quarterback as the season concludes, potentially impacting his future contract or role with the team.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers hinted at a possible return for the 2026 season, despite previously suggesting 2025 could be his last. As a 2026 free agent, he's considering a second year in Pittsburgh or exploring options with a fourth team, prioritizing a contender. He reflected on potential improvement within the Steelers' offense in a second year. Rodgers, who threw for 284 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's Week 14 win over Baltimore, is now preparing for an AFC North title game against the Ravens and has lucrative player opportunities in Week 18.
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) has been cleared to play in Week 18, as he was not listed on the final injury report. After being held out of practice on Wednesday, Dowdle participated fully on both Thursday and Friday, indicating his toe injury is no longer a concern for Saturday's game against the Buccaneers. In their Week 16 matchup against Tampa Bay, Dowdle recorded 29 rushing yards on nine carries, with Carolina's offense favoring the pass.
Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey could make his return from a torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 2. His potential return comes as the team faces a must-win game against the Panthers.
Panthers guard Robert Hunt is listed as questionable to be activated from injured reserve for Saturday afternoon's game against the Buccaneers. Hunt has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a biceps injury. His potential return comes as the Panthers aim to win the NFC South.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has called for changes within the team after Cincinnati missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Burrow stated, "All I can do is try to win," reflecting on the team's postseason absence.
Eagles safety Marcus Epps was diagnosed with a concussion after reporting symptoms post-practice on Thursday and has entered the NFL's concussion protocol. While it's unclear if he would have played in Week 18 with the Eagles resting starters, Epps has been a key contributor, playing 12 games (4 starts) and 235 defensive snaps since returning from IR. He is expected to be the starting safety when the playoffs begin next weekend.
Saints WR Chris Olave will miss Week 18 against the Falcons, ending his 2025 season after a lung blood clot was detected. The issue was caught early, and he is expected to be fine with no long-term impacts. Olave concludes his breakout year with career-highs: 100 catches, 1,163 yards, and 9 touchdowns on 155 targets across 16 games. His absence impacts the Saints' WR corps, making TE Juwan Johnson a key target for the season finale.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced Thursday that Clayton Tune will start at quarterback for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the Vikings. This decision comes despite Jordan Love clearing concussion protocol, as Green Bay is locked into the No. 7 seed and prioritizing Love's health for the playoffs. Tune, who was signed to the 53-man roster this week, made his only NFL start as a rookie in 2023. He previously went 1-of-4 for 8 yards and an interception in a late-game appearance last week. The team is still determining his backup between Malik Willis (shoulder/hamstring) and Desmond Ridder.
The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Cam Miller to their 53-man roster, acquiring him from the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad. Miller, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, spent the season on the Raiders' practice squad after not making their initial 53-man roster. He now joins Quinn Ewers, Tua Tagovailoa, and Zach Wilson in the Dolphins' quarterback room.
Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan remains the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year at -140 odds. Through 16 games, McMillan has accumulated 66 catches for 929 yards and seven touchdowns, including two 100-yard performances. His most recent outing saw him catch one pass for five yards in a 27-10 loss to the Seahawks. McMillan's strong rookie campaign positions him as a leading contender for the prestigious award as ballots are due next week.
Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough has emerged as a top two candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year (+140 odds), having not started until Week 9. He recently completed 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns, and a 142.7 passer rating in a win over the Titans, extending his winning streak to four games. Shough holds a franchise record for rookie QB wins (5). He faces a significant Week 18 challenge without top target Chris Olave, who is out with a blood clot, after excelling with Olave for 352 yards and four touchdowns in their last three games.
Tom Brady expressed his desire for healthy star players to compete in Week 18, emphasizing the 'Iron Sharpens Iron' mentality. He stated he has no regrets about playing in the Patriots' 2007 regular-season finale, where they completed a 16-0 perfect regular season before ultimately losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl. Brady's comments underscore his belief in maintaining competitive intensity through the final week of the season.
New Orleans Saints TE Juwan Johnson is expected to become a primary target in the passing game for Week 18. This increased role comes as star wide receiver Chris Olave will miss the game against the Falcons due to a blood clot in his lung, making Johnson the team's best target bet.
Mason Tipton (groin) is expected to be part of the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver group filling in for Chris Olave, who will miss Week 18 due to a blood clot. Tipton, alongside Kevin Austin and Dante Pettis, will be relied upon to contribute to the passing game against the Falcons.
Kevin Austin is slated for an expanded role in the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver rotation for Week 18. This comes as top receiver Chris Olave will miss the game due to a blood clot, leaving Austin, Mason Tipton, and Dante Pettis to lead the receiving corps.
