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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Eagles RT Lane Johnson (foot) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice and will not play in Week 18 against the Commanders. The Eagles plan to rest many key starters for the game. Johnson will miss his seventh consecutive game after suffering a Lisfranc sprain against the Lions on November 16, as the team prepares for the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Cam Ward has been identified as a candidate for the 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team by CBS Sports. The team features 12 former first-round picks, highlighting Ward's strong performance in his inaugural professional season.
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey is focused on making Aaron Rodgers' potential final season a negative memory for the Steelers quarterback. Ahead of Sunday's AFC North title game, Humphrey stated, "We would definitely like to have his last memory be a negative one." This comes after Rodgers' strong performance in Week 14, where he threw for 284 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 27-22 victory over Baltimore. Humphrey emphasized the Ravens need to perform significantly better to achieve their goal.
New England Patriots' Stefon Diggs is leveraging Pilates to activate core muscles, a practice gaining popularity among NFL's elite. He joins players like Nik Bonitto and Will Anderson in adopting this training method. Diggs' use of Pilates underscores its value in enhancing athletic performance, improving flexibility, and building foundational strength, contributing to his continued success on the field.
Houston Texans' Will Anderson is actively utilizing Pilates as part of his training, joining a growing number of NFL players. This method, also adopted by athletes like Stefon Diggs and Nik Bonitto, focuses on activating core muscles. Anderson's engagement with Pilates highlights its increasing recognition among professional football players for improving physical conditioning, flexibility, and overall on-field performance.
Denver Broncos' Nik Bonitto is among several NFL players incorporating Pilates into their training regimen. He, alongside other top athletes like Stefon Diggs and Will Anderson, utilizes Pilates to activate core muscles, enhancing performance and potentially aiding in injury prevention. This practice is gaining traction as a key component for maintaining peak physical condition beyond traditional strength training.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford boasts better overall numbers this season compared to Drake Maye. However, despite his statistical advantage, Stafford trails Maye in the NFL MVP odds. Maye is currently the odds-on favorite after Week 17, indicating that while Stafford has performed well, it may not be enough to secure the MVP award this season.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is currently the odds-on favorite for the NFL MVP award following Week 17. Despite Matthew Stafford having better overall numbers this season, Maye holds the lead in the MVP race as the league heads into its final regular season week. His strong performance has positioned him as the frontrunner for the prestigious award.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been recognized as a clear selection on Bill Barnwell's annual All-Pro team. He joins Puka Nacua as a standout choice among wide receivers, highlighting his impressive contributions and talent. This inclusion on Barnwell's list underscores Smith-Njigba's rising profile and effectiveness, marking him as one of the NFL's premier players in his position.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been recognized by Bill Barnwell, earning a clear selection on his annual All-Pro team. Nacua's outstanding performance positioned him as a standout choice among wide receivers, a group that also included Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights Nacua's impact and exceptional skill, solidifying his status as one of the NFL's top players at his position.
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) "absolutely" expects to play Saturday night against the Seahawks in the season finale, with the NFC West title and No. 1 playoff seed on the line. Kittle, who missed Week 17 due to a mid-to-low ankle sprain, was limited in practice Tuesday and Wednesday, with GM John Lynch confirming he's trending in the right direction. He stated he's feeling "fabulous" this week and is confident he can shake off the injury. Kittle had 7 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown in Week 16 before his injury. Thursday's injury report will provide his final designation.
Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata expressed 'through the roof' confidence that the team's offense will contribute significantly in the playoffs, despite recent struggles. Mailata highlighted the team's history of overcoming doubt and embracing challenges, aiming to improve the run and play-action games. While acknowledging the offense's underperformance (24th in yards, 19th in points), he praised the defense's consistent strong play. Mailata's personal goal is to help the offense contribute and stay on the field, believing complete football will lead to a successful playoff run.
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has fallen out of the top 10 in Week 18 NFL QB Power Rankings. The Lions, collapsing from 15-2 in 2024 to 8-8 in 2025, face Chicago in their finale. Goff stressed the importance of the game, aiming to 'gain a little respect back' and put 'something good on tape.' He affirmed his commitment to playing his best, seeking to help the team finish above .500 and potentially affect the Bears' playoff seeding. Offseason changes, including a possible OC replacement, loom for the team.
Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed (concussion), who exited last Sunday's game early, practiced fully on Wednesday after being a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough. This progression indicates he is on the doorstep of clearing concussion protocol. However, Shaheed still requires clearance from an independent neurologist to be eligible to play in Saturday's crucial game against the 49ers. His availability will be a key storyline as the Seahawks vie for a playoff spot.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (ankle/knee) was limited in practice Wednesday for the second consecutive week. He is dealing with an ankle sprain and an aggravation of a PCL injury that previously sidelined him in Week 16. Despite the restrictions, Pearsall played last Sunday against the Bears, securing five of eight targets for 85 yards on an 81% snap share. He is likely destined for a similar workload in Saturday's game against the Seahawks if he can clear his designation.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (back) progressed to limited practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday's session due to back stiffness. GM John Lynch indicated McCaffrey is trending in the right direction to play Saturday against the Seahawks. The stiffness stems from an issue in Week 17, where he recorded 181 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown on 27 touches. He previously played through this injury in early December. His availability is crucial for the 49ers, who can clinch the NFC West and No. 1 seed with a win. He is ranked RB2 for Week 18.
Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad) did not practice Wednesday, with HC Dan Quinn calling him a "long shot" to play against the Eagles this weekend. Josh Johnson is expected to start in his place.
Commanders QB Josh Johnson is expected to start Week 18 against the Eagles, as Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad) did not practice Wednesday and HC Dan Quinn called him a "long shot" to play. Johnson managed just 198 scoreless passing yards against a struggling Dallas defense last week.
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (ribs) did not practice Wednesday after sustaining the injury in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay, where he played only 26% of offensive snaps. He is uncertain for Sunday's finale against the Patriots. With 910 receiving yards on the season, Waddle has motivation to play if it's a matter of pain tolerance. His status will be updated tomorrow.
Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon could see increased playing time in Week 18 against the Patriots if De'Von Achane (shoulder) is held out. Achane did not practice Wednesday, and with Miami having nothing to play for, his absence would leave the backfield to Gordon and Jaylen Wright.
