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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright is expected to see an increased role 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 Wright and Ollie Gordon.
Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. Despite no clear signs of injury in Sunday's win where he played 74% of snaps and had 21 touches, his Week 18 status against the Patriots is uncertain, especially with Miami having nothing to play for. Achane has been highly productive this season with 1,838 yards from scrimmage. His absence would leave the backfield to Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon.
Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring) remained sidelined for Wednesday's practice and is not expected to play Sunday against the Cardinals, according to Coach Sean McVay. This would mark his third consecutive missed game since aggravating his hamstring in Week 15. The team's receiving corps will rely on other players for Week 18, and his status for the playoff opener is uncertain.
Rams RB Blake Corum (ankle) did not practice Wednesday after leaving Monday night's game against the Falcons in the second quarter. With Los Angeles having little to play for against the Cardinals this weekend, Corum is not expected to play.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson will not be activated from injured reserve for Week 18, ending his third NFL season on IR due to an orbital fracture suffered in a Week 6 pregame incident in October. Despite missing most of his rookie season and limited on-field work, Richardson remains optimistic about his future. His future in Indianapolis is uncertain if the Colts re-sign Daniel Jones, potentially leaving Richardson in the final year of his contract with a trade as a possibility.
Chargers RB Kimani Vidal (neck) was limited in practice Wednesday. With Omarion Hampton (ankle) held out and Justin Herbert resting for Week 18, Vidal's status is key for the backfield. If Hampton is sidelined, Vidal, along with Hassan Haskins (concussion) and Jaret Patterson, could see increased opportunities against the Broncos, depending on his recovery from the neck injury.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert has been officially ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos, as Head Coach Jim Harbaugh announced he will be resting. This decision impacts the team's backfield, as Omarion Hampton is also unlikely to receive a full workload, potentially opening opportunities for other running backs.
Chargers RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) was limited in practice Wednesday. With Omarion Hampton (ankle) held out and Justin Herbert resting, Haskins' status is crucial for the Week 18 backfield. If Hampton is sidelined, Haskins, along with Kimani Vidal (neck) and Jaret Patterson, could see increased opportunities against the Broncos, depending on his recovery from the concussion.
Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt remained a limited participant in practice, pushing to return for the crucial Week 18 game against the Ravens. He hasn't played since Week 14 and required surgery on December 11 for a partially punctured lung. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism about his availability. This season, Watt has recorded 7 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. His status is part of the initial Week 18 NFL injury report.
Packers QB Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, his first uncapped session since a Week 16 concussion, but remains in protocol. With Green Bay locked into the NFC's No. 7 seed, HC Matt LaFleur suggests Love may rest for Sunday's finale against the Vikings to prioritize health for the wild-card round. Love suffered his concussion on Dec. 20. In 15 games, he completed 66.3% of passes for 3,381 yards, 23 TDs, and 6 INTs. His status is part of the initial Week 18 NFL injury report.
Bills QB Josh Allen (foot) did not practice Wednesday but is expected to start Sunday's season finale against the Jets, according to HC Sean McDermott. Allen, who appeared hampered in Week 17, is likely to play minimally to extend his consecutive starts streak to 127 games, with Mitchell Trubisky expected to play most of the game. The Bills are currently the AFC's No. 7 playoff seed. His availability is part of the initial Week 18 NFL injury report.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, with HC John Harbaugh 'very optimistic' about his Week 18 availability against the Steelers. Jackson, who missed Week 17 due to a lower-back contusion, 'looked good' and is on track to play in the must-win AFC North title game, potentially with extra back protection. His season stats include 2,311 passing yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs, 340 rushing yards, and 2 TDs in 12 games. His status is part of the initial Week 18 NFL injury report.
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson provided updates on injured wide receivers Luther Burden (quad) and Rome Odunze (foot). Both players were limited in Wednesday's practice. Johnson stated, "We’ll see how this week goes" regarding Odunze's status for Sunday's game against the Lions, and expressed being "hopeful that [Burden] will be just fine this week." The team will continue to monitor their progress.
Bears rookie WR Luther Burden (quad) was limited in Wednesday's practice after suffering an injury on the final play of last Sunday's game. Initial reports indicated he avoided a serious injury, and Head Coach Ben Johnson expressed being "hopeful" that Burden will be able to play in Sunday's game against the Lions. His participation in upcoming practices will be crucial in determining his Week 18 availability.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown did not practice Wednesday due to knee irritation and an ankle issue. While the issues are not believed to be serious, his availability for Sunday's meaningless season finale against the Bears is uncertain. St. Brown played through the knee issue last Thursday, logging 8 catches for 68 yards on 13 targets, and has achieved a third consecutive 100-catch, 1,200-yard, and double-digit touchdown campaign this season. His status will continue to be monitored.
Lions TE Sam LaPorta is "improving" but "not completely healed" from back surgery in mid-November, according to HC Dan Campbell. While a return this season was "very, very slim," the team hopes he'll be ready by training camp, indicating a more serious injury than initially disclosed. Campbell noted the surgery relieved nerve stress, but acknowledged the ongoing back issue adds short- and long-term health risk. LaPorta's rehab will be a key offseason storyline.
New York Jets RB Khalil Herbert is expected to handle a significant workload in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. With Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) both missing Wednesday's practice and unlikely to play, Herbert, along with Kene Nwangwu and practice squad member Raheem Blackshear, are the healthiest running backs available for the Jets.
New York Jets RB Kene Nwangwu is expected to see an increased role in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. With both Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) missing Wednesday's practice and unlikely to play, Nwangwu, alongside Khalil Herbert and practice squad member Raheem Blackshear, are the healthiest running backs available for the Jets.
Jets RB Isaiah Davis (concussion) did not practice Wednesday and is considered unlikely to play in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. His continued absence, coupled with Breece Hall (knee) also missing practice, leaves Khalil Herbert, Kene Nwangwu, and practice squad member Raheem Blackshear as the remaining healthy running backs for New York.
Jets RB Breece Hall did not practice Wednesday due to a knee injury suffered in Week 17, making him unlikely to play in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. Hall had initially downplayed the injury. With Isaiah Davis (concussion) also sidelined, the Jets' backfield options include Khalil Herbert, Kene Nwangwu, and practice squad member Raheem Blackshear. Hall is noted as a player leveraging his contract year performance.
