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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Alvin Kamara Remains Absent with MCL Sprain, Likely Out for Week 18

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Saints RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, marking his fifth straight missed game due to a sprained MCL suffered Week 12. With New Orleans definitively eliminated from playoff contention, there's little incentive to rush the 30-year-old veteran back on the field for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Falcons. Audric Estime impressed as the leader of the Saints' backfield in Week 17, rushing 14 times for 94 yards and one score.

Rashod Bateman Misses Ravens Practice Due to Illness

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Ravens WR Rashod Bateman (illness) sat out Wednesday's practice. In 13 games this season, Bateman has recorded 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns. His availability for the upcoming game will be monitored.

Kyle Van Noy Sits Out Ravens Practice with Quad Injury

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Ravens OLB Kyle Van Noy (quad) sat out Wednesday's practice. In 14 games this season, he has totaled 18 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and four pass breakups. His status for the upcoming game is not yet determined.

Packers Place Zayne Anderson on Injured Reserve, Out for Season

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Green Bay Packers S Zayne Anderson (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve. Anderson is not expected to return to action this season. This move was part of several roster adjustments made by the Packers on Wednesday afternoon.

Packers Place Nate Hobbs on Injured Reserve, Out for Season

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Green Bay Packers CB Nate Hobbs (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. Hobbs is not expected to return to action this season. This move was part of several roster adjustments made by the Packers on Wednesday afternoon.

Kayshon Boutte Limited in Practice, Still in Concussion Protocol

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Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He missed last Sunday's game and still needs to clear the concussion protocol in order to play in Week 18. Thursday will bring word if he takes another step toward that goal.

Baker Mayfield Fully Practices, 'Ready to Roll' for Critical Week 18 Game

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Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (right shoulder/knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, upgraded from limited. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard confirmed he is 'ready to roll' for Week 18. Mayfield, who hasn't missed a start this season, will lead Tampa Bay in a critical matchup against the Panthers, where a win could secure the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs. He has completed 62.8% of passes for 3,490 yards, 25 TDs, and 10 INTs in 2025.

Caleb Williams Nears Historic 4,000-Yard Season for Bears

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Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is 270 passing yards away from becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to reach 4,000 yards in a single season, a milestone he could achieve against the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Williams stated he finds it "cool" and believes he was "brought here for those types of things," though his primary focus remains on team goals and winning. He has shown improvement this season, throwing for 25 touchdowns and averaging 233.1 passing yards per game, coming off a 330-yard performance.

Quinn Ewers Chose NFL Over Portal to Preserve Texas Ties

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft, opting out of lucrative offers for a final college season. Ewers stated that his primary motivation for choosing the professional league was to preserve his existing relationships and connections at the University of Texas, indicating a desire to maintain his legacy and personal ties with the program rather than pursuing further collegiate opportunities.

Calvin Austin Limited in Practice, Could Return for Crucial Finale

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Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, marking progress after he missed Week 17. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism about Austin's potential return for Sunday night's win-or-go-home contest against the Ravens. With DK Metcalf suspended for Week 18, Austin's availability is considered crucial for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' passing game as they aim to secure the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Misses Practice with Illness, Role Uncertain

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Washington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness. This comes after he led the Commanders' backfield last Thursday, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in place of an ill Chris Rodriguez. However, with Rodriguez now fully recovered and not listed on the injury report, Croskey-Merritt's potential majority share of snaps for Sunday's game in Philadelphia is in doubt, even if he is cleared to play.

Micah Parsons Undergoes Season-Ending ACL Surgery

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Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons underwent season-ending surgery on his ACL this week. The news comes as his "best friend," cornerback Trevon Diggs, was claimed off waivers by the Packers, meaning the two will be reunited in Green Bay. Parsons' injury is a significant blow to the Packers' defense as they prepare for the postseason, and he will now focus on recovery.

Myles Garrett Nears NFL Sack Record; Burrow Won't Alter Play

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is one sack away from breaking the NFL's single-season record. Facing him in Week 18, Bengals QB Joe Burrow stated he won't "go out of my way to not let him get the record," emphasizing he will simply play football. Burrow acknowledged Garrett's exceptional athleticism, size, and strength, along with his unique mindset, expressing respect for the defensive lineman. He also humorously admitted Garrett has "gotten me a lot" in their career matchups.

Ed Oliver Suffers Meniscus Injury During Biceps Rehab, Return Clouded

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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who was already on injured reserve with a torn biceps, suffered a meniscus injury in his knee while rehabbing and has undergone a surgical procedure. Head coach Sean McDermott indicated that this new injury "probably adds a little bit of cloudiness to his return window," though he noted there's "still a chance" for Oliver to return within the initially forecasted postseason timeline. While Oliver's return would be a significant boost for the Bills' defensive line, the team cannot rely on it.

Chris Olave Misses Practice with Illness, Status for Sunday Uncertain

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New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness. This new ailment comes as Olave has been managing a back issue since Week 13, though he has played in each of the last five contests. During that span, he has been productive, tallying 31 catches on 48 targets for 429 yards and five touchdowns. His status for Sunday's crucial game against Atlanta will be closely monitored throughout the remainder of the week.

Chris Rodriguez Cleared from Illness, Poised for Increased Role

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Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez (illness) was not listed on the team's first Week 18 injury report Wednesday, signaling his return to full health after being inactive last Thursday. His recovery comes as fellow running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who had a breakout 105-yard, two-touchdown performance filling in for Rodriguez in Week 17, missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness of his own. Rodriguez is now poised to reclaim a majority share of the Commanders' backfield reps for Sunday's game in Philadelphia.

Chase Brown Misses Practice with Illness, Week 18 Status in Doubt

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Cincinnati Bengals RB Chase Brown missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness, casting doubt on his availability for Week 18. This comes after his most productive game of the season in Week 17, where he rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, adding 40 receiving yards. Brown has played all 16 games this season, totaling 947 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and is nearing his first 1,000-yard season. He will have two more practice opportunities to determine if he can suit up against Cleveland.

Stefon Diggs Charged with Felony Strangulation; Patriots Support, Vrabel Expects Play

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Patriots WR Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation/suffocation and misdemeanor assault/battery charges stemming from a December 2 incident where a private chef accused him of assault. Diggs' attorney "categorically denies" the allegations. The Patriots are cooperating with authorities and supporting Diggs, while HC Mike Vrabel stated he hasn't heard anything from the NFL to prevent Diggs from playing. His arraignment is scheduled for January 23, with an NFL Exempt List placement deemed unlikely without physical evidence.

Broncos-Chiefs Game Sets TNF Viewership Record Despite Mahomes' Absence

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Despite the absence of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs experiencing their worst season in 13 years, the Week 17 Broncos-Chiefs Christmas night game set a new Prime Video record, drawing an average of 21.06 million viewers. This viewership milestone surpassed the previous record of 19.39 million set by the Cowboys-Lions game earlier this month, highlighting strong interest even without the star quarterback.

Geno Smith Not Expected to Play Sunday Due to Ankle Injury

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Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith (ankle) is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs, according to Coach Pete Carroll. Smith sustained a concerning ankle injury in Week 17, and Carroll indicated it would be "really hard for him" to be available. Smith is likely to be officially ruled out by Friday, with Kenny Pickett and Aidan O'Connell expected to compete for the Week 18 starting nod and both seeing action.