AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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.

Dalton Kincaid Limited in Practice with Knee Injury, Week 18 Status Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice/walk-through. Kincaid was inactive for the Bills' Week 17 loss due to the knee injury. With the team managing his ongoing knee issue and having secured a playoff spot, it's plausible the Bills could exercise caution and potentially hold him out of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. Fellow TE Dawson Knox is also limited with a knee injury. (458 chars)

Rico Dowdle Returns to Full Practice, Ready for Week 18 Lead Duties

AutoDraft Pro AI

Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) returned to full practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday's walk-through due to soreness. This is an encouraging sign for his Week 18 availability against the Buccaneers, where he's expected to handle lead duties. Dowdle leads the Panthers with 1,066 rushing yards this season and has 37 catches for 277 yards. He's averaged 47.3 rushing yards over his last seven appearances and has turned 45 touches into 160 yards and one TD since the Week 14 bye. (495 chars)

Trey McBride Dominates 2025 Season, Ranked TE1 for Week 18 Finale

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride is ranked TE1 for Week 18, expected to see increased targets against the Rams with Marvin Harrison Jr. out. He had a record-setting 2025 season, leading all tight ends with 119 catches and 161 targets, accumulating 302.4 full-PPR points (5th all-time). McBride was the top TE scorer through Week 17 with 242.9 half-PPR points and ranked 4th on Yahoo's MVP list. He also had 18 end-zone targets. His ADP is projected to rise significantly next year despite team struggles.

George Pickens Leveraging Strong Performance in Contract Year

AutoDraft Pro AI

George Pickens has been identified as one of seven players who have successfully turned their contract year performance into significant leverage. This strong showing is forcing teams to reconsider and potentially adjust long-term deal structures for the wide receiver. Pickens is currently associated with the Dallas Cowboys, according to the provided data. (349 chars)

Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Sophomore Season Ends Early Due to New Foot Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is officially ruled out for Week 18 against the Rams due to a new left foot injury, concluding his sophomore season. This marks his fifth missed game this year, following an appendectomy and a heel injury. He finishes with 41 catches, 608 yards, and four touchdowns in 12 appearances, with production falling short of expectations. His season was plagued by injuries, and he's anticipated to play with a new QB and coaching staff in 2026.

Packers Sign Desmond Ridder to Practice Squad Amid QB Injury Concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Green Bay Packers are signing QB Desmond Ridder to their practice squad Wednesday, bolstering depth as Jordan Love (concussion) and Malik Willis (shoulder) face uncertain statuses for Week 18. With Clayton Tune as the sole healthy QB, Ridder could be elevated for Sunday's finale. Head coach Matt LaFleur highlighted Ridder's prior experience in similar offensive systems with the Raiders and Falcons, expressing hope for a quick assimilation. Ridder has not played this season but started 18 games in his first two NFL seasons.

Brady Cook Named Starting QB for Jets' Regular Season Finale

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed undrafted rookie Brady Cook will start Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills, his fourth consecutive start. Despite a 1:7 TD:INT ratio and no wins in his starts, Cook retains the role. Veteran Tyrod Taylor (knee/personal) is back and will serve as backup if cleared, with Justin Fields (knee) on injured reserve.

Patriots DT Christian Barmore Charged with Domestic Assault from August Incident

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots DT Christian Barmore faces a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a family/household member, stemming from an alleged August 8 incident. Court documents state he's accused of throwing his then-girlfriend to the ground during an argument. The Patriots are "aware" of the charge, informed the NFL, and are cooperating. Barmore, 26, is scheduled for arraignment on February 3. He has started 15 of 16 games this season, contributing 26 tackles and a sack. (489 chars)

Wan'Dale Robinson Misses Wednesday Practice with Ribs Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a rib injury. This follows his third consecutive 100-yard performance in Week 17, where he secured 11 of 14 targets for 113 yards. Robinson will have two more opportunities to practice before the Giants' regular-season finale against Dallas on Sunday, with Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, Dalen Cambre, Ryan Miller, and Jalin Hyatt (illness) prepared to step up if he is unavailable.

Michael Wilson Set for Dominant Target Share with Harrison Jr. Out in Week 18

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is expected to dominate targets against the Rams in Week 18, with Marvin Harrison Jr. ruled out due to injury. Wilson has emerged as a legitimate playmaker alongside tight end Trey McBride, becoming a clear top target for QB Jacoby Brissett in the season finale. His increased role comes as the Cardinals' defense allowed significant fantasy points in the second half of the season, contributing to his 'league-winner' status for fantasy managers.

Jalen Carter Earns Special Teams Player of the Week for Clutch Blocked PAT

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles DL Jalen Carter was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his critical blocked extra point in Sunday's 13-12 win over the Bills. This is his first career player of the week award and his second blocked kick this season, third overall. The blocked PAT, occurring with 5:15 left, proved pivotal, forcing the Bills to attempt a failed two-point conversion later. Carter's impactful return followed a three-game absence due to shoulder injuries. Despite missing five games this season, he also earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection and recorded a sack, TFL, PBU, and QB hit against the Bills.

Texans Punter Tommy Townsend Earns AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans punter Tommy Townsend has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his crucial performance in the team's 20-16 win over the Chargers. Townsend punted five times during the game, with four kicks pinning the Chargers inside their 20-yard line. His last punt placed the Chargers at their 2-yard line, directly contributing to the Texans securing their final points and a spot in the AFC playoffs.

Bradley Chubb Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Second Time

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his impactful performance in the team's 20-17 upset win over the Buccaneers. Chubb recorded two sacks on Baker Mayfield, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Quinton Bell, and tallied three overall tackles. This marks the second time in his career he has received this award. For the season, Chubb has 46 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Harrison Smith Earns NFC Defensive Player of the Week for First Time Since 2018

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith has been named NFC Defensive Player of Week for his outstanding performance in the Christmas Day victory over the Lions. Smith recorded three passes defensed, two tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception in the 23-10 win. This is his third career defensive player of the week award and his first since Week 1 of the 2018 season, highlighting a rare stat line achieved by only four players since 2000.

Bijan Robinson Earns NFC Offensive Player of Week, Ranked RB1 for Week 18

AutoDraft Pro AI

Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a career-high 195 rushing yards, including a 93-yard touchdown, and 34 receiving yards for 229 scrimmage yards in Week 17. This marks his second player of the week award in 2025. He is also ranked as the RB1 in Matthew Berry’s fantasy football rankings for Week 18, highlighting his expected top performance in PPR leagues for the regular season finale.

Trevor Lawrence Emerges as 2025 Season Surprise with Enhanced Red-Zone Rushing

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was a standout surprise of the 2025 NFL season, stepping up amid league-wide quarterback injuries and exceeding initial expectations. He notably increased his rushing fantasy PPG from 3.0 to 5.4, ranking third-best in the NFL, with 70% of his rushing fantasy points coming in the red zone. This significant development, coupled with his breakout as a passer, highlights his consistent and strong showing for the Jaguars.