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NFL News

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

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Cowboys Blame 'Rotation Error' for Logan Wilson's Zero Snaps in Week 17

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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Logan Wilson played zero snaps on Christmas Day against the Commanders, despite being healthy and active. This was unusual as he had averaged 28 snaps per game since being acquired from the Bengals in November. Both Wilson and owner Jerry Jones were confused by his absence. Coach Brian Schottenheimer later admitted it was a 'rotation error,' stating the coaching staff 'sort of forgot about him' and that it was a mistake not to get him on the field. Jones emphasized Wilson's importance for his quick instincts.

Drew Brees Named Hall of Fame Finalist, Mentors Saints QB Tyler Shough

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Drew Brees has been named a modern-era finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in his first year of eligibility, headlining a group of 15 contenders. He is considered a strong candidate for initial year enshrinement, requiring 80% of the vote. Additionally, the franchise legend aided Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in his transition to the NFL, contributing to Shough's recent strong performance and playoff push.

Saints QB Tyler Shough Fuels Playoff Hopes, OROY Race, Aided by Drew Brees

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Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough has led the team to their fourth consecutive win, solidifying his potential as the future starting quarterback and earning consideration for the 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team's QB1 spot. The second-round pick is in an incredibly close Offensive Rookie of the Year race, which will be decided in the final game. Franchise legend Drew Brees aided Shough in his transition to the NFL, contributing to his impressive late-season surge.

Ricky Pearsall Limited in Practice with Lingering Knee/Ankle Issues

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) will be a limited participant in Tuesday's practice. He has been battling knee and ankle issues for the vast majority of the season. Pearsall recently returned from a one-game absence to lead the Niners in receiving against the Bears on Sunday night, recording a 5-85-0 line on eight targets across 81 percent of offensive snaps. Assuming he escaped Week 17 without any setbacks, Pearsall is expected to play in Saturday night's crucial game against the Seahawks.

Drake Maye Dominates Week 17, Becomes Prohibitive MVP Favorite

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New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is the prohibitive favorite for the 2025 NFL MVP after a dominant Week 17 performance, shredding the Jets with 19-of-21 passing for 256 yards, five touchdowns, and 22 rushing yards. His MVP odds boosted to -500. Maye led the Patriots to a 13-3 record and their first AFC East title since 2019. He leads all QBs in Total QBR (76.5), EPA (108.4), and completion percentage (71.7%), with season totals of 4,203 yards, 30 TDs, 8 INTs, and 409 rushing yards with 2 TDs. His performance has led to discussions that Matthew Stafford may have lost the MVP to Maye, and he's on Chris Broussard's Week 18 MVP ballot.

Bucs' Evans Focused on Finale, Undecided on Future Beyond Season

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans stated he is solely focused on Saturday's regular-season finale against the Panthers. He clarified that he has not yet considered his future beyond that game, indicating uncertainty about his plans after the current season concludes.

Josh Allen 'Falls' in Latest QB Hierarchy Ahead of Week 18

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was mentioned in Nick Wright's latest QB hierarchy entering Week 18. The report indicates that Allen has 'fallen' in the rankings, though specific details or reasons for this change were not provided in the context of the hierarchy discussion.

Purdy's 'Excellent Form' Fuels 49ers' No. 1 Seed Bid & Playoff Hopes

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San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy continues his 'excellent form,' leading the team to a 42-38 win over the Bears with 303 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 2 rushing TDs. Coach Kyle Shanahan praised his play as 'as good as it gets right now,' despite Purdy missing eight games with a right big toe injury. He ranks 4th in passer rating (104.2) and 2nd in passing TDs per game (2.5) among playoff QBs, showcasing confidence and late-game execution. Purdy is also noted as 'rising' in QB hierarchies as the 49ers aim for the No. 1 seed against the Seahawks.

Lamar Jackson's Future, Sunday Status 'To Be Determined' Amid Trade Talk

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's status for Sunday's crucial win-and-in game against the Steelers is currently 'to be determined.' Discussions are circulating about his future with the team, with speculation that he could be traded if the Ravens lose the upcoming matchup. The Ravens are favored by 3.5 points, but uncertainty surrounds Jackson's availability and long-term commitment.

Baker Mayfield Battling New Right Shoulder, Knee Injuries Ahead of Panthers Showdown

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield was listed with new right shoulder and knee injuries on Tuesday's practice report, participating as a limited participant. While there's no indication these new issues, including one to his throwing shoulder, will threaten his status for Saturday's crucial NFC South title game against the Panthers, they raise concerns for the struggling Bucs, who have lost seven of their last eight. Mayfield's play has declined, and during their current four-game losing streak, he's averaged 222.5 passing yards with 6 TDs and 6 turnovers.

Cardinals Sign TE Rivaldo Fairweather Off Cowboys' Practice Squad

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed tight end Rivaldo Fairweather from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. Fairweather, an undrafted rookie out of Auburn, joins a Cardinals tight end roster that includes Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Josiah Deguara, and Pharaoh Brown. This move comes with corresponding roster adjustments, including placing cornerback Kei'Trel Clark on injured reserve and releasing tight end Messiah Swinson from the practice squad.

T.J. Watt 'More Optimistic' for Return in Crucial AFC North Title Game

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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt could return for Sunday's AFC North title game against the Ravens. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism for his return from lung surgery, which has sidelined him since December 7, causing him to miss three games. Watt practiced limitedly last week, and Tomlin is confident in his conditioning, open to using him circumstantially in the crucial matchup. The team's first injury report is due Wednesday.

Packers Sign CB Shemar Bartholomew to Active Roster

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The Green Bay Packers have signed cornerback Shemar Bartholomew to their active roster from the practice squad. Bartholomew previously appeared in four games for the Panthers last season. This move is part of several roster adjustments made by the Packers ahead of their final regular season game, including placing Kamal Hadden and Jordon Riley on injured reserve and waiving Quinton Bohanna.

Packers Sign CB Jaylin Simpson to Active Roster from Practice Squad

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The Green Bay Packers have signed cornerback Jaylin Simpson to their active roster from the practice squad. Simpson, a 2024 fifth-round pick by the Colts, has yet to play in a regular season game. This move is part of several roster adjustments made by the Packers ahead of their final regular season game, including placing Kamal Hadden and Jordon Riley on injured reserve and waiving Quinton Bohanna.

Tom Brady Unveils Week 17 Power Rankings, Eyes Super Bowl Favorite

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Tom Brady has released his Week 17 NFL power rankings, featuring his top 10 teams, including the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears. These rankings were presented by Verizon. While the No. 1 spot's curse didn't manifest, Brady is reportedly eyeing another team as a potential Super Bowl favorite, suggesting his latest rankings hint at his top contenders.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Suffers New Foot Injury, Unlikely for Season Finale

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Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. left last weekend's game against the Bengals with a foot injury, which HC Jonathan Gannon confirmed is on the opposite side of a previously managed heel injury. Harrison Jr. is considered unlikely to play in Sunday's season finale versus the Rams. His potential absence would elevate Michael Wilson's fantasy value.

Michael Wilson Becomes Strong Fantasy Bet with Harrison Jr. Injury

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With Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. dealing with a new foot injury and unlikely to play in Sunday's finale against the Rams, Michael Wilson is positioned to be a strong fantasy football option. Harrison Jr.'s absence, confirmed by HC Jonathan Gannon, elevates Wilson's potential target share and production for Week 18.

Seahawks Sign Offensive Lineman Amari Kight to Active Roster

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The Seattle Seahawks have signed offensive lineman Amari Kight to their active roster, elevating him from the practice squad. This move comes as part of several roster adjustments made by the team.

Seahawks Place WR Cody White on Injured Reserve with Groin Injury

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The Seattle Seahawks have placed wide receiver Cody White on injured reserve due to a groin injury sustained last Sunday. This move means White will miss Week 18, and his season will be over if Seattle advances to the playoffs, as he would have to miss four games. White recorded three catches for 90 yards and a touchdown in 10 games this season.

Philip Rivers Benched for Finale; HOF Eligibility Delayed, Praises Successor

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Philip Rivers will move to the bench for the Colts' Week 18 season finale against the Texans, with rookie Riley Leonard taking over as starter. This decision marks the end of Rivers' brief three-game return from a four-year retirement, during which the Colts went 0-3. He completed 58 of 92 attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Rivers is expected to re-enter retirement after the season, a move that also resulted in his removal from the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist list for 2026, delaying his eligibility by five years. Rivers praised Leonard, stating, "He's going to be a double-digit guy in the NFL... he's going to be around somewhere for a long time.”