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NFL News

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

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

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.”

Rookie Riley Leonard Named Colts Starter for Finale; Rivers Praises Potential

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Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will start for the Indianapolis Colts in their Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans, replacing veteran Philip Rivers. The sixth-round pick from Notre Dame has appeared in four games this season, completing 18 of 33 passes for 145 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with six rushing yards and one score on three carries. The Colts are opting to evaluate the rookie, and a strong showing could strengthen his position for a backup role in 2026. Philip 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.”

CeeDee Lamb Faces Increased Risk for Week 18 Due to QB Uncertainty

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones suggested that QB Dak Prescott might not play all of this weekend's finale against the Giants. As a result, CeeDee Lamb, along with other key offensive players, carries more risk than usual for Week 18 due to the potential for limited playing time from his starting quarterback.

Cowboys May Give Joe Milton a Look in Week 18 Finale

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones suggested that QB Dak Prescott might not play all of this weekend's finale against the Giants. If Prescott sits, the team might want to get a look at QB Joe Milton. This indicates a potential opportunity for Milton to see playing time in Week 18.

George Pickens Shines as Top Fantasy Pick, Faces Week 18 Risk

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George Pickens was recognized as the best fantasy football pick from Round 6 of the 2025 drafts, significantly outperforming his WR22 average draft position to finish as WR6 in points per game. After a quiet Week 1 with the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens delivered double-digit fantasy points in 11 consecutive games and ranked as WR3 in points per game through Week 13. His exceptional talent, coupled with a strong offense and quarterback Dak Prescott, led to an excellent fantasy WR1 season. However, he carries more risk than usual for Week 18 as Dak Prescott might not play the entire game.

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Faces Felony Strangulation Charges

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Patriots WR Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation/suffocation and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from a Dec. 2 incident, with his arraignment set for Jan. 23. Diggs 'categorically denies' the allegations and his attorney has offered a financial settlement. The NFL is aware of the matter and is considering placing him on the Commissioner Exempt List, though the team currently plans no action and supports him. Diggs has recorded 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Malik Willis's NFL Starter Status Questioned in Latest QB Rankings

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Malik Willis was featured in Henry McKenna's latest QB rankings, where his status as an NFL starter was specifically questioned. The rankings assess various quarterbacks' performance and potential, with Willis being a point of discussion regarding his long-term role in the league.

Trevor Lawrence Shines as Top Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickup, QB6 Finish

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Trevor Lawrence was recognized as a top fantasy football waiver wire pickup for the 2025 season, finishing as QB6 in points per game at 20.4. He was particularly strong late in the season, averaging 33.2 points from Weeks 15-17. Lawrence grew comfortable in Liam Coen's offense and developed chemistry with WR Jakobi Meyers after a mid-season trade, cracking the top 10 for players who helped managers win a championship. He was also featured in recent QB stock market rankings.

Tua Tagovailoa Featured in Latest QB Stock Market Rankings

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Tua Tagovailoa was included in Henry McKenna's latest QB rankings, which evaluate quarterback performance and stock ahead of Week 18. The article discusses various quarterbacks' standing in the league, placing Tagovailoa among those whose stock is being assessed.

Kyler Murray's Cardinals QB Future Uncertain Amid Offseason Questions

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Kyler Murray's status as the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback is a key question heading into the offseason. His potential return is intertwined with owner Michael Bidwill's decision regarding head coach Jonathan Gannon's future with the team. The Cardinals face significant inquiries about their leadership and roster, with Murray's role being a central point of discussion as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Darnell Washington Undergoes Arm Surgery, Likely Out for Season

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Steelers tight end Darnell Washington underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a broken arm and is likely out for the remainder of the season, including any potential playoff run. Washington was a key offensive contributor, ranking fourth on the team with 364 receiving yards on 31 receptions and one touchdown. Head coach Mike Tomlin noted the team has other tight end options like Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Connor Heyward, along with strategic flexibility, to replace his production.

Dak Prescott to Start Week 18; Playing Time Undisclosed by Cowboys

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Dak Prescott is confirmed to start at quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys against the Giants in Week 18, as stated by head coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones. However, Jones hinted that Prescott may not play all offensive snaps, keeping specific usage details undisclosed as part of the game plan. The Cowboys prioritize winning the game. Prescott currently holds a 34-yard lead over Matthew Stafford for the league's most passing yards, with both QBs' Week 18 playing time potentially deciding the top spot.

Journeyman Austen Pleasants Finds Validation, Likely to Start for 49ers

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Journeyman offensive tackle Austen Pleasants, after bouncing between four teams, has found validation with the San Francisco 49ers. He stepped up in Week 17 against the Bears, playing 71 snaps after Trent Williams' hamstring injury, helping the offensive line generate 42 points and nearly 500 yards. While Williams' status for Saturday's critical Week 18 game is uncertain, Pleasants is likely to make his first NFL start, marking a significant moment in his career.

Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan in Tight OROY Race Heading into Final Game

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is currently a leading contender in an incredibly close Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) race. The competition for the prestigious award is intense and will ultimately be decided by the performances in the final game of the season. McMillan's impact throughout the year has positioned him as a strong candidate, with the outcome hinging on his upcoming play and that of fellow rookie Tyler Shough.

Rams WR Puka Nacua Crowned Fantasy Football Champion-Maker for 2025

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua proved to be the most impactful player for fantasy football managers in 2025, delivering more championships than any other player. His exceptional performance throughout the season positioned him as one of the top three players rostered by fantasy champions. This significant achievement was highlighted during the final Monday Night Football game of the season, underscoring his value and consistent production.

Tristan Wirfs Returns to Buccaneers Practice After Toe Injury

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs returned to practice on Tuesday, a key development for the team's Week 18 game against the Panthers. Wirfs had been sidelined, missing all of last week's practices and Sunday's game against the Dolphins due to a toe injury. His return signals a potential boost for the offensive line as the Buccaneers prepare for Saturday afternoon's crucial matchup. The team's official injury report will provide further details on his participation level throughout the week.

Yahoo Analyst Matt Harmon Makes Bold 2026 Fantasy Picks

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Yahoo analyst Matt Harmon participated in a 'way-too-early' 2026 fantasy football mock draft, offering his insights for the upcoming season. In the first round, Harmon made notable selections, picking Puka Nacua as the No. 1 overall choice, Christian McCaffrey at the fifth spot, and James Cook at the ninth overall pick, outlining his early fantasy strategy.

Justin Jefferson Named Worst Fantasy Pick of 2025 Season

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Justin Jefferson was identified as the worst fantasy football pick from Round 1 of the 2025 drafts, finishing as WR39 in points per game despite a WR2 average draft position. His season was marked by a significant collapse in production from Week 10 onward, where he averaged just 5.54 fantasy points per game and ranked as WR66. This disappointing performance was linked to a preseason hamstring injury and apparent chemistry issues with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making his 2025 season one of the biggest fantasy busts.