Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Falcons WR Drake London was active for Week 17 against the Rams despite a knee injury, though he was limited in practice. He secured one of two targets for four yards in the 27-24 win, a significant drop from his recent production. London previously missed Weeks 12-15 with a sprained PCL. He has recorded 63 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns this season and will look to bounce back against the Saints in Week 18.
Kyren Williams took 13 carries for 92 yards and caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in the Rams' 27-24 loss to Atlanta. With RB Blake Corum exiting due to an ankle injury, Williams saw increased work in the second half. The Rams plan to play their healthy starters in Week 18 against the Cardinals, suggesting Williams may have the backfield to himself for the final regular-season game.
Patriots QB Drake Maye delivered a near-flawless performance against the Jets, completing 19-of-21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns on the team's first six possessions. Head coach Mike Vrabel strongly endorsed Maye's MVP case. This dominant outing, coupled with Matthew Stafford's struggles, has made Maye the new MVP favorite. He has one more game against the Dolphins to help secure the AFC's No. 1 seed.
Kyle Pitts secured two of three targets for 16 yards in the Falcons' 27-24 win over the Rams. This performance marked a downturn after a productive stretch where he recorded at least six receptions and 57 yards in four straight games. Considering Kirk Cousins threw for only 126 yards, Pitts' modest numbers are somewhat understandable. He has already set a career-best with 82 receptions for 870 yards and five touchdowns this season and will face the Saints in Week 18.
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins played a game-manager role in his team's 27-24 victory over the Rams. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions, while adding one rush for one yard. Cousins opened the scoring with a four-yard touchdown pass to Bijan Robinson. Despite limited passing yards in recent games, he connected with Kyle Pitts for a crucial first down on the game-winning drive. The Falcons are expected to continue leaning on Robinson in Week 18.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been surpassed by Matthew Stafford for sixth place on the NFL's all-time passing yards list. Roethlisberger now ranks seventh in career passing yards across the league.
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse made a game-changing play, blocking Zane Gonzalez' 37-yard field goal attempt and returning it 76 yards for a touchdown. This marked the Rams' first blocked kick returned for a touchdown since 1986, narrowing the Falcons' lead to 24-17. Verse also contributed with four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. He was seen throwing a peace sign at the Falcons' sideline during his run.
Los Angeles Rams RB Blake Corum sustained a right ankle injury during the second quarter of Monday's game against the Falcons. He limped to the sideline after a two-yard carry and subsequently went to the locker room for evaluation. Corum is currently questionable to return to the game. In his absence, Kyren Williams is expected to take on an even larger role in the backfield, with Ronnie Rivers also potentially seeing increased snaps.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates intercepted Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, returning the pick 34 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. This play extended the Falcons' lead to 14-0 in the first half. Stafford had overthrown Konata Mumpfield on the play, marking only his sixth interception of the season at that point. Bates' pick-six was a pivotal moment in the Falcons' dominant early performance against the Rams.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was a key figure in his team's upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game, which saw the Browns emerge victorious, prompted discussions about whether the Steelers lost focus when facing Garrett. While specific statistics for Garrett were not detailed in the available reports, his presence was highlighted as a significant factor in the Browns' win, contributing to the team's overall success in the matchup against their division rivals.
The Green Bay Packers claimed defensive lineman Jonathan Ford off waivers from the Chicago Bears on Monday. Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick by Green Bay, was with the Packers from 2022 to part of 2024 without appearing in a regular-season game. The Bears claimed him in December 2024, where he played 173 defensive snaps and 15 special teams snaps across 12 games (8 in 2025), totaling 13 tackles before being waived Saturday. The Packers needed a defensive tackle to replace Jordon Riley, who suffered an Achilles injury.
Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed's status for Week 18 is uncertain after suffering a concussion Sunday at Carolina. Coach Mike Macdonald stated it "seems like it's going well" but his ability to clear protocol for Saturday's NFC West showdown at San Francisco won't be known until later this week, given the short preparation time. With Cody White (groin) also injured, Seattle currently has only four healthy wide receivers on the active roster, which could impact their depth.
Rams WR Davante Adams is inactive for Monday's game at Atlanta, marking his second consecutive missed game due to a lingering left hamstring injury, which he aggravated in Week 15. The Rams are reportedly keeping him sidelined with the playoffs in mind, though his availability for the regular season finale against the Cardinals remains unknown. Adams has recorded 60 receptions for 789 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns this season. Puka Nacua is expected to continue as the focal point of the passing attack.
Significant questions are currently surrounding Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, according to recent reports. While specific details were not provided, the team faces notable uncertainties regarding key players, including Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, as the season progresses. Further updates are anticipated as the Chiefs navigate these issues.
Significant questions are currently surrounding Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to recent reports. While specific details were not provided, the team faces notable uncertainties regarding key players, including Mahomes and Travis Kelce, as the season progresses. Further updates are anticipated as the Chiefs navigate these issues.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud will start in Week 18 against the Colts, as Head Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed no plans to rest starters. The Texans, having clinched a playoff berth, are still in contention for the AFC South title. To win the division, Houston needs the Titans to defeat the Jaguars. Stroud's availability is crucial for the team's final regular-season push, with the outcome determining their playoff seeding and potential wild-card opponent.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders completed 17-of-23 passes (73%) against the Steelers, but his performance was inconsistent after a strong start. The Browns gained only six first downs and averaged 15 yards per drive in the final three quarters, with Sanders holding the ball too long and making ineffective throws. The article suggests Sanders is likely a backup, with his efficiency numbers comparable to Dillon Gabriel, indicating the Browns need to invest in another starting quarterback for 2026. He will get one more start to prove his roster spot.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's Week 18 status against the Steelers is 'to be determined' due to a lower-back contusion. Head Coach John Harbaugh expects an update by Wednesday, emphasizing Jackson will play if medically cleared. Jackson hasn't played since Week 16. The upcoming game is a winner-take-all for the AFC North title, adding significant stakes. Harbaugh also denied recent reports of discord with Jackson, focusing on the team's medical staff making the final decision on his availability.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert will sit out the Week 18 finale against the Broncos, a decision by coach Jim Harbaugh to prioritize his health for the playoffs. Herbert has been playing with a fractured non-throwing hand since Week 13, which required surgery, and absorbed a career-high 54 sacks this season. Trey Lance will start in his place, with other key starters also resting. The Chargers have clinched a wild-card spot, currently the No. 7 seed, and are focused on Herbert being healthy for potential road matchups against the Patriots or Jaguars. This move significantly impacts the AFC No. 1 seed race.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Trey Lance will start the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Broncos. Justin Herbert and other key starters will rest, with Herbert not dressing. DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated to QB2. Lance has appeared in three games this season, completing 7 of 13 passes for 90 scoreless yards. Facing Denver's top defense with a skeleton crew, Lance is not considered a recommended fantasy target. This move allows Herbert to rest for the playoffs.
