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NFL News

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

Monday, December 29, 2025

Dak Prescott Confirmed to Start Week 18 Finale vs. Giants

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Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is confirmed to start the Week 18 finale against the Giants, with HC Brian Schottenheimer stating the team aims to 'finish strong.' Despite being eliminated from playoff contention and taking a beating last week, Prescott wants to play. He has been highly efficient since Week 10, averaging over 300 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions in seven appearances. Prescott leads the NFL with 4,482 passing yards, 30 TDs, and 10 INTs this season. Backup Joe Milton may also see some snaps.

Marvin Harrison Aggravates Heel Injury, Status Questionable for Week 18 Finale

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Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison aggravated a heel injury (now termed a foot injury by coach Gannon) in Week 17, playing only 33% of snaps and recording no catches on one target before exiting. This re-injury follows missed time in Weeks 14-15 and limited practice. Coach Jonathan Gannon stated Monday that Harrison 'could play' in the Week 18 finale against the Rams 'if he is healthy enough,' with his availability dependent on practice participation this week.

Vikings Place DL Elijah Williams on Injured Reserve with Ankle Injury

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The Minnesota Vikings placed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Elijah Williams on injured reserve Monday. This move follows an ankle injury he sustained in Week 17 against the Lions. Williams appeared in seven games for the Vikings this season, contributing 42 snaps on defense and 29 on special teams, accumulating nine tackles. He had earned a spot on the active roster due to his strong preseason performance.

Falcons Elevate WR Chris Blair from Practice Squad for MNF

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The Falcons elevated wide receiver Chris Blair from their practice squad for Monday Night Football against the Rams. This marks Blair's third consecutive elevation. He played three offensive snaps and five special teams snaps in the Falcons' Week 15 win over the Bucs, and nine offensive snaps in the Week 16 win against the Cardinals, having received a target in the passing game.

Falcons Elevate Edge Rusher Khalid Kareem from Practice Squad

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The Falcons elevated edge rusher Khalid Kareem from their practice squad for Monday Night Football against the Rams, marking his second consecutive elevation. Kareem made two tackles against the Cardinals while playing 11 defensive snaps. He was on the active roster earlier this season, making a tackle during his 26 defensive snaps in the Week 11 loss to the Panthers, where he also played 10 special teams snaps.

Texans Activate WR Justin Watson from Injured Reserve

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The Texans activated wide receiver Justin Watson from injured reserve on Monday. Watson went on IR September 17 after injuring a calf muscle/Achilles' tendon in the Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers and returned to practice December 10. He has three catches for 30 yards on four targets in two games this season. Defensive lineman Solomon Byrd was waived in a corresponding move.

Allen's Foot X-Rays Negative; Blames Self for Critical Flaws in Loss

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Bills QB Josh Allen's postgame foot X-rays were negative after the 13-12 Eagles loss, despite playing through soreness. Allen took responsibility for critical flaws, including missing Khalil Shakir on a potential game-winning 2-point conversion, a crucial missed late throw, a lost fumble leading to an Eagles touchdown, a hesitant run on a failed fourth-down, and a 19-yard sack. His status will be monitored for Week 18 as the Bills prepare to enter the playoffs as a wildcard team.

Derrick Henry Named OPOW for Week 17 with 216 Rushing Yards

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Derrick Henry earned Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 17 after a dominant performance against the Packers. He rushed for 216 yards at Lambeau Field, the most ever by an opposing player, generating an impressive 146 yards after contact and forcing six missed tackles. His powerful running style has led to discussions about the Ravens' playoff prospects following their 41-24 win, now at 8-8.

Mariota 'A Stretch' for Week 18 Due to Hand, Quad Injuries

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Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (hand/quadriceps) is considered "a stretch" for Sunday's Week 18 finale against the Eagles. He missed Monday's walkthrough and hasn't resumed practicing since Week 16 injuries, not moving at full speed. HC Dan Quinn stated his availability is highly doubtful, though there's "still hope" for an update by Wednesday. If Mariota cannot play, Josh Johnson will start under center for the Commanders, closing out the 2025 campaign.

Burrow Confirmed to Start Bengals' Season Finale vs. Browns

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Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is confirmed to start in the team's regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, as announced by Head Coach Zac Taylor on Monday. This decision signals that Burrow will be under center for the entirety of the final game of the 2025 campaign, providing leadership and continuity for the team. His participation in the season-ending matchup ensures the Bengals will field their starting signal-caller, underscoring the team's approach to closing out the year.

Nick Harris Reports Prescott to Play in Cowboys' Finale

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Nick Harris, a reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, delivered news on Monday regarding the Dallas Cowboys' plans for their regular-season finale. Harris reported that Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed quarterback Dak Prescott is slated to play in the upcoming road game against the Giants. This update provides insight into the team's strategy for Week 18, as conveyed through Harris's reporting on the team's starting quarterback.

Maxx Crosby's Raiders Future Resolved After Knee Injury Disagreement

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Las Vegas Raiders star DE Maxx Crosby's future with the team was reportedly in doubt, but Head Coach Pete Carroll (as per input) confirmed issues are resolved and Crosby is back. Crosby was upset last week after the team decided to shut him down due to a knee injury, as he wanted to play through it. He has recorded 69.5 career sacks, including 10.0 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and 20 QB hits in 15 games this season.

Caleb Williams Throws for 330 Yards, 2 TDs in Bears' Shootout Loss

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Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams delivered arguably his best career game in a 42-38 loss to the 49ers, completing 25 of 42 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He connected on long scores to rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland and nearly led a game-winning drive. Williams took responsibility for his final pass falling short. Despite the loss, he believes the Bears are "a team to be reckoned with" for the playoffs, with his performance highlighting concerns about the team's defense.

Geno Smith Suffers Significant Ankle Injury, Week 18 Status Doubtful

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Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith is dealing with a significant ankle injury after exiting Sunday's loss to the Giants, though he avoided a high-ankle sprain. He is highly unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Chiefs, with Kenny Pickett expected to start. Smith's tenure with the Raiders has been challenging, with a 2-13 record in 15 starts and a league-leading 17 interceptions, suggesting his time with the team may be ending.

Quinnen Williams Named Defensive Player of the Week for Week 17

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Quinnen Williams earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 17 after dominating the Cowboys’ interior. He recorded three pressures and showcased elite run defense, achieving a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade and an 80.1 mark as a pass rusher. His performance was key in securing the top defensive honor for the week.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Day-to-Day with Knee Irritation for Week 18

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Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is considered day-to-day for Sunday's regular-season finale against Chicago. He was dealing with knee irritation prior to Week 17's 23-10 loss to the Vikings, where he secured eight of 13 targets for 68 yards and left the field late after an awkward hit. With the Lions eliminated from playoff contention, there is little incentive for St. Brown to risk aggravating his knee injury.

Barkley Nears $250K Bonus, Needs 87 Scrimmage Yards in Finale

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is on the verge of securing a significant $250,000 bonus, contingent on him reaching the 1,500 all-purpose yards milestone for the current season. With one game remaining in Week 18, Barkley currently stands at 1,413 total yards, meaning he needs to accumulate an additional 87 yards in the season finale to successfully trigger this contract incentive. This provides a clear objective for Barkley in the upcoming game against the Giants.

Darnold Nears $2M Incentives, Made History with 13-Win Seasons

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Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is within striking distance of $2 million in Week 18 incentives, needing three touchdown passes, 150 passing yards, a 0.3% completion increase, and a 0.8 passer rating increase. He recently made history as the first quarterback to lead two different teams to 13-win seasons consecutively, guiding Seattle to its 13th win and closer to the NFC top seed. Despite this, the Seahawks offense faces concerns with slow starts and turnovers ahead of their decisive Week 18 battle against the 49ers for the NFC No. 1 seed.

J.J. McCarthy's Week 18 Status TBD; Progressing from Hand Fracture

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's Week 18 status against the Packers is TBD due to a Week 16 throwing hand fracture. Coach Kevin O'Connell stated McCarthy is progressing, with reduced swelling in his left, non-throwing hand. His availability hinges on grip strength, with an update expected by Wednesday. This comes after Max Brosmer's Week 17 performance, completing 9-of-16 passes for 51 scoreless yards and absorbing seven sacks, though the Vikings won 23-10.

Joe Mixon Confirmed Out for Remainder of Season with Foot/Ankle Injury

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Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season, as reported by Aaron Wilson. This confirms earlier reports from Ian Rapoport, which Mixon had previously somewhat refuted, implying his status had yet to be determined. Mixon remains on the reserve/non-football injury list, and the Texans will continue to rely on Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan, and Nick Chubb in the backfield for the postseason.