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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has been fined $11,593 by the NFL for an unnecessary roughness penalty during Week 16. The fine stems from a late punch-out attempt on Colts running back Jonathan Taylor after he had already been tackled. This marks Lenoir's first fine of the season for the infraction, which occurred in the third quarter of the 49ers' victory.
The San Francisco 49ers have elevated tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Willis, a third-year pro, would serve as the team's No. 3 tight end if George Kittle is inactive due to an ankle injury. He has appeared in five games this season, primarily on special teams, recording five tackles but has yet to catch a pass in his NFL career.
The San Francisco 49ers have elevated linebacker Eric Kendricks from their practice squad to the active roster for Sunday night's game against the Chicago Bears. This marks the second consecutive game Kendricks has been elevated, having previously played 10 snaps on defense and 16 on special teams in the Week 16 victory over the Colts.
New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth is listed as 'questionable' for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to an illness that curtailed his practice. This follows a strong performance last weekend where Smyth, who recently signed a new three-year contract and was promoted to the 53-man roster, kicked 17 points (5 FGs, 2 XPs) in a 29-6 victory over the New York Jets. The 24-year-old former Gaelic footballer has been instrumental, including a match-winning kick against the Panthers, with the Saints winning three of his four NFL outings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is identified as one of several NFL players who are actively positioned to earn considerable performance-based bonuses as the current season heads into its final two weeks. This pursuit of financial incentives is a common theme among players striving to maximize their contractual agreements before the regular season concludes. Mayfield, like others mentioned, is focused on delivering strong performances that will trigger these bonus payouts, adding a significant financial dimension to his play in the closing games of the year.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb is set to receive significant performance bonuses specifically for his sack totals accumulated during the last two weeks of the NFL season. This financial incentive is part of a broader trend among players who are diligently working to maximize their contractual earnings as the regular season draws to a close. Chubb, a key defensive asset for the Dolphins, is expected to intensify his efforts to secure these sack-related bonuses, underscoring the importance of individual performance in achieving financial goals during the season's final stretch.
Defensive end Joey Bosa is confirmed to be in line for specific performance bonuses directly tied to his sack production during the critical final two weeks of the NFL season. This incentive structure highlights the financial motivations for players as they push through the end of the regular season, aiming to maximize their earnings. Bosa, along with other key players, is focused on delivering high-impact plays, such as sacks, to meet these contractual targets. The drive to secure these bonuses adds an extra layer of intensity to his performance in the season's concluding games.
49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, who fractured and dislocated his right ankle on Oct. 12, is making 'really good progress' in rehab. GM John Lynch stated Warner is well ahead of schedule, potentially allowing a playoff return for the NFC Championship or Super Bowl, despite an initial 2026 timeline. Warner, a three-time first-team All-Pro, recently surpassed Patrick Willis for most forced fumbles (17). His return would be a huge boost for the 49ers' playoff run.
Philadelphia Eagles second-year running back Will Shipley experienced a challenging Week 16 game in Washington, marked by an opening kickoff fumble and indecisive returns. Despite these errors, Shipley has otherwise performed as a strong kick returner this season, averaging 26.9 yards on 25 kickoffs, placing him eighth among 32 NFL players with at least 20 returns. Shipley emphasizes a mindset of resetting and learning from mistakes, stating he's "not afraid to make mistakes" and uses them to his advantage, with the coaching staff maintaining trust in his role.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. This year's nod is particularly significant as Baun faced increased game-planning from opposing teams, a contrast to his surprise 2024 season. Despite the added attention, Baun has maintained a strong performance in 2025 (15 games: 117 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 7 PD, 1 FF, 2 INT), following an impressive 2024 campaign (16 games: 151 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 4 PD, 5 FF, 1 INT).
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean has been selected to the Pro Bowl in his second season. This achievement is particularly notable as he and fellow second-year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell are the first Eagles defensive teammates in their first or second year ever to make the Pro Bowl in the same season. This marks only the second time in NFL history that a single team has had two cornerbacks in their first or second season make the Pro Bowl in the same year, a feat previously accomplished by the 1961 Houston Oilers.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been selected to the Pro Bowl in his second season. This achievement is particularly notable as he and fellow second-year cornerback Cooper DeJean are the first Eagles defensive teammates in their first or second year ever to make the Pro Bowl in the same season. This marks only the second time in NFL history that a single team has had two cornerbacks in their first or second season make the Pro Bowl in the same year, a feat previously accomplished by the 1961 Houston Oilers.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is pursuing the NFL's career rushing touchdown record, with the 'tush push' play significantly impacting his current stats. He is also set to feature in a Week 17 game preview against Josh Allen. More recently, Hurts became the first quarterback in 22 years to follow a four-interception, no-touchdown game (vs. Chargers) with a two-game span of at least five touchdown passes and no interceptions (3 TDs vs. Raiders, 2 TDs vs. Commanders). This rare achievement highlights his significant rebound in recent performances.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a target for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who is one sack away from breaking the NFL's single-season record. Rodgers' Week 17 playing status is uncertain; he may get the day off if the Steelers clinch the AFC North title before their game against the Browns. Should Rodgers sit, Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard could start, potentially becoming Garrett's target for the record-breaking sack. Rodgers is unlikely to intentionally allow Garrett to achieve the record.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is one sack away from breaking the NFL's single-season record of 22.5 sacks, currently held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Garrett, who has 22 sacks, expressed a desire to achieve this milestone by sacking "legendary" Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 17. However, there's a possibility Rodgers might sit out if the Steelers clinch the AFC North title, potentially leading Garrett to face Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard instead. Garrett emphasized the significance of the record, regardless of who he sacks.
Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech was added to the injury report and limited in Friday's practice due to a back issue, making him questionable for the upcoming Week 17 game against the Giants. Despite tight end Brock Bowers being out, Bech, who hasn't exceeded 50 receiving yards in any game this season, is not considered a viable fantasy option.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains out, as noted in the team's Week 17 injury report. His absence continues to impact the team's receiving options, though specific details regarding his injury or return timeline were not provided in the latest update.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was fined $25,000 by the NFL for criticizing officials following the team's 38-37 overtime loss to the Seahawks, an incident he stated he'll 'never let happen again.' Nacua also apologized for an antisemitic gesture. Despite these off-field issues, the second-time Pro Bowler is having a stellar season, leading the NFL with 114 catches and ranking second with 1,592 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. He has been particularly effective on critical third- and fourth-down plays as the 11-4 Rams clinched a playoff spot.
Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals due to a heel injury, having been limited in practice all week. Harrison played through the issue last week, recording a 61% route rate and three targets, and expects to play, stating his heel feels "solid," but may be limited to a snap share similar to last week's 51%.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Bears after a limited week of practice. Coach Kyle Shanahan stated Pearsall made it through the week "OK." He missed Week 16 due to an ankle sprain and an aggravation of a prior PCL injury. Pearsall has 31 catches for 443 yards in eight games this season, having missed six earlier games. His status will be confirmed closer to the late kickoff.
