Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Xavier Worthy Records One Scrimmage Yard in Chiefs' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had a minimal impact in the team's 20-13 loss to the Broncos, failing to catch any of his three targets and gaining just one yard on his single rushing attempt. This marks his second game of the season without a reception. Despite the absence of Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton due to concussions, Worthy was unable to break through on the stat sheet. He will look to improve in the Week 18 road matchup against the Raiders.

Chris Oladokun Throws First Career TD Amidst Minimal Production

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chiefs QB Chris Oladokun threw his first career NFL touchdown, a 5-yard pass to Brashard Smith, in Thursday's 20-13 loss to the Broncos. He completed 13 of 22 passes for a "microscopic" 66 yards, adding 11 rushing yards on two attempts. Despite the low yardage, Oladokun avoided turnovers and was sacked only once. He also led a late 44-yard drive that stalled. The journeyman signal-caller is expected to be under center again for Week 18.

Brashard Smith Catches First Career Touchdown from Chris Oladokun

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Brashard Smith secured his first career touchdown reception, catching a 5-yard pass from quarterback Chris Oladokun. The scoring play gave the Chiefs a 7-3 lead in the second quarter. Smith's touchdown capped a 10-play, 35-yard drive that followed a defensive takeaway, marking a notable moment in his professional career.

Henderson Remains Limited with Concussion, Needs Full Practice to Play

AutoDraft Pro AI

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson was listed as a limited participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to concussion protocol. To clear protocol and be eligible for Sunday's game against the Jets, he will likely need to log a full practice session on Friday. If Henderson is unable to play, Rhamondre Stevenson is anticipated to see an increased workload in the backfield. His status will be updated after Friday's practice.

Jefferson's Production Lacking Again Amidst Vikings' QB Struggles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson recorded four catches on five targets for 30 yards in the team's 23-10 win over the Lions on Christmas Day. Despite leading Minnesota in catches, targets, and receiving yards, his production continues to be hampered by the Vikings' quarterback issues, with rookie QB Max Brosmer throwing for only 51 yards. Jefferson still needs 53 more yards to achieve his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season, a mark he has failed to reach in five of his last six games. His chances might improve if J.J. McCarthy (hand) returns in Week 18.

Goff's Five Turnovers Doom Lions, Eliminating Them from Playoff Race

AutoDraft Pro AI

Lions QB Jared Goff had a challenging Christmas Day, throwing two interceptions on consecutive third-quarter passes and fumbling three times, losing all three. He completed 18 of 29 attempts for 197 yards and one touchdown in the 23-10 loss to the Vikings. Goff's five turnovers contributed to Detroit's defeat, which officially eliminated the Lions from playoff contention. He connected with Isaac TeSlaa for a four-yard touchdown, but the turnovers proved too costly. His status for Week 18 will be monitored as the team looks to finish the season on a better note.

Jones Scores First TD Since Week 10, Toughs Out Leg Injury in Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vikings RB Aaron Jones carried the ball 18 times for 53 yards and a touchdown, adding three catches for 10 yards, in the 23-10 Christmas Day win over the Lions. He briefly exited in the second quarter with a left leg injury but returned after halftime. His one-yard touchdown plunge in the first quarter marked his first score since Week 10 and only his second rushing touchdown of the season. Jones has seen an increased workload over the past two weeks, accumulating 156 scrimmage yards on 44 touches, with Jordan Mason (ankle) sidelined.

Brosmer Avoids Turnovers, Leads Vikings to Win Despite Low Production

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vikings QB Max Brosmer, in his second career NFL start, completed nine of 16 passes for just 51 yards without a touchdown or interception in the 23-10 Christmas Day win over the Lions. He also added 16 rushing yards on two carries. While his offensive production was limited, Brosmer crucially avoided turnovers, complementing a dominant defensive performance that generated six takeaways. He was sacked seven times during the game. Brosmer is in line for one more start in 2025 if J.J. McCarthy (hand) remains sidelined for Week 18.

Love Questionable for Week 17 with Concussion, Shoulder; Clearance Unlikely

AutoDraft Pro AI

Packers QB Jordan Love is questionable for Saturday's game against the Ravens, dealing with a left shoulder injury and a concussion. He must clear concussion protocol after an early exit last Saturday and has been limited in all practices this week, requiring independent neurologist clearance. Given he hasn't had a full practice, there's skepticism he will clear protocol before kickoff. With backup Malik Willis also questionable, Green Bay's starting quarterback situation remains uncertain, potentially impacting Christian Watson's fantasy value.

Watson Questionable for Week 17 with Illness After Missing Thursday Practice

AutoDraft Pro AI

Packers WR Christian Watson is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Ravens due to an illness, which caused him to miss Thursday's practice. He had been a full participant on Tuesday and Wednesday. Watson is one of five Packers players affected by illness this week. His availability will be confirmed closer to kickoff, but if the absence was solely due to illness, he is expected to play. His fantasy value is noted to be more comfortable if Jordan Love starts at quarterback.

Jacobs Cleared to Play Week 17 Despite Lingering Knee, Ankle Issues

AutoDraft Pro AI

Packers RB Josh Jacobs has no injury designation and is cleared to play Saturday against the Ravens, despite dealing with lingering knee and ankle issues. He participated in limited practice sessions all week, but the absence of a 'questionable' tag suggests he's in better shape than last week when he had only 12 carries. Jacobs is expected to handle a significant workload, though perhaps not a full one, with Emanuel Wilson available as a backup. He is projected for more work against Baltimore.

Packers Practice Squad QB Clayton Tune Mentioned Amidst Injuries

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers practice squad quarterback Clayton Tune was mentioned in a report detailing the questionable statuses of starting QB Jordan Love (concussion, left shoulder) and backup Malik Willis (right shoulder, illness) for Saturday night's game against the Ravens. With both active roster quarterbacks potentially sidelined, Tune's presence on the practice squad provides depth, though he is not currently on the active roster.

Willis Questionable for Week 17 with Shoulder, Illness; Projected to Start

AutoDraft Pro AI

Packers QB Malik Willis is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Ravens, battling a right shoulder injury and an illness. He sustained the shoulder issue during his relief appearance last Saturday and missed Wednesday's practice due to illness before returning for limited sessions on Thursday and Tuesday. Willis is currently projected to start if Jordan Love remains in concussion protocol, indicating he intends to play through his ailments to help the Packers clinch a playoff berth. The team has no other active roster QB.

Fernando Mendoza Projected as No. 1 Pick for Raiders in 2026 NFL Draft

AutoDraft Pro AI

Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the frontrunner to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the top selection. Draft analysts praise Mendoza as an accurate thrower to all three levels, efficient in RPOs and dropback situations, and a solid athlete. He's considered the best quarterback in the draft, fitting the Raiders' needs with his ability to run an offense at a high level, strong arm talent, and sufficient mobility. The Raiders last held the No. 1 pick in 2007.

Addison's 65-Yard Touchdown Seals Vikings' Win, Eliminates Lions

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison made the game-sealing play in Thursday's 23-10 victory over the Lions, taking a handoff on an end around and sprinting 65 yards for a touchdown with 3:43 remaining. This crucial score extended Minnesota's lead to 20-10 and effectively ended the Lions' playoff hopes, contributing to their elimination from contention. The play was one of the few offensive highlights in a game dominated by defense.

Tyler Huntley Set to Start Week 17 for Ravens; Jackson Doubtful

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens QB Tyler Huntley is expected to start Saturday's crucial Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers. This comes as star quarterback Lamar Jackson is listed as doubtful due to a back contusion, having missed all practices this week. Huntley has been preparing to lead the offense for the 7-8 Ravens, who are in a critical playoff scenario. He previously threw for 186 yards and a score, adding 53 rushing yards in a Week 8 start (QB16 fantasy). Huntley is a viable play in 2-QB/superflex leagues due to his rushing ability, but he represents a significant downgrade for Baltimore's pass catchers.

Lamar Jackson Doubtful for Week 17 with Back Contusion; Trade Rumors Swirl

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is doubtful for Saturday's Week 17 game against the Packers due to a back contusion sustained last Sunday, which forced him out of the second half. He missed all practices this week, making him a long shot to play. Tyler Huntley is expected to start in his place. This latest injury adds to a season plagued by multiple ailments, fueling durability concerns and circulating trade rumors as the 7-8 Ravens fight for a playoff spot. His absence is a significant downgrade for Baltimore's pass catchers.

Omarion Hampton Poised for Increased Touches if Vidal Sits Week 17

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is slated for increased touches in Saturday's Week 17 game against the Texans if Kimani Vidal (neck) is inactive. Vidal is listed as questionable and only managed a limited practice on Thursday, missing earlier sessions. While Vidal shouldn't be in Week 17 fantasy plans, his potential absence would provide a noticeable boost for Hampton, making him a player to watch for a higher volume workload in the Chargers' backfield. This situation could significantly impact the team's run game strategy.

Kimani Vidal Questionable for Week 17 with Neck Injury; Limited Practice

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal (neck) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Week 17 game against the Texans. He missed Tuesday and Wednesday practices due to the injury but was an estimated limited participant on Thursday, raising hopes for his availability. Further updates are expected before kickoff. If Vidal is inactive, Omarion Hampton is slated for increased touches, with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson available as reserves. Vidal shouldn't be in Week 17 fantasy plans, but his absence would be a noticeable boost for RB Omarion Hampton.

Brevyn Spann-Ford to See Increased Role After Ferguson's Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cowboys TE Brevyn Spann-Ford is expected to see an increased role after Jake Ferguson was knocked out in the first half of Thursday's game against the Commanders with a calf injury. Ferguson's early exit left Dallas' tight end room to Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker. This development means Spann-Ford will step into a more prominent position within the team's offensive scheme. If Ferguson misses next weekend's season finale against the Giants, Spann-Ford's usage could further increase, making him a player to monitor for potential contributions.