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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Denver Broncos starting center Luke Wattenberg has been placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury, sidelining him for the final two regular-season games and potentially two playoff games. Wattenberg, who started every game this season and recently signed a four-year contract extension, will be a significant loss for the Broncos as they head into the final stretch of their season.
CeeDee Lamb caught five of 10 targets for 46 yards in the Cowboys' 30-23 Christmas Day victory over the Commanders. Despite leading Dallas in targets and catches, he finished third in receiving yards and did not secure either of Dak Prescott's two touchdown passes. Lamb has maintained a streak of at least five receptions in his last five games, accumulating 30 catches for 441 yards and one touchdown on 44 targets during that period. He aims for a strong performance in Week 18 against the Giants.
Rams wide receiver Davante Adams was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, continuing to deal with a lingering hamstring injury and a new knee issue. He previously sat out last Thursday's game against Seattle. Coach Sean McVay stated Adams is unlikely to play Monday, December 29, in Atlanta. The team is expected to make a final decision on his Week 17 availability by Saturday.
Bears wide receiver Luther Burden was listed as a limited participant on Thursday's practice estimate due to an ankle injury, marking his second consecutive limited listing. Burden sat out Week 16 against the Packers but is potentially in a position to return to action Sunday at San Francisco. The team's final injury report on Friday will determine his availability for Week 17, offering potential reinforcements for Chicago's passing game.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's estimated injury report due to knee and ankle issues. He continues to be sidelined by a sprained MCL, an injury sustained in Week 12 against the Falcons. If Kamara is ruled out for Sunday's game against Tennessee, he will have only one remaining opportunity to play this season in Week 18. His absence, coupled with Devin Neal's injury, has led to multiple players handling backfield carries.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London was listed as a limited participant on Thursday's estimated practice report due to his knee. London recently returned to action last Sunday against Arizona after missing four games with a sprained PCL in his left knee, where he played 69% of snaps and caught three of eight targets for 27 yards. His current practice limitations are likely maintenance-related, with his status for Monday's game against the Rams to be determined after further practice.
Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's estimated injury report due to a foot injury, specifically a stress fracture that has bothered him for much of the season. He last participated in practice on December 12. With only one more opportunity for on-field work this week, his status for Sunday's game at San Francisco remains uncertain. The team's final practice report on Friday will clarify if Odunze has a chance to play in Week 17.
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, having undergone a dental procedure this week. This marks his second consecutive DNP on the Week 17 injury reports. Brown has one final opportunity to participate in drills on Friday before the team determines his designation for Sunday's game against Buffalo. Despite his current absence, he has been highly productive over the last five contests, recording 35 receptions for 478 yards and four touchdowns on 49 targets.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has missed the last three games with a calf injury, would have returned to practice on Thursday if the team had held one. Gardner did not practice on Wednesday but was listed as a limited participant on the Christmas injury report, indicating progress in his recovery. His status for the upcoming game against the Jaguars will be further clarified after Friday's final workout. The decision on his return could also be influenced by the Texans' game outcome, as a Texans victory would eliminate the Colts from playoff contention.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers, utilizing a roster spot made available by wide receiver DK Metcalf's two-game suspension. Flowers most recently appeared in two games for the Lions earlier this season. His extensive NFL career includes 95 games played for multiple teams, including the Colts, Jaguars, Falcons, Bengals, and Seahawks. Throughout his career, Flowers has recorded 287 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, bringing experienced depth to the Steelers' secondary.
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker has been officially ruled inactive for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Decker will miss the crucial contest due to a combination of an illness and a shoulder injury, creating a significant void on the Lions' offensive line. His absence comes alongside other inactive players for Detroit, including safety Avonte Maddox, offensive linemen Trystan Colon and Michael Niese, wide receiver Dominic Lovett, and defensive linemen Tyler Lacy and Mekhi Wingo. This collective of inactive players will impact the team's depth and strategy against their division rival.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, following a similar 'DNP' designation for Wednesday's walk-through. The final injury report on Friday will be crucial in determining his availability for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Notably, last week Kincaid was also a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a full practice on Friday and playing in Week 16 without an injury designation.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) was listed as limited on Thursday's practice estimate, mirroring his designation from Wednesday's walk-through. With the Bills not holding a full practice on Thursday, Allen has one more opportunity to achieve a full practice listing before the Week 17 injury designations are finalized on Friday. Despite the limited participation, Allen plans to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula/rest) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's estimated injury report, according to Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site. This follows his limited participation in Wednesday's practice due to a lingering fibula injury. Friday's practice report will be key in determining if he enters the weekend without an injury designation for Sunday's game at Miami. Godwin has recorded 19 receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown on 28 targets over his last five contests, having previously sat out Weeks 6-11.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury that requires surgery. He has been placed on injured reserve, and the Jaguars have signed Keith Taylor as a replacement. Lewis played in 12 games with seven starts this season, typically handling about 80% of defensive snaps when healthy, making his absence a significant loss for the team's secondary. He signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Jacksonville this year after eight seasons with the Cowboys.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has revealed a significant shift in his opinion of head coach Nick Sirianni. Barkley admitted that he 'couldn't stand' Sirianni during his tenure with the New York Giants. However, since joining the Eagles, Barkley's perspective has completely changed, as he now praises Sirianni, calling him the NFL's best coach. This turnaround highlights the positive impact Sirianni has had on Barkley since his move to Philadelphia.
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez is officially inactive for Thursday's Week 17 game against the Cowboys due to an illness, a late addition to the injury report after he woke up sick. This absence elevates Jacory Croskey-Merritt to lead the backfield, supported by Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds. Rodriguez, who is second on the team with 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries in 12 games this season, logging double-digit carries in his last four appearances with two scores, is now targeting a return in Week 18 against the Eagles.
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is active for today's game against the Commanders. His presence has notably bolstered the Cowboys' run defense, which has shown improvement since his addition to the team.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy showered his offensive linemen with extravagant Christmas gifts, presenting them with customized Rolex watches. As shared by center Matt Hennessey, these flashy watches feature each lineman’s number, the 49ers motto “Bang Bang,” and Purdy’s No. 13. These generous gifts come during the first season of Purdy’s five-year, $265 million contract extension signed in May. This isn't his first time, as last year he gifted the offensive line 10 brand new cars. With the 49ers already clinching a playoff spot, the team is focused on the Super Bowl.
Steelers receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended for two games after initiating contact with a fan, an incident that has sparked widespread reactions. Aaron Rodgers commented on the situation, criticizing fan conduct and the belief that paying for a ticket grants permission to say "whatever the hell [they] want." Metcalf's camp claimed he had previously complained to security about the same fan, suggesting he knew the protocol but chose to bypass it. The league is investigating whether the fan violated any code of conduct.
