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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

49ers TE George Kittle Misses Wednesday Practice, Questionable for Sunday

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49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, though coach Kyle Shanahan stated he 'has a chance' to play Sunday against the Bears. Kittle was tackled awkwardly on Monday, reportedly suffering a mid-to-low ankle sprain, avoiding a high ankle sprain. His availability is not guaranteed, but he doesn't necessarily need to practice to be active. Jake Tonges would likely step into the pass-catching role if Kittle is unable to suit up, and fantasy managers should stash Tonges as insurance.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Returns to Limited Practice with Knee & Ankle Injuries

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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday, marking his first official on-field work since suffering a low-ankle sprain and aggravating a sprained PCL, which previously sidelined him for Weeks 5-10. His limited participation offers a shot to return for Sunday's game against the Bears. While he's considered a risky fantasy play due to the aggravated PCL, George Kittle's potential absence could make him more enticing. He has two more opportunities to increase participation this week.

49ers TE Jake Tonges Poised for Increased Role Amidst George Kittle's Injury

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San Francisco 49ers TE Jake Tonges is poised for an increased role if George Kittle (ankle) is unable to play in Sunday's game against the Bears. Kittle missed Wednesday's practice with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, making his status questionable. Tonges would likely step into the pass-catching role, and fantasy managers are advised to stash him as insurance given Kittle's uncertain availability.

Bears WR Rome Odunze Remains Sidelined with Foot Injury, Likely to Miss Week 17

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Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) did not practice Wednesday and has been unable to participate in any capacity since December 12th due to a stress fracture. He has already missed the last three games and is tentatively projected to miss Sunday night's game against the 49ers, putting him in danger of extending his absence to four games unless he can return to drills later this week. Fellow WR Luther Burden (ankle) was limited in practice.

Bears WR Luther Burden Returns to Limited Practice with Ankle Injury

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Bears WR Luther Burden (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, marking his first official on-field work since suffering an ankle injury in Week 15. He is tentatively projected to return for Sunday night's game against the 49ers, though he may need to upgrade to full participation later in the week to avoid a game designation. Burden is considered a better bet to play in Week 17 compared to fellow WR Rome Odunze, who remained sidelined with a foot injury.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson's Role Hinges on TreVeyon Henderson's Status

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Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson's role and fantasy outlook are directly tied to the availability of TreVeyon Henderson (concussion). If Henderson is unable to gain medical clearance for Sunday's game against the Jets, Stevenson would see added touches. However, if Henderson is cleared to play after logging a limited practice Wednesday, Stevenson's fantasy value would downgrade from a high-end RB2 to more of a RB3. His status will be monitored closely.

Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson Limited in Practice, Remains in Concussion Protocol

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, observed in a red non-contact jersey. He remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, but his limited participation offers hope for his availability in Sunday's game against the Jets. Henderson has two more opportunities to upgrade his participation level this week. If he is unable to gain medical clearance, Rhamondre Stevenson would see added touches, potentially downgrading from a high-end RB2 to a RB3 if Henderson plays.

Packers QB Jordan Love Limited in Practice, Remains in Concussion Protocol

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Packers QB Jordan Love (concussion, left shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. He departed last Saturday's loss due to a concussion and has made some progress through the protocol but still requires clearance from an independent neurologist to play Saturday against the Ravens. His availability leaves Green Bay's quarterback situation in flux, especially with Malik Willis also dealing with an illness. WR Romeo Doubs' fantasy viability is contingent on Love clearing protocol.

Packers QB Malik Willis Downgraded to DNP with Illness, Shoulder Injury

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Packers QB Malik Willis was downgraded to a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to an illness, compounding a right shoulder injury suffered in Week 16. After a limited practice Tuesday, he missed Wednesday's session, presumed due to the illness. Willis remains the favorite to start against the Ravens Saturday if Jordan Love isn't cleared from concussion protocol, but his new ailment significantly complicates the team's quarterback situation for Week 17.

Packers WR Romeo Doubs Full-Go in Practice, Set to Play Week 17

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Packers WR Romeo Doubs (wrist) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, indicating he is good to go for Saturday night's game against the Ravens. Doubs hurt his wrist on a failed onside kick recovery in last week's loss to the Bears. His fantasy viability for Week 17, however, is contingent on QB Jordan Love clearing concussion protocol and being able to play.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs Limited in Practice with Lingering Knee/Ankle Injuries

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Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, continuing to deal with lingering injuries since Week 11. He appears on track to play Saturday against the Ravens, but his status will be monitored. In his last outing, Jacobs had 14 touches for 48 scrimmage yards on a 39% snap share, carrying 12 times on 28 snaps and playing sparingly in the second half after a fumble. There's a risk he could be limited again this week.

Woody Marks (Ankle) Full Participant, Set for Week 17 Return

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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He is now on track to return for Saturday's Week 17 game against the Chargers. Marks is expected to reclaim his role as the lead back for the Texans, though there's a possibility his volume might be eased slightly given the rookie's recent injury history.

Pat Bryant (Concussion) Ruled Out for Week 17 Game vs. Chiefs

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant has been ruled out for Thursday night's Week 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a concussion. This absence follows a previous hamstring injury in Week 15. With Bryant sidelined, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Troy Franklin are expected to continue seeing increased roles, as they did when Bryant missed time earlier in the season.

Troy Franklin Expected to See Increased Volume with Bryant Out

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin is expected to see an increased role in Week 17 with Pat Bryant (concussion) ruled out. When Bryant missed Week 15, Franklin ran 62% of routes, out-targeting Lil'Jordan Humphrey 6 to 4 and out-gaining him 85 to 42 yards, making him the better fantasy bet. However, his playing time has been underwhelming since the Week 12 bye, so caution is advised despite the increased opportunity.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey's Role to Increase with Pat Bryant Out

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With Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion) ruled out for Week 17, Lil'Jordan Humphrey is expected to see an increased role. When Bryant previously missed Week 15 due to a hamstring injury, Humphrey ran 76% of the routes, ranking second among Broncos receivers and ahead of Troy Franklin. While Franklin out-targeted Humphrey 6 to 4 and out-gained him 85 to 42 in that game, Humphrey's route participation indicates a significant opportunity.

Matthew Stafford Named Pro Bowler, Leads NFL in Yards & TDs

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been named to his third Pro Bowl roster for the 2025/26 season, though he remains unconcerned with the recognition. Stafford has had a stellar season, leading the NFL with 4,179 passing yards and 40 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He has guided the 11-4 Rams to the No. 6 seed in the NFC, with the team leading the NFL in points (30.5 PPG) and total yards (396.7 YPG). Coach Sean McVay believes Stafford is one of the best ever and overdue for more accolades.

Tom Brady Returns to Buffalo for Broadcast, Recalls Memorable Trip

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Tom Brady is set to return to Buffalo's Highmark Stadium for the first time since 2019, stepping into the Fox broadcast booth for the Week 17 Eagles-Bills matchup. This marks his return as a broadcaster for the penultimate regular-season home game in the Bills' current stadium. Brady also recently released his Week 16 Power Rankings. He reminisced about a memorable past trip to Buffalo where his team got snowed in after a win, leading to a team dinner at Dinosaur BBQ and beer chugging contests where he earned the respect of his offensive line.

Rico Dowdle Nearing Massive Payday with Contract Incentives

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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is reportedly nearing a significant financial milestone. He has various contract incentives on the line that could lead to a massive payday, as tracked by NFL contract incentive reports. The specifics of these incentives were not detailed in the report, but they indicate a potential boost to his earnings based on performance.

Sam Darnold Nears Historic 13-Win Seasons, Eyes Massive Payday

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Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is on the verge of an unprecedented NFL feat, potentially becoming the first quarterback to lead two different teams to 13 wins in consecutive seasons. After a 14-3 record with the Vikings last year, he has led the Seahawks to a 12-3 record this season, needing just one more win. This achievement would place him among elite company like Rodgers and Brady. Darnold, recognized as a top free-agent addition for 2025, also has significant contract incentives on the line, nearing a massive payday.

Texans TE Dalton Schultz Logs Full Practice, Ready for Week 17 Against Chargers

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Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) practiced fully on Wednesday, a day after being limited. This full participation indicates he is set to be available for Saturday's game against the Chargers. Schultz has been productive recently, scoring in each of his last two games and catching 13 of 14 targets for 111 yards during that span, keeping him firmly on the fantasy lineup radar for Week 17.