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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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.

Vikings Center Ryan Kelly Placed on IR, Season Ends Due to Third Concussion

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Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly has been placed on injured reserve for the second time this season, effectively ending his 2025 campaign. Kelly suffered his third concussion of the year in Sunday's game, limiting him to just eight games. This move could potentially be career-ending. Michael Jurgens is expected to start in his place against the Lions. The team also signed interior offensive lineman Henry Byrd and elevated linebacker Sione Takitaki, while rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew was downgraded to out.

Texans Safety Kamari Lassiter Returns to Limited Practice

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Texans safety Kamari Lassiter (foot, knee) returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity. Lassiter has started all 15 games for the Texans this season. Other limited participants included Azeez Al-Shaair, Sheldon Rankins, and Dylan Horton, while several other players did not practice.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Returns to Practice, Named AFC Defensive Player of Week

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Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley, recently named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 31-yard pick-six, two tackles, and forced fumble against the Raiders, returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity due to an oblique injury. Despite missing Tuesday's practice, Stingley has not missed any games this season and is aiming to help the Texans clinch a playoff spot.

Jets QB Justin Fields Placed on IR, Season Ends Due to Knee Injury

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Jets QB Justin Fields has been officially placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury, ending his 2025 season. This procedural move follows HC Aaron Glenn's confirmation that Fields would be shut down. Fields finished with a 2-7 record in nine starts, completing 62.7% of passes for 1,259 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT, and adding 383 rushing yards with 4 scores. His future with the team beyond 2026 remains uncertain.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Questionable for Week 17 with Knee Irritation

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Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Vikings after a DNP/LP/LP practice regimen this week. Coach Dan Campbell noted "a little irritation" in his knee following the Week 16 loss. Despite the questionable tag, St. Brown participated in limited practices and is reportedly in a good position to play. His official status will be confirmed 90 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Out Indefinitely with Broken Hand

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is reportedly out indefinitely after suffering a broken hand. This significant injury news impacts the team's quarterback situation, with further details on the severity and recovery timeline anticipated as the team assesses implications for their upcoming games. McCarthy was also mentioned in a general Week 17 injury update.

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean Misses Practice, "Iffy" for Week 17 with Hamstring

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Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated that Dean is "iffy" for this week's game, indicating uncertainty about his availability. Other players out of practice included A.J. Brown (dental issue), Lane Johnson (foot), and Landon Dickerson (illness).

Eagles WR A.J. Brown Misses Practice Due to Dental Procedure

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Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown did not practice Wednesday due to a dental issue, for which he is undergoing a procedure. Brown had previously stated he would be having a dental procedure this week. His availability for Sunday's game against the Bills is currently uncertain, pending further updates on his recovery and the impact of the procedure.

Broncos Center Luke Wattenberg Ruled Out for Christmas Game

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Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) has been ruled out for the Christmas game against the Chiefs, despite not missing any offensive snaps this season. Alex Forsyth is listed as Wattenberg's backup on the team's depth chart. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, wide receiver Pat Bryant, tight end Nate Adkins, and linebacker Karene Reid were also ruled out.

Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw Ruled Out for Christmas Game with Hamstring Injury

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Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw will miss his eighth game of the season, ruled out for the Christmas game against the Chiefs. He sustained a hamstring injury during last Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. Center Luke Wattenberg, wide receiver Pat Bryant, tight end Nate Adkins, and linebacker Karene Reid were also ruled out for the game.

Saints QB Tyler Shough a Full Practice Participant, Primed for Week 17 Fantasy Impact

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough remains a full participant in practice despite a hip issue, playing 76 of 78 snaps in the recent win over the Jets. Touted as a potential fantasy playoff hero for Week 17 against Tennessee, Shough has shown increased volume since Week 9, ranking 10th in dropbacks (265) and 8th in pass attempts (233). He has recorded 7 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns this season, recently throwing for a season-high 308 yards, and is expected to air it out with a potentially depleted backfield.

Omarion Hampton Predicted as Top Anytime Touchdown Scorer for Week 17

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Running back Omarion Hampton is listed among the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 17. He is considered a strong candidate to score a touchdown in his upcoming game, alongside Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson, according to recent analyses.

Jonathan Taylor Predicted as Top Anytime Touchdown Scorer for Week 17

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Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is listed among the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 17. He is considered a strong candidate to score a touchdown in his upcoming game, alongside Omarion Hampton and Bijan Robinson, according to recent analyses.

Bijan Robinson Predicted as Top Anytime Touchdown Scorer for Week 17

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Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is listed among the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 17. He is considered a strong candidate to score a touchdown in his upcoming game, alongside Jonathan Taylor and Omarion Hampton, according to recent analyses.

Undrafted Rookie Brady Cook Set for Third Straight Jets Start

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Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook is slated to make his third consecutive start for the New York Jets. He will lead the team against the New England Patriots, a decision driven by both team need and curiosity regarding his potential. Cook's continued starts highlight the Jets' current quarterback situation.

Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Misses Practice, Remains in Concussion Protocol

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New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte did not participate in Wednesday's practice. He remains in the concussion protocol and must clear it to be eligible to play in the upcoming games against the Jets this weekend or against the Dolphins in Week 18. Left guard Jared Wilson is also in concussion protocol and did not practice.

Patriots LG Jared Wilson Misses Practice, Remains in Concussion Protocol

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New England Patriots left guard Jared Wilson did not participate in Wednesday's practice. He remains in the concussion protocol and must clear it to be eligible to play in the upcoming games against the Jets this weekend or against the Dolphins in Week 18. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is also in concussion protocol and did not practice.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Placed on IR, Season Ends After Concussion

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been officially placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, ending his 2025 season. He will miss the final two games. This move follows a season that began with a suspension for Rice. The Chiefs also placed CB Trent McDuffie (knee), WR Tyquan Thornton (concussion), and CB Jaylen Watson (groin) on IR. Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marquise Brown are now Kansas City's likely top three receivers.