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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
With both Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) placed on injured reserve, Xavier Worthy is set to become one of the Kansas City Chiefs' likely top three wide receivers for the final two games of the season. He will have an opportunity to showcase his skills alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquise Brown in an offense that will be led by quarterback Chris Oladokun.
With the Chiefs out of playoff contention and key offensive players like Rashee Rice on injured reserve, quarterback Chris Oladokun is expected to lead the team's offense for the final two games of the season. The reshuffled receiving corps, featuring Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marquise Brown, will look to establish chemistry with Oladokun in a low-stakes environment.
Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ending his season. With the team out of playoff contention, Thornton will miss the final two games. This move, along with Rashee Rice also landing on IR, leaves Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marquise Brown as Kansas City's likely top three wide receivers for the remainder of the season.
Following the placement of Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) on injured reserve, Marquise Brown is anticipated to take on an increased role as one of the Kansas City Chiefs' likely top three wide receivers for the remaining two games of the season. He will join Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster in the team's primary receiving rotation.
With Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) both placed on injured reserve, JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to step into a prominent role as one of the Kansas City Chiefs' top three wide receivers for the final two games of the season. He will likely line up alongside Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown in a reshuffled receiving corps.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ankle) has no designation for Thursday's game against the Lions and is set to play. He played through an in-game ankle injury last Sunday against the Giants, pacing the Vikings backfield with 23 touches for 93 yards from scrimmage. Despite being limited in practice all week, Jones is not on the final injury report. With fellow RB Jordan Mason (ankle) ruled out, Jones is in line to handle a workhorse role again in Week 17, though he may not be at 100%. He ranks 20th in Week 17 RB rankings.
Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. This comes after he played all 64 snaps in Sunday's loss to the Panthers. His absence from practice raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming Week 17 matchup, though no official designation has been made yet.
With T.J. Hockenson (back/shoulder) officially ruled out for Thursday's Week 17 game against the Lions, Josh Oliver is expected to step into the role of Minnesota's likely lead tight end. Oliver will have an opportunity to see an increased target share in Hockenson's absence, making him a potential option in Thursday daily fantasy contests.
Chris Godwin (fibula) was limited at Wednesday's practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been managing the residual effects of a fibula injury since Week 5, but has suited up for the last five games, accumulating 19 receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown on 28 targets during that stretch. His limited participation is likely maintenance-related, and he has two more practice opportunities before Sunday's game at Miami.
Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) remained out of practice on Wednesday, staying on the side during the team's walkthrough. The calf injury has kept him from playing in the last three games. His continued absence is a concern for the Colts as they prepare to face the Jaguars on Sunday, with their playoff contention at stake.
Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) was listed as out of practice on Wednesday, though the team only held a walkthrough, making participation levels an estimation. Buckner had returned from injured reserve to play against the 49ers in Week 16. His absence from practice raises questions about his availability as the Colts face the Jaguars on Sunday, with playoff contention on the line.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was listed as limited in Wednesday's walk-through practice due to a foot injury sustained in last Sunday's win over the Browns. Despite the limitation, Allen confirmed Tuesday that he 'will be playing, (is) planning on playing' in Sunday's Week 17 game against the Eagles, provided he avoids any setbacks. Additionally, Allen was named to the 2025/26 Pro Bowl roster as one of the top quarterbacks in the AFC.
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (neck) has received no injury designation for Thursday's game against Washington, clearing him for Week 17 action. Williams played through a neck injury last Sunday against the Chargers, logging a 57 percent snap share and accumulating 11 touches for 43 yards from scrimmage. Following a limited walkthrough Monday and a capped practice Tuesday, he participated in a full walkthrough Wednesday. Despite his availability, Williams may still yield some reps to backup Malik Davis.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was not among the three NFC quarterbacks chosen for the 2025/26 NFL Pro Bowl roster. Despite the omission, Williams stated his focus remains 'more on winning.' This decision has sparked debate regarding whether he was snubbed from the prestigious selection.
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton has been placed on injured reserve Wednesday due to an ankle injury, effectively ending his season. The move means Guyton will miss the final two regular-season games, having already been sidelined for the last four contests. Tyler Smith is now expected to take over at left tackle for the remainder of the season.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Commanders due to a neck injury. His status will be a key factor for the Cowboys' defense as they prepare for their Week 17 matchup.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's walk-through practice. This absence is potentially maintenance-related, as Kincaid, who has been managing a knee issue, followed a similar pattern last week by missing Wednesday and Thursday practices before returning to full participation on Friday and playing in Week 16. A repeat of this pattern is plausible ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles.
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially placed starting tight end Brock Bowers on injured reserve, ending his 2025 season. Bowers battled a knee injury since Week 1, causing him to miss 3-4 weeks in October and limiting him to 12 games. The 2024 first-round pick finishes with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets. The team is shutting him down to ensure he's 100% for 2026, with Michael Mayer now leading the TE corps for the final two games.
Veteran QB Josh Johnson, 39, is confirmed to start for the Washington Commanders against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, marking his first regular season start since 2021. He steps in as Jayden Daniels is shut down for the season with an elbow injury and Marcus Mariota is ruled out due to hand and quadriceps issues. Jeff Driskel will serve as backup, with Sam Hartman as the emergency quarterback for the critical matchup.
Steelers receiver DK Metcalf's two-game suspension has been upheld by the NFL, ending his regular season, following an incident during the Steelers-Lions game. Metcalf approached a fan in the stands and appeared to throw a punch after an exchange of words. While the fan claimed taunting with Metcalf's full name, sources suggest derogatory terms about Metcalf's mother were used. The fan's attorney denies racial slurs. Coach Mike Tomlin supports Metcalf despite not condoning his actions. The NFL and Lions are still reviewing the fan's conduct.
