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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

DK Metcalf's Two-Game Suspension Upheld After Fan Altercation

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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.

Sam Hartman Designated Emergency QB for Commanders in Week 17

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Sam Hartman is expected to serve as the emergency quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He will be behind starter Josh Johnson and backup Jeff Driskel.

Jeff Driskel Named Backup QB for Commanders' Week 17 Game

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Jeff Driskel will serve as the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys. He will be behind starter Josh Johnson, who is stepping in due to injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

Jayden Daniels Shut Down for Season Due to Left Elbow Injury

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been shut down for the remainder of the season due to a left elbow injury. His absence, along with Marcus Mariota being ruled out, has led to Josh Johnson starting for Week 17.

Deebo Samuel Ranked as WR3 for Week 17 Despite Commanders QB Change

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Deebo Samuel is projected to remain in the WR3 range for Week 17 fantasy football rankings, even with Josh Johnson starting at quarterback for the Washington Commanders. The favorable matchup against the Cowboys' defense is expected to help maintain his fantasy production.

Terry McLaurin Remains a WR3 Option for Week 17 Despite QB Change

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Despite the Washington Commanders starting Josh Johnson at quarterback for Week 17, Terry McLaurin remains a viable WR3 option in fantasy football rankings. The matchup against the Cowboys' defense is considered favorable enough to maintain his fantasy value.

Marcus Mariota Ruled Out for Week 17 with Hand and Quadriceps Injuries

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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been ruled out for Thursday's Week 17 game against the Cowboys due to hand and quadriceps injuries sustained last Saturday. Josh Johnson will start in his place. Head coach Dan Quinn expressed hope that Mariota could potentially return for the Commanders' January 4 regular-season finale, depending on his practice availability next week.

Cairo Santos Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Key Plays

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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He made three field goals against the Packers and executed a crucial onside kick that led to a game-tying touchdown, contributing to the Bears' 22-16 victory. This is his third career award, and first since 2022. Santos is 24-of-29 on field goals and perfect on 34 extra points this season.

Logan Cooke Earns AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Honors

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Jacksonville Jaguars punter Logan Cooke has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in a 34-20 win over the Broncos. Cooke punted six times, landing four inside the 20-yard line and two inside the 10-yard line, including a critical punt to the 2-yard line late in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars are in the playoffs and can clinch the AFC South title this weekend.

Cooper DeJean Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Key Interception

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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He recorded an interception off Josh Johnson, broke up three other passes, and made four tackles in the Eagles' 29-18 victory over the Commanders, which secured the NFC East title. This is the 2024 second-round pick's first time receiving the award; he has 85 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and 16 passes defensed this season.

Raiders Place Safety Jeremy Chinn on Injured Reserve

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The Las Vegas Raiders have placed safety Jeremy Chinn on injured reserve, sources confirmed. This move ends his season.

Brock Purdy Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week After 5-TD Performance

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his career-high five touchdown passes in a 48-27 win over the Colts, completing 25-of-34 for 295 yards. This marks his second time receiving the award. Purdy has also surged into the top 10 of NFL QB power rankings and is ranked as the No. 6 fantasy quarterback for Week 17. He has led the 49ers to wins in his last five starts after missing eight games with a toe injury.

Dak Prescott Seeks More Front Office Influence for Cowboys' 2026 Season

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is reportedly seeking more influence with the front office as the team aims to avoid another lost season in 2026. This development comes as Prescott was also ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football quarterback for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry, highlighting his expected performance value.

Travis Kelce's Potential Retirement Adds to Chiefs' Uncertain Future

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Travis Kelce's potential retirement is a significant discussion point contributing to the Kansas City Chiefs' uncertain future. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, leading to questions about key player decisions and the overall direction of the franchise.

Patrick Mahomes' Recovery Part of Uncertain Chiefs Future After Missing Playoffs

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Patrick Mahomes' recovery is a key factor in the Kansas City Chiefs' uncertain future, as the team finds itself in an unfamiliar position after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The team's outlook for the upcoming season is a significant talking point.

Panthers Designate Robert Hunt for Return from Injured Reserve

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The Carolina Panthers have designated guard Robert Hunt for return from injured reserve, allowing him to begin practicing. Hunt, who tore his biceps in Week 2 and underwent surgery, can be activated within the next 21 days. He started the first two games this season at right guard and made 16 starts for Carolina in 2024, potentially offering a boost to the offensive line for their remaining games.

Michael Mayer Becomes Raiders' Lead TE After Bowers Placed on IR

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With Brock Bowers placed on injured reserve, Michael Mayer is slated to become the Las Vegas Raiders' lead tight end for the final two games of the 2025 season. Earlier this season, in two games without Bowers, Mayer recorded receiving lines of 5 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, and 1 catch for 10 yards. He is considered more of a desperation spot starter for Week 17 against the Giants' seventh-ranked TE defense.

Christian McCaffrey Tops Fantasy Running Back Rankings for Week 17

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football running back for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.

Puka Nacua Leads Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings for Week 17

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football wide receiver for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.

Trey McBride Ranks as Top Fantasy TE for Week 17

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football tight end for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.