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NFL News

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Tee Higgins Among Notable Pro Bowl Snubs for 2026 Season

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was identified as one of the top Pro Bowl snubs for the 2026 roster. He joins a list of players who many believe deserved All-Star recognition based on their performance throughout the season, sparking debate among analysts regarding the selections. The article highlights the annual discussion around players who were overlooked despite strong campaigns, positioning Higgins as a prominent example of a deserving player who missed out on the honor.

Jared Goff Snubbed from Pro Bowl Despite Elite 2025 Season

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was notably snubbed from the 2026 Pro Bowl roster despite an elite 2025 season, making him one of the biggest omissions. He's tied for the league's lowest interception rate with just five picks, while ranking second in passing touchdowns (32), third in passing yards (4,036), and second in passer rating (109.4). Goff also tied for fifth in EPA per dropback (+0.15), achieving these numbers despite a struggling offensive line. His performance makes a strong case for All-Star recognition.

Woody Marks a Full Practice Participant, Cleared for Week 17 Return

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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (ankle) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, confirming he is on track to return for Saturday's game against the Chargers. Marks sustained his ankle injury in Week 15 against the Cardinals and subsequently missed last Sunday's game against the Raiders. His return is a significant boost for the Texans' backfield, where he is expected to serve as the lead option. In 14 games this season, Marks has recorded 167 carries for 584 yards and two touchdowns.

Jets QB Brady Cook Set to Start After Fields Placed on Injured Reserve

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Brady Cook is now set to start at quarterback for the New York Jets following Justin Fields' placement on season-ending injured reserve. Cook made his NFL debut and became the Jets' starter after Tyrod Taylor also went down with an injury. The team's offense has struggled significantly this season, with largely ineffective play regardless of whether Fields, Taylor, or Cook has been under center. Tyrod Taylor is expected to back him up.

Jets QB Rod Taylor Mentioned in Fields' IR News

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Rod Taylor was mentioned in the context of Justin Fields being placed on injured reserve by the New York Jets. The article indicates that the Jets' offense has been largely ineffective regardless of who has started at quarterback, including Fields, Tyrod Taylor, or Brady Cook. This mention appears to be a reference to Tyrod Taylor within the article's player list.

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor Rehabbing Groin Injury, Competing for Backup Role

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Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor is rehabbing a groin injury sustained in Week 14, which forced him out of that game and sidelined him for Week 15. He was previously benched in favor of Justin Fields after Week 11, but Fields' subsequent knee injury led to Brady Cook starting. Taylor is currently competing with Fields for the primary backup role, though Fields has now been placed on injured reserve. New York's offense has struggled regardless of who has started at quarterback.

Jets Place Justin Fields on Season-Ending IR, Future Uncertain

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Quarterback Justin Fields has been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury, officially ending his disappointing first season with the New York Jets. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed his knee wasn't improving, and offseason surgery isn't ruled out. Fields, signed to a two-year, $40 million deal, was benched midseason and inactive for three games. His future with the team is uncertain, as his $23 million cap hit for 2026 makes him a cut candidate, with the Jets expected to seek a new franchise quarterback.

Cowboys RB Javonte Williams Limited with Neck Injury, Workload May Decrease

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Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (neck) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, nursing an injury from Sunday's loss to the Chargers. While his availability for Thursday's game against Washington isn't in doubt, his workload may be reduced given the Cowboys' elimination from playoff contention. His playing time and usage were already scaled back in Week 16, with him playing 57% of snaps and handling a season-low 11 touches. He is considered a low-end RB1 for Week 17.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Out Week 17 with Hairline Fracture in Throwing Hand

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been ruled out for the Week 17 Christmas Day game against the Lions due to a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand, sustained in last Sunday's win. This marks his seventh missed game this season, adding to a challenging year that included an ankle injury and a concussion. Rookie Max Brosmer will start in his place. McCarthy, who missed his entire 2024 rookie season with a torn meniscus, has thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 57.3% completion rate in nine games this season.

Bears WR Rome Odunze Not Practicing, Week 17 Return Unlikely Due to Foot Injury

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was not spotted at Tuesday's practice and has been ruled out for Week 16, making a Week 17 return against San Francisco unlikely. He's missed the last three games after aggravating a stress fracture in Week 15 warm-ups. While coach Ben Johnson stated Odunze is "right on track" and expected to play again this season, "all options are on the table" regarding his status. With the Bears in the playoffs, his return before Week 18 or resting for the postseason remains unclear. He has 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns this season.

Lions RB David Montgomery Misses Practice with Illness, Status for Vikings Game Unclear

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Lions running back David Montgomery was added to the team's injury report Tuesday, missing practice due to an illness. He did not appear on Monday's initial report, suggesting a recent onset. While his status for Thursday's Christmas game against the Vikings is uncertain, the team is optimistic he could play if he returns to practice Wednesday. Montgomery's availability is a key factor for the Lions' backfield, where he typically serves as Jahmyr Gibbs' top backup.

Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw Misses Practice Again, Week 17 Status in Doubt

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Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) remained out of practice on Tuesday, casting significant doubt on his availability for Thursday's game against the Chiefs. Greenlaw sustained the hamstring injury during Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, where he played 50 of 70 defensive snaps. His continued absence from practice suggests he is unlikely to be cleared to play this week.

T.J. Hockenson Misses Practice, Status Doubtful for Thursday Game

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Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, marking no activity this week. He will likely need at least limited participation in Wednesday's session to have a chance at playing Thursday against the Lions. If Hockenson is able to play through the shoulder issue, he would be working with undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, who has been named the Vikings' Week 17 starter with J.J. McCarthy (hand) ruled out. In Brosmer's only other start in Week 13, Hockenson recorded six catches for 59 yards on six targets.

Patriots Designate DT Milton Williams for Return from Injured Reserve

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Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams has been designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. Williams, who missed the last four games with an ankle injury suffered in Week 11, is expected to practice Wednesday. While his availability for Sunday's game against the Jets remains unclear, he is anticipated to be back for the postseason. His absence significantly impacted the Patriots' run defense. Williams started the first 11 games of the season, recording 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks after signing a four-year contract in March.

Browns Confirm Shedeur Sanders as QB1 for Season's Final Weeks

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Rookie Shedeur Sanders is confirmed as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the final two weeks of the regular season after Deshaun Watson was officially ruled out from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Sanders has played in six games this season, making five starts, where he has thrown for 1,103 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while being sacked 15 times. He will continue to lead the Browns' offense and remains focused on the present as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Steelers.

Trevor Lawrence Leads Jaguars to Playoffs, Rises in MVP Contention

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Trevor Lawrence has led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a playoff berth and 11 wins, their most successful season since 2007, and controls their divisional destiny. He's been pivotal in a six-game winning streak, throwing 16 touchdowns and rushing for three more with no interceptions in his last four games. Lawrence is emerging in the MVP race, with 33 total touchdowns (26 passing, 7 rushing) this season, his best career performance. He's listed among top QBs entering Week 17, though some note two recent impressive games were against weaker opponents.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford Leads MVP Race, Earns Pro Bowl Nod

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Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, 37, has been selected as a starter for the 2026 NFC Pro Bowl, his third selection, and currently leads NFL MVP voting. He boasts league-leading stats with 4,179 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions, achieving a 112.1 passer rating. Despite the 11-4 Rams being the 6th seed and third in the NFC West, Stafford's "platinum-level" toughness and leadership, along with six wins over playoff-caliber teams, bolster his MVP case. He's also listed among top QBs entering Week 17.

Patriots QB Drake Maye Earns Second Pro Bowl Nod, Solidifies MVP Candidacy

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New England Patriots QB Drake Maye has been named to the 2026 AFC Pro Bowl roster, his second consecutive selection, and is currently second in NFL MVP voting behind Matthew Stafford. The second-year signal-caller has guided the 12-3 Patriots to a playoff berth, boasting 29 total touchdowns (25 passing, 4 rushing) and a league-leading 70.9% completion percentage. Despite a challenging supporting cast and new coaching staff, Maye has showcased remarkable pocket awareness and deep-ball passing, solidifying his spot among the league's top quarterbacks. He's also listed among top QBs entering Week 17.

Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy Downgraded to Out of Practice with Knee Injury

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy's practice participation moved in the wrong direction on Tuesday, as he was downgraded to out of practice. He had been listed as limited on Monday's estimated report due to a knee injury suffered in Sunday's loss to the Chargers. The Cowboys will provide a final update on his status for Thursday's game against the Commanders on Wednesday, with his availability now in question.

Patriots Sign Running Back Elijah Mitchell to Practice Squad

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The New England Patriots have signed running back Elijah Mitchell to their practice squad, providing additional backfield depth while TreVeyon Henderson is in concussion protocol. Mitchell played in one game for the Chiefs this season and previously accumulated 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 327 carries across 27 games for the San Francisco 49ers between 2021 and 2023. His addition comes as the Patriots look to bolster their backfield options.