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NFL News

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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.

Patriots Sign Offensive Lineman Brenden Jaimes to Active Roster

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The New England Patriots have signed offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes to their 53-man active roster, elevating him from the practice squad. This move corresponds with defensive tackle Joshua Farmer being placed on injured reserve. Jaimes has previously seen action on special teams in two games this season for the Patriots and appeared in 46 games for the Chargers over the last four seasons, having signed with New England after spending the preseason with Tennessee.

Vikings Activate Running Back Ty Chandler from Injured Reserve

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The Minnesota Vikings have activated running back Ty Chandler from injured reserve on Tuesday, marking the final day he could return this season. Chandler was placed on IR after suffering a knee injury in Week 1, where he had no touches. In his first three seasons with Minnesota, he recorded 164 carries for 663 yards and three touchdowns, along with 27 catches for 201 yards. With Jordan Mason sidelined by an ankle injury, Chandler could see action against the Lions on Christmas.

Deshaun Watson Ruled Out for Season; Browns Opt Against Activating QB

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Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) will not be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, officially ruling him out for the remainder of the season. His 21-day practice window closed Tuesday, with Coach Kevin Stefanski stating it was the "right decision" for both Watson and the team. Watson tore his right Achilles last season and again in January, and has not played since Week 10. He remains under contract for 2026 with a $46 million guaranteed salary and an NFL-high $80.7 million cap number.

Cardinals Sign Kicker Joshua Karty Off Rams Practice Squad

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed kicker Joshua Karty off the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad, adding a second kicker to their active roster. Karty previously made 10-of-15 field goals and 23-of-26 extra points for the Rams earlier this season before being replaced. He joins Chad Ryland, who remains on the Cardinals' roster despite missing six field goals in the team's last six games.

Philip Rivers Confirmed as Colts' Week 17 Starting QB Against Jaguars

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Philip Rivers will remain the starting quarterback for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jaguars, regardless of playoff implications. Rivers, 44, completed 23 of 35 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a Week 16 loss, bringing the Colts to 0-2 in his starts. While he's provided stability after Daniel Jones' season-ending injury, Rivers is not part of the team's long-term plans. If the Colts are eliminated this week, Steichen may consider starting rookie Riley Leonard or Anthony Richardson (if available) in the season finale.

Bears WR Luther Burden Still Not Practicing with Ankle Injury

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden (ankle) was not seen on the field during Tuesday's unofficial practice session. Burden was a non-participant in all three practice reports for Week 16 and subsequently sat out Saturday's overtime win against the Packers. With fellow wideout Rome Odunze (foot) also sidelined and not practicing, both players could be trending towards missing Sunday's Week 17 game at San Francisco, which would likely lead to increased target volume for DJ Moore.

Max Brosmer Named Vikings' Week 17 Starting QB Following McCarthy's Hand Fracture

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Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Max Brosmer will start at quarterback for Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Lions, as J.J. McCarthy is sidelined with a hairline fracture in his right hand. This will be Brosmer's second career start and sixth appearance this season. In his first start, he was picked off four times in a 26-0 shutout loss to Seattle. The undrafted rookie has completed 31 of 47 passes for 220 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions. Brosmer now has an opportunity to redeem himself and potentially eliminate rival Detroit from playoff contention.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs Returns to Limited Practice, Expected for Heavier Week 17 Workload

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Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, a positive step after being sidelined last week. He played in Week 16 against the Bears, recording 14 touches for 48 yards, though he was outsnapped by Emanuel Wilson. Jacobs emerged without setbacks and is expected to handle a heavier workload in the upcoming Week 17 game against the Ravens, barring any renewed soreness. His progression this week will be key for his full availability.

Packers QB Malik Willis Limited with Shoulder Injury, Week 17 Status Unclear

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder) will be a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, head coach Matt LaFleur announced. Willis sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder after landing hard in the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss to the Bears, where he stepped in for an injured Jordan Love. In relief, he completed nine of 11 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown, adding 44 yards on 10 carries. LaFleur noted that Willis's progress, along with Jordan Love's (concussion) throughout the week, will determine their availability for Saturday's game against the Ravens.

Chargers OT Joe Alt Earns First Pro Bowl Selection Despite Season-Ending Injury

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Los Angeles Chargers tackle Joe Alt has earned his first Pro Bowl honor, a notable achievement given his season was cut short by injury. Alt transitioned from right to left tackle after Rashawn Slater's season-ending injury in training camp. He was a stalwart for the first three weeks before sustaining an ankle injury in Week 4, and after returning in Week 8, was carted off in Week 9 with the same ankle injury, requiring season-ending surgery. His selection was determined by the consensus votes of fans, players, and coaches.

Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu Earns Pro Bowl Nod with 13 Sacks

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Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has been named to his first Pro Bowl. The former USC standout is ranked third in the NFL with an impressive 13 sacks this season and has also recorded a career-high 20 tackles for loss, highlighting his dominant presence on the Chargers' defensive line.

Chargers K Cameron Dicker Named Pro Bowler, Leads AFC in Field Goals

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Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker has earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Dicker is recognized as the most accurate kicker in NFL history and leads all AFC kickers with 36 made field goals and 141 points scored this season. He was also named the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner, underscoring his exceptional performance and contributions.

Chargers S Derwin James Jr. Earns Fifth Pro Bowl Selection

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Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has been named to his fifth career Pro Bowl. James is the only defensive back in the NFL this season to collect at least 80 tackles (five for loss) with multiple sacks and interceptions, highlighting his versatile and impactful play. His consistent performance continues to be a cornerstone of the Chargers' defense.

Debate Arises: Did Patrick Mahomes Carry Chiefs Before Injury?

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A recent discussion on 'The Herd' with Nick Wright explored whether quarterback Patrick Mahomes was solely responsible for carrying the Kansas City Chiefs' performance prior to his injury. The segment delved into the team's dynamics and Mahomes' impact, raising questions about his individual contribution to the Chiefs' success.

Chargers Elevate RB Jaret Patterson to Active Roster Amid Backfield Injuries

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The Los Angeles Chargers have signed running back Jaret Patterson off the practice squad to their 53-man roster, providing depth after Kimani Vidal suffered a neck injury. Patterson has already appeared in four games for the Chargers this season, accumulating 32 carries for 129 yards and one touchdown. He also played one game for the team last season and made 20 appearances for Washington earlier in his career. Royce Freeman was signed to the practice squad. Omarion Hampton has reclaimed the top backfield role, with Hassan Haskins also available for Week 17 against the Texans.

Brock Purdy Throws 5 TDs, Sets NFL Record in 49ers' Dominant Win Over Colts

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San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy delivered a standout performance against the Colts, throwing a career-high five touchdowns in a 48-27 victory. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards and one interception. This win marked Purdy's 29th career start, with 23 (79.3%) being double-digit victories, setting an NFL record for quarterbacks with at least 25 wins. The 49ers are now 6-1 in Purdy's starts this season, positioning them to potentially secure the NFC's No. 1 seed and clinch the NFC West with two more wins. He has led the team to five consecutive wins since returning from a toe injury in Week 11.

Xavier Worthy Expected to Lead Chiefs' Receiving Corps in Week 17

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With Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice (concussion) and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) both sidelined and unlikely to play in Week 17, Xavier Worthy is expected to take on a leading role in the receiving corps. He is projected to be one of Kansas City's top three wide receivers, alongside Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, for Thursday night's game against the Broncos.

Chris Oladokun Named Chiefs' QB Amid WR Injuries for Week 17

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With Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton both unlikely to play in Week 17 due to concussions, Chris Oladokun is mentioned as the quarterback for Kansas City. His role comes as the team faces significant absences in its receiving corps for Thursday night's game against the Broncos.

Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton Remains Sidelined with Concussion, Likely Out Week 17

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Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) remains sidelined and is expected to miss Thursday night's game against the Broncos. His absence, coupled with Rashee Rice also being unlikely to play due to concussion protocol, means Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are projected to be Kansas City's top three wide receivers for Week 17.