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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jauan Jennings scored a 3-yard touchdown from Brock Purdy against the Colts, extending his scoring streak to four games. He finished with five catches for 71 yards and a TD. Jennings has been a significant contributor, scoring seven of his eight touchdowns this season in his last seven starts. His role may expand further if TE George Kittle misses time due to injury.
Tyler Warren recorded three receptions for 30 yards on nine targets in the Colts' 48-27 loss to the 49ers. He tied for the team lead in targets but had limited production, marking his fifth consecutive game with 45 receiving yards or fewer. Despite recent struggles, Warren has seen significant target volume with Philip Rivers, offering potential upside.
Josh Downs led the Colts with five receptions for 65 yards on nine targets in their 48-27 loss to the 49ers. He also rushed for three yards on one carry. Downs has shown chemistry with Philip Rivers, drawing 14 targets in their two games together, and is expected to remain a busy target in upcoming matchups.
Jonathan Taylor was held to 46 rushing yards on 16 carries and one touchdown in the Colts' 48-27 defeat against the 49ers. He also had three catches for 33 yards. His 2.9 yards per carry average was a season low, as the 49ers' defense effectively contained him. This performance contributed to the Colts' diminishing playoff hopes.
Michael Pittman caught four of five targets for 32 yards in the Colts' 48-27 loss to the 49ers. This marks his fifth game with 32 receiving yards or fewer in his last six contests, playing with multiple quarterbacks during this stretch. Pittman faces another challenging matchup in Week 17 against the Jaguars.
Alec Pierce was a key offensive weapon for the Colts, catching two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers. His scores, a 20-yard and a 16-yard reception, tied the game twice in the first half. Pierce finished with four catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, doubling his season total for scoring grabs and exceeding 75 receiving yards for the fifth time in seven games.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is day-to-day with a significant back contusion after an injury in Sunday's loss. An MRI is scheduled to determine the severity, but Jackson hopes to play Saturday. Head coach John Harbaugh stated it doesn't appear serious. Tyler Huntley is ready to start if Jackson is unavailable, impacting Baltimore's playoff aspirations.
Steelers WR DK Metcalf has been suspended for two games without pay due to conduct detrimental to the NFL following a physical altercation with a fan. This suspension costs him over $555,555 and critically voids $40 million in contract guarantees, impacting his future with the team. Metcalf plans to appeal the suspension.
First-year head coach Ben Johnson is receiving significant praise after leading the Chicago Bears to their first playoff berth since 2020. Analyst Colin Cowherd highlighted Johnson's impact following the team's playoff-clinching victory against the Green Bay Packers, even questioning if his influence could propel the Bears to a Super Bowl win. Cowherd specifically touted the skills of QB Caleb Williams under Johnson's leadership as a key factor in the team's success.
Bears QB Caleb Williams is being lauded as a 'generational talent' after leading Chicago to their first playoff berth since 2020. His sophomore season has been stellar, marked by six fourth-quarter comebacks, a feat only achieved by Peyton Manning under 25. Against Green Bay, Williams led the Bears to 19 points in the fourth quarter and overtime after scoring just three in the first three. Analyst Colin Cowherd specifically touted Williams' skills following the playoff-clinching victory.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been officially ruled out for Monday Night Football due to ongoing knee and ankle injuries. Pearsall missed all practices throughout the week, leading to his inactive status. Coach Kyle Shanahan commented on his condition, stating that Pearsall was "close, but not close enough" to being ready for the game.
Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (foot) was listed as a full participant on Monday's practice report, indicating a potential return for the Christmas Day game against the Chiefs. Strnad injured his foot in the Broncos' Week 15 game against the Packers and missed Sunday's game. In 14 games this season, including seven starts, he has recorded 50 tackles, four tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and an interception.
Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw injured his hamstring during Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, playing 50 of 70 defensive snaps. The team estimated Greenlaw as a non-participant on Monday's practice report.
Bills QB Josh Allen is considered day-to-day with a sore right foot after briefly exiting Sunday's win over the Browns. X-rays at halftime were negative, and he returned to finish the game, completing 12 of 19 passes for 130 yards and rushing for 17 yards. Coach Sean McDermott anticipates Allen will be available for Week 17's game against the Eagles, as the pain in his tweaked foot has subsided, leading the Bills to their fourth consecutive win.
Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate, marking another DNP. He entered the concussion protocol last week and has not logged any on-field work, real or otherwise, since then. With just three days remaining before Thursday's matchup with the Broncos, Rice seems like a stretch to gain clearance from an independent neurologist to be able to suit up for Week 17 action.
Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report, remaining in concussion protocol.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones (ankle) was listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate. He exited Sunday's 16-13 win over the Giants with an ankle injury but subsequently returned, carrying 21 times for 85 yards and catching two of his three targets for eight yards. His listed limitations Monday are likely maintenance-related, and at this stage there's nothing to suggest that Jones will miss Thursday's game against the Lions.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate after leaving Sunday's win over the Giants with the injury. Initial X-rays were negative, but more tests were planned. With only two more chances to upgrade his participation ahead of Thursday's game against the Lions, his status is uncertain. In the event that McCarthy is unavailable for the contest, Max Brosmer would be in line to draw the start at QB for the Vikings.
Vikings RB Jordan Mason (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report. He sustained the ankle injury during Sunday's game against the Giants and did not return, unlike fellow RB Aaron Jones. Mason appears in danger of logging his first absence of the season for Thursday's game against the Lions.
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) is listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report. He played 76 percent of offensive snaps during Minnesota's win over the Giants in Week 16, though he secured just one catch (his only target) for two yards during that contest. With J.J. McCarthy (hand) now looking uncertain for Thursday's divisional matchup against the Lions, Hockenson has to be considered a low-floor fantasy option for Week 17 even if he is cleared for action.
