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NFL News

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

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Greg Olsen Breaks Down Eagles' Second-Half Surge Against Commanders

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NFL analyst Greg Olsen, alongside Joe Davis, provided a detailed breakdown of the Philadelphia Eagles' 29-18 victory over the Washington Commanders. Olsen specifically commented on the Eagles' revitalized second-half performance, noting how the team "came to life" to secure the win and clinch the NFC East title. His analysis focused on the key plays and strategic adjustments that led to Philadelphia's dominant finish.

Jauan Jennings Sees Increased Target Projections With Pearsall Out

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is expected to see an increase in his target projections for Monday night's Week 16 game against the Colts. This boost comes as teammate Ricky Pearsall has been officially ruled out due to aggravated knee and ankle injuries. Jennings will likely take on a more prominent role in the 49ers' passing game in Pearsall's absence.

Ricky Pearsall Ruled Out for Week 16 With Aggravated Knee, Ankle Injuries

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San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall is ruled out for Week 16 vs. Colts due to aggravated knee and ankle injuries, his seventh missed game. He re-aggravated a PCL and right knee in Week 15 from a hip-drop tackle, missing all practices. Pearsall could miss multiple games; he aims for a Week 17 return. He had 31 catches for 443 yards in eight appearances, including 6 catches for 96 yards in Week 15. His absence boosts target projections for Jauan Jennings and George Kittle.

George Kittle Mentors Injured Pearsall, Sees Boost in Target Projections

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San Francisco 49ers veteran George Kittle is actively mentoring young wide receiver Ricky Pearsall as he navigates multiple injuries, including an aggravated PCL, offering valuable recovery advice from his own experiences with PCL and hamstring setbacks. With Pearsall officially ruled out for Monday night's Week 16 game against the Colts due to his injuries, George Kittle is now expected to see an increased role and a boost in his target projections for the upcoming game.

Jayden Daniels Officially Shut Down for Season Due to Injury

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been officially 'shut down' for the remainder of the season due to his ongoing injury. He remains sidelined, having not played for eight games, during which Marcus Mariota had been starting in his place. The team has confirmed that Daniels will not return to action this season, solidifying his status off the field.

Marcus Mariota Exits Eagles Game With Right Hand Injury, Does Not Return

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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota exited Saturday's Week 16 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter due to a right (throwing) hand injury and did not return. Mariota, who had started eight games in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, was cleared from concussion protocol but remains questionable for future play due to the hand issue. He was replaced by Josh Johnson, leaving the Commanders with their third-string quarterback for the remainder of the game.

Bears TE Cole Kmet Active for Week 16 Despite Ankle/Knee Injuries

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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (ankle/knee) is active for Saturday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Kmet had been dealing with ankle and knee injuries, progressing from limited practices to full activity by Thursday. Despite his consistent snap share (63-79%) over the last six contests, his production has been modest, with 14 receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets, while rookie TE Colston Loveland has seen more targets and production.

Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks Active for Week 16 Despite Ankle Injury

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) is active for Saturday's matchup against the Chicago Bears. Despite dealing with an ankle issue, Wicks will be available. However, with fellow wide receiver Christian Watson also active, Wicks is not considered a recommended fantasy starter for Week 16.

Bears WR Luther Burden Sidelined, Team Leaning on Run Game

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden is currently sidelined. His absence, alongside Rome Odunze, is contributing to the team's strategy of leaning heavily on the run game, as indicated by reports on D'Andre Swift's expected workload against the Green Bay Packers.

Bears WR Rome Odunze Sidelined, Impacts Team's Run Game Strategy

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is currently sidelined. His absence, along with Luther Burden, is influencing the team's offensive strategy, with the Bears expected to continue leaning heavily on their run game, as noted in reports regarding D'Andre Swift's workload.

Eagles K Jake Elliott Struggles, Misses 3 Field Goals in First Half

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Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a challenging first half against the Commanders, missing three field goal attempts (officially 0-for-2). He missed from 43, 57, and 52 yards, with one miss being negated by an offside penalty only for him to miss the subsequent try. This performance adds to a concerning trend, as Elliott also missed field goals in all three games of the Eagles' recent three-game losing streak and an extra point in one. His career conversion rate stands at a career-low 77.3%.

Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa, Eye Offseason Trade Amid Contract Woes

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The Miami Dolphins have benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whom they selected No. 5 overall in the 2020 draft after a failed attempt to trade for Joe Burrow. Miami is now reportedly prepared to move Tagovailoa this offseason, facing significant financial hurdles with $54 million guaranteed in 2026 and a potential $99 million dead cap hit if cut before June 1. Availability issues due to concussions and leading the NFL with 15 interceptions this season have contributed to his benching, with rookie Quinn Ewers now starting.

Burrow's Future Eyed After Cryptic Comments, Dolphins' Past Trade Attempt

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Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has sparked speculation about his future with recent cryptic comments regarding his happiness and potentially playing for another team. This comes as reports surfaced that the Miami Dolphins attempted to trade four first-round picks for Burrow before the 2020 draft, an offer the Bengals rejected. While the Bengals' pass rush development is seen as crucial for his satisfaction, the team has been eliminated from playoff contention after Burrow's Week 2 turf toe injury, which required surgery.

Lions Activate OL Christian Mahogany from IR After Fibula Injury

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The Detroit Lions activated offensive lineman Christian Mahogany from injured reserve on Saturday. Mahogany, who started the first eight games at left guard before being sidelined with a fibula injury, is now eligible to return to play. This move coincides with the team placing veteran safety Kerby Joseph on the injured reserve list, making space for Mahogany's return to the active roster.

Lions Place S Kerby Joseph on Injured Reserve; Setback Extends Absence

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The Detroit Lions placed veteran safety Kerby Joseph on the injured reserve list Saturday. Joseph, who last played in Week 6, suffered a recent setback with his knee injury. This move means he will miss at least the next four games, potentially sidelining him until the 2026 season. His roster spot was filled by activating offensive lineman Christian Mahogany from injured reserve, as the Lions navigate their playoff picture.

49ers Rule Out CB Renardo Green for Monday Night Game vs. Colts

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a neck injury. Green was limited in practice all week, and the team opted to hold him out, potentially aiming for a Week 17 return. The 49ers will also be without wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

Giants Place Kayvon Thibodeaux on IR, Season Ends Due to Shoulder Injury

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The New York Giants have placed outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux on injured reserve, officially ending his season due to a shoulder injury. Thibodeaux missed the last four games and will now sit out Week 16 against the Vikings. He played 10 games this season, recording 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks, with all sacks coming in the first four weeks. This marks a disappointing end to a year where he failed to regain his previous form. The Giants exercised his 2026 contract option for a fully guaranteed $14.751 million.

Bucs Activate Jason Pierre-Paul for Sunday's Critical Panthers Game

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have activated 36-year-old veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul from their practice squad for Sunday's crucial NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Pierre-Paul, a former All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, returns to NFL action after not playing in a regular season game since December 11, 2023. He came out of retirement to rejoin the Bucs in early December and aims to boost the pass rush for the 7-7 Buccaneers, who are tied for the division lead. He will suit up for the pivotal game.

Sam Darnold's Quarterback Status Discussed on FOX NFL Sunday

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The NFL on FOX crew provided an update and discussed the quarterback status of Sam Darnold. This discussion occurred as the playoff picture heats up, with other news including the Los Angeles Rams' TNF loss and the Kansas City Chiefs' elimination from the playoffs.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes' Recovery Discussed Amid Playoff Elimination

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The NFL on FOX crew provided an update on Patrick Mahomes' recovery after the Kansas City Chiefs were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Chiefs fell to a 6-8 record following a recent loss where Mahomes sustained a knee injury, prompting discussions about his current status as the playoff picture intensifies.