Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Chargers S Tony Jefferson received two $7,111 fines from the NFL for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton, resulting in his ejection, and for an obscene gesture towards fans. Jefferson apologized for the gesture, stating the hit was a 'bang-bang moment.' He recorded 5 tackles in the game, contributing to his 37 total tackles and 4 interceptions this season. Despite the controversy, Jefferson remains a mentor for young Chargers safeties, emphasizing playoff-level effort in remaining games for the 10-4 Chargers.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is set to face a familiar challenge on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers activate veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul from their practice squad. Pierre-Paul, making his return after two seasons away, will look to pressure Young in a critical NFC South matchup where both teams are tied at 7-7.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been activated from injured reserve and is set to play in the Week 16 Monday night game against the San Francisco 49ers. His return provides a significant boost to the Colts' defense. His former coach, Kyle Shanahan, recently stated that trading Buckner to the Colts in 2020 "sucked so bad," highlighting his continued value. Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, will face his former team for the second time since the trade.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner has been officially ruled out for Week 16's Monday night game against the 49ers due to a calf injury suffered on November 30th. He has not practiced or played since the injury, but coach Shane Steichen anticipates his return later this season. Gardner, who joined the Colts via trade from the Jets, has appeared in three games for Indianapolis, accumulating 33 total tackles and eight passes defensed across 10 games this season.
Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland will not play again this season after being placed on injured reserve. Bland is sidelined with a foot injury, effectively ending his 2025 campaign. This move comes as the team also activates Trevon Diggs, marking a significant change in the Cowboys' secondary personnel.
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a three-year contract with kicker Charlie Smyth, according to Adam Schefter. Smyth, who joined the Saints last year through the NFL’s international player pathway program after playing Gaelic football in Ireland, made his NFL debut late last month. In three games, he has successfully converted 4-of-5 field goals and all five of his extra points. Smyth is expected to kick again on Sunday when the Saints host the Jets.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, 44, will make his second start of the season against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, having come out of retirement for a second stint with the team. This news comes as the Colts hold an 11% playoff chance after Daniel Jones' injury. John Lynch humorously recalled giving Rivers his "first opportunity" in 2005 when Lynch's sack injured Drew Brees, leading to Rivers' debut where he completed 12 of 22 passes for 115 yards, one interception, and two fumbles. Rivers later led the Chargers to a 14-2 record in his first full year as starter.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal has been placed on injured reserve, which will end his season. This move was part of a series of roster adjustments made by the Chiefs on Saturday. Chenal joins offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor on IR, as both players will miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have placed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. Taylor has been sidelined by an elbow injury and hasn't played since the Chiefs' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cowboys. His future with Kansas City is uncertain, as he is under contract for 2026 but has no guaranteed money remaining; a release would save the team $20 million against the cap. Taylor has started 45 games for the Chiefs since joining in 2023, following four seasons with Jacksonville.
Kicker Younghoe Koo was cut by the New York Giants this week, continuing the team's struggles at the position. With Graham Gano still on IR and Koo now released, the Giants are turning to rookie Ben Sauls as their fourth kicker this season for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Sauls is expected to be elevated to make his NFL debut, with the team expressing "ultimate confidence" in his ability to perform.
Rookie Ben Sauls is expected to make his NFL debut for the New York Giants, taking over kicking duties for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Special Teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial expressed "ultimate confidence" in Sauls, highlighting his experience at Pitt where he earned All-ACC honors, made 52 of 64 field goals, and missed only two of 124 extra points. After going undrafted, Sauls had stints with the Steelers and Falcons before joining the Giants, and will now have the final two games to prove himself.
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano remains on injured reserve, contributing to the team's ongoing kicking carousel. With Gano sidelined and Younghoe Koo recently cut, the Giants are set to elevate rookie Ben Sauls, making him their fourth kicker this season for Sunday's game against the Vikings. The team expresses "ultimate confidence" in Sauls, who will likely have the final two games to make his mark.
Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals. He was limited to just one practice this week due to lingering foot and knee injuries. Despite the questionable designation, Brooks told reporters after Friday's practice that he will play this week, indicating his confidence in returning to the field.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers due to a shoulder injury. After a full practice on Wednesday, Wallace was limited on Thursday and Friday, with Head Coach Dave Canales confirming that the injury was an aggravation of a previous shoulder issue sustained during last Sunday's loss to the Saints. His absence will likely increase playing time for Christian Rozeboom.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom's outlook has improved following the injury to teammate Trevin Wallace. Wallace has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers due to a shoulder injury, which Head Coach Dave Canales indicated was an aggravation of a previous injury from last Sunday's loss to the Saints. This development likely increases Rozeboom's playing time and importance in the upcoming game.
Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds was activated from Injured Reserve on Friday and is officially questionable for today's game against the Packers. The activation suggests he is likely to return to the lineup after recovering from a groin strain. His final game status will be confirmed when inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff. While there's some risk in his first game back, Edmunds is considered a viable option for IDP lineups due to his upside.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, 25, left the Week 16 game against the Commanders in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and is questionable to return. Dean came down awkwardly and was replaced by rookie Jihaad Campbell. Dean had returned from the PUP list in Week 7 and played eight games this season, recording 53 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 QB hits, and 2 forced fumbles, earning back his starting role.
Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet scored a crucial two-point conversion in the team's comeback win over the Rams on Thursday night. A Sam Darnold pass deflected off a Ram's helmet, rolled into the end zone, and Charbonnet picked it up. Initially ruled incomplete, replay confirmed it was a backward pass, making the ball live. Charbonnet stated he didn't realize the play's significance but always picks up the ball. This pivotal play could contribute to the Seahawks securing the NFC's No. 1 seed.
The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran defensive end Matthew Judon, 33, to their practice squad. Judon was recently released by the Dolphins after appearing in 13 games with three starts and recording no sacks in his lone season with the team. A former fifth-round pick, Judon boasts a career total of 72.0 sacks, with a personal best of 15.5 sacks in 2022. He passed through waivers unclaimed before joining the Bills.
