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NFL News

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

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Denzel Perryman Mentors Young Chargers, Credits Veterans for His Pro Development

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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman, an 11-year veteran, is actively mentoring younger teammates as the team approaches the playoffs. Perryman, who recorded a season-best nine tackles in a recent win over the Chiefs, credits former Chargers like Philip Rivers, Manti Teʻo, and Melvin Ingram for teaching him how to be a professional early in his career. He is now passing on this generational knowledge, emphasizing the importance of upholding the team's standard for success, regardless of roster or coaching changes.

Shanahan's Sarcastic Praise for Purdy's Simple Play vs. Titans Revealed

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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan revealed he sarcastically praised quarterback Brock Purdy during their 37-24 win over the Titans for completing a simple 3-yard pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Shanahan admitted the "proud" comment was intended to "piss him off," as Purdy frequently bypasses this safe option for deeper throws, having failed to execute it against the Browns in Week 13. The play resulted in a 7-yard gain on second-and-6, and three plays later, Purdy connected with George Kittle for a touchdown.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Marvin Harrison Jr. Questionable for Week 16, Vows to Play Injured All Season

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Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is listed as questionable for Week 16 against the Falcons but expects to play, stating he feels "good enough to go." He was a limited participant in practice all week, returning after missing two games. Harrison acknowledged his heel injury is unlikely to resolve this season and plans to play through it for the remainder of the year. The 2024 fourth overall pick, playing for a playoff-eliminated team, noted he doesn't know his exact role but will do his best. His injury is a significant NFL concern.

Nolan Smith's Pitch Count Ends, Usage Soars Post-Injury with Increased Production

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Eagles defensive end Nolan Smith is no longer on a pitch count after returning from a five-game stint on IR due to a triceps injury, which required surgery following Super Bowl LIX. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio confirmed his usage is increasing, with snap counts rising from 27.9% in Week 10 to 61.9% in Week 15. Smith has shown improved production in his last four games, tallying 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 16 pressures. Fangio noted Smith is "getting better and more comfortable" and "back to where he was."

Nakobe Dean's 'Choo-Choo' Celebration Soars as He Dominates Post-Injury Return

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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean's "choo-choo" celebration is gaining traction among teammates as he's playing with renewed aggressiveness. After tearing his patellar tendon in the 2024 playoffs and undergoing lengthy rehab, Dean began the 2025 season on the PUP list. He was activated in Week 6 and made his defensive return in Week 7, where his signature celebration was born. In eight games since returning, Dean has recorded a career-high 4 sacks, 6 QB hits, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 53 tackles, surpassing his 2024 form.

Terrance Ferguson's Routes Increase with Adams Sidelined in Week 16

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Rams TE Terrance Ferguson saw an expanded role in Week 16 due to WR Davante Adams' hamstring injury. The team deployed '13' personnel, resulting in Ferguson tying for second on the team in pass routes, trailing only WR Puka Nacua. This suggests potential for continued involvement if Adams remains out.

Colby Parkinson Sees Increased Routes with Adams Out in Week 16

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With WR Davante Adams sidelined due to a hamstring injury in Week 16, Rams TE Colby Parkinson saw an increased role. The team utilized '13' personnel, and Parkinson tied for second on the team in pass routes, behind only WR Puka Nacua. This indicates a potential larger involvement for Parkinson if Adams continues to miss time.

Davante Adams Expected to Miss Week 17, Potentially Week 18 with Hamstring

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Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is "most likely" not playing in Week 17 against the Falcons, as confirmed by HC Sean McVay. Adams already missed Thursday night's Week 16 game. With the Rams having clinched a playoff spot, there's an increased likelihood he will be kept sidelined until the playoffs for full recovery, potentially missing Week 18 as well. The Rams utilized '13' personnel in his absence during Week 16.

Puka Nacua Fined $25K for Criticizing Officials, Apologizes for Gesture

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Rams WR Puka Nacua has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for public disparagement of officials, calling them "the worst" on a livestream. He also apologized for an antisemitic gesture made during the same livestream. Coach McVay expressed disappointment over the distractions. This news follows Nacua's record-breaking Week 16 performance where he recorded 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns, leading the team in pass routes with Davante Adams sidelined.

Geno Smith Cleared for Week 16 Start After Full Practice; Pickett Benched

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Raiders QB Geno Smith (shoulder, back) is off the injury report and confirmed to start Week 16 against the Texans after a full week of practice. He reclaims his starting role from Kenny Pickett, who is benched. Smith, who missed Week 15, is expected to remain the starter for the rest of the season. He has completed 67% of his passes for 2,648 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this season. Despite starting, he is not a recommended fantasy play.

Nick Chubb Questionable for Week 16, Practiced Fully; Trending Towards Return

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Texans RB Nick Chubb (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 16 game against the Raiders. He practiced fully on Thursday and Friday, trending towards a return after being inactive for Week 15. His availability, alongside fellow RB Woody Marks (ankle), who had a limited practice Friday, will be crucial for the Texans' backfield. Jawhar Jordan could see increased snaps if either Chubb or Marks are limited or out. Final status will be confirmed before Sunday's 3 pm ET inactives.

Woody Marks Questionable for Week 16 with Ankle Injury; Limited Practice

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Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 16 game against the Raiders. He returned to a limited practice on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday due to an ankle injury sustained last Sunday. His availability is in jeopardy, which could lead to larger roles for Nick Chubb (who practiced fully) and Jawhar Jordan. The final status for Houston's backfield will be confirmed closer to Sunday's 3 pm ET inactives.

Kelce Commits to Chiefs' Final 3 Games Amid Retirement Talk, Minshew at QB

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is expected to play in the final three games of the 2025 season, per Adam Schefter, despite the team's playoff elimination. His NFL future remains under speculation, with the 35-year-old tight end admitting his feelings 'change every single day' and acknowledging his career is 'toward the end of the road' after 13 seasons and 10 surgeries. He aims to avoid ending his career on a low. Kelce plans to decide by March 2026. His performance could be impacted by Gardner Minshew replacing the injured Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.

Falcons Place WR KhaDarel Hodge on Injured Reserve with Shoulder Injury

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The Atlanta Falcons have placed wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. Hodge had already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after missing practice all week. A Pro Bowl special teams player last season, Hodge recorded three receptions for 31 yards and nine special teams tackles in 12 games this season. The Falcons signed safety Jammie Robinson in a corresponding move.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Questionable for Week 16 with Oblique Injury

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Texans cornerback Derek Stingley is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders due to an oblique injury. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday. Stingley has not missed a game yet this season.

Patrick Mahomes Injury a Key Factor for Chiefs' Week 16 Matchup vs. Titans

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Patrick Mahomes' injury is highlighted as a significant factor for the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. His injury is expected to impact the Chiefs' response after a devastating Week 15 loss and is listed among the biggest NFL injuries for the upcoming weekend.

Trey McBride Nears NFL Single-Season Tight End Catch Record

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Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is on pace to set a new NFL record for catches by a tight end in a single season. With 105 catches through 14 games, he is projected to finish with 128, surpassing Zach Ertz's 2018 record of 116. McBride also holds the NFL record for catches by a tight end over a two-year stretch, with 216 receptions.

Colts CB Sauce Gardner Remains Sidelined with Calf Injury

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Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner remains sidelined as a non-participant due to a calf injury and does not appear poised to return to practice. He was not upgraded and continues to miss time, indicating his absence will likely continue.

Colts WR Alec Pierce Upgraded to Full Practice, Expected to Play Monday

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Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (foot) was upgraded to a full participant in Friday's practice after being limited on Thursday. This positive development indicates he is expected to play in Monday night's game against the 49ers.

Eagles Elevate TE E.J. Jenkins for Commanders Game Amid Latu Injury

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The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated tight end E.J. Jenkins from the practice squad for Saturday's game against the Commanders. This is his second elevation this season, having previously played five offensive and 19 special teams snaps in Week 7. Jenkins, who recorded his first NFL catch and touchdown in the 2024 finale, could see increased opportunity with fellow TE Cameron Latu questionable due to a stinger.