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NFL News

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

Friday, December 19, 2025

Eagles Elevate CB Brandon Johnson from Practice Squad for Commanders Game

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The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated cornerback Brandon Johnson from the practice squad for Saturday's game against the Commanders. This marks Johnson's first elevation, making the rookie free agent eligible for the game-day roster and potentially his NFL debut.

Pearsall Misses Practice with Knee/Ankle, 49ers GM Not Ruling Out Monday Return

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Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) missed Friday's practice, completing a week of missed sessions after aggravating a PCL injury and tweaking his ankle in Week 15. The PCL issue previously sidelined him for six games (Weeks 5-10). Despite the missed practice, 49ers GM John Lynch stated Friday that Pearsall has "at least some shot" to play in Monday's game against Indianapolis, adding, "we certainly haven't ruled him out." Lynch also dismissed concerns about Pearsall being "injury-prone," emphasizing his importance to the offense. His Week 16 status remains uncertain as the 49ers eye a playoff clinch.

Josh Jacobs Included in Week 16 NFL Injury Report Updates

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Josh Jacobs is mentioned in the Week 16 NFL injury report, indicating his status is being monitored among other key players for the upcoming games.

London Expected to Return Week 16 Despite Questionable Tag for Knee Injury

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Falcons WR Drake London (knee - PCL) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, but coach Raheem Morris expects him to play. London was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but did not participate Friday. This marks his anticipated return after a four-game absence since Week 11. Despite elevated risk, London is considered a strong fantasy option, ranking third among WRs in PPR points per game and exceeding 100 yards in five of his last six outings.

Higgins Questionable for Week 16 Despite Full Practice, Nearing Protocol Clearance

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Bengals WR Tee Higgins (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. He was a full participant in practice Friday, an upgrade from earlier limited sessions, suggesting he is trending toward being cleared. However, Higgins still needs to pass the final step of the NFL's concussion protocol with an independent neurologist. If cleared, the star wide receiver is expected to return to action after missing two of Cincinnati's last three games, including their Week 15 loss.

Diggs Questionable for Sunday, Cowboys Weigh Activating from IR

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Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) is listed as questionable after another limited practice. The Cowboys have to decide whether to activate Diggs from injured reserve before his 21-day window runs out Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted Diggs is "having a very good week" and "having fun playing football," suggesting a potential return to the active roster.

Williams Questionable for Sunday Despite Full Practice, Awaiting Concussion Clearance

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Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (concussion) appears on track to return for Sunday's game against the Chargers. He had full participation in Friday's practice after limited work on Thursday but still must gain clearance from an independent neurologist. Thus, the Cowboys list Williams as questionable for Week 16.

Lamb Cleared for Sunday's Game After Returning to Practice from Illness

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Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (illness) has no injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers. He returned to practice Friday as a full participant after missing Wednesday and Thursday sessions due to illness. His return at the end of the week suggests he should be available for Sunday's game, with no concerns reported from the Dallas organization regarding his status, despite facing a tough Chargers defense.

Bills Intend to Sign Edge Rusher Matthew Judon to Practice Squad

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The Buffalo Bills intend to sign edge rusher Matthew Judon to their practice squad following a visit on Friday. Judon was released by the Dolphins earlier this week and cleared waivers. In his 13 games with Miami this season, Judon registered 19 total tackles with one tackle for loss and three QB hits. Last season with Atlanta, he totaled 5.5 sacks with seven tackles for loss and nine QB hits in 17 games.

Williams Cleared to Play Sunday After Neck Injury, Workload May Be Scaled

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Javonte Williams (neck) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Williams missed part of last week's loss to the Vikings after injuring his shoulder/neck but returned for the second half. His return to full practice participation Friday suggests he won't have limitations this Sunday, though the Cowboys might eventually scale his workload back a bit if/when they're eliminated from playoff contention.

Watt Ruled Out for Second Straight Game Due to Lung Repair Procedure

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Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has been officially ruled out for a second straight game, missing Sunday's big showdown against the Lions. He continues to recover from a procedure to repair his lung and did not practice all week. In 13 games this season, Watt has recorded 7.0 sacks with 10 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and an interception, highlighting his significant absence for the team.

Buccaneers Sign Special Teams Ace J.T. Gray to Active Roster

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The Buccaneers signed safety J.T. Gray from the practice squad to the active roster, waiving rookie linebacker Nick Jackson in a corresponding move. Gray, a core special teams player and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2021 during his seven seasons with the Saints, made his Bucs' debut in Week 15 after being elevated from the practice squad, seeing action on 16 special teams snaps and making one tackle.

Harrison's Week 16 Return Could Negatively Impact Wilson's Target Share

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Cardinals WR Michael Wilson's target share could be negatively impacted by the potential return of Marvin Harrison Jr. for Week 16. In Week 13, Harrison out-targeted Wilson seven to three through the first three quarters of Harrison’s last game, suggesting a reduced role for Wilson if Harrison plays.

Jets TE Mason Taylor Ruled Out for Week 16 Due to Neck Injury

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Jets TE Mason Taylor (neck) has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. His absence means Jeremy Ruckert will step into the lead tight end role for New York.

Ruckert Becomes Lead TE for Jets, Not Considered a Fantasy Option

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Jets TE Jeremy Ruckert gets another game as the lead tight end due to Mason Taylor's neck injury, which has ruled Taylor out for Sunday's game against the Saints. However, Ruckert is not considered a strong fantasy option after catching just two balls for 13 yards last week.

Vikings Place LT Christian Darrisaw on Injured Reserve, Ending Season

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The Vikings have placed left tackle Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve, concluding an unusual season in which he could never fully return from a left knee injury that occurred nearly 14 months ago. Coach Kevin O'Connell stated there was no setback, but it was a "complex injury" and admired Darrisaw's approach to it.

Waller Cleared for Week 16, Set to Play with New QB Quinn Ewers

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Darren Waller (rest/knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game versus the Bengals, clearing him for Week 16 action. Waller was listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday with rest/knee, but returned to full activity Friday. He'll be working with rookie signal-caller Quinn Ewers, who is taking over for Tua Tagovailoa. Waller is coming off a two-touchdown performance and has proven to be a red-zone ace this season, accumulating six touchdowns on 26 targets in seven appearances.

Seahawks LB Derick Hall Suspended One Game for Stepping on Rams' Dotson

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Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall has been suspended without pay for one game by the NFL due to unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct. The suspension stems from an incident during Thursday's win over the Rams, where Hall unnecessarily stepped on Rams offensive guard Kevin Dotson's leg, causing Dotson to leave the game with an ankle injury. Hall will miss the December 28 game against the Panthers and is eligible to return on December 29. He retains the right to appeal the suspension.

Fantasy Analysts Predict WR2 Rebound for Jefferson in Week 16 vs. Giants

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Despite recent underperformance, with his best result in the last two months being 16.7 PPR points (WR18) and three straight games under five points, fantasy analysts predict a WR2 finish for Justin Jefferson in Week 16. The Vikings WR continues to receive over 30% of J.J. McCarthy’s targets and leads the team in air yards. Against the Giants, whose secondary has been dominated by WR1s, the opportunity is shifting back toward Jefferson for a strong rebound.

Rams RG Kevin Dotson Suffers Ankle Injury After Incident with Derick Hall

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Rams right guard Kevin Dotson suffered an ankle injury after Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall unnecessarily stepped on his leg during Thursday night's game. Dotson was carted to the locker room and later seen on crutches with a boot on his left foot. Dotson has been a key part of a strong L.A. offensive line this season, allowing only three sacks in 15 games and contributing to the Rams' eighth-most rushing yards per game.