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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The New Orleans Saints have placed wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on injured reserve. Vele had emerged as a significant part of the Saints' offense over the past three games before suffering the shoulder injury in Week 15. Reports suggest the injury wasn't overly serious, and he might have been able to return later in the season if it had occurred earlier.
Matthew Stafford delivered a season-high 457 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16, despite the Rams' OT loss. He now leads the NFL with 40 touchdown passes and 4,179 passing yards, solidifying his MVP contention. With this performance, Stafford (63,988 yards) leapfrogged Philip Rivers to claim the No. 7 spot on the all-time regular-season passing yardage list. He needs 101 more yards next Monday against the Falcons to surpass Ben Roethlisberger for No. 6.
Veteran QB Philip Rivers, 44, is preparing for his second start with the Indianapolis Colts against the 49ers on Monday Night Football. Teammates laud his 'fight and passion,' with a bold prediction suggesting he'll 'light up' the 49ers, a performance crucial for postseason implications. Rivers recently fell to 8th on the all-time passing yardage list (63,560 yards) after Matthew Stafford surpassed him, needing 329 yards to reclaim the 7th spot. He threw for 120 yards in his first game back.
Tom Brady reflected on his strategic mastery, stating he knew opposing defenses 'better than they knew themselves,' particularly referencing Super Bowl LV against the Chiefs. He emphasized the importance of studying prior matchups to anticipate and exploit defensive schemes, a method he leveraged to gain a competitive edge. His comments were prompted by the upcoming Packers-Bears game, highlighting his deep understanding of game preparation.
Jauan Jennings is expected to have a secure and expanded role in Week 16 due to Ricky Pearsall's ankle and knee injuries, which have kept Pearsall out of practice. Jennings has been making the most of his opportunities, averaging 14.7 PPR points over his last six games. With Pearsall likely out or severely hampered, Jennings becomes a solid stacking option in fantasy leagues, especially alongside Brock Purdy.
Brock Purdy is projected for a strong QB1 performance in Week 16 against the Colts, with the 49ers' passing game in a favorable position. San Francisco has a 26-point implied team total, and the Colts' defense funnels opponents to a +2% pass rate over expected. Purdy, who ranks top-two in EPA per play and CPOE, is expected to capitalize on this matchup, potentially elevating Jauan Jennings to WR2 status.
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins is expected to see an increased role in Week 16 against the Bills, as fellow RB Dylan Sampson (hand) has been ruled out. Judkins benefited from Sampson's absence last week, achieving a season-high 55% route rate and drawing four targets, positioning him as a safer fantasy option.
Browns RB Dylan Sampson (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bills. His absence last week contributed to RB Quinshon Judkins setting a season high in route rate (55%) and drawing four targets, making Judkins a potentially safer fantasy play in Week 16.
Browns TE Harold Fannin is poised for a busy Week 16 against the Bills, as David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out. Fannin recorded seven catches on a team-high 14 targets for 48 yards in Week 15 and is expected to run a route on almost every pass play. Despite a tough matchup against Buffalo’s top-ranked TE defense, he is considered a safe fantasy start.
Browns TE David Njoku (knee) has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bills, marking his second consecutive missed contest. He did not practice all week, logging three consecutive 'DNPs'. Njoku's next opportunity to play will be December 28 against the Steelers. In his absence, fellow TE Harold Fannin, who recorded seven catches on a team-high 14 targets for 48 yards in Week 15, is expected to remain busy, with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates potentially mixing in.
Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (foot, ankle) is not listed on the final Week 16 injury report, indicating he is cleared to play. After sitting out Wednesday's practice, the rookie was a full participant on Thursday and Friday and is expected to resume his usual role in Sunday’s showdown against the Buccaneers.
Patriots leading tackler Robert Spillane (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Ravens. This marks the second consecutive game the linebacker will miss due to the ankle injury. Spillane has accumulated 97 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 13 starts this season.
Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Ravens. Jones was on the field for the open portion of Friday's practice, following his absence from the first two sessions of the week, suggesting he could be available.
Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Ravens. Davis participated in the open portion of Friday's practice after missing the first two sessions of the week, indicating a potential return to action.
Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart is set to be activated and play on Sunday. Stewart had previously indicated his intention to play this week, and the Bengals are expected to officially add him to the 53-man roster on Saturday.
Kicker Charlie Smyth has signed a new three-year deal and been elevated to the New Orleans Saints' full 53-man roster. This move follows three practice squad elevations, including kicking a game-winning field goal last week. The former Gaelic footballer, part of the NFL's international player pathway, is now set for his fourth consecutive NFL start Sunday against the Jets, having made 9 of 10 kick attempts across his three games.
Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. He returned to the practice field Friday after missing the first two days of the week with a knee injury. Head coach Dave Canales indicated that the team will make a decision about his availability on Sunday for the battle for first place in the NFC South.
Cardinals RB Emari Demercado is expected to have a role off the bench behind starter Michael Carter in Sunday's game against Atlanta. Demercado, in his second game back from a three-game absence due to a high-ankle sprain, took just three touches for one yard last week. Coach Jonathan Gannon named Carter as the Week 16 starter, indicating Demercado's success as a bench player hasn't typically translated across larger workloads.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Friday that Michael Carter will start Sunday's game against the Falcons. Carter is expected to take on the starting role for the remainder of the season after handling 18 touches and churning out a season-high 94 scrimmage yards in Week 15 following Bam Knight's ankle injury. Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner are on hand for depth, with Demercado expected to play a role off the bench.
Jets WR Garrett Wilson (knee) has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season, as confirmed by HC Aaron Glenn. This decision was expected due to the team's 3-11 record, preventing any rush back from his Week 10 knee injury (Nov. 13). Wilson concludes his campaign with 36 catches on 59 targets for 395 yards and four touchdowns across eight games. He is expected to be ready for New York's offseason program, with his focus now shifting to 2026.
