Jared Verse Powers Rams' Defensive Unit
Jared Verse, along with Byron Young, is a significant force behind the Los Angeles Rams' defense. Their partnership has been crucial in establishing the defensive identity and effectiveness of the Rams.
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Thursday, December 18, 2025
Byron Young Fuels Rams' Defensive Identity
Linebacker Byron Young, alongside Jared Verse, is a key driver of the Los Angeles Rams' defense. Their connection has been instrumental in shaping the identity and performance of the team's defensive unit.
Packers DC Hafley on Parsons' Injury
Packers DC Jeff Hafley is confident Micah Parsons will recover from his torn ACL and return stronger, potentially breaking sack records. Hafley emphasizes that the team's behavior shouldn't be dictated by circumstances, urging the defense to maintain pride and cohesion despite Parsons' absence.
Geno Smith Focused on Winning Despite Raiders' Struggles
Raiders QB Geno Smith returned to practice after missing Week 15 due to shoulder and back issues. He's taking his recovery day by day, hoping to play against the Texans. Smith expressed surprise at the team's 2-12 record but remains committed long-term, stating, "I expect to win a lot of games here." He acknowledged the team's urgency to improve and turn things around, understanding that significant changes are needed in the offseason. Smith is under contract for two more years, with $18.5 million guaranteed for the 2026 season, but his future may depend on potential coaching changes.
Myles Garrett's Historic Season Wasted by Browns' Struggles
Myles Garrett is having a historically dominant season, nearing the NFL sack record with 21.5 sacks through 14 games, on pace for 26. Despite this individual brilliance, the Cleveland Browns, with a 3-11 record, are wasting his peak years. Garrett's consistent dominance, averaging a sack per game and facing constant double-teams, is unfolding on a team with offensive struggles and limited leads, unlike previous record-setting seasons. His career, marked by individual greatness on a rebuilding team, draws comparisons to Mike Trout. Garrett previously requested a trade but signed an extension, leaving him in a timeline incongruence with the Browns' perpetual reset.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Marcus Epps Returns to Eagles, Finds Starting Role After Long Layoff
Marcus Epps has returned to the Philadelphia Eagles and earned a starting safety role after a nearly 15-month layoff due to an ACL tear. Epps, who previously played for the Eagles from 2019-2022, missed significant time after his injury in September 2024. Despite doubts about his future, he persevered through recovery and was signed by the Patriots before being released. Now back with the Eagles, he's become a key part of their defense, appreciating every moment on the field after having the game taken away. He's played solidly in his recent starts, contributing to the team's success.
Quinyon Mitchell: NFL's Quietly Elite Cornerback
Quinyon Mitchell is having an incredible second season for the Philadelphia Eagles, despite a lack of national recognition and no interceptions. He ranks 1st in catch rate (41.6%) among DBs targeted at least 50 times, 2nd in opponent passer rating (61.4), and 2nd in tight window rate (41.6%). Mitchell has been targeted 77 times, allowing only 32 catches for 376 yards and one TD. His quiet confidence and dedication to film study have fueled his physical and technical improvements, earning praise from teammates and coaches as one of the league's best corners.
Puka Nacua Faces Fine, Brother Arrested Amidst Controversial Week
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua faces a likely NFL fine for controversial comments about referees on a livestream. He also practiced a celebration dance referencing an offensive stereotype. Meanwhile, Nacua's older brother, Samson, was reportedly arrested for allegedly taking Lakers rookie Adou Thiero's car without consent. Samson, a former BYU player, has had stints in the USFL and UFL. This follows Puka's own controversial actions, including attempting to bring streamers into practice and livestreaming from the locker room.
Packers' Micah Parsons Out for Season with ACL Tear; DC Predicts Record Return
Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Micah Parsons has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season after suffering an ACL tear in his left knee during Sunday's loss. He will undergo season-ending surgery, facing a prognosis of at least nine months in rehab, and had not yet had surgery as of Wednesday. Parsons led the league with 83 QB pressures and ranked third with 12.5 sacks in 14 games, maintaining a 20.5% pressure rate. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley predicts Parsons will break the NFL sack record upon his return from the torn ACL.
Zach Wilson Frustrated After Dolphins Name Rookie Ewers Starting QB
Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson expressed frustration and confusion after the team named rookie Quinn Ewers as the starting quarterback for Week 16, bypassing Wilson for the role. Wilson will now serve as the No. 2 backup behind Ewers, following Tua Tagovailoa's benching. He wished Ewers well but admitted disappointment, stating, "Of course I would love to play." Wilson, who signed a one-year, $6 million contract last offseason and appeared in three games as a backup, is a free agent after this season. Head coach Mike McDaniel indicated Wilson still has a chance to play this season.
Dolphins Name Rookie Quinn Ewers Starting QB for Week 16 After Tagovailoa Benching
The Miami Dolphins have officially named rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers as their starting quarterback for Week 16 against the Bengals, replacing benched Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Mike McDaniel stated Ewers gives the team the best chance to win, citing Tagovailoa's struggles. Ewers, a former No. 1 overall recruit, reportedly impressed in practice over Zach Wilson, who will now serve as his backup. This marks Ewers' first NFL start; he previously went 5-for-8 for 53 yards in his only action this season in October. His selection over the more experienced Wilson reportedly caused frustration for Wilson.
Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa, Rookie Ewers Takes Over Starting QB Role
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been benched for rookie Quinn Ewers, who will take over as the starter for Week 16 and the remainder of the season. Tagovailoa will serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback. He publicly expressed disappointment, stating, "I’m not happy about it, but it’s something out of my control." This decision follows his career-worst season, marked by a league-leading 15 interceptions, numerous sacks, and the team's playoff elimination. He finishes 2025 with 2,660 yards, 20 TDs, and 15 INTs in 14 appearances. His future with the team is uncertain due to a $54 million guaranteed salary for 2026 and a $56.4 million cap hit.
Philip Rivers Returns to Colts, Boosts Ratings and Secures Health Benefits
Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers is making an NFL return for Week 16, signing with the Indianapolis Colts for the stretch run. He will receive the prorated one-year veteran minimum of $278,889 for four regular-season games. This return is significant as it also restores his league-provided health insurance, which would have expired five years after his last game in 2020. His comeback has already moved the needle, with the Week 15 Colts game becoming the most-watched CBS Colts game in Indianapolis in five years, reflecting the fascination his return has sparked among NFL fans.
Texans RB Woody Marks Misses Practice with Re-Aggravated Ankle Injury
Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, re-aggravating a pre-existing ankle issue during Sunday's win over Arizona, forcing him to miss the second half. Coach Demeco Ryans downplayed the severity, stating Marks could have re-entered last week's game, leading to tentative expectations for him to play Sunday against the Raiders. His status remains uncertain, potentially opening up more opportunities for Jawhar Jordan, especially with Nick Chubb returning to practice.
Texans RB Nick Chubb Limited in Practice Return, On Track for Week 16
Texans RB Nick Chubb (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, marking his return after missing Sunday's win. He appears on track to play in Week 16 against Las Vegas, though his role may depend on fellow RB Woody Marks' (ankle) health, who did not practice. Coach Demeco Ryans indicated Marks could have re-entered last week's game. Chubb's return complicates the backfield, especially after Jawhar Jordan rushed for 101 yards last Sunday.
Raiders QB Geno Smith Practices Fully, Set for Week 16 Return
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder/back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, setting the stage for his return to the lineup Sunday against the Texans after missing Week 15. Coach Pete Carroll had expressed optimism about his return. Smith, who was inactive last week as Kenny Pickett struggled in a 31-0 loss, stated he's "expecting to win a lot of games here." He should be back under center but isn't a fantasy option against Houston's top-ranked QB defense, with the Raiders implied for only 11.75 points.
Broncos WR Pat Bryant Full-Go in Practice, Set for Week 16 Return
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, putting him on track to return for this weekend's game against the Jaguars. Bryant had emerged as Denver's No. 2 wide receiver before missing Week 15. His return is expected to knock fellow WR Troy Franklin out of Week 16 fantasy consideration.
Broncos WR Troy Franklin's Week 16 Fantasy Value Declines
Denver Broncos WR Troy Franklin's fantasy consideration for Week 16 has been impacted by the return of Pat Bryant (hamstring). Bryant was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is on track to play against the Jaguars. Bryant had emerged as Denver's No. 2 WR before missing Week 15, and his return is expected to reduce Franklin's opportunities.
Cardinals WR Michael Wilson's Fantasy Status Downgraded
Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson's fantasy status could be downgraded to WR3 if Marvin Harrison (heel) returns for Week 16. Harrison was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, and HC Jonathan Gannon expressed optimism about his progress for Sunday's game against the Falcons. Harrison's return would likely reduce Wilson's target share.
Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Limited in Practice Return from Heel Injury
Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison (heel) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, marking his return after missing the last two games due to the heel injury and Weeks 11-12 following an appendectomy. Coach Jonathan Gannon reported Harrison felt "good" in his return to practice, and the team will monitor his progress for Sunday's game against the Falcons. Harrison is expected to play again this season, and his return would boost a wide receiver corps currently thin on healthy options, potentially impacting Michael Wilson's fantasy status.