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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Titans QB Cam Ward Seeks Active Role in Head Coach Search

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Titans QB Cam Ward has expressed a strong desire to be involved in the team's search for Brian Callahan's permanent replacement. Having seen his first NFL head coach fired early in his rookie season, Ward spoke with President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and GM Mike Borgonzi. He intends to meet all coaching candidates and contribute to finding a leader who can build a successful foundation for the franchise, regardless of their offensive or defensive background, volunteering his services in the process.

Kyle Monangai Poised for Workhorse Role if Swift Sidelined

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Chicago Bears RB Kyle Monangai is available as a contingency if D'Andre Swift (groin) is inhibited or sidelined for Saturday's game against the Packers. Swift was limited in Wednesday's practice, putting his Week 16 availability in question. Should Swift be unable to play, Monangai would step into a workhorse role, making him a must-start in fantasy lineups.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift Limited with Groin Injury, Week 16 Status Questionable

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Chicago Bears RB D'Andre Swift was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury, an issue that typically arises on the practice field. His addition to the Week 16 injury report puts his availability for Saturday's game against the Packers in question. The team will monitor his status closely, with Thursday's practice report offering more clarity on his ability to suit up. Kyle Monangai is available as a contingency and would become a workhorse and a must-start in fantasy lineups if Swift is inhibited or sidelined.

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley Practices Fully, Ready for Week 16

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Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (neck/stinger) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, a positive development after being held out of Tuesday's walk-through due to an injury sustained in Week 15. His full participation suggests he should be ready for his usual workload without an injury designation for Saturday's game against Washington. Barkley has scored in back-to-back games and handled 20 or more carries in four of six games since the Eagles' bye.

Xavier Smith Expected to See Increased Role for Rams

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to knee and hamstring injuries, Xavier Smith is expected to see an increased role in the Rams' passing game. He, along with Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington, will likely step up behind Puka Nacua to fill the void left by Adams' likely absence.

Konata Mumpfield Expected to See Increased Role for Rams

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to knee and hamstring injuries, Konata Mumpfield is expected to see an increased role in the Rams' passing game. He, along with Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Smith, will likely step up behind Puka Nacua to fill the void left by Adams' likely absence.

Terrance Ferguson Could See Bigger Role for Rams in Week 16

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to hamstring and knee injuries, tight end Terrance Ferguson could play a bigger role in the passing game. He, along with Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen, may see increased opportunities to contribute in Adams' likely absence.

Jordan Whittington Expected to See Increased Role for Rams

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to knee and hamstring injuries, Jordan Whittington is expected to see an increased role in the Rams' passing game. He, along with Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and Xavier Smith, will likely step up behind Puka Nacua to fill the void left by Adams' likely absence.

Davis Allen Could See Bigger Role for Rams in Week 16

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to hamstring and knee injuries, tight end Davis Allen could play a bigger role in the passing game. He, along with Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson, may see increased opportunities to contribute in Adams' likely absence.

Tutu Atwell Expected to See Increased Role for Rams

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to knee and hamstring injuries, Tutu Atwell is expected to see an increased role in the Rams' passing game. He, along with Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Smith, will likely step up behind Puka Nacua to fill the void left by Adams' likely absence.

Colby Parkinson Expected to See Increased Targets for Rams

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With Rams WR Davante Adams listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Seahawks due to hamstring and knee injuries, tight end Colby Parkinson is expected to see an increased role in the passing game. He might be the second-best bet for targets against Seattle, alongside other receivers and tight ends stepping up in Adams' likely absence.

Rams WR Davante Adams Doubtful for TNF with Knee/Hamstring Injuries

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Rams WR Davante Adams is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Seahawks due to aggravated hamstring and new knee injuries, marking his likely first absence of the season. He missed all practices this week. Adams, who leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns (60 receptions, 789 yards), will be a significant loss for Los Angeles. The team is keeping the door open for a miraculous improvement, but he's considered a long shot. Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen are expected to see increased roles.

Former NFL Pro Bowler Hardy Nickerson Named JSerra Head Coach

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Five-time Pro Bowl linebacker and former NFL assistant coach Hardy Nickerson, 60, has been named the new head football coach at JSerra. He becomes the first Black head coach in the Trinity League since its formation in 2008. Nickerson brings extensive coaching experience, including roles with the 49ers, Bears, and Buccaneers, and led Bishop O'Dowd to a state Division 5-AA championship this season. He takes over a JSerra program that finished 3-7 last season.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Misses Practice with Illness, Expected to Play

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Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was absent from Wednesday's practice due to flu-like symptoms, marking his sixth consecutive week without a full practice. Coach John Harbaugh expressed little concern, noting Jackson hasn't missed any games this season and has ample time to recover before the Ravens face the Patriots on Sunday night. The team's official report lists his absence as illness, with no injury, distinguishing it from previous minor issues or rest days.

Rams Star Jared Verse Declares Seahawks as Most Disliked Opponent

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Rams star Jared Verse has openly declared the Seattle Seahawks as the team he "dislikes the most," intensifying the rivalry ahead of their critical NFC West showdown. His strong sentiment underscores the high stakes for Los Angeles as they prepare to face Seattle in a heavyweight tilt. The Rams are gearing up for this significant matchup, with Verse's comments adding a personal edge to the divisional contest.

Allen Lazard Clears Waivers, Becomes Free Agent; Eligible for Jets Payout

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Wide receiver Allen Lazard cleared waivers on Wednesday, making him a free agent. He is entitled to recover $291,667 of his remaining $1.75 million base salary from the Jets, without offset from future earnings. Lazard is now free to sign with any team, including a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers, with whom he played in Green Bay and briefly with the Jets. He had previously renegotiated his Jets contract to avoid release and a potential move to Pittsburgh.

Allen Lazard's Free Agency Opens Door for Potential Rodgers Reunion

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With Allen Lazard clearing waivers and becoming a free agent, speculation arises about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers. Lazard previously played with Rodgers for five seasons in Green Bay and signed with the Jets in 2023 when Rodgers was traded there. While Lazard had previously renegotiated to stay with the Jets instead of joining Rodgers in Pittsburgh, he is now free to sign with any team, including the Steelers if they desire.

Seahawks LT Charles Cross Ruled Out for Thursday Night Game vs. Rams

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Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross has been ruled out for Thursday night's critical NFC West showdown against the Rams due to a hamstring injury. Cross sustained the injury late in Seattle's Week 15 win over the Colts, leaving quarterback Sam Darnold without his blind-side protector. Josh Jones, who filled in when Cross missed time this summer with a finger injury, is expected to start at left tackle.

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Prepares for Rams Rematch Without LT Cross

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Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is focused on Thursday's critical NFC West game against the Rams, aiming for a stronger performance after throwing four interceptions in their Week 11 loss. He will be without his blind-side protector, LT Charles Cross, who is ruled out with a hamstring injury. Darnold, who is also among 15 NFL players whose 2025 performance bonuses are under review, seeks to avoid a repeat of past late-season struggles.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Tapped as Top Anytime TD Scorer Pick for TNF

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The SportsLine Projection Model has identified Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a top anytime touchdown scorer pick for Thursday Night Football. This prediction comes ahead of the critical NFC West matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, suggesting a strong potential for Smith-Njigba to find the end zone.