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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Williams Limited in Practice with Neck Issue After Strong Week 15

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Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams practiced on a limited basis Wednesday due to a neck issue. This reclassification follows a shoulder injury that caused him to miss part of the first half of last Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Despite the injury, Williams returned to finish Week 15 with 15 carries for 91 yards and one touchdown on a 28 percent snap share. He will have two more opportunities to achieve full participation this week before a potential designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Reporter Nick Harris Details Cowboys' Practice Absences, Injury Updates

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Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported on key Dallas Cowboys injury updates. He noted wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's absence from Wednesday's practice, later confirming it was due to an illness. Harris also reported that running back Javonte Williams practiced on a limited basis Wednesday due to a neck issue. Williams had previously missed part of the Week 15 game with a shoulder injury but returned to finish with 91 yards and a touchdown.

Metellus Placed on IR, Season Ends with Shoulder Surgery

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Minnesota Vikings safety Joshua Metellus has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. He will undergo shoulder surgery after playing through the injury since Week 13. Metellus totaled 86 tackles, half a sack, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, a team-high two interceptions, and six passes defensed this season. Coach Kevin O'Connell stated that Metellus and Greenard will remain involved with the team despite their season-ending injuries.

Greenard Placed on IR, Season Ends with Shoulder Surgery

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Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. He will undergo shoulder surgery after aggravating an injury in Sunday's victory over the Cowboys, an issue he initially sustained in Week 10. This unfortunate news comes after Greenard achieved the highest PFF pass-rush grade in Week 15. For the season, he totaled 38 tackles, three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, three passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

Robinson Full Participant in Practice Despite Illness

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was a full participant in Wednesday's practice despite dealing with an illness. His full participation is a positive sign for his availability and role in the upcoming game. Robinson's presence on the injury report was noted, but his ability to practice fully indicates the illness is not significantly impacting his readiness for Week 16.

Evans Limited in Practice, Likely Maintenance After Strong Return

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Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (collarbone) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. This limitation is likely related to maintenance after his return to action last Thursday against the Falcons, his first game since breaking his collarbone in Week 7. In that return, Evans logged a 54 percent snap share and recorded six catches on 12 targets for 132 yards. His status will be monitored as the weekend approaches to ensure his availability for Sunday's game in Carolina.

Wicks Upgraded to Limited Practice with Ankle Injury

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Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was upgraded to limited participation in Wednesday's practice. This marks a positive step in his recovery from the ankle injury. His progress will be monitored throughout the week as the team prepares for their Saturday night game against the Bears. Wicks' ability to increase his practice reps will be key to his availability for Week 16.

Watson Limited in Practice, Expects to Play Week 16 Despite Rib Injury

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Packers WR Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, his first activity since suffering an injury against the Broncos. Watson confirmed he went to the emergency room for dislocated ribs but stated he's "feeling pretty good" and expects to be "alright for the game" against the Bears on Saturday. Coach Matt LaFleur noted Watson is "fighting to play" and has a fair chance for Week 16 clearance if he handles limited reps Thursday. He will carry elevated risk if he suits up.

Jacobs Misses Practice with Knee/Ankle Injuries, Aims to Play Week 16

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Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) missed Wednesday's practice, showing a significant limp and wearing a knee brace, but still intends to play Saturday against the Bears. He has managed knee issues since Week 11, aggravating it in Week 15 where he recorded 92 total yards and two touchdowns. Jacobs has rushed for 890 yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games this season. His status for Week 16 remains uncertain, with final practice reports providing clarity. Emanuel Wilson is the only other healthy RB on the roster.

Lawrence Playing Best Football Ahead of First Matchup with Bo Nix

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is currently playing his best football, a sentiment echoed in a recent article comparing his career path to that of Bo Nix. The two quarterbacks are set to face each other for the first time on Sunday. This matchup highlights both players' significant 'leveling up' in performance, making it a highly anticipated contest as they both establish themselves among the NFL's top quarterbacks.

Bo Nix 'Levels Up' with Four TDs, Ranked Among NFL's Top QBs

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix delivered his best professional game, throwing four touchdown passes against the Green Bay Packers. This performance caps a strong month where Nix has established himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, indicating a significant 'leveling up' in his play. He is now featured in discussions comparing his divergent path to top-10 QB status with Trevor Lawrence, ahead of their first matchup on Sunday, where both are playing their best football.

Joseph Remains Out of Practice with Knee Injury Since Week 6

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Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph remained out of practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury. He has been sidelined by the injury since Week 6, and there is currently no clear timeline for his return to action. With Brian Branch out for the season, the Lions have been forced to adjust their secondary, starting Avonte Maddox and Erick Hallett in their last game. Joseph's continued absence leaves a void in the Lions' defensive backfield.

Jets Name Brady Cook Week 16 Starter Amidst Vet Returns

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New York Jets undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook will make his second consecutive start in Week 16 against the Saints, as confirmed by HC Aaron Glenn. Cook went 22-of-33 for 176 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in last Sunday's 48-20 loss to the Jaguars. He assumed the starting role due to injuries to Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields, who are now expected to serve as backups if healthy. The Jets are in "evaluation mode" for the final three games, continuing to assess the rookie's performance. Breece Hall is the only Jet in fantasy-starter territory.

Bears' Luther Burden (Ankle) Misses Practice, Status Questionable for Saturday

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Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, marking his second consecutive missed session. His availability for Saturday's game against the Packers is now in question. Burden exited last Sunday's game against the Browns in the third quarter after hauling in six of seven targets for 84 yards. Coach Ben Johnson previously described him as "day-to-day," and Thursday's practice report will provide more clarity on his Week 16 status, especially with Rome Odunze also missing practice.

Bears' Rome Odunze (Foot) Misses Practice, Status Questionable for Saturday

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Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, marking his second consecutive missed session and putting his availability for Saturday's game against the Packers in question. Odunze previously sat out Week 14 due to a stress fracture and was a late scratch in Week 15 after a pregame setback. Coach Ben Johnson stated "all options are on the table" for his recovery, but missing both early Week 16 sessions is concerning, especially with Luther Burden also missing practice.

Jets' Rod Taylor (Groin) Expected to Practice, Won't Start Week 16

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New York Jets quarterback Rod Taylor, previously sidelined by a groin injury, is expected to practice this week. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that rookie Brady Cook will start Week 16 against the Saints. Taylor, or Justin Fields, will serve as the backup if healthy, with the other potentially being the emergency third quarterback. Despite returning to practice, Taylor will not start Sunday's game and is not assured of seeing the field again this season.

Jets' Tyrod Taylor (Groin) Set to Practice, Will Back Up Cook

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New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor, previously sidelined by a groin injury, is set to practice this week. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced that rookie Brady Cook will start Week 16 against the Saints, with Taylor or Justin Fields serving as the backup. If both are healthy enough to play, the other would be the emergency third quarterback. Taylor will not start Sunday's game and is not assured of seeing the field again this season, as Cook has been named the starter due to injuries to Taylor and Fields.

Jets' Breece Hall Only Fantasy Starter for Week 16

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New York Jets running back Breece Hall is noted as the only player from the team to crack fantasy-starter territory in Week 16 rankings. This comes as rookie Brady Cook is set to start at quarterback for the Jets against the Saints, with Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields potentially serving as backups.

Jets' Justin Fields (Knee) Returns to Practice, May Back Up Cook

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New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, previously sidelined by a knee injury, is set to return to practice this week. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that rookie Brady Cook will start Week 16 against the Saints, with Fields or Tyrod Taylor serving as the backup. If both are healthy enough to play, the other would be the emergency third quarterback. Fields' return to practice is a positive step, but he will not reclaim the starting role this week.

Bills' Dion Dawkins (Illness) Misses Wednesday Practice

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Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) did not participate in Wednesday's walk-through practice. While head coach Sean McDermott mentioned several injured players during his press conference, Dawkins' absence was not specifically noted. His status for the upcoming game will be clarified by later practice reports.