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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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.

Jameis Winston Advises Shedeur Sanders: 'Wins Are Most Important'

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New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston recently spoke with Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, offering advice that 'the most important thing is the wins.' Winston, a former No. 1 overall pick, shared his perspective with the young quarterback.

Roquan Smith Sits Out Wednesday Practice for Ravens

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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith was among the players who did not participate in Wednesday's practice. No specific reason was immediately provided for his absence, but the team's upcoming injury report will offer more details regarding his status ahead of Week 16.

Ronnie Stanley Misses Wednesday Practice, Injury Not Considered Major

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Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley was out of practice Wednesday. He had limped off the field during last Sunday's win over the Bengals, but head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the team does not believe it is a major injury. His status for the upcoming Week 16 game will be further clarified by the team's injury report.

Xavier Worthy Set for Increased Opportunity With Rice in Protocol

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With Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice in concussion protocol and unlikely to play in Week 16, Xavier Worthy is expected to see increased opportunities and a larger target share in the Kansas City passing game.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Enters Concussion Protocol, Unlikely for Week 16

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Chiefs WR Rashee Rice has entered concussion protocol and will not practice Wednesday after reporting symptoms Monday, making him unlikely to play against the Titans. His absence removes a significant portion of Kansas City's passing game; since Week 7, Rice accounted for 26.5% of targets, 29.4% of catches, 29.0% of receiving yards, and 45.5% of receiving touchdowns. This situation will free up opportunities for teammates like Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce.

Minshew-Led Chiefs Passing Game Faces Low Enthusiasm Amid Rice Injury

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With Chiefs WR Rashee Rice in concussion protocol and unlikely to play, opportunities will open for other receivers like Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce. However, there is low enthusiasm for the overall performance of the Gardner Minshew-led Kansas City passing game.

Kelce Vows Strong Finish Amidst Chiefs' Elimination; Role Expands With Rice Injury

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Despite the Chiefs' playoff elimination and Patrick Mahomes' season-ending ACL tear, tight end Travis Kelce is committed to finishing the season strong, hinting at a potential retirement decision. His role in the offense is set to expand as WR Rashee Rice enters concussion protocol, creating more opportunities in the passing game. However, excitement for the Gardner Minshew-led offense remains tempered.

Chargers S Tony Jefferson Involved in Hits Leading to Concussion Protocols

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Chargers safety Tony Jefferson was involved in hits that led to both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton entering concussion protocol. Jefferson was ejected from last Sunday's game against the Chiefs for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Thornton.

Bears HC Ben Johnson Downplays Parsons' Injury Impact on Packers

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Bears head coach Ben Johnson downplayed the significance of Micah Parsons' season-ending ACL tear for the Green Bay Packers ahead of their NFC North clash. Johnson stated that the loss of one player wouldn't drastically change the Packers' defense, despite previous opponents centering their entire game plans around Parsons.

Bradley Chubb's 2025 Performance Bonuses Under Review

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Miami Dolphins player Bradley Chubb is among 15 noteworthy NFL players whose 2025 performance bonuses are currently being examined and detailed.

Egbuka's Snap Share Down, Efficiency Up

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Emeka Egbuka played 64% of offensive snaps, a season low, but his efficiency skyrocketed with more slot work due to Mike Evans' return. His 9.1 yards/target was his highest since Week 5. The Bucs WR room is crowded again, with Evans leading targets and Egbuka second. With Bucky Irving back, touches are spread. Carolina allows 225 net passing yards per game, 11th most. Egbuka is a WR3 flex with touchdown upside.

Panthers Designate WR David Moore for Return

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Wide receiver David Moore is making his way back toward the Panthers lineup after being placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury in Week 4. He'll be able to practice for 21 days before the team must decide to activate him or shut him down. Moore had one catch for five yards and one carry for 12 yards before his injury. He recorded 32 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown last season.

Pitts Sr. Delivers Legendary TE Performance

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Kyle Pitts Sr. had the best fantasy game for a TE since 2000 in Week 15, with 7 catches for 163 yards and a TD. He led TEs in target share (29.1%) Weeks 12-14. With Drake London returning from a PCL injury, Pitts' role may shift. If London is out, Pitts is a top-five TE; if London plays, Pitts remains a fantasy starter but with lower production expectations.

Luke Kuechly Joins ESPN's New Analytics-Heavy MNF Playbook Broadcast

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Former linebacker Luke Kuechly will provide commentary alongside Dan Orlovsky and Field Yates for ESPN's new analytics-heavy 'MNF Playbook with Next Gen Stats' feed. This new altcast, which will include run-vs-pass and blitz predictions, debuts Monday for the 49ers-Colts matchup.

Drake Maye Prioritizes Super Bowls Amidst MVP Race & Offensive Struggles

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, despite falling in MVP odds after their 10-game winning streak was snapped by the Bills, stated he prioritizes winning Super Bowls over personal accolades. Maye currently ranks first in completion percentage (70.9) and fifth in passing yards (3,567). The Bills stifled his offense using varied coverage, including two-high safeties and man coverage, against which Maye has completed 56.3% of passes over his last four games. Maye acknowledges the need for receivers to win routes against man coverage, a strategy the upcoming Baltimore Ravens opponent has historically employed.