Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks was an estimated non-participant in Tuesday's practice due to an ankle injury, placing his availability for the upcoming Week 16 matchup in question. He was explicitly sidelined, indicating uncertainty for his status as the team prepares its injury report.
Packers WR Christian Watson was a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through due to a chest/shoulder injury from Sunday's loss. While he avoided a serious issue and was cleared from the hospital, his status for Saturday's game against the Bears is uncertain. Coach Matt LaFleur stated functionality and pain tolerance are key, and Watson likely needs to practice by Thursday to play, with a final decision potentially made "up to game time."
Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush was acquitted of assault and harassment charges on Tuesday. A judge ruled that prosecutors failed to prove Bush had the intent to harm or injure his girlfriend during the May incident, leading to his acquittal. This decision clears Bush of the legal allegations stemming from the incident.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a season-ending torn ACL and LCL, ending the team's 2025 playoff hopes. Gardner Minshew will take over as starter. Mahomes, currently QB2 in cumulative scoring with 64-422-5 rushing, played in a season where the Chiefs' defense carried the offense. His absence shifted Chiefs-Titans odds by 8 points. Discussions are now focused on his recovery timeline and the significant offseason questions for the team.
Philip Rivers made his Week 15 return for the Colts, completing 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in an 18-16 loss to the Seahawks. Coach Shane Steichen praised his game management and knowledge, and Rivers is expected to start again in Week 16 against the 49ers. With 5-1 odds for Comeback Player of the Year, discussions are ongoing about whether he can maintain this strong stretch with the Indianapolis Colts.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered a vintage performance in frigid temperatures, leading his team to a 28-15 victory over the Dolphins with 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. His dominant showing against Miami has analysts questioning if he can carry the 8-6 Steelers to a division title or the playoffs. Separately, former Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has requested his release, potentially paving the way for a reunion with Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil was listed as out of Tuesday's practice due to an oblique injury, appearing on the team's first injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Eagles. Tunsil has been a consistent presence for Washington this season, starting every game, making his absence from practice a notable development for the offensive line.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow, an injury initially suffered in Week 9 and aggravated in Week 14. Not cleared for contact, the team decided to prioritize his recovery for 2026. Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, expressed "super frustration" over his "disappointing year" which also included hamstring and knee issues, limiting him to just seven games. Marcus Mariota will start the final three weeks.
Bears rookie WR Luther Burden was a non-participant in Tuesday's practice due to an ankle injury sustained Sunday. Burden, who had a season-high six catches before his injury, has seen increased playing time recently, logging 10 catches for 151 yards on 13 targets in the last two games. He is considered day-to-day for Week 16 against the Packers, with 36 catches for 479 yards and one touchdown this season. His chances for Saturday are not good, but he appears to have a better outlook than teammate Rome Odunze.
Bears WR Rome Odunze was a non-participant in Tuesday's practice, continuing to be sidelined by an aggravated stress fracture in his foot, missing his second consecutive game. Coach Ben Johnson stated "all options are on the table," including a potential shutdown for the season. Despite his absences, Odunze leads the team with 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns. His status for Saturday's game against the Packers is uncertain, with his chances not looking good due to the short week.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is battling a persistent knee injury, which he reportedly aggravated in Sunday's loss to the Broncos, despite playing through it and scoring two touchdowns. He was an estimated non-participant in Tuesday's practice and has been on the injury report for three consecutive games since a Week 11 contusion. While coach Matt LaFleur praised his toughness, indicating a chance to play Saturday against the Bears, Jacobs' practice activity will be heavily managed, and he could potentially miss Week 16.
The Buffalo Bills have signed kicker Michael Badgley to their practice squad, making him the likely replacement for the injured Matt Prater (quad) for Week 16. Badgley previously played seven games for the Colts this season, converting 10-of-11 field goals and 18-of-21 extra points before being cut after a Week 13 missed XP. He boasts an 83% career field goal conversion rate and is considered a viable fantasy option against the Browns.
Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater will miss this week's game against the Browns due to a quad injury, leading the team to sign Michael Badgley as his replacement. Prater, who joined the Bills after Tyler Bass's injury earlier in the season, has been effective, converting 18-of-20 field goals and 43-of-46 extra points. His absence means Badgley will handle kicking duties for the upcoming matchup.
Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey sustained a rib injury on his final carry in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Packers, not returning to the game. While initially labeled questionable, the Broncos' subsequent claim of RB Cody Schrader off waivers suggests the injury may be more significant than minor. Head coach Sean Payton offered few details post-game. Further information regarding Harvey's status for Sunday's Week 16 game against Jacksonville is expected after Wednesday's practice.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is gaining significant attention after delivering what analysts, including Henry McKenna, are calling the "best game of his career." His standout performance and growing impact are being highlighted as a major reason for the Broncos' NFL-best record, leading to discussions about his potential entry into the MVP conversation. Analysts like Nick Wright are actively discussing his future potential with the franchise.
The New York Giants have waived kicker Younghoe Koo, concluding his five-game tenure with the team. This move follows a series of struggles, including a memorable botched 47-yard field goal attempt against the Patriots where he kicked the turf, and two missed field goals (both over 50 yards) in Sunday's loss to the Commanders. In his five games with the Giants, Koo made 4-of-6 field goals and missed one extra point. The Giants will now search for their fourth kicker this season, with Graham Gano eligible to return from IR.
The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed wide receiver and return specialist Ke'Shawn Williams off waivers from the Steelers. Williams, an undrafted rookie out of Indiana, played in eight games for Pittsburgh this season. He recorded 18 kickoff returns for 425 yards and 11 punt returns for 112 yards. Williams also played sparingly on offense for the Steelers but did not catch any passes. He joins the Bengals' active roster for the final three games of the season.
The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed wide receiver and return specialist Shawn Williams off waivers from the Steelers. Williams, an undrafted rookie out of Indiana, played in eight games for Pittsburgh this season. He recorded 18 kickoff returns for 425 yards and 11 punt returns for 112 yards. Williams also played sparingly on offense for the Steelers but did not catch any passes. He joins the Bengals' active roster for the final three games of the season.
The New York Giants have claimed linebacker Caleb Murphy off waivers from the Patriots, where he was waived Monday. Murphy, a former undrafted free agent, played in five games for New England this season, primarily on special teams, and previously made six appearances for the Chargers. His addition to the roster comes as the Giants also waived kicker Younghoe Koo, clearing a spot.
The Houston Texans have signed running back Jawhar Jordan from their practice squad to the active roster. Jordan made a significant impact in his NFL debut on Sunday against the Cardinals, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries. He is only the second player in Texans history to achieve over 100 rushing yards in their debut. A 2024 sixth-round pick, Jordan will now join Woody Marks and Nick Chubb in the team's running back rotation.
