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

Monday, December 15, 2025

Bears HC Ben Johnson Provides Updates on Injured WRs Odunze and Burden

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Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson provided updates on his injured wide receivers, stating that "all options are on the table" for Rome Odunze's (foot) recovery, including a potential shutdown for the playoffs to "protect him from himself." Johnson also labeled Luther Burden (ankle) as "day to day," noting that his Week 16 availability against the Packers will depend on practice evaluations. He added that they are "still working through" Burden's status, indicating uncertainty for Saturday night's game.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Aggravates PCL & Ankle, Week 16 Status Uncertain

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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall played through ankle and knee injuries in Week 15, securing 6 catches for 96 yards. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Pearsall aggravated a PCL injury (right knee) in Q4, which previously sidelined him for six games, and also dealt with a low ankle sprain from a hip-drop tackle. Shanahan is unsure if Pearsall will practice or play next Monday vs. the Colts, noting the PCL injury is "real painful." Fantasy owners should not bank on his availability for Week 16.

Steelers Rookie DT Derrick Harmon Inactive for Monday Night Football

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Steelers rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is inactive for Monday Night Football against the Dolphins due to a knee injury. Harmon was previously listed as questionable to play. The first-round rookie has contributed 22 tackles, two sacks, and four quarterback hits for the Steelers this season.

Jaguars RB Tuten Undergoes Finger Surgery, Expected Back for Playoffs

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Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten is scheduled for surgery to repair a broken finger sustained in the Week 15 win over the Jets. He is expected to miss "a few weeks" but should be back in time for the postseason. His absence means he is likely safe to drop during waiver runs, with Travis Etienne anticipated to take on a workhorse role for the Jaguars for the remainder of the season, and LeQuint Allen serving as the backup.

Burrow to Start Final 3 Games Despite Playoff Exit, Seeks Strong Finish

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Joe Burrow is confirmed to start the Cincinnati Bengals' final three regular-season games, despite the team's 4-10 record and playoff elimination. Coach Zac Taylor dismissed notions of sitting Burrow, emphasizing the team's desire to win. This decision follows Burrow's worst statistical game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens, where he completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards and threw two interceptions in a shutout loss, taking full blame. He aims to close the year strong and avoid further injuries.

Patriots Hold Out LB Robert Spillane as Emergency Option Due to Foot Injury

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Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane made the active roster for Sunday's loss to the Bills, despite entering the weekend questionable with a foot injury that limited his final two days of practice. However, New England opted to hold out its lead linebacker, treating him only as an "emergency" option. As a result, Spillane logged no statistics during the game.

Philip Rivers Confirmed Colts' Week 16 Starter After Retirement Return

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Philip Rivers, 44, is officially named the Indianapolis Colts' starting QB for Week 16's Monday Night Football game against the 49ers. This marks his second start since coming out of retirement last week after five years. In his NFL return, he completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in an 18-16 loss to the Seahawks. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed his role despite the loss. Rivers boasts a 4-0 career record against the 49ers, with his last victory against them in 2018. He was also featured among top NFL quotes from Week 15.

Commanders Shut Down Jayden Daniels for Season Due to Elbow Injury

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Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has been officially shut down for the remainder of the 2025 season due to an elbow injury, aggravated in Week 14. Head Coach Dan Quinn cited a "part medical, part team" decision, as Daniels was not medically cleared for contact. He will not start the final three games, with Marcus Mariota taking over as QB1. Daniels finishes his second NFL season having started seven games, completing 114 of 188 passes for 1,262 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, and adding 278 rushing yards with two scores. The injury was a dislocated left, non-throwing elbow.

Jalen Ramsey Calls Out Fans Chanting to 'Fire Mike Tomlin' in Pittsburgh

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Veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey publicly called out fans who were chanting to 'fire Mike Tomlin' in Pittsburgh. The comments came ahead of the Dolphins vs. Steelers game, where Ramsey addressed the sentiment among some of the fanbase regarding the Steelers' head coach.

Stefon Diggs Comments on Patriots' Loss to Bills

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Following the Buffalo Bills' 35-31 victory over the New England Patriots, which improved their record to 10-4, wide receiver Stefon Diggs commented on the Patriots' performance. He stated that the loss was "good for us," implying a positive takeaway for the Bills despite the close scoreline.

Bucs' Jalen McMillan Reflects on Near-Paralyzing Neck Injury

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has reflected on his recovery from a severe neck injury. He revealed that the injury was so serious it could have potentially left him paralyzed, highlighting the gravity of his health scare and the challenges faced during his rehabilitation. McMillan's comments shed light on the personal toll of his injury.

Vikings LB Jonathan Greenard Out for Season, Needs Shoulder Surgery

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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery for a left shoulder injury. Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Greenard had been playing through the injury, which was aggravated in Sunday night's win over the Cowboys. He initially suffered the injury in Week 10 against the Ravens, missing two games before returning. Greenard concludes his season with 38 tackles, three sacks, and 12 QB hits. Rookie Dallas Turner is expected to see increased snaps in his absence.

Drake Maye Struggles Passing, Excels Rushing in Patriots' Loss to Bills

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye experienced a 'down day' as a passer in Sunday's 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, throwing for a season-low 155 yards and failing to throw a TD pass for only the second time this season. He appeared tentative and less accurate with a -2.1% CPOE. While his struggles through the air may have been weather-related or due to Buffalo's defensive looks, he remained remarkable with his legs, contributing to the red-zone attack and delivering his third and fourth rushing TDs of 2025, also making a key block. Maye was briefly mentioned in early Week 16 betting lines as a pick to win MVP.

Dolphins Sign LB Quinton Bell to Active Roster from Practice Squad

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The Miami Dolphins have signed linebacker Quinton Bell to their active roster from the practice squad. Bell has frequently moved between the active roster and practice squad this season, playing 30 defensive and 45 special teams snaps in three games, with one tackle. In his five-season career, he has appeared in 30 games (3 starts), accumulating 27 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and four special teams tackles. The Dolphins waived Andre Carter II in a corresponding move.

Prescott 'Surprised, Hurt, Frustrated' as Cowboys Face Playoff Elimination

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed profound disappointment, stating he's "surprised, hurt, pissed off, frustrated" by the team's current "shitty" position after consecutive losses to the Lions and Vikings. These defeats have realistically ended the Cowboys' playoff hopes. Despite the grim outlook, Prescott emphasized a resilient mindset, asserting that the team "Can't Just Give Up" and will continue to play hard in their remaining games against the Chargers, Commanders, and Giants, taking pride in their professionalism.

Marcus Mariota Named Commanders' Starting QB for Final Three Games

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Marcus Mariota is confirmed as the Washington Commanders' starting QB for the final three games, replacing the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota recently completed 10 of 19 passes for 211 yards, 1 TD, and rushed for 43 yards in a win over the Giants, despite two fumbles. This season, he's started 7 games with a 2-5 record, throwing for 1,600 yards, 10 TDs, and 7 INTs. He will face the Eagles twice and the Cowboys once to conclude the season, having previously served as the Eagles' backup in 2023.

Titans DT Simmons' Home Burglarized; Records Sack & TD in Loss

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Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' Nashville-area home was burglarized by at least six suspects on Sunday while he was away playing against the 49ers. Multiple items were stolen, and police are investigating, with team security collaborating. Simmons expressed frustration on Instagram. Despite the incident, he had a notable performance in the 37-24 loss, recording seven tackles, a sack, and his second career touchdown catch as a surprise red-zone target. He now has 55 total tackles and nine sacks this season.

LeQuint Allen Steps Up to Jaguars' No. 2 RB Role Amidst Tuten Injury

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LeQuint Allen is set to become the Jacksonville Jaguars' No. 2 running back following Bhayshul Tuten's finger injury and subsequent surgery, which will sideline Tuten for several weeks. Allen has seen limited action this season, totaling just 18 carries and 11 targets. He is considered a player worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues as a potential backup option should Travis Etienne, who is expected to take on a workhorse role, face any injury in this weekend's game versus the Broncos.

Travis Etienne Expected to Assume Workhorse Role for Jaguars

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne is expected to step into a workhorse role for the remainder of the season. This increased workload comes as fellow running back Bhayshul Tuten is set for surgery to repair a finger injury suffered in Week 15, which will sideline him for "a few weeks" but with a projected return for the playoffs. Etienne will likely be the primary back, with LeQuint Allen serving as the No. 2 option.

Roquan Smith to Partner with Trenton Simpson After Buchanan Injury

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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith will likely see Trenton Simpson step into the lineup alongside him following the season-ending ACL tear suffered by rookie Teddye Buchanan. Buchanan, who had climbed to the No. 2 linebacker spot behind Smith, will miss the remainder of the season. This adjustment means Smith will have a new partner in the Ravens' linebacker corps for the coming weeks, as Simpson saw more playing time after Buchanan's injury on Sunday.