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NFL News

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

Monday, December 15, 2025

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.

Ravens Rookie LB Teddye Buchanan Confirmed Out for Season with Torn ACL

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Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan's promising debut season has officially ended after Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed he tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday's game against the Bengals. Buchanan, a fourth-round pick and NFL’s defensive rookie of the month in October, started 13 of 14 games, recording 93 tackles, a half-sack, and a forced fumble. This injury is a significant blow to the Ravens' defense, with Trenton Simpson expected to step into the lineup alongside Roquan Smith.

Geno Smith's Week 16 Status Uncertain Amid Shoulder/Back Injury

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Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith's status for Week 16 remains uncertain due to shoulder and back injuries. Head Coach Pete Carroll declined to confirm if Smith will practice or play against the Texans, with Kenny Pickett poised to start again if Smith is sidelined. Smith missed Week 15's loss to the Eagles, and despite prior optimism from Carroll, a clearer update on his health isn't expected until Wednesday's practice report.

Purdy & 49ers Earn High PFF Grades in Week 15 Win

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Brock Purdy and the 49ers received strong PFF grades in their 37-24 win over the Titans. Purdy had ample time to throw, completing intermediate passes for a touchdown. George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall also earned career-high grades, with Kittle scoring a touchdown and McCaffrey gaining tough yards. The defense, however, needs improvement with numerous missed tackles.

Shedeur Sanders Receives 'Rude Welcome' from Bears Defense

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Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders received a 'rude welcome to the workforce' from the Chicago Bears defense. After dominating the Browns, Chicago's defense commented that they 'put the rookie quarterback in his place' following a mistake-filled game.

Michael Carter Elevated to Cardinals' Lead Back with Knight Out

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With RB Bam Knight suffering a 'bad' ankle sprain and likely out for Week 16, Michael Carter is set to lead the Arizona Cardinals' backfield. Emari Demercado will take on a change-of-pace role. Carter played 80% of snaps in Week 15, recording 94 scrimmage yards and four receptions on 18 touches. He is now a top waiver priority, projected as a viable RB2/RB3 for fantasy in Week 16 against the Falcons, given the Cardinals' favorable schedule.

Buccaneers Sign LB Anthony Walker Off Colts Practice Squad

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed linebacker Anthony Walker off the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. Walker fills the roster spot created by placing CB Zyon McCollum on injured reserve. Walker has not appeared in any games this season but has played in 99 games for the Dolphins, Browns, and Colts over the last eight seasons.

Buccaneers Place Starting CB Zyon McCollum on Injured Reserve

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed starting cornerback Zyon McCollum on injured reserve due to a hip injury sustained in last Thursday's loss to the Falcons. McCollum will miss the remainder of the regular season, though he would be eligible to return if the Buccaneers advance to a second playoff game. He had started all 13 games this season, tallying 65 tackles and an interception.

James Cook Rushes for 107 Yards, Two TDs in Bills' Comeback Win

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Buffalo Bills RB James Cook overcame an ugly start to deliver a strong performance, recording 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's comeback win over New England. Despite the Bills falling behind 21-0 in the second quarter, Cook surprisingly managed 22 carries. He also added a receiving score on two catches for four yards, contributing significantly to the victory.

Drake London "Very Hopeful" for Week 16 Return from Knee Injury

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is "very hopeful" WR Drake London (knee) will return for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. London has missed four games with a PCL sprain in his left knee and needs to handle on-field activity this week. His status for Wednesday's practice is crucial. If he plays, London is expected to immediately resume his role as Kirk Cousins' top target, after Kyle Pitts had a career-best game in his absence.

Abdul Carter Headlines PFF's Week 15 Team of the Week

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New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter has been named to PFF's Week 15 Team of the Week. He joins Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in headlining the weekly honors, recognizing his standout performance during the recent NFL action.

Trevor Lawrence Headlines PFF's Team of the Week After Career Performance

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Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence headlines PFF's Week 15 Team of the Week following a career-best game, capping off his best month. He's been one of football's most valuable players over the last four weeks, showing increased confidence in Liam Coen's system and benefiting from improved health and depth in his skill corps, including Brian Thomas Jr., Brenton Strange, and Jakobi Meyers. Lawrence is earning benefit of the doubt, though his trust as a set-and-forget QB1 against top defenses is still developing.

Anthony Richardson Medically Cleared for Activities, Return This Season Uncertain

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Colts QB Anthony Richardson has been medically cleared to resume football activities after fracturing his orbital bone on October 12. While there's hope for him to practice soon, his return for the final three games of the season remains uncertain, especially with the Colts' low playoff odds. He remains on IR, and the team hasn't opened his 21-day practice window. Head coach Shane Steichen previously stated Richardson wasn't ready, but an update was expected upon clearance for contact, which has now occurred.

Josh Allen Fuels Bills' Epic Comeback, Dominates AFC Playoff Race

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Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a remarkable 35-31 comeback victory on Sunday, throwing two touchdowns after trailing 24-7 at halftime. Allen credited team belief for the win, acknowledging the need for faster starts. His impactful play solidifies his status as a dominant force in the AFC playoff race. Despite a sideline incident where he threw up, which he stated "basically happens every game," Allen showed no ill effects and continues to be a critical factor for the Bills' contention.

Christian Watson Avoids Major Injury; Week 16 Status vs. Bears TBD

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Packers WR Christian Watson avoided a major, long-term injury after landing hard on his left side Sunday, initially diagnosed as a chest injury. He was cleared to travel home after lung scans. While his status for Saturday's game against the Bears is uncertain, reports suggest he could play. Watson recorded 3 catches for 29 yards before the injury, which is another ailment for the frequently injured player, making him questionable for fantasy semifinals.

Texans DT Mario Edwards Out for Season with Ruptured Pectoral

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Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after rupturing his pectoral during Sunday's win over the Cardinals, as confirmed by Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. Edwards recorded two tackles in that game. He had appeared in all 14 games this season, accumulating 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His season-ending injury, coupled with Tim Settle's earlier placement on injured reserve, leaves the Texans' interior defensive line with Tommy Togiai, Sheldon Rankins, and Naquan Jones. Edwards is signed through the 2026 season.

Jets Fire DC Wilks; Chris Harris Named Interim DC, Takes Over Play Calling

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Following a season-worst defensive effort and a 48-point loss to the Jaguars, the New York Jets have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Chris Harris, who previously served as the passing game coordinator, has been named interim DC and will take over play calling duties for the remainder of the season. He will lead the defense alongside Aaron Glenn.

Woody Marks (Ankle) Could Have Returned Sunday; Week 16 Status Promising

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Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) exited Sunday's 40-20 win over the Cardinals early but head coach DeMeco Ryans stated he 'could have come back in the game.' Ryans noted Marks' ankle was 'tweaked a little bit' but the team opted to keep him sidelined as a precaution. These comments bode well for his chances of gaining clearance for Week 16 against the Raiders. The next update on his health is expected Wednesday. If Marks is out, Dare Ogunbowale, Jawhar Jordan, and British Brooks would lead the backfield.

Shaheed Sets Seahawks Career Highs with 5 Catches, 74 Yards vs. Colts

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Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed tallied personal bests since joining Seattle, recording 5 receptions for 74 yards on seven targets in Sunday's win over the Colts. This marks his second straight week setting Seahawks highs. He matched Cooper Kupp in targets and catches, surpassing him in yards, though both trailed Jaxon Smith-Njigba in all categories.

Smith-Njigba Leads Seahawks Receivers in Targets, Catches, Yards

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team's receivers in targets, catches, and yards during Sunday's win over the Colts. His performance outpaced both Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp in all three categories, establishing him as a key contributor in the Seahawks' passing game.