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NFL News

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

Sunday, December 14, 2025

44-Year-Old Philip Rivers Returns, Nearly Leads Colts to Upset Win

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Philip Rivers, a 44-year-old grandfather, made a remarkable return to the NFL after 1,800 days, starting for the Colts against the Seahawks. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, achieving a 91.8 passer rating. Rivers led a go-ahead field goal drive, but the Colts ultimately fell 18-16. Despite the loss, his performance showcased immense football smarts, nearly pulling off a historic comeback. The 8-6 Colts face a brutal schedule, but Rivers' ability to perform after such a long layoff was unprecedented.

Patrick Mahomes Tears ACL, Season Ends; Chiefs Dynasty at a Crossroads

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Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn left ACL in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Chargers, officially ending his 2025 season and eliminating the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. The injury, which occurred after the two-minute warning, puts the Chiefs dynasty at a crossroads, potentially impacting his 2026 season and requiring significant retooling for the team. Mahomes vowed to return stronger, but his recovery and potential changes to the offense, including adapting his running game and possible retirement of Travis Kelce, will be critical challenges. Gardner Minshew is expected to take over as starting quarterback.

Aiyuk's 2025 Season Ends; Shanahan Unsure of Future

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Brandon Aiyuk's 2025 season with the 49ers is over as he was placed on the reserve/left squad list. Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated he hasn't seen Aiyuk in a month, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season. Aiyuk remains under contract for next year, and Shanahan indicated the team will reassess his future after the season concludes.

Pearsall Shines with 96 Yards, Supports Aiyuk

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Ricky Pearsall posted a team-leading 96 receiving yards on six catches in the 49ers' 37-24 win, overcoming a recent hip-drop tackle scare that briefly favored his left knee. This strong outing follows a quiet period after a Week 4 knee injury. Pearsall also expressed support for teammate Brandon Aiyuk amid his contract dispute, calling him a role model and emphasizing empathy for his situation.

Chig Okonkwo Leads Titans in Targets, Records 33 Yards in Loss

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Chig Okonkwo recorded four receptions on a team-leading six targets for 33 yards in the Titans' 37-24 loss to the 49ers. He served as a reliable short-area target for quarterback Cam Ward, demonstrating his ability to pick up yards after the catch, including a 17-yard gain. While Gunnar Helm is emerging as a key contributor in the Tennessee offense, Okonkwo has maintained a consistent role, securing at least four targets in three of his last four games.

Cam Ward Throws Two Touchdowns, Limits Mistakes in Titans' Loss

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Cam Ward completed 18 of 29 passes for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the Titans' 37-24 loss to the 49ers. He moved the offense effectively, leading two scoring drives and getting the team into field-goal range on a third possession. Ward connected with Gunnar Helm for a 34-yard touchdown pass and completed four passes of at least 15 yards. Most notably, he avoided sacks and turnovers, marking his second consecutive game with multiple touchdowns after failing to achieve that in his first 12 professional games.

Matthew Golden Steps Up with 55 Yards After Watson's Injury

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Matthew Golden emerged late in the Packers' 34-26 loss to the Broncos, recording three receptions on four targets for 55 yards. After a quiet start with only one catch through three quarters, Golden stepped up when Christian Watson (chest) was sidelined early in the third. He delivered a crucial 27-yard reception in the fourth quarter, helping set up a Green Bay field goal, and achieved his highest yardage total since Week 6. Golden is now poised for an increased role in Week 16 if Watson remains sidelined.

Chuba Hubbard Out-Carried, Held to 38 Total Yards in Loss to Saints

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Chuba Hubbard was relegated to a secondary option in the Panthers' 20-17 loss to the Saints, being out-carried by Rico Dowdle 16-8. Hubbard rushed eight times for 29 yards and added one reception for nine yards, totaling just 38 scrimmage yards. Dowdle reclaimed the lead-back role with 17 touches compared to Hubbard's nine. This marks Hubbard's sixth game in the last seven where he's been held below 50 yards from scrimmage, indicating limited success against the Saints' defense.

Jauan Jennings Scores Two Touchdowns, Sets Career High in 49ers Win

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Jauan Jennings was a red-zone threat for the 49ers in their 37-24 win over the Titans, hauling in three receptions on five targets for 37 yards and two touchdowns. He secured an early 7-0 lead with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy and added another short touchdown reception, bringing his season total to a new career-high of seven. Jennings has significantly picked up his production in the second half of the season, scoring six touchdowns over his last six appearances, positioning him for a strong finish to the fantasy campaign.

Jayden Reed Records 55 Yards on Six Targets in Packers' Loss

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Jayden Reed recorded five receptions on six targets for 55 yards in the Packers' 34-26 loss to the Broncos, tying for the team lead in targets. He was one of three receivers to surpass 50 receiving yards, with most of his production coming after the catch, including a 29-yard gain that helped set up a Green Bay touchdown. Since returning from a collarbone injury, Reed has seen 10 targets over two games and is expected to remain a key playmaker in the Packers' offense down the stretch of the regular season.

George Kittle Achieves Season-High 88 Yards, Scores Touchdown in 49ers Win

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George Kittle delivered a standout performance in the 49ers' 37-24 win over the Titans, hauling in eight of nine targets for a season-high 88 receiving yards and a touchdown. The star tight end's one-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy contributed to the team's lead. This marks his second-highest reception total through nine healthy starts this season, demonstrating efficiency with an 83.3% catch rate on 54 targets. Kittle's season totals may suffer due to missed time, but he remains one of the top tight ends in fantasy when on the field.

Troy Franklin Rebounds with 85 Yards, Touchdown; Reclaims Prominent Role

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Troy Franklin re-emerged as a key part of the Broncos' passing attack, catching all six of his targets for 85 yards and a touchdown in Denver's 34-26 win over the Packers. After being phased out in the previous two games, a hamstring injury to Pat Bryant opened the door for Franklin to step up. He finished second on the team in yards, receptions, and targets, including a 23-yard touchdown grab. While his role for Week 16 remains uncertain if Bryant returns, Franklin made a strong case to maintain a prominent offensive role.

Eagles' Jalen Carter Out with Shoulder Injury, Underwent Procedures

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is currently sidelined after undergoing procedures to repair shoulder injuries. His absence led to veteran Brandon Graham stepping into a defensive tackle role against the Raiders, where Graham recorded two sacks. Carter's timeline for return was not specified, but his injury necessitated a roster adjustment on the defensive line, with Graham filling in effectively.

Brandon Graham, 37, Records Two Sacks for Eagles, Sets Franchise Age Record

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Veteran Brandon Graham, 37, delivered a standout performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, recording two sacks against the Raiders while playing defensive tackle due to Jalen Carter's shoulder injury. Graham, who came out of retirement in October, became the oldest Eagle ever to record a sack and achieved his 12th career multiple-sack game. He now holds the franchise record for games played (224) and increased his career sack total to 84.0, demonstrating significant impact in his sixth game back.

Hurts Rebounds with Dominant 3-TD, 154.9 Passer Rating Performance vs. Raiders

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Jalen Hurts delivered a resounding performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading them to a 31-0 shutout victory over the Raiders. After a scrutinized five-turnover game, Hurts completed 12 of 15 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a 154.9 passer rating—his second-highest career mark. He also added 39 rushing yards on seven carries. Hurts became the first Eagles QB to record multiple games with a 150+ passer rating and 80%+ completion in the same season, throwing TDs to Dallas Goedert and A.J. Brown, demonstrating resilience after taking a hit.

Jalen Coker Continues Emergence with 32-Yard TD, 60 Yards for Panthers

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Jalen Coker continued his emergence for the Carolina Panthers, recording four receptions on four targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in their 20-17 loss to the Saints. He paced the team in receptions and yards, highlighted by a 32-yard touchdown catch from Bryce Young. This marked his first time recording multiple catches of at least 20 yards this season. After posting minimal production immediately after his return from a hamstring injury, Coker has now topped 50 receiving yards in three of his last four games and commanded at least four targets in five straight contests, despite losing a fumble.

McCarthy Delivers 3 TDs in Win, Draws Coach's Ire for Griddy Celebration

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J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings to a 34-26 win over the Cowboys, delivering his best performance with three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). He completed 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards and added 15 rushing yards, marking his second consecutive win since returning from injury with six total touchdowns in those starts. However, McCarthy's modified "Griddy" touchdown dance displeased coach Kevin O'Connell, as McCarthy admitted he had been warned against it. He aims to build on this momentum as the Vikings continue their season.

McMillan Overshadowed with 25 Yards in Loss

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Tetairoa McMillan recorded two receptions on four targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints. He tied for the team lead in targets but was unable to significantly impact the game. McMillan has been held below 50 receiving yards in three straight games, ending his three-contest touchdown streak.

Harvey Reaches End Zone for Third Straight Game

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RJ Harvey rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Packers. Despite fumbling on the opening possession, he remained the team's lead back and scored a four-yard rushing touchdown late in the contest. This marks his third consecutive game reaching the end zone. With J.K. Dobbins likely sidelined, Harvey's role as the lead back appears secure.

Ferguson Active Despite Calf Injury, Limited Output

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Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings despite a calf injury. He missed practice Thursday but returned Friday. Ferguson recorded two catches on four targets for 16 yards in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, his fewest targets since Week 8. His four targets were his fewest since Week 8, though this was the third time in his last seven games that Ferguson had 16 receiving yards or fewer. He faces a tough matchup against the Chargers in Week 16.