Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Ahead of NFL Week 15, discussions are circulating about a potential 'big day' for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Fantasy analysts and observers are watching to see if McConkey can deliver a significant performance this week.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert is optimistic about his hand injury after scans showed improvement since surgery to stabilize a non-throwing hand fracture. Despite being sacked seven times, Herbert played through the injury in a 22-19 OT win vs. Eagles, passing for 139 yards and rushing for 66. Coach Jim Harbaugh lauded his 'most competitive' performance. Herbert, though self-critical, is set to lead the 9-4 Chargers against the Chiefs on Sunday, where a win could potentially eliminate Kansas City from playoff contention.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, 37, is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth for the fourth time in five seasons and is a front-runner for his first MVP award. He will face his former team, the Detroit Lions, for the fourth time since the blockbuster trade nearly five years ago. Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory in his first season. This season, he has completed 288 of 432 passes for 3,354 yards, a league-best 35 TDs, and 4 INTs. The 10-3 Rams hold the NFC's No. 1 seed.
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, 31, prepares to face his former team, the Rams, for the fourth time since the blockbuster trade nearly five years ago. Goff has thrived, leading the Lions to two playoff appearances, including the 2023 NFC Championship, and two Pro Bowls. This season, he's completed 289 of 412 passes for 3,334 yards, 26 TDs, and 5 INTs. The 8-5 Lions are battling for an NFC North playoff spot. Rams coach Sean McVay praised Goff for putting the team 'on his back' and expressed remorse over his exit from LA.
49ers tight end George Kittle expressed sadness regarding the fractured relationship between teammate Brandon Aiyuk and the team. Kittle stated, "At this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming back," regarding Aiyuk's return. He emphasized focusing on the current team and not dwelling on factors outside his control, despite his affection for Aiyuk as a teammate.
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson leads the NFL with 1,858 yards from scrimmage, including 93 rushing and 82 receiving yards in a recent 29-28 upset win over Tampa Bay. Despite losing a fumble, Robinson scored a crucial touchdown to spark the comeback. Head coach Raheem Morris lauded him as 'the best player in the NFL,' expressing regret that Robinson won't be in the postseason as the 5-9 Falcons are eliminated. Robinson has three games left to extend his league-leading total.
Eagles safety Marcus Epps made an impressive return to action, playing terrific football in his first start since Super Bowl LVII. After being on Injured Reserve and playing only seven snaps in the first eight weeks this season, Epps stepped up due to Drew Mukuba's absence and Sydney Brown's struggles. He was mentally and physically ready despite never playing in Vic Fangio's defense. Originally a 2019 Vikings pick, Epps started all 17 games for the Eagles' 2022 Super Bowl team. This current stretch is seen as a tryout, with potential for a re-signing and a starting role next year.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis is having a breakout fourth NFL season, recording 4.5 sacks in just 13 games in 2025, surpassing his 3.5 sacks from his first three seasons (47 games). The 2022 first-round pick, whose fifth-year option was exercised in April, arrived 26 pounds lighter and in peak condition. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio credits his improved technique, weight loss, and conditioning. Davis is averaging a sack every 120.9 snaps this season, a significant improvement from 323.1 snaps previously, and has played a career-high 544 snaps.
Tom Brady, 48, believes he could still play in the NFL but is prevented from a comeback due to his minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL explicitly forbids players from owning shares in franchises. Brady, who played until 45, discussed Philip Rivers' return on Fox Sports' 'The Herd,' stating he's 'not allowed anymore' to unretire. He expressed excitement for Rivers' play, noting the mental aspect of quarterbacking remains strong.
Philip Rivers, 44, is coming out of retirement to help the Indianapolis Colts reach the playoffs. The grandfather's return is prompted by injuries to Daniel Jones (torn Achilles), Riley Leonard, and Anthony Richardson. Rivers is currently on the practice squad and must be elevated before Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. It remains undecided if he or Leonard will start. Tom Brady expressed confidence in Rivers' ability, highlighting the mental strength required at quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt is currently managing a collapsed lung injury, with recent updates focusing on his recovery. The ongoing discussion centers on the specifics of his sidelined status and the potential duration of his absence from play. Additionally, the role and commonality of dry needling as a treatment method for NFL players in such situations are being explored. Further information regarding his return to the field is expected.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and actress Hailee Steinfeld, who married in May, announced Friday they are expecting their first child. The couple confirmed the news, marking a significant personal milestone for the athlete-actress duo. This announcement follows their wedding earlier this year, adding to the exciting developments for the power couple.
Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is listed as questionable for the upcoming game due to a hamstring injury. Clowney, who missed last week's game with his injury, was a full participant in Friday's practice, indicating potential availability for the contest.
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton has been officially ruled out for a third consecutive week due to an ankle injury. Guyton missed all practice sessions this week, marking his continued absence. Nate Thomas has started in Guyton's place during his recovery.
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is listed as questionable for the upcoming game, dealing with a calf injury. Ferguson returned to limited practice on Friday after missing Thursday's session, suggesting he might be trending towards playing despite the injury concern.
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shin) is officially off the final injury report and will play in Sunday night's Week 15 game against the Cowboys. He was sidelined Wednesday due to the shin issue but returned to full participation in the final two practices of the week, confirming his availability. Hockenson is viewed as a low-upside TE2 for fantasy lineups.
Denver Broncos WR Troy Franklin is anticipated to see increased playing time during Sunday's Week 15 matchup against the Packers. This opportunity arises due to the absence of teammate Pat Bryant, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that could lead to a multi-week recovery. Franklin's usage is expected to rise.
Denver Broncos WR Marvin Mims is projected to receive more playing time in Sunday's Week 15 game against the Packers. This increase in snaps comes as teammate Pat Bryant (hamstring) has been ruled out for the contest, potentially for multiple weeks. Mims' role in the offense is expected to expand with Bryant sidelined.
Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s Week 15 game against the Packers. Bryant did not participate in practice throughout the entire week, indicating the severity of his hamstring issue. His absence could potentially extend beyond Week 15, turning into a multi-week recovery period.
Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 15 game against the Lions. Despite only managing a limited practice session on Friday, Head Coach Sean McVay has reiterated that Adams is expected to be active. Fantasy managers can keep him in their lineups, with a final update anticipated Sunday morning.
