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NFL News

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

Thursday, December 11, 2025

49ers Stars Miss 'Baller' Brandon Aiyuk Amid Injury Recovery

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Brock Purdy and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers expressed how much they miss teammate Brandon Aiyuk, describing him as a 'baller' and 'freak of nature.' Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season and has not played in 2025, with his guaranteed contract money voided. Purdy lauded Aiyuk's ability to create separation and add explosiveness, while Kittle praised his athleticism and physicality. With four games remaining, Aiyuk's return this season appears increasingly unlikely.

Kittle Calls Injured Aiyuk a 'Freak of Nature' Missing from 49ers

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George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, described teammate Brandon Aiyuk as a 'freak of nature' whose absence is keenly felt. Aiyuk, recovering from a torn ACL and facing contract disputes, has not played in 2025. Kittle highlighted Aiyuk's elite athleticism, speed, jumping ability, catching prowess, and physicality in the run game. Quarterback Brock Purdy also lamented Aiyuk's unavailability, emphasizing his playmaking ability.

Steelers WR DK Metcalf Fully Practices, Expected for Monday Night

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf fully participated in Thursday's practice, with head coach Mike Tomlin expressing confidence in his availability for Monday night's game against the Dolphins. Metcalf had stayed overnight in Baltimore after experiencing stomach pains that started after he took a hit early in last Sunday's win over the Ravens, but his full participation suggests recovery.

Tom Brady Confident in Chiefs' Long-Term Outlook for 2025

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Tom Brady expressed his belief that the Kansas City Chiefs do not need to undergo a complete rebuild, stating they "They've Got the Foundation." He remains optimistic about the Chiefs' potential to make a strong run in the 2025 season, emphasizing the strength of their core.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman Added to Injury Report with Ankle Issue

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was added to the injury report on Thursday. His practice participation on Friday will be a key indicator for his availability in Sunday's game against the Bengals. Bateman has recorded 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games this season, making his status important for the Ravens' passing attack.

Seahawks Waive Running Back Cam Akers

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The Seattle Seahawks waived running back Cam Akers on Thursday. Akers, who signed with the team late last month, did not see any game action for Seattle. He had previously appeared in three games for the Vikings earlier this season before his release, and now seeks a new opportunity.

Seahawks Waive Veteran Cornerback Shaquill Griffin

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The Seattle Seahawks waived veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin on Thursday. Griffin, who played for the Seahawks from 2017-2020 and returned to the team in June, was signed to the practice squad after failing to make the final cut this summer. He recorded seven tackles in two regular season appearances this season before his release.

Steelers Star T.J. Watt Hospitalized with Lung Issue, Misses Practice

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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was hospitalized for evaluation of a lung issue and officially did not practice on Thursday. The NFL Players Association is aware of the situation and has been in contact with Watt and his representation, noting that litigation could be a possibility depending on the impairment's impact on his ability to play. The Steelers are set to host the Dolphins on Monday night.

Broncos Waive Veteran TE Marcedes Lewis, Expected to Return to Practice Squad

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The Denver Broncos waived veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis on Thursday. Lewis, who played 66 offensive snaps over the last four weeks, is expected to return to the Broncos' practice squad if he clears waivers. This move may signal the team's anticipation of tight end Nate Adkins returning from a knee injury, as Adkins has been out since late October.

Cam Newton Expresses Frustration Over Colts Signing Rivers

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Former NFL MVP Cam Newton, 36, voiced his frustration that the Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers without contacting him, calling it "almost like a slap in my face." Newton, who hasn't played since 2021 but never officially retired, stated he's "open for business." He speculated teams might avoid him due to his flamboyant personality. Newton holds NFL QB records for rushing touchdowns and games with both passing/rushing TDs, recently broken by Josh Allen.

Devin Neal Limited Again with Abdominal Injury, Status Key for Saints

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New Orleans Saints RB Devin Neal (abdomen) remained a limited practice participant Thursday, operating with restrictions this week due to the injury. Neal has filled in for the absent Alvin Kamara (knee) the last two games, accumulating 37 touches for 153 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD during that stretch. If he avoids a designation upon the Saints posting their final Week 15 practice report Friday, he likely will remain the team's top option at the position Sunday against the Panthers.

Alvin Kamara Misses Third Straight Practice, Trending Towards Week 15 Absence

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New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle), specifically a sprained MCL from Week 12, officially didn't practice Thursday and was not spotted at the session. He hasn't practiced since sustaining the injury and is trending toward missing his third consecutive game Sunday versus the Panthers. With fellow RB Devin Neal (abdomen) remaining limited, Evan Hull and Audric Estime currently are the two healthy options at the position on the Saints' active roster.

Theo Johnson Limited Again with Toe Injury, Week 15 Status in Question

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New York Giants TE Theo Johnson (toe) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, marking his second capped session to begin Week 15 prep. He has just one more opportunity to get back to full Friday, or else he'll be at risk of heading into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game against the Commanders. In his last game, Week 13 with rookie QB Jaxson Dart, Johnson hauled in three of eight targets for 29 yards, his seventh outing this season with fewer than 30 receiving yards.

Aaron Rodgers Relishes Not Being Oldest QB with Rivers' Return

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Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers expressed delight at Philip Rivers' return to the NFL, stating, "I’m not the oldest guy in the league — love that." Rivers, 44, is two years older than Rodgers, who recently turned 42. Rodgers, drafted a year after Rivers in 2005, praised Rivers' cerebral play and "hilarious trash talk," wishing him the best in his comeback and hoping he can "jump right back in the saddle."

T.J. Hockenson Returns to Practice, Limited by Shin Injury

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Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shin) was a limited practice participant Thursday. One day removed from not mixing into any drills due to a shin injury Wednesday, Hockenson was back on the field, signaling that he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest at Dallas. Friday's practice report will unveil whether or not he enters the weekend with a designation for Week 15 action, but fellow TE Josh Oliver is on hand if Hockenson is inhibited or sidelined.

Jonathan Taylor Predicted Among Top Anytime Touchdown Scorers for Week 15

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Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor has been identified as one of the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 15. This forecast places him among the league's most likely players to score a touchdown in the upcoming games, highlighting his expected offensive impact.

Jordan Addison Remains Limited with Achilles Injury, Week 15 Status Pending

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Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison (Achilles) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, marking back-to-back capped sessions to kick off Week 15 prep. He may need to practice fully Friday in order to head into the weekend without a designation for Sunday's game at Dallas. Addison hasn't exceeded 62 receiving yards in any contest since Week 7, leaving him with only modest viability in terms of fantasy.

Aaron Jones Limited Again with Shoulder Injury, Week 15 Status Pending

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Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday. Jones has operated with practice restrictions more often than not since he suffered a shoulder injury Week 9 in Detroit. He's still led the Vikings backfield most weeks in the meantime, earning 67 touches to Jordan Mason's 37 over the last five games. Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Jones enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest at Dallas.

Josh Jacobs Misses Practice, MRI Clear on Stiff Knee; Status Uncertain

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Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) missed his second straight practice Thursday. He went for an MRI on Monday after his knee stiffened during last Sunday's loss to the Bears, with the scan coming back clear of structural damage. Jacobs is managing swelling and a "buildup" in the knee. His status for Sunday's game against the Broncos remains undetermined, with a final injury designation expected Friday, but things could remain up in the air until close to kickoff.

Christian Benford Limited by Toe Injury, Added to Bills' Report

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Buffalo Bills CB Christian Benford (toe) was limited in practice Thursday, marking his addition to the team's injury report. In his fourth season, Benford has been a key defensive player, scoring a defensive touchdown in each of Buffalo’s last two games, including a 63-yard interception return last Sunday. This season, he has 39 total tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and 2.0 sacks in 12 games.