Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is back in concussion protocol but managed a limited practice on Wednesday, offering a chance for him to be cleared for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Higgins previously missed Week 13 with a concussion and sustained multiple head impacts in Week 14.
Bengals rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, currently on injured reserve, had a full practice Wednesday, indicating he appears ready to return from his knee injury.
Colts WR Alec Pierce (rib) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, having shaken off the injury sustained in Week 14. Pierce, the team's 2025 leader in receiving yards with 769, is available for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. The team's starting quarterback situation remains uncertain following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, which could impact Pierce's targets.
Giants TE Theo Johnson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a toe injury, which may have originated from the team's last game on December 1st at New England, prior to their Week 14 bye. He will have two more practice opportunities this week to improve his status before the Giants' Sunday contest against the Commanders.
The Browns signed cornerback Tre Avery from the practice squad to their active roster on Wednesday. Avery, in his fourth season, has appeared in 44 career games, including six with the Browns this season, contributing 12 defensive and 67 special teams snaps for seven tackles. His career totals include 72 tackles, seven passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. Safety Christopher Edmonds was waived in a corresponding move.
Raiders QB Kenny Pickett is set to start Week 15 against his former team, the Eagles, if Geno Smith misses time due to a shoulder injury.
Raiders QB Geno Smith is likely to miss Week 15 due to a shoulder injury. If he is sidelined, Kenny Pickett is expected to start in his place against the Eagles.
The Buccaneers activated wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) from injured reserve Wednesday, making him questionable for Thursday's game against the Falcons. Despite being designated for return last Wednesday, Evans has been limited on six consecutive injury reports and has yet to take contact, according to coach Todd Bowles. His status will be confirmed 90 minutes before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, and he may operate with restrictions if he suits up. Fellow receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was also activated, potentially giving the Bucs their full wide receiver corps.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has suffered an Achilles tear, casting significant doubt on both his future in the league and the team's quarterback plans moving forward. The severe injury will likely impact the Colts' strategy for the upcoming season, leaving a major void at the position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is officially listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Falcons due to a collarbone injury. His targets have recently increased as he ramps up, but the likely return of Mike Evans from a broken collarbone is expected to be a slight ding to Godwin's overall outlook. TE Cade Otton's doubtful status for the same game could, however, funnel some additional targets to the remaining WRs and RBs.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, marking his first appearance since suffering a concussion in Week 12. Horn missed the Week 13 win and recovered during the bye week. He remains in concussion protocol, but continued practice participation over the next two days will be crucial for his clearance to play in New Orleans this weekend.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Buccaneers due to a knee injury, having been limited in practice all week. Despite this, there's no indication he's in danger of missing the game. With Drake London out, Pitts has been the top target, accumulating 23 targets, 15 catches, and 197 yards over the last three weeks. He has 85 targets and one touchdown this season, with only one end-zone target, indicating a coaching decision rather than bad luck.
Indianapolis Colts' 2023 first-round pick, Anthony Richardson, continues to be sidelined after suffering a broken orbital bone in October. His absence, alongside Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear and Riley Leonard's knee injury, has led the Colts to lure Philip Rivers out of retirement to address their critical quarterback crisis.
Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's estimated report due to a Lisfranc sprain in his foot, suffered November 16 against the Lions. He has missed three games, and the Eagles have lost all three without him. Johnson, 35, has not given up a sack in 251 pass-blocking snaps this season. The team hopes he can return soon, potentially for the Raiders game, to counter Maxx Crosby.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Buccaneers, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to a sprained PCL in his left knee suffered in Week 11. Despite HC Raheem Morris calling him "day to day," London has yet to return to practice. His next opportunity to play will be December 21st against Arizona. In his absence, Kyle Pitts has been the top target (23 targets, 15 catches, 197 yards), while Darnell Mooney has seen 12 targets, six catches, 105 yards, and one touchdown.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is set to pace the team's receiving corps for Thursday night's game against the Buccaneers, as Drake London has been ruled out for a fourth consecutive contest due to a knee injury. Over London's previous three-game absence, Mooney has totaled just 12 targets, six catches, 105 yards, and one touchdown. He will be a key target alongside David Sills, Dylan Drummond, and Deven Thompkins.
Diontae Johnson was highlighted in a fantasy football target trends analysis as the archetype for players who receive a high volume of targets but struggle to find the end zone. The article used his profile to compare other wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs who are currently experiencing similar target-heavy, touchdown-light seasons. No specific news regarding Johnson's current status or team was provided.
The Houston Texans have designated wide receiver Justin Watson for return from injured reserve, initiating a 21-day window for him to practice before activation or being shut down for the season. Watson has been sidelined since Week 2 due to an Achilles injury. Prior to his injury, he recorded two catches for 30 yards in his two appearances this season.
The Houston Texans have designated tight end Harrison Bryant for return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day practice window before he must be activated or shut down for the season. Bryant, who last played on November 9, has been sidelined with neck and shoulder injuries. Acquired in a preseason trade with the Eagles, he has recorded two catches for seven yards in eight appearances for Houston this season.
22-year-old free-agent quarterback Seth Henigan had a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. Undrafted out of Memphis in April, Henigan previously spent time with the Jaguars during the offseason and training camp before being released from their practice squad in September. He also had a tryout with the Falcons last week. Henigan's tryout with the Colts occurred on the same day as 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who is being considered for a starting role.
