Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jacksonville Jaguars punter Logan Cooke allegedly threatened Titans running back Julius Chestnut during a skirmish in Sunday's game. However, Jaguars coach Liam Coen has shrugged off the incident, stating that such comments are considered normal trash talk between players.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, who was questionable to play Sunday due to back spasms, suited up against Miami. After being limited in practice Wednesday, sitting out Thursday, and returning Friday, Olave secured 4 of 7 targets for 47 yards and scored a touchdown. He finished third among Saints players in targets for the game, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively even while managing an injury. His performance was a key factor in the Saints' offensive output.
Minnesota fan favorite wide receiver Adam Thielen has departed the Vikings. He is now exploring potential landing spots with contending teams, indicating a desire to join a championship-caliber roster.
Cleveland Browns starting defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. He sustained a quad injury that will necessitate surgery, ending his 2025 campaign prematurely.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's consistent production streak came to an end in Week 13. After entering the game with over 79 receiving yards in every contest this season, he managed only 2 catches on 4 targets for 23 yards during Sunday's dominant victory over Minnesota.
Bills QB Josh Allen was accused by Steelers DL Cam Heyward of intentionally kneeing him in the stomach after a tackle during Sunday's game. Heyward, who was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after a Bills touchdown, stated Allen admitted, "I had to do something to get you off me." Allen acknowledged the competitiveness, saying, "We love the competitiveness out of this game. He's such a great player. Sometimes, you need fire like that to get you going." The NFL is expected to review the incident for potential fines later this week.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles announced there's a "possibility" the team will open the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Mike Evans this week. Evans was placed on injured reserve October 22 after suffering a broken clavicle in Week 7's loss to the Lions. In his 12th season, he had 14 catches for 140 yards at the time of his injury, potentially marking his first season without 1,000 receiving yards. The team is getting healthier and may have one of their best players back on the field.
Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has earned a spot on the PFF Week 13 NFL Team of the Week. His strong performance during the latest week of the 2025 season led to this recognition, placing him among the top players in the league for his impactful contributions.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, 26, is not expected to be sidelined long-term after exiting Sunday's loss to the Bills with a lower back injury. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports it's believed to be a lower-back bruise, with further tests pending. A two-time Pro Bowler, Queen has not missed a game since beginning his career in 2020 and has registered 89 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5 QB hits, 4 passes defensed, and 1 sack in 12 games so far in 2025.
Kyle Monangai, representing the Chicago Bears, is highlighted as an essential free agent option for fantasy football managers. He is recommended as a key pickup looking ahead to Week 14 and the crucial start of the fantasy football playoff season, positioning him as a valuable addition for teams aiming for postseason success.
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was the beneficiary of a controversial pass interference call in Week 13 against the Texans, which officials deemed a "clear miss" as the deep pass was "clearly uncatchable." The penalty, called on safety Calen Bullock, resulted in a 32-yard gain and a first down, directly leading to a Colts touchdown. Pierce's role in the offense has seen a greater emphasis on down-field plays when the Colts are playing from behind, increasing his opportunities to make something happen.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is emerging as the team's top option amidst recent turnover and injuries. He has logged six targets in three consecutive games, recorded over 50 yards in three straight, and scored touchdowns in back-to-back contests. Meyers was the most productive receiver for the Jaguars on Sunday, highlighted by a brilliant 50-yard catch-and-run and an immediate touchdown. With Brian Thomas Jr. struggling and other receivers sidelined, Meyers could maintain a decent WR3 floor, especially with two favorable matchups against the Colts approaching.
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle's lead-back status is diminishing as the team reverts to a full-blown committee with Chuba Hubbard's return to health. In their upset win over the Rams, Hubbard received 19 opportunities to Dowdle's 20 and proved more effective as both a rusher and receiver. The Panthers are expected to employ a hot-hand approach for the rest of the season, making it difficult to predict which back will achieve RB2 production. Dowdle remains startable but has lost his "borderline fantasy star" appeal.
Quarterback Bo Nix came up big when it counted most, contributing significantly to the Denver Broncos' ninth straight win.
Lions center Frank Ragnow's expected return to practice was halted after he failed his physical, revealing a Grade 3 hamstring injury. Coach Dan Campbell stated the injury was more severe than initially thought and will require significant rehab. Campbell also indicated he has "no indication" regarding the four-time Pro Bowler's plans for playing in 2026. The Lions, currently outside the playoffs, face pressure to win games with the players on hand if they're going to make a third straight postseason appearance.
Green Bay Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks delivered a stellar performance on Thanksgiving, racking up a pair of scores. One of his touchdowns notably drew the ire of Lions fans. His exceptional play even caught the attention of an official, who remarked on the high quality of the team's receivers, stating, 'These receivers are that good.'
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin made a significant return to the lineup after playing in only one game since Week 3. In the team's 27-26 overtime loss to Denver, McLaurin immediately impacted the offense by absorbing a team-high 14 targets. His crucial presence helped the Commanders rack up 419 yards of offense against Denver's elite defense, showcasing his vital role despite the narrow defeat.
Rams linebacker Byron Young described the team's 31-28 upset loss to the Panthers, which ended their six-game winning streak, as a "humbling" and "needed wake-up call." The Panthers forced three turnovers from Matthew Stafford. Young emphasized the lesson to "don't get complacent," as the Rams' playoff destiny is no longer entirely in their hands, with the Bears now holding pole position in the NFC. He believes the team will learn from this and use it as motivation.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned to the lineup for Sunday's 20-16 victory over the Colts, extending Houston's winning streak to four games and maintaining their AFC South title hopes. Stroud, who missed three games with a concussion, completed 22-of-35 passes for 276 yards and an interception, stating he "knocked off some rust" but felt he got "rolling." He believes the Texans are "super dangerous" and will need a strong, rust-free performance against the Chiefs next Sunday night, a crucial game for both teams' playoff hopes.
The Carolina Panthers' enormous Week 13 upset was fueled by cornerback Mike Jackson, who is being recognized as one of the league's most underrated cover corners in 2025.
