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NFL News

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

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Joe Burrow Progressing from Turf Toe, Possible Return in Weeks 13 or 14

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, sidelined since Week 2 with a turf toe injury, returned to limited practice last week, participating in 7-on-7 drills. The plan for the upcoming week is for him to throw 11-on-11 against the scout team. While there is no definitive return date, Week 13 against the Ravens or Week 14 against the Bills are possibilities, according to CBS Sports' Melanie Collins on November 16, 2025. Burrow stated that his return depends on "a lot of variables," primarily how his toe feels, and acknowledged the significance of potentially returning in Baltimore, the site of his 2023 season-ending injury. Since Burrow's injury, the Bengals have gone 1-7, with Joe Flacco taking over at quarterback after Jack Browning's 0-3 start. Burrow, the 2020 top overall pick, led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 and was within a game of it in 2022. In 2023, he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year for a second time, leading the league with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns.

Olamide Zaccheaus Sees Limited Usage Behind Luther Burden for Bears

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Olamide Zaccheaus had limited usage in the Chicago Bears' offense during Sunday's win over the Vikings, playing only 9.1% of the team's offensive snaps in the first half, significantly less than rookie Luther Burden who played 54.5%. Burden also tied for second on the team with five targets and made three receptions for 27 yards, finishing ahead of Zaccheaus in usage for the first time this season. Zaccheaus had previously played the slot role more than any other player for the Bears.

Luther Burden Sees Increased Usage, Ties for Second in Targets for Bears

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Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden saw increased usage in the Chicago Bears' offense, tying for second on the team with five targets and making three receptions for 27 yards in Sunday's win over the Vikings. This marked the first time Burden finished ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus in usage. Burden ran a season-high 22 routes and worked as the slot leader for the first time, playing 54.5% of Chicago's offensive snaps in the first half compared to 9.1% for Zaccheaus. Despite not having a significant fantasy impact, Burden's climbing usage makes him a potential stash. D.J. Moore, who led Bears wideouts in playing time and routes, did not appear hindered by a shoulder injury.

DK Metcalf Records Five Catches Amidst Seahawks' Offensive Struggles and Coaching Changes

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DK Metcalf caught five of eight targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 34-12 win over the Bengals on November 16, 2025. Despite his immense physical talent, Metcalf, who was a 64th overall pick in 2019, has shown inconsistent production since his breakout 2020 season (83 receptions, 1,303 yards, 10 touchdowns). Over the subsequent three years, he averaged 77 catches, 1,043 yards, and 26 touchdowns on 129.7 targets, with a 59.4% catch rate. His performance has been influenced by quarterback changes from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith and the Seahawks' low offensive snap volume. With a coaching change from Pete Carroll and Shane Waldron to Mike McDaniel and Ryan Grubb, there's hope for increased play volume, though he faces target competition from Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Metcalf, still only 26, has never finished below 900 yards or six touchdowns and remains a solid fantasy starter. Known for his freakish size/speed (6-4, 235, 4.33 40-yard dash), he excels in red-zone work and deep routes, but has struggled with route-running finesse. His connection with Russell Wilson was inconsistent in 2021, and he signed a three-year extension in July (likely 2022).

Xavier Legette Catches TD in Panthers' OT Win Despite Hip Injury

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Xavier Legette caught four of eight targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in the Carolina Panthers' 30-27 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Legette sustained a hip injury on the Panthers' final drive of the fourth quarter and did not play in overtime. His 36-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Young in the third quarter helped pull the Panthers within one score. Legette has been a significant part of Carolina's offense, with 24 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns in nine games this season. His status for Week 12 against the 49ers is uncertain, but he faces a favorable matchup if healthy.

Kirk Cousins Steps in for Injured Penix, Struggles in Falcons' Overtime Loss

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Kirk Cousins handled emergency quarterback duties for the Atlanta Falcons in their 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers after Michael Penix Jr. was forced to leave the game with a knee injury. Cousins, who had been demoted, completed six of 14 passes for 48 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, adding one rush for two yards. Despite his efforts, the Falcons' defense struggled, allowing Panthers QB Bryce Young to throw for 448 yards. Cousins signed a four-year, $100 million guaranteed contract with Atlanta in March, but his season has been impacted by his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury and the Falcons' surprising draft of Michael Penix eighth overall. Known for his consistency and high volume, Cousins has a streak of eight consecutive seasons with at least 3,500 passing yards and 25 TD passes, though his deep ball attempts have decreased in recent years.

DJ Moore Records Single Catch in Bears' Week 11 Victory

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DJ Moore caught one of three targets for 18 yards and rushed once for three yards in the Chicago Bears' 19-17 win over the Vikings. This modest performance comes after a 2023 season where Moore achieved career highs with 96 catches, 1,385 yards, and nine touchdowns, boasting a 70.6 percent catch rate following his trade from the Panthers. While he previously topped 940 yards from scrimmage in all five seasons with Carolina, his production has been central to the Bears' passing game, with Moore and Cole Kmet combining for 47 percent of targets and 61 percent of receiving yards. With the arrival of new quarterback Caleb Williams, along with additions like Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Gerald Everett, and D'Andre Swift, Moore faces increased target competition, though overall passing volume is expected to rise.

Rome Odunze Leads Bears in Receiving Yards Despite Modest Volume in Week 11 Win

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Rome Odunze caught two of six targets for 41 yards in the Chicago Bears' 19-17 victory over the Vikings. The 23-year-old wide receiver secured only one of five first-half targets, accumulating 24 yards, which accounted for a third of Caleb Williams' first-half passing total. Despite limited second-half targets, Odunze finished just four receiving yards shy of Cole Kmet's team lead for the game. Through 10 games this season, Odunze leads the Bears with 39 catches for 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 75 targets. He signed a four-year, $22.72 million contract with the Bears in July 2024 and is set to face the Steelers in Week 12.

Caleb Williams Endures Season-Low Completion Rate in Bears' Week 11 Win

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Caleb Williams completed 16 of 32 passes for 193 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, adding 26 yards on four rushes in the Bears' 19-17 victory over the Vikings. His 50% completion rate was a season low for him and any quarterback facing the Vikings this season, marking the sixth time in his last seven outings he completed fewer than 60% of his passes and the third time in five starts he failed to throw a touchdown. Despite these struggles, the 23-year-old quarterback was credited with his league-leading fifth fourth-quarter comeback win. Williams, signed to a four-year, $39.49 million contract, has often compensated for passing deficiencies with rushing production, but Week 11 highlighted a low floor when ground value is limited. He faces an opportunity to improve his passing against the inconsistent Steelers secondary in Week 12, followed by challenging road games against Philadelphia and Green Bay.

Cole Kmet Out-Targets Colston Loveland in Bears' Win

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Cole Kmet led Chicago Bears tight ends in usage during the team's win over the Vikings, tallying a team-high 5 receptions for 45 yards on five targets, which tied for second on the team. This performance saw him out-target rookie tight end Colston Loveland by one. Loveland recorded 3 catches for 40 yards. Kmet also played more snaps and ran more pass routes than Loveland, though Loveland had led in routes the previous week. The Bears' preference for Kmet as a blocker, coupled with the team's increased focus on the run game, limits Loveland's fantasy upside despite his potential. Kmet has struggled with receiving production, topping 31 yards only once this season.

Devin Bush Secures Pick-Six, Extends Browns' Lead Against Ravens

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Browns linebacker Devin Bush made a significant defensive play, snagging a Lamar Jackson pass that deflected off Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell's hands. He returned the interception 23 yards for a touchdown, dramatically pushing the Browns' lead to 13-3 halfway through the second quarter against the Ravens. This crucial turnover, combined with Myles Garrett's two sacks, highlighted the Browns' defensive strength, which was essential given their offense's earlier struggles. The Browns had taken the lead minutes earlier on a field goal after a muffed punt recovery.

Tee Higgins Extends Touchdown Streak to Four Games Despite Bengals' Week 11 Loss

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Tee Higgins extended his touchdown streak to four consecutive games, catching three of eight targets for 63 yards and a score in the Bengals' 34-12 loss to the Steelers. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound wide receiver, who was franchise-tagged for $21.8 million in 2024, has been a consistent performer, averaging 71.7 catches, 1,009 yards, and 6.3 touchdowns over his first three seasons despite an injury-plagued 2023. While his target rate has seen a slight dip with Ja'Marr Chase's emergence, Higgins remains a reliable, high-end WR2 known for his prowess on jump balls and short-to-intermediate routes. The Bengals have resisted trade requests for Higgins, though reports suggest they are open to offers, with a franchise tag likely next offseason if a long-term deal isn't reached.

Emari Demercado Exits Sunday's Game with Ankle Injury, Status Uncertain

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Emari Demercado exited Sunday's game against the 49ers with an ankle injury, raising concerns about his availability. The 24-year-old running back, who signed a three-year, $2.56 million contract in May 2023, has a history of injuries, including a toe injury in 2024 and a previous ankle issue in late October 2025 from which he had recently returned. Demercado had shown flashes of production, including a 104-total-yard outing on November 9th and 79 rushing yards on November 3rd. He was projected for an expanded role earlier in the season after James Conner's season-ending injury, working as a complementary option behind Trey Benson. His advanced stats for 2025 include a 66.7% catch rate and 84.6% positive run percentage.

Rico Dowdle Achieves Fourth 100-Yard Outing, Maintains Workhorse Role for Panthers

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Rico Dowdle recorded his fourth 100-yard performance of the season in the Panthers' 30-27 overtime win against the Falcons, rushing 19 times for 45 yards and catching five of seven targets for 55 yards. Despite averaging just 2.3 yards per carry and not reaching the end zone, Dowdle's consistent volume is highlighted by receiving 20 or more touches in five of Carolina's last seven games, reinforcing his role as a workhorse back. The Panthers' offense leaned more on quarterback Bryce Young's career-day passing (448 yards, three touchdowns) in Week 11. Dowdle, who signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract in March 2025, will look to improve his efficiency in a favorable Week 12 matchup against the 49ers defense.

Kaleb Johnson Contributes Carries Following Jaylen Warren's Ankle Injury

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Kaleb Johnson mixed in for five carries, gaining 15 yards, during Sunday's game against the Bengals. His involvement came after Steelers running back Jaylen Warren sustained a left ankle injury in the third quarter, which limited Warren's participation for the rest of the game. Johnson's contribution helped fill the void in the backfield alongside Kenneth Gainwell, who also saw increased action in both the running and passing game following Warren's exit.

Chase Brown's Four Straight 100-Yard Games Highlight Bengals' Offensive Struggles

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Chase Brown achieved four consecutive games with over 100 total yards, showcasing his versatility with both rushing and receiving contributions. In a recent 34-12 loss to the Steelers, he rushed 18 times for 99 yards and caught six of eight targets for 28 yards. Brown's advanced stats reveal strong performance metrics, including an 82.4% positive run rate and 77.4% of his yards coming after contact. Despite his individual success, the Bengals' offense has faced challenges. Looking ahead, Brown is expected to be a key player, potentially rotating with Zack Moss, and his speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and athleticism offer explosive potential. He has demonstrated adeptness as both a runner and receiver throughout his career, with notable performances including 108 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers on October 16, 2025, and seven catches for 21 yards against the Lions on October 5, 2025.

Tetairoa McMillan Shines with Career-Highs in Panthers' Overtime Win

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Tetairoa McMillan delivered a monster performance in Week 11, setting new career highs in receptions (eight), receiving yards (130), and touchdowns (two) during the Carolina Panthers' 30-27 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons. The 2025 first-round pick benefited from quarterback Bryce Young's career-best game, scoring touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters. Through his first 10 NFL games, McMillan has accumulated 748 yards and four touchdowns on 54 catches. He faces a favorable matchup against the 49ers defense in Week 12 and is poised for another significant outing.

Van Jefferson Scores Game-Tying Touchdown for Titans Against Texans

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Van Jefferson caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Cam Ward, tying the game against the Houston Texans. This score provided a crucial lift for the Tennessee Titans in a hard-fought contest. Jefferson is expected to see an increased role following Calvin Ridley's season-ending injury.

Chimere Dike Clears Concussion Protocol, But Sustains Chest Contusion in Titans' Loss

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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike cleared concussion protocol but sustained a chest contusion during Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Houston Texans. Dike was evaluated for a concussion and ruled out at halftime, but the chest issue was identified later. The rookie wideout has recorded 21 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown over nine games this season. With Calvin Ridley out for the season due to a broken fibula, Van Jefferson and Mason Kinsey are expected to see increased roles alongside Elic Ayomanor.

Calvin Ridley's Season Ends with Broken Fibula; Titans Face Roster Uncertainty

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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after breaking his fibula in Sunday's loss to the Texans. This injury comes shortly after Ridley's return from a three-game absence due to a hamstring issue. He finishes the 2025 campaign with 16 receptions for 290 yards and no touchdowns in six games. With Ridley turning 31 in December and no guaranteed money left on his contract through 2027, the Titans are expected to either restructure his deal or release him this offseason. The team will rely on wide receivers Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, and Van Jefferson for the rest of the season, though Dike also sustained a concussion during the game.