NFL Player News

The Patriots placed Hollins (abdomen) on injured reserve Saturday, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Hollins was already ruled out for Week 17 action, but the wideout's placement on IR now means that he won't play in the team's regular-season finale, and he wouldn't be eligible to return to action in the postseason unless the Patriots make a deep run. In Hollins' looming absence, rookie Kyle Williams figures to see added WR snaps going forward.

Wallace (shoulder) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Wallace underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier in the week, so it's no surprise that he's been placed on IR. The second-year pro from Kentucky was one of Carolina's most impactful defenders this season, recording 61 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and four passes defensed over 12 appearances. With Wallace sidelined for the remainder of the Panthers' 2025 campaign, expect Claudin Cherelus to start alongside Christian Rozeboom in the team's inside linebacker corps.

Watt (lung) is expected to return for the Steelers' Week 18 matchup against the Ravens, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The All-Pro edge rusher has already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Browns, marking his third consecutive missed game since his lung partially collapsed. However, it now appears he's expected to return for the Week 18 divisional matchup, which could determine the AFC North title. Through 13 appearances this season, Watt has tallied 53 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles. While he remains sidelined in Week 17, expect Jack Sawyer to play an expanded role in Pittsburgh's linebacker corps.

The Raiders placed Crosby (knee) on the injured reserve Saturday.

Crosby left Raiders facilities Friday after expressing displeasure upon learning he had been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Giants, per Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. Following his placement on IR, Crosby will now be sidelined for Week 18 against the Chiefs as well. The edge rusher will thus wrap up the 2025 campaign with 73 total tackles, 10.0 sacks, six passes defensed, one interception and two forced fumbles across 15 appearances. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Crosby is expected to require offseason surgery to address his left knee injury, but he should be back to full health for training camp.

Olave (back) remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, but he traveled with the Saints to Nashville and is expected to play, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Per Underhill, Olave, who was listed as a limited participant in practice Friday, is expected to be a full go against Tennessee. In any case, the wideout's status will be confirmed when the Saints post their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Watson (shoulder/illness) is expected to play Saturday night against the Ravens, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Watson, who was deemed a full practice participant Tuesday and Wednesday, didn't practice Thursday and was listed as questionable ahead of Week 17 action. However, Pelissero indicates that the wideout is ready to go versus Baltimore, with Watson's status, either way, set to be confirmed when inactives are posted ahead of Saturday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Welch was elevated from the Saints' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Welch has been elevated to New Orleans' active roster for the second time this season ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans. In the Week 3 loss to the Seahawks, the Wyoming product failed to record an offensive statistic while playing 12 total snaps (eight on special teams, four on offense). Now back with the active roster, Welch is expected to play a depth role in the Saints' tight end corps while also contributing on special teams in Week 17.

Bell was elevated from the Saints' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro from Michigan joined the Saints' practice squad in early October and has now been promoted to the active roster. Bell's last in-game action came with the 49ers in 2024, when he appeared in nine contests and caught two of six targets for 22 yards across 105 offensive snaps. He's expected to play a depth role in New Orleans' wide receiver corps during Sunday's matchup against the Titans.

Fiske (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Falcons, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

The second-year pro from Florida State upgraded from a DNP on Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Monday's matchup. Fiske has had an underwhelming 2025 campaign, recording 28 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and one pass defensed across 15 appearances. If he's out in Week 17, expect Larrell Murchison to operate as one of the Rams' top defensive ends.

Head coach Sean McVay told reporters Saturday that Wallace (ankle) won't play in Monday's matchup against the Falcons, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

The Michigan product likely sustained an ankle injury in the Rams' Week 16 loss to the Seahawks, as he didn't practice Thursday or Friday and has since been ruled out for Monday night's contest. With Wallace sidelined in Week 17, expect Cobie Durant to operate as Los Angeles' top slot cornerback.