NFL Player News

Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards without a touchdown or an interception in the Commanders' 30-23 loss to the Cowboys on Christmas Day. He added 10 rushing yards on two carries.

Getting his first NFL start since 2021 with both Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (hand) unavailable, the 39-year-old Johnson was an effective game-manager for Washington but nothing more, even in a matchup against a weak Dallas defense. Daniels has already been ruled out for the rest of the season, but Mariota could be cleared to return in Week 18. If not, Johnson will likely be under center again versus the Eagles.

Al-Shaair (ankle) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Chargers.

Al-Shaair began Week 17 prep with back-to-back limited practices before upgrading to full reps Thursday. After having been unavailable Week 16 versus the Raiders, he now stands to return to his usual every-down role at middle linebacker during Saturday's road game against Los Angeles.

Kittle (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle now has gone down as a DNP on both the 49ers' practice reports since he left Monday's win at Indianapolis in the third quarter due to a left ankle injury and wasn't able to return. He's reportedly dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, and Kittle has one more chance to mix into drills Friday before San Francisco potentially makes a ruling on his status for Sunday's game against the Bears. Jake Tonges would be the favorite to step into a pass-catching role among the team's remaining tight ends if Kittle is inhibited or sidelined Week 17.

Vidal (neck) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Texans after being listed as a limited participant on Thursday's practice estimate.

Vidal was deemed a non-participant both Tuesday and Wednesday, with the running back's estimated limited listing Thursday offering hope that he may be available this weekend. Look for added context regarding Vidal's Week 17 status to arrive late Friday or early Saturday, but if he's made inactive for the Chargers' 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, added touches would be available for fellow RB Omarion Hampton, with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson on hand in reserve.

The Broncos have elevated Bandy from the practice squad for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Bandy was also elevated for Denver's win over the Packers in Week 15, in which he secured his only target for a 20-yard touchdown while playing just two total offensive snaps. He'll figure to handle a depth role again versus Kansas City on Christmas Day.

Turpin caught his only target for an 86-yard touchdown in the Cowboys' 30-23 win over the Commanders on Christmas Day. He added 115 yards on five kickoff returns.

The one touch on offense tied his season low, but Turpin made it count by settling under a deep toss by Dak Prescott in the second quarter and taking it to the house. It was Turpin's second receiving TD of the season, but his primary value to the Cowboys still comes from his return ability, and his 1,599 kickoff return yards on the year are by far a career high. He'll look to pad those totals a little more in Week 18 against the Giants.

Tolbert caught four of eight targets for 31 yards in the Cowboys' 30-23 win over the Commanders on Christmas Day.

With Ryan Flournoy (knee) inactive and tight end Jake Ferguson (calf) leaving the game early, Tolbert wound up seeing a season high in targets and tying his season high in receptions, although he didn't do much with the volume. The fourth-year wideout has managed an 18-203-1 line on 33 targets for the year, and with his rookie contract set to expire, he could be set to play his final game with Dallas in Week 18 against the Giants.

The Broncos have signed Lewis from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Lewis has bounced between Denver's active roster and practice squad multiple times this season, and he's now slated to suit up for what will be his fifth regular-season appearance of 2025 with the team. Across his prior four appearances Lewis wasn't targeted a single time, so he stands to again contribute mostly as a blocker on Christmas Day. Now a member of the Broncos' active roster, Lewis will be eligible to suit up for both of the team's remaining regular-season games, as well as the entire postseason.

Pickens caught four of five targets for 78 yards in the Cowboys' 30-23 win over the Commanders on Christmas Day.

Despite the limited looks, the star wideout finished second on Dallas in receiving yards, topped only by KaVontae Turpin, who turned his only catch into an 86-yard touchdown. The five targets represented Pickens' lowest volume since Week 5, but Thursday's production did put him over 90 catches and 1,400 yards on the season -- the first time he's reached either mark in his career. He'll look to finish the year on a high note ahead of his potential free agency this offseason in a Week 18 clash with the Giants.

Tipton (groin) was listed as limited on Thursday's estimated injury report.

Tipton was able to maintain his listing from Wednesday, but Friday's injury report ultimately will reveal if the second-year pro enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game at Tennessee. He's coming off four catches (on five targets) for 29 yards and one carry for 12 yards this past Sunday versus the Jets while working as the Saints' No. 3 WR behind Chris Olave and Kevin Austin.