NFL Player News

Jefferson (back) is trending toward being cleared to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Jefferson sustained a back injury during the Titans' Week 15 loss to the 49ers. The sixth-year wideout posted a DNP-LP-FP practice log during Week 16 prep, and while he's listed as questionable for Sunday's game, Jefferson is trending in the right direction. Over his last nine games, Jefferson has caught 20 passes (on 43 targets) for 256 yards and one touchdown.

Taylor (elbow) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.

The 28-year-old had already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Titans due to a triceps injury, but he's now been placed on IR and won't return to the field this season. While Taylor is sidelined, expect Chukwuebuka Godrick to start at right tackle in Week 16.

Helm (toe) is expected to play against the Chiefs on Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Helm is working through a toe injury that he sustained during the Titans' Week 15 loss to the 49ers, when he caught four passes on as many targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He was tagged as questionable for Week 16, but his ability to practice in full Friday -- coupled with Fowler's report Saturday -- puts the rookie tight end on track toward being available for Sunday's home tilt. Helm has caught 41 passes (on 50 targets) for 347 yards and two touchdowns through 14 regular-season games.

Chenal (shoulder) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.

Chenal sustained a shoulder injury in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers and had already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Titans, but following his placement on IR, he'll be forced to miss the remainder of the season. The Wisconsin product appeared in 14 games and recorded 58 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and two passes defensed, with one interception. Cooper McDonald is likely to have a larger role on the Chiefs' defense while Chenal misses the rest of the 2025 season.

Mitchell was waived by the Chiefs on Saturday.

The 27-year-old from Louisiana signed a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million with the Chiefs this past offseason but appeared in just one game prior to being waived. Mitchell has played in 28 regular-season games since being drafted in 2021, rushing for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns. In a corresponding move, Kansas City signed Dameon Pierce to its active roster Saturday.

The Chiefs signed Pierce off their practice squad Saturday.

The fourth-year pro from Florida signed with Kansas City's practice squad in late November and has now joined the active roster. Pierce appeared in four games with the Texans this season, rushing 10 times for 26 yards while also accumulating 92 kick-return yards. Now with the active roster, the 25-year-old will likely play a depth role in the Chiefs' backfield during Sunday's matchup against the Titans.

Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Saturday that Buckner (neck) is expected to be activated off the injured reserve list in time to play in Monday's matchup against the 49ers, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

Although Buckner has not been activated from IR yet, he's expected to return for the Colts' Week 16 contest. The 31-year-old is a crucial part of Indianapolis' defensive front, recording 42 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, in just nine appearances this season. If active as expected for Monday night's matchup, Buckner will likely start alongside Grover Stewart on the Colts' defensive line.

Gould (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Monday night's matchup against the 49ers, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

The Oregon State product suffered a foot injury in the Week 14 loss to the Jaguars and is now in line to miss his second consecutive game. Gould is an important part of the Colts' special-teams unit, having recorded 647 kick-return and 131 punt-return yards across 11 contests this season. While he remains out in Week 16, Ameer Abdullah and Josh Downs will likely serve as Indianapolis' top kick and punt returners, respectively.

Gardner (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Monday night's matchup against the 49ers, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

The Cincinnati product is now in line to miss his third consecutive game due to a calf injury sustained in the Week 13 loss to the Texans. While Gardner remains sidelined for Monday night's contest, expect Jaylon Jones and Mekhi Blackmon to operate as Indianapolis' top boundary cornerbacks.

Herbig (hamstring) has been downgraded and ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro from Wisconsin upgraded from DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's matchup. However, it now appears he won't be able to suit up for the Week 16 contest. While Herbig is sidelined Sunday, expect Alex Highsmith and rookie Jack Sawyer to operate as the Steelers' top outside linebackers.