NFL Player News

Andersen (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The 2022 second-round pick from Montana State was placed on the Falcons' reserve/PUP list in late August and won't play a single game in 2025. Andersen has struggled to stay healthy over the past three seasons, appearing in just nine regular-season games since 2023. Expect Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo to handle Atlanta's first-team linebacker duties for the remainder of the year.

The Steelers signed Sermon to their practice squad Wednesday.

The Ohio State product was dropped from the Steelers' practice squad in early December, but it now appears the team had a change of heart. Sermon has appeared in four games for Pittsburgh this season, recording 51 kick-return yards across 46 special-teams snaps.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Johnson (knee) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro from Ohio State is now in line to miss his second game in a row due to a sprained MCL. While Johnson remains sidelined for the Week 16 contest, expect Josh Fryar to start at left tackle.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Thompson (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The Washington State product is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Thompson has been a crucial part of the Cardinals' defense this season, recording 81 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. Kitan Crawford will likely have an expanded role on Arizona's first-team defense until Thompson returns from injury.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Watson (chest/shoulder) is expected to practice in a limited capacity, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Watson was not able to participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice after being injured during Sunday's loss to the Broncos, so it's highly encouraging to see him back on the field, even if only as a limited participant. LaFleur said Watson is "fighting to play" Saturday versus the Bears, but at this stage the wideout's availability appears legitimately up in the air. If Watson is able to handle at least limited on-field reps again Thursday, he figures to have a fair chance to gain clearance for Week 16.

Hardman (calf) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The veteran wideout from Georgia has been sidelined for the Bills' last four games after sustaining a calf injury in the Week 11 win over the Buccaneers, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Hardman will likely contribute as one of Buffalo's top kick and punt returners once fully healthy, though he must still be activated to the team's active roster in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Browns.

Ward (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ward was sidelined for the Browns' Week 15 loss to the Bears due to a calf injury, and Wednesday's DNP indicates he's still dealing with the issue. The 28-year-old likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to return for Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

The Dolphins waived Judon on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 33-year-old appeared in 13 games with the Dolphins before being waived on Wednesday, recording 19 total tackles and one pass defensed. Judon has been a very productive pass rusher over the course of his 10-year NFL career, totaling 72.0 sacks. Now a free agent, he could be picked up by a team in need of edge-rusher depth in the near future.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that London will participate in practice and remains day-to-day, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Morris expressed optimism Monday about London's chances of retaking the field for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals, and it appears the star wideout will take a tangible step in the right direction Wednesday. In all likelihood, London will be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, but if he's able to upgrade to full on field-reps even once in Week 16, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's matchup.

Vannett (oblique) was a limited practice participant Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The 32-year-old played 11 special-teams snaps and likely picked up an oblique injury during the Rams' Week 15 win over the Lions. Vannett's practice participation Wednesday and Thursday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Seahawks.