NFL

In other words: If both GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon get fired, Cardinals ownership will leave the quarterback decision up to their new braintrust. Most rumors that we’ve seen leading up to Black Monday have had Ossenfort safe — he’d probably bring back Jacoby Brissett on the second year of a two-year deal and then draft a quarterback to either push or develop behind Brissett. But given how disappointing the Cardinals have been en route to falling from 2-0 to 3-13, we shouldn’t be surprised if Ossenfort doesn’t survive.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said he is “pretty confident” that Dowdle will be good to go on Saturday afternoon. It has not been uncommon for Dowdle to get an early practice off this year, so we don’t have much reason to worry about his status for Week 18’s NFC South showdown just yet.

Per Wilson, Mixon “got some procedures on his own, away from the Texans, not from the Texans medical personnel, and it apparently affected the foot, the blood flow, and progress turned into a stall.” The major takeaway is Wilson saying that “the reason there’s so much mystery about this is because Joe Mixon prefers it that way ... there was electromagnetic therapy that was done to try to reduce inflammation in the foot.” The easy outside assumption has been that the Texans will simply release Mixon after the season. It would be interesting to see if there were grievances if they did decide to toll his contract — the Texans did pay Mixon his full salary this year rather than coming after it. This update at least opens the door that Mixon could return to the Texans in 2026. Wilson repeated that Mixon will not return in the 2025 season, including the playoffs.

That’s not to necessarily Watt has a good chance given the reporting we’ve already had that he’s a long shot, and the qualifier “in recent weeks” is holding up the optimism. We think Watt has a chance to play, but he’ll probably have to start practicing in full by Thursday for Tomlin to confidently plug him in for the AFC North championship on Sunday night.

While the Cowboys have insisted that they’re playing their starters in Week 18, nothing in that guarantee says they’ll play most of the game. Javonte Williams (shoulder) left Week 17’s win over the Commanders, and Malik Davis is apparently also dealing with an eye injury. It’s possible that both start or get a limited runway and the Cowboys see what Blue can do, making Blue a Week 18 running back of interest. The fifth-round rookie hasn’t had a real role since October after a fumble against the Broncos.

The Buccaneers face a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive on Saturday afternoon. Wirfs missed last week’s game with this toe injury. The fact that he’s already practicing, even if this does wind up being a limited session, points to him playing. And the Buccaneers need every ounce of healthy talent they can get for this game given the way their late season has been going.

Diggs was regarded as one of the better corners in the NFL a few years ago, but has played just 1,208 defensive snaps over the last three years while dealing with injuries. The Cowboys have seemed disinterested in employing Diggs for some time, and the only surprise is that the move happened now instead of this offseason. Diggs’ contract is out of guaranteed money after this year, so it’s possible he is claimed on waivers. Former DC Dan Quinn is in Washington, which is one possible landing spot. It’s also possible that he gets a shot with a playoff team, though it might be a little late to crack anyone’s rotation for the Wild Card round at this point.

It’s hard to believe McVay would risk the health of key players — including Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford — with the Rams all but locked into the No. 6 seed in the NFC after Monday night’s devastating loss to the Falcons. Perhaps the team’s starters will get a few drives before the backups come in against Arizona. That would include Jimmy Garappolo at quarterback and maybe Ronnie Rivers at running back. Keep it locked to Rotoworld for updates on which teams will rest their starters in the regular season’s final week.

Washington underwent surgery Monday and won’t return to the Steelers this season, even if they manage to beat the Ravens in Week 18 and make the playoffs. Washington ends the 2025 season with 31 receptions on 43 targets for 364 yards and one touchdown. He was third among Pittsburgh tight ends in catches, as Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth remains involved in Arthur Smith’s tight end-heavy offensive scheme. With Washington sidelined, Freiermuth would seem to be the main beneficiary. Both Smith and Freiermuth have a 48 percent route participation rate through Week 17.

The alleged assault, according to Boston 25 News, took place on Tuesday, December 2, after the Patriots beat the Giants on Monday Night Football. Diggs’ attorney said Diggs is in talks with the alleged victim to settle out of court. Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, two days before the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots issued a statement saying the team supports Diggs. “The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs,” the team said. “Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.”