NFL Player News

The coaching staff talked up Taylor as a potential Week 1 starting MIKE, but this locks in Curtis Lofton there. Rader was third on the depth chart.

The Panthers get their left tackle back after a one-game absence. The Panthers (8-7) astonishingly hold the NFC South’s top spot. Getting Ekwonu back in time to face the Seahawks’ top-tier defense is good news for QB Bryce Young, who has one year remaining on his contract and will continue to be evaluated closely by the coaching staff.

We do not yet know Cross’ participation level on Friday, but he remained sidelined on Wednesday and Thursday after missing the team’s Week 16 game against the Rams. The Seahawks could be taking the long view with Cross. The lowly Panthers are unimposing and the 12-4 Seahawks currently own the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. Hopefully, they can secure a victory while also allowing their stud left tackle to successfully rehab his hamstring injury.

McDonald marked eight sacks in 15 games this year and continues to look like a solid building block pass rusher. The Jets will face a decision on whether they want to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason. With the season over in all but name, the Jets also sent LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck) and DL Jay Tufele (foot) to the injured reserve list.

It sounds like Tuten may indeed be able to make it back for the end of the regular season after initial reporting said he was unlikely to do so. He got in three limited practices this week and, given the initial reporting, is probably on the pessimistic side of questionable for this one. LeQuint Allen would be the main backup to Travis Etienne if Tuten sits again.

He actually wasn’t listed on the injury report yesterday, but given how Pitts has been playing of late this is likely just managing through a minor concern. There’s no reason to doubt his status for Week 17 and he belongs on the TE1 line against the Rams.

Last week, London was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before getting a rest day Friday. That pattern looks to be repeating this week, although one day later in the week due to Atlanta’s Monday Night date with the Rams. If London practices tomorrow it’ll be good news, but regardless he’s almost a lock to be in your fantasy lineups in Week 17, even if last Sunday’s return wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Willis has an injury in his throwing shoulder and is currently sick, but the Packers evidently feel good about his ability to play this weekend. The backup quarterback has completed 12-of-14 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 63 yards, appearing in three games this season. Earlier today, ESPN’s Dan Graziano said he believes “several [teams] have their eyes on” Willis as a “potential solution” at quarterback in 2026. Consider this an audition. He is officially questionable to play and can be treated as a viable QB2 starter, if active.

Carter will be good to go after practicing in full all week. The star lineman will likely have to have an offseason procedure on his shoulders per his own admission, but will try to make the most of the rest of the season while managing the injuries. The Eagles ruled out LB Nakobe Dean (foot) for Week 17.

Love remained limited in practice all week and was labeled him questionable to play yesterday. He was evidently unable to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol. Packers No. 2 QB Malik Willis (shoulder/illness) is expected to start in Love’s stead. Willis is not without risk, given his current state of being, but he is a viable QB2 starter.

Johnson was originally supposed to return two weeks ago against the Raiders, but hasn’t practiced or played since suffering his injury in Week 11. The Eagles probably have no incentive to rush him back in Week 18 unless they can catch the NFC North leader for the No. 2 seed, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he sat out that game as well.