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Tag: NFL

  • Eagles-Commanders Week 16 injury report, with analysis

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    The Philadelphia Eagles have a few new additions to their injury report, and they’ll have a short week to get ready for their Saturday Week 16 matchup with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders will be without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who the team has decided to shut down for the rest of the season.

    Here’s the Eagles-Commanders injury report, with analysis.

    051020EaglesLogo2020
    Player  Injury  Tues*  Wed  Thurs Status 
    RT Lane Johnson Foot DNP 
    iDL Jalen Carter  Shoulders  DNP       
    RB Saquon Barkley  Stinger  DNP       
    LG Landon Dickerson  Calf  DNP       
    OT Fred Johnson  Ankle  DNP       
    FB Cameron Latu  Stinger  DNP       
    RB Tank Bigsby  Illness  Limited       
    EDE Jaelan Phillips  Knee  Full       
    LB Zack Baun  Hand  Full       
    OT Cameron Williams  Shoulder  Full       

    Tuesday notes (Walkthrough, estimation only):

    • Lane Johnson is still not yet practicing, but he is expected to make his return to the field Saturday against the Commanders. We’ll see.

    • Jalen Carter still isn’t practicing yet either, though the Eagles defense has been stellar without him the last two weeks.

    • Landon Dickerson played through his calf injury Week 15, and did not look right.

    • Saquon Barkley’s stinger was unknown until now. The Eagles are just two days removed from their win over the Raiders, so we’ll get a better sense if his injury is serious if he continues to be a DNP on Wednesday. He seemed fine in the locker room after the Raiders game, for whatever that is worth. Same with Fred Johnson.

    • Jalen Hurts seemed to hurt his lower leg on an awkward tackle against the Raiders, but he does not appear on the injury report.

    Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

    • S Andrew Mukuba (IR, eligible to come off of IR after Week 16): Mukuba has had an up and down rookie season, but was beginning to earn the trust of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. On the season, Mukuba has 46 tackles and 2 INTs. He will be eligible to come off of IR next week, though Marcus Epps has played well in his absence.

    • WR Johnny Wilson (IR, knee/ankle, out for the season): Wilson is a massive receiver at 6’6, 228 who carved out a dirty work role as a physical blocker his rookie season in 2024, though sometimes he was a little too aggressive, as he committed four penalties (3 holding, 1 OPI). He wasn’t much of a threat as a receiver, catching only 5 passes for 38 yards and a TD. He played a little over 400 snaps, and actually started four games.

    • EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo (IR, triceps, eligible to come off of IR at any time, season could be over): Okoronkwo was signed to provide edge depth. He played in just one game (4 snaps) before tearing his triceps.

    • EDGE Azeez Ojulari (IR, triceps, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Ojulari was the presumed third EDGE defender in the pecking order when he signed with the Eagles as a free agent, but he is now no better than the EDGE7.

    • FB Ben VanSumeren (IR, knee, out for the season): VanSumeren was poised to take on a bigger role in the Eagles’ offense in 2025 as a full-time fullback, but he tore his patellar tendon on the opening kickoff of the season. His season is over.

    • iOL Willie Lampkin (IR, season over): Lampkin is an extreme oddity, in that he is a 5’11 offensive lineman who only weighs 290 pounds. He looks like a player you’d create in Madden just for fun. However, coming out of North Carolina he received glowing reviews for his play on the field, and he played well in the preseason after signing with the Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent. The Rams waived Lampkin with an injury designation. The Eagles then claimed him and placed him on their IR.

    The Eagles activated Lampkin’s 21-day practice window, which expired. He won’t play this season.

    • OT Myles Hinton (IR, Eagles opened up 21-day practice window on 11/19): Hinton is a sixth-round rookie who was up and down in training camp. The Eagles placed him on IR with a back injury, and he has not been on the active roster all season.

    The Eagles activated Hinton’s 21-day practice window, which expired. He won’t play this season.

    • OT Cameron Williams (IR, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Williams struggled in training camp, and landed on IR. This is effectively a redshirt season for him. Williams did have his 21-day practice window activated last Thursday, but he remains unlikely to play this season.

    031222CommandersLogo2022031222CommandersLogo2022

    Player  Injury  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Status 
    LT Laremy Tunsil  Oblique  DNP       
    LB Bobby Wagner  Knee/Rest  DNP       
    DT Eddie Goldman  Concussion  DNP       
    TE Colson Yankoff  Ankle  DNP       
    QB Jayden Daniels Elbow Limited 
    CB Jonathan Jones  Rib  Full       
    RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.  Groin  Full       
    OT George Fant  Knee  Full       
    DE Drake Jackson  Groin/Knee  Full       

    Tuesday notes: 

    • Jayden Daniels has been shut down for the season, in case you missed that. Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback.

    • Starting LT Laremy Tunsil left the Commanders’ Week 15 win over the Giants, but returned to the field later in the game. He did not practice on Tuesday. With the Commanders holding Daniels out for the rest of the season, it’s not out of the question that they might also make sure Tunsil doesn’t make his injury worse by playing hurt. His status will be worth monitoring throughout the week.

    Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

    • TE Zach Ertz: Ertz had 66 catches for 654 yards and 7 TDs in his first season with the Commanders in 2024. In 2025, he had 50 catches for 504 yards and 4 TDs before he tore his ACL against the Vikings Week 13. He remains second on the team in receiving yards. His season (maybe his career?) is over.

    • CB Marshon Lattimore: Lattimore looked cooked when he was healthy this season, committing 9 penalties in 9 games. He tore an ACL in November and his season is over. With Lattimore and Trey Amos (below) both on IR, the Commanders’ starters at CB will likely be Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, and Antonio Hamilton. So, the Eagles should have some matchup advantages there.

    • CB Trey Amos: Amos is a second-round rookie who started 8 games this season. 32 tackles, 6 PBUs, 0 INTs. He was up and down this season. Too many missed tackles. He suffered a fractured fibula in November and his season is over.

    • DE Dorance Armstrong: Armstrong’s season was off to a strong start, as he had 5.5 sacks in 7 games before suffering an undisclosed season-ending knee injury.

    • DE Deatrich Wise: Wise was set to be part of the Commanders’ D-line rotation this season, but he suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury Week 2.

    • RB Austin Ekeler: In 2024, Ekeler had 733 yards from scrimmage as the Commanders’ third down back. He tore his Achilles Week 3, ending his season.

    • WR/RS Luke McCaffrey: McCaffrey had 11 catches for 203 yards and 3 TDs as a receiver, and he was the team’s primary kick returner before suffering a likely season-ending collarbone fracture Week 9 against the Seahawks.

    • DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste: Jean-Baptiste is a rotational defensive lineman who had a nice start to the season, with 6 tackles and a sack in the Commanders’ first three games. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle way back in Week 3. Usually that’s an injury that players can recover from in-season if they occur early enough, but the Commanders will likely just shut him down for the season.

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  • Brandon Graham is moving quicker with switch into Eagles’ interior D line

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    The 37-year-old Graham collected two sacks against the Raiders playing inside the defensive line. He’s shaken off the retirement rust, but the position switch has also forced him to play faster.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • Renck: With Bo Nix, offense playing like this, it’s time to start looking for Broncos Super Bowl tickets

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    Bo Nix belongs to the past. And that is why the Broncos have such a bright future.

    Feel cheated you never saw John Elway execute a two-minute drive? Or Peyton Manning carve up a defense with a surgeon’s precision?

    All those are yesterday’s roses. It is time to give Nix his flowers. He is doing it right before your eyes.

    Qualifying standards are no longer measuring Nix. He is not playing well for his second season. He is playing well for any season.

    Pat Surtain II, Broncos defense shows championship mettle in second-half torrent vs. Packers

    There are still things that absolutely remind us of his inexperience. But they don’t matter. Not anymore. Not this season, because the Broncos have reached the point of no looking back.

    Against the best opponent they have faced, the Broncos knocked out the Packers, 34-26, on Sunday to clinch a second-consecutive playoff berth, while moving closer to securing the AFC’s top seed with a one-game lead over the Patriots.

    If the road to the postseason goes through Denver, then it ends in Santa Clara for the Broncos. It is that simple.

    No team is coming to Empower Field at Mile High with this altitude and with these fans and walking away with a win. For so long, the Broncos’ play suggested they would be an easy mark in the postseason, a notion reinforced by their winning their last five games by a combined 17 points.

    Nobody is suggesting that anymore. Not now. Not after Dre Greenlaw screamed in the Packers’ face before the game and Nix punched them in the throat during it.

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    Troy Renck

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  • The pivotal plays from the Eagles’ much-needed shutout of the Raiders

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    Sunday at the Linc went exactly how it should’ve, and that’s a big sigh of relief for the Eagles and their fans, if only for a moment.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • 49ers change classification of Brandon Aiyuk’s delayed comeback

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    SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk has officially left the 49ers’ building — and roster, likely forever.

    Aiyuk’s stalled comeback from last season’s knee injury turned into such a vanishing act that the 49ers reclassified his status Saturday as “reserve/left squad.”

    Aiyuk did not previously count against the 53-man roster with his reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list, and now the 49ers are announcing he’s not returning this season — nor essentially in the foreseeable future.

    Although the 49ers voided $27 million in 2026 guarantees back in late July for reportedly violating terms of his knee rehabilitation, Aiyuk maintained a very visible presence during training camp and the first month of the season as he shadowed wide receivers’ warmups.

    He vanished from the media’s sight once October arrived, although 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch stated that Aiyuk continued to show up for early-morning therapy sessions.

    Aiyuk has not officially commented to the media since last season.

    Teammates have expressed concern for Aiyuk and, in recent days, the tone shifted to a past-tense about his 49ers career, which began as a 2020 first-round draft pick and peaked with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and ’23.

    Aiyuk and the 49ers clashed throughout the 2024 offseason before he agreed to a four-year extension worth $30 million annually. His right knee’s ligaments and meniscus were torn in a devastating hit against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2024.

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    Cam Inman

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  • Colts star believes Daniel Jones should come back in 2026: ‘I’m on board with it’

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    Daniel Jones‘ 2025 NFL season came to a bitter end, as the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback will have to watch from the sidelines the rest of the way after an Achilles injury this past week. 

    For the Colts, the injury is a massive loss as the team eyes a playoff spot. For Jones personally, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time considering he’s a free agent in March. 

    Jones signed a prove-it deal with the Colts for this season after a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw the New York Giants, the team that drafted him sixth overall in 2019, release him mid-season after signing him to a long-term extension. Not only did Jones win the starting role over Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ fourth overall pick in 2023, but he shined in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense. 

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    Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones looks on in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.  (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)

    While Jones will tell you he’s entirely focused on how he can help the Colts from the sideline, star receiver Michael Pittman Jr. speaks for many on the team when he says he’s “on board” with the team bringing back Jones in 2026. 

    “Absolutely,” Pittman told Fox News Digital when asked if Jones should get another contract from Indianapolis. “I mean, I would love to see him here. The work that he’s put in and the body of work he’s had, I think they should strongly consider it. 

    “I’m on board with it and I think that most of the players are, if not all of them as well.”

    PHILIP RIVERS EMBRACES NFL COMEBACK AT QUARTERBACK AFTER RETURN TO COLTS: ‘I THOUGHT THAT SHIP HAD SAILED’

    Jones was just 104 passing yards away from his career high through only 13 games, tallying 3,101 on 261 completions (381 attempts). Jones did notch a career-high in completion percentage (68%), while throwing 19 touchdowns and interceptions. He also ran in five scores for the Colts.

    The seven-year veteran clearly felt comfortable with his new team, and it helps that running back Jonathan Taylor is performing like an MVP in the backfield, while the likes of Pittman, rookie Ty Warren, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs are all contributing for the Colts.

    A Fox One and Fox Nation bundle offer

    Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX News, Sports, and Entertainment at our lowest price of the year. The offer ends on Jan. 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)

    But Jones’ injury makes things interesting now, because teams obviously want to dish out millions at the quarterback position to someone who’s healthy. Jones had an injury history beyond the Achilles, too, as he was already playing with a fractured fibula, which may have contributed to the Achilles injury.

    With the Giants, Jones also tore his ACL in 2023, while dealing with an ailment during his time in New York.

    But depending on when Jones can return to the field, perhaps his home is in Indianapolis for years to come.

    “I do feel very fortunate to be here,” Jones told Fox News Digital last month. “This time a year ago was obviously very different for me and kind of finding what was next and where I was going to go. … The opportunity to join the Colts and play with these guys has been incredible. Been very fortunate that way, and yeah, I think I’ve learned a lot in New York and starting my career there. Grateful for that, but you try to learn along the way and take advantage of the opportunities you have.”

    PERFECT CLEAN, PERFECT GAME

    Pittman teamed up with Oral-B, which was recently named the official toothbrush of the NFL, and he shot some fun content with beloved Colts mascot, Blue.

    Michael Pittman Jr and Blue for Oral-B

    Michael Pittman Jr., and beloved Colts mascot Blue, partnered with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL. (Oral-B)

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    Pittman and Blue were trying to get their pearly whites clean with the new iO Series Electric Toothbrush, and though Blue is known for his moving belly during games, he had a giant set of teeth to get right before the game as well.

    As someone who never strays away from his gameday routine, it starts with brushing his teeth before anything else in the morning.

    “The smile is everything,” Pittman said. “Oral-B being the official toothbrush of the NFL, I just felt like it was a perfect partner because they give you the perfect clean so you can play the perfect game with their IO-series toothbrush they just came out with. It does all the work for you, so it couldn’t be easier.”

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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  • Eagles-Raiders Week 15 injury report, with analysis

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    The Philadelphia Eagles lost their third straight game on Monday night to the Chargers, but at least they escaped L.A. without any new significant injuries. Their Week 15 opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders, are expected to be without starting quarterback Geno Smith.

    Here’s the Eagles-Raiders injury report, with analysis.

    051020EaglesLogo2020
    Player  Injury  Wed*  Thurs Fri  Status 
    RT Lane Johnson  Foot  DNP DNP DNP Out
    iDL Jalen Carter  Shoulders  DNP DNP DNP Out
    LG Landon Dickerson Calf Limited DNP (calf/rest) Full – 
    LB Zack Baun  Hand  Full  Full   Full  – 
    LS Charley Hughlett  Abdomen  Full  Full   Full  – 
    OT Fred Johnson  Ankle  –  Limited   Full  – 
    OT Cameron Williams  Shoulder  –  Full   Full  Questionable 

    Wednesday notes (Walkthrough, estimation only):

    • There is some optimism that Lane will play in this game, but his DNP is not a great start to the week.

    • Carter was considered “week-to-week” after the procedure on his shoulders. He could miss another game. We’ll see.

    • Dickerson left Monday night’s game with his calf injury, but returned to the field later.

    Thursday notes: 

    • Dickerson went from limited on Wednesday to a non-participant on Thursday, though it certainly makes sense to get him some rest.

    • Fred Johnson was added to the report today, which is not ideal with Lane Johnson already hurt. Johnson’s addition to the injury report perhaps explains why the Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for Cameron Williams on Thursday.

    Friday notes: 

    • Lane Johnson and Jalen Carter are both out, as expected.

    • Fred Johnson is good to go.

    Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

    • S Andrew Mukuba (IR, eligible to come off of IR after Week 16): Mukuba has had an up and down rookie season, but was beginning to earn the trust of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. On the season, Mukuba has 46 tackles and 2 INTs. 

    • WR Johnny Wilson (IR, knee/ankle, out for the season): Wilson is a massive receiver at 6’6, 228 who carved out a dirty work role as a physical blocker his rookie season in 2024, though sometimes he was a little too aggressive, as he committed four penalties (3 holding, 1 OPI). He wasn’t much of a threat as a receiver, catching only 5 passes for 38 yards and a TD. He played a little over 400 snaps, and actually started four games.

    • EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo (IR, triceps, eligible to come off of IR at any time, season could be over): Okoronkwo was signed to provide edge depth. He played in just one game (4 snaps) before tearing his triceps.

    • EDGE Azeez Ojulari (IR, triceps, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Ojulari was the presumed third EDGE defender in the pecking order when he signed with the Eagles as a free agent, but he is now no better than the EDGE7.

    • FB Ben VanSumeren (IR, knee, out for the season): VanSumeren was poised to take on a bigger role in the Eagles’ offense in 2025 as a full-time fullback, but he tore his patellar tendon on the opening kickoff of the season. His season is over.

    • iOL Willie Lampkin (IR, season over): Lampkin is an extreme oddity, in that he is a 5’11 offensive lineman who only weighs 290 pounds. He looks like a player you’d create in Madden just for fun. However, coming out of North Carolina he received glowing reviews for his play on the field, and he played well in the preseason after signing with the Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent. The Rams waived Lampkin with an injury designation. The Eagles then claimed him and placed him on their IR.

    The Eagles activated Lampkin’s 21-day practice window, which expired. He won’t play this season.

    • OT Myles Hinton (IR, Eagles opened up 21-day practice window on 11/19): Hinton is a sixth-round rookie who was up and down in training camp. The Eagles placed him on IR with a back injury, and he has not been on the active roster all season.

    The Eagles activated Hinton’s 21-day practice window, which expired. He won’t play this season.

    • OT Cameron Williams (IR, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Williams struggled in training camp, and landed on IR. This is effectively a redshirt season for him. Williams did have his 21-day practice window activated in Thursday, but he remains unlikely to play this season.

    090920RaidersLogo090920RaidersLogo

    Player  Injury  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Status 
    DE Maxx Crosby  Knee/Shoulder  DNP  Limited  Full  – 
    QB Geno Smith  Right shoulder/Back DNP  DNP DNP Out
    S Jeremy Chinn  Back  DNP  Limited  Limited  Questionable 
    LB Jamal Adams  Knee  DNP  Limited  Full  – 
    TE Ian Thomas  Calf  DNP  Limited  Full  Questionable 
    OT Kolton Miller  Ankle  Limited  Limited  Limited  Out 
    TE Michael Mayer  Ankle  Limited  Full  Full  – 
    WR Dont’e Thornton  Concussion  Limited  Full  Full  – 
    WR Alec Bachman  Thumb  Limited  Limited  Limited  Out 
    iOL Jordan Meredith Foot  Full  Full  Full  Questionable 
    RB Raheem Mostert  Knee  –  DNP  Limited  – 

    Wednesday notes: 

    • Several reports have emerged that Geno Smith will not play in this game. Smith injured his right shoulder in the third quarter of the Raiders’ loss to the Broncos on Sunday. He also suffered a cut on his right hand.

    Former Eagle Kenny Pickett filled in and played well, completing 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards and a TD against a good Broncos defense.

    Smith has had a horrendous season. He leads the NFL with 14 INTs, and his total EPA of -70.73 is ranked 70th in the NFL, only ahead of Titans rookie Cam Ward. The Eagles might very well rather face Smith.

    • Last week, Crosby was on the Raiders’ injury report with a knee injury. He was limited on Wednesday, and he did not practice on Thursday or Friday. He played all 74 snaps against the Broncos, and had 4 tackles and a sack. He has 9 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the season, and is pretty clearly the Raiders’ best player. My bet is that he’ll play on Sunday, but we’ll keep an eye out for reporting on him throughout the week. 

    • Miller is the starting LT. He is on IR, but he returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since Week 4. He was a first-round pick in 2018, and is Vegas’ best offensive lineman, by far. He suffered a high ankle sprain and a hairline fracture Week 4 against the Bears. Stone Forsythe filled in, and has started the last nine games for the Raiders.

    • Chinn is second on the team with 104 tackles. Like Crosby, he also played all 74 snaps against the Broncos.

    Thursday notes:

    • With the exception of Geno Smith, all of the Raiders players who did not participate in practice on Wednesday were limited on Thursday. That’s a positive development for them.

    • Kolton Miller was still limited. The guess here is that he won’t play, especially since the Raiders have nothing to play for.

    Friday notes: 

    • Smith is officially out. Pickett will start.

    • Miller is officially out as well.

    Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

    • LT Kolton Miller (IR, 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday): As noted above.

    • RG Jackson Powers-Johnson (IR, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Powers-Johnson was the Raiders’ starting RG to begin the season. He was the Raiders’ second-round pick in 2024. He suffered an ankle injury against the Broncos Week 10, and his season is likely over. The Raiders’ current starter at RG is Caleb Rogers, a third-round rookie.

    • CB Kyu Blu-Kelly (will soon be on IR, season over): Blu-Kelly is a starting corner. He had 40 tackles and 3 INTs before suffering a ruptured patellar tendon against the Broncos Week 14. His season is over. The Raiders’ other regular starting corner is Eric Stokes. Third-round rookie Darien Porter filled in for Blu-Kelly after he went down.

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  • Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr provides update on security guard he accidentally decked on sideline

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    A scary moment occurred during the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars game when Michael Pittman Jr. accidentally knocked over a security guard, who fell hard on the turf near the end zone. 

    On what would’ve been a touchdown catch – Pittman was called for offensive pass interference to negate the grab in the end zone – he was pushed and lost his footing in rainy conditions as he slid onto the grass.

    But Pittman immediately hit a security guard, who wasn’t looking behind him as he performed his duty looking up at the Jacksonville crowd at EverBank Stadium. The security guard hit the turf hard, as the back of his head slammed on the ground. 

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    Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

    Pittman was quick to check on the man before eventually rejoining his team on the field. 

    After the game, Pittman posted on X hoping to find out the status of the security guard. 

    “Any updates on the security guard that hit his head on the sideline yesterday?” Pittman asked his followers with a praying hands emoji. 

    TOM BRADY SAYS HE ‘CERTAINLY COULD’ PLAY QUARTERBACK AT 4 AMID A PHIIP RIVERS COMEBACK

    Fox News Digital asked Pittman on Wednesday if he ever heard about the man he collided with. 

    “So, I got an update from other people,” said Pittman, who also discussed his partnership with Oral-B. “We’re still working on — we have a great media team in our building. They said they’re going to get his name for me so I can reach out personally and check on him. 

    “That was a scary thing for everybody involved, but they said that he walked off on his own power. He’s doing good, so that’s good.”

    NFL players are always going the extra mile to help their teams win games, but sometimes the heat of competition results in those bystanders on the sideline becoming collateral damage. This was one of the scarier hits between a player and gameday personnel, but it’s good to hear that the security guard appears to be good. 

    Michael Pittman Jr. catches pass

    Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) hauls in a pass under the defense of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) in the third quarter during an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)

    That would’ve been the first touchdown pass of rookie Riley Leonard’s young career if Pittman’s grab stood for six points. But it ultimately didn’t work out in the 36-19 loss, where starting quarterback Daniel Jones was lost for the season due to a torn Achilles in the first quarter. 

    As a result, the Colts have signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to play for the last time he suited for in the NFL back in 2020 – Pittman’s rookie year in the league. 

    PERFECT CLEAN, PERFECT GAME

    Pittman teamed up with Oral-B, which was recently named the official toothbrush of the NFL, and he shot some fun content with beloved Colts mascot, Blue.

    Pittman and Blue were trying to get their pearly whites clean with the new iO Series Electric Toothbrush, and though Blue is known for his moving belly during games, he had a giant set of teeth to get right before the game as well.

    Michael Pittman Jr. and Blue for Oral-B

    Michael Pittman Jr., and beloved Colts mascot Blue, partnered with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL. (Oral-B)

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    As someone who never strays away from his gameday routine, it starts with brushing his teeth before anything else in the morning.

    “The smile is everything,” Pittman said. “Oral-B being the official toothbrush of the NFL, I just felt like it was a perfect partner because they give you the perfect clean so you can play the perfect game with their IO-series toothbrush they just came out with. It does all the work for you, so it couldn’t be easier.”

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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  • Tom Brady says he ‘certainly could’ play quarterback at 48 amid a Philip Rivers comeback

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    Philip Rivers, at 44 years old, is back in an NFL building as the Indianapolis Colts brought back their former signal caller to potentially help them reach the playoffs.

    Rivers hasn’t played in the league since 2020, but the Colts believe he can still sling the pigskin, which begs the question: Does Tom Brady feel the same way?

    “Who retires and then unretires and then is ultimately going to retire again? Who does that? That’s ridiculous for Philip to do that,” Brady joked about Rivers rejoining the Colts during his appearance on FOX Sports’ “The Herd.”

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    Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) before playing against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card game at Bills Stadium on Jan. 9, 2021. (Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)

    But could Brady still play quarterback right now at 48 if he decided to reenter the NFL?

    “Yes, I certainly could,” he told Colin Cowherd. “I think the answer for me would be yes. I’m not allowed to anymore because I’m a minority owner of the [Las Vegas] Raiders, so I can’t unretire.”

    The prior quip from Brady refers to his retirement on Feb. 1, 2022, after playing 22 illustrious seasons in the league. However, just 40 days after his announcement, Brady was back in the saddle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2022 season.

    PHILIP RIVERS EMBRACES NFL COMEBACK AT QUARTERBACK AFTER RETURN TO COLTS: ‘I THOUGHT THAT SHIP HAD SAILED’

    Then, Brady retired “for good” after that season, where the Bucs lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs.

    And even if Brady wanted to miraculously get back on the gridiron, he wouldn’t be able to considering his stake in the Raiders. It goes against NFL rules.

    But Rivers, who has been coaching high school in Alabama since his playing days were complete in 2020, now finds himself in position to potentially start against the Seattle Seahawks on the road this Sunday.

    It’s a crucial time for the Colts, losers of their last three games since the bye week, which leaves them at 8-5 this season. They’re gunning to compete with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who they just lost to on Sunday, and are now at 9-4 leading the AFC South. The Houston Texans, who have ripped off five straight wins behind their league-leading defense, are also 8-5, making this a division to watch in the remaining four regular-season games.

    Philip Rivers at practice

    Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, during practice at the Colts training facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

    The reason for Rivers’ reunion in Indy surrounds the loss of Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles after trying to play through a broken fibula. Jones was enjoying a season that revitalized his career, which looked entirely different in 2024 after being released by the New York Giants mid-season.

    Then, rookie Riley Leonard, who took over for Jones in Jacksonville, suffered a knee injury, which led the Colts to call Rivers. After a visit to see if he was in shape enough to play, they put pen to paper, and now head coach Shane Steichen may be going to the 44-year-old as reporters believe they’re watching him take most of the first-team reps at practice.

    “I’m very excited to watch Philip play,” Brady added. “If he’s out there, it’s just very cool. It speaks to how much he loves the game and really what he’s able to do still.”

    Rivers may not be too spry, but then again, he told reporters that his strengths on the football field never revolved around what he could do with his legs. It was always the arm talent, showcasing an accurate ball and good decision-making during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers and Colts.

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    “This game is about, for the quarterback, from the neck up,” Brady said. “We used to have a saying at Michigan, ‘The mental is to the physical as four is to one at the quarterback position.’ That doesn’t really go away. Do you still have the physical ability to still do it — take the hits, make the throws, the drops, buy a little time in the pocket? 

    “If Philip has been practicing those things, then we’re all going to see it on full display in Seattle on Sunday afternoon.”

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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  • Raiders linked to rising coordinator as Pete Carroll replacement

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    When the Las Vegas Raiders hired Pete Carroll to be their head coach in January, it was hard to imagine him getting fired within 12 months. He is a highly accomplished coach at both the NCAA and NFL levels, and as most remember, he guided the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season and came very close to winning another one the following year.

    But the Raiders are tied for the NFL’s worst record at 2-11 and have a seven-game losing streak, and there are rumors that Carroll could be on the hot seat. They already fired Chip Kelly, another accomplished coach whom they hired to be Carroll’s offensive coordinator, after their Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and one has to wonder what direction they may head on if they want to give Carroll the axe.

    ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote in a recent article that he feels Vance Joseph, the Denver Broncos‘ defensive coordinator, could end up replacing Carroll.

    “Joseph seems to be the name we’re hearing the most, because of Denver’s defensive success and his previous head coach experience (with Denver, oddly enough),” Graziano wrote. “People close to the situation point out that Joseph never had a stable quarterback situation in his first head coaching stint and didn’t have full autonomy over the hiring of his staff, so it would seem unfair to completely hold his 11-21 record against him. I think he gets several interviews and could be a strong candidate in a place such as Las Vegas, should that job come open.”

    Read more: ESPN Provides Eye-Opening Prediction Ahead of Bills-Patriots Showdown

    After a brief playing career in the NFL during the 1990s, Joseph spent many years as an assistant coach at the college and pro levels before becoming the Broncos’ head coach for the 2017 and 2018 seasons when they were rebuilding following Peyton Manning’s retirement. Denver fired him at the end of the 2018 campaign, and after four years as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, he returned to Denver in that same capacity.

    Denver’s defense has dramatically improved under Joseph’s guidance. This season, the team is fourth in points allowed and third in total yards allowed, and even though the Broncos’ offense has been rather average overall, their defense has propelled them to an 11-2 record, which ties them with the New England Patriots for the NFL’s best record.

    Las Vegas’ defense hasn’t been quite as bad as its offense this year, but it has been fairly weak. Perhaps Joseph could make something significant happen on that side of the football in 2026, especially with a superstar pass rusher such as Maxx Crosby.

    Read more: Raiders’ Geno Smith Receives Big Update About NFL Future

    Given Raiders quarterback Geno Smith’s substandard play this season and the uncertainty about his future with the team, perhaps it would be best for the franchise to embrace winning mostly with defense, as the Broncos have. Joseph could perhaps help build such a culture and resurrect the franchise after some two decades of mostly ineptitude.

    For more on the Raiders and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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  • Ja’Marr Chase breaks silence on Joe Burrow’s concerning retirement hint

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    The Cincinnati Bengals are already in a precarious position, sitting at 4-9, three games back of the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) and just outside of the playoff picture.

    That’s why Joe Burrow’s surprising comments during Wednesday’s media session sent shockwaves through the NFL.

    Burrow, returning from a turf-toe absence that limited most of his 2025 season, said he’s been “doing some reflection” and that if football stops being fun, he has to reassess why he’s playing.

    “If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” Burrow said. “I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for. That’s the mindset I’m trying to bring to the table.”

    Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s longtime friend and college teammate at LSU, was asked about the comments on Thursday.

    “I thought this was an AI,” Chase said. “At the end of the day, I see him the same every day. To me, he loves football. But that’s a him question. I can’t answer that for him.”

    “From what I see, I see the same person every day. He comes to work. He loves work. He doesn’t look like he’s bummed to be here… Honestly, nothing’s wrong with a little emotion at the end of the day, especially coming back from injury. The man loves the game.”

    “The narrative that y’all are trying to paint on him right now, I don’t see it,” Chase added.

    Through Week 14, Burrow has thrown for 734 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions across four appearances, including a recent 284-yard, four-TD performance against Buffalo.

    Yet the Bengals are 4-9, hampered by one of the league’s worst defenses and significant injuries to core players, including Tee Higgins (concussion, questionable) and Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis, placed on IR).

    After their 2021 Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals, led by Burrow and Chase, went 12-4 in 2022 before posting back-to-back 9-8 seasons in 2023 and 2024, and now sit on the verge of their first losing campaign since 2020.

    That backdrop helps explain why Burrow’s quiet line about “fun” drew outsized attention.

    Read More: Chiefs’ Chris Jones Makes Strong Patrick Mahomes Statement With Season on the Line

    Read More: Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes Face Concerning Injury News Before Chargers Game

    At this point, the Bengals’ only realistic playoff path requires winning out and getting help elsewhere.

    Their next four opponents — Baltimore, Miami, Arizona, and Cleveland — include two teams still fighting for seeding and one familiar divisional test (Baltimore) that effectively decides whether Cincinnati remains alive.

    Given the circumstances, ESPN recently gave the Bengals a mere 3% chance of making the playoffs.

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  • NFL quarterback rejected Colts offer before Philip Rivers news

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    Philip Rivers is back in an Indianapolis Colts uniform for the first time since he retired from the game of football following the 2020 season in which he led the team to an 11-6 season and a playoff appearance.

    “Certainly, I wasn’t really hanging on to any hope of playing again. I kind of thought that ship had sailed. But something about it excited me. And it’s kind of one of those deals; the door opens and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it,” Rivers said this week after being signed to the Colts practice squad after the season-ending Achilles injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones.

    While Rivers is stealing all of the headlines, the Colts reportedly attempted to land another quarterback as well.

    More Football: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision After Patrick Mahomes Incident vs Colts

    More Football: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision After Jaxson Dart Incident vs Patriots

    In a conversation with the Denver Post, Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger revealed he received an offer from the Colts to rejoin the team with which he spent his first four seasons.

    “We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building,” Ehlinger said. “I want to be part of that. I was in Indianapolis for four years, and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”

    Ehlinger had a chance to join the Colts active roster, but ultimately decided to remain on the Broncos practice squad.

    More Football: Harsh Punishment Announced for 2 Major Teams After Skipping Bowl Game

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  • Super Bowl champ suffers death of daughter years after losing younger child

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    Super Bowl champion running back Kevin Faulk suffered a tragic death in his family for the second time.

    The former New England Patriots and LSU star’s 30-year-old daughter, Tanasha Faulk, has died, according to an obituary in The Advocate. She is the second daughter of the former football player who has died. Kevione Faulk died in 2021 at the age of 19.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field on Oct. 30, 2011. (Charles LeClaire/USPRESSWIRE)

    “Being their mother brought her so much joy and she was immensely proud watching them grow and learn,” her obituary read. “Tanasha also found joy in holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, and especially Mardi Gras.

    “She loved to cook and was happiest when preparing meals that brought people together. Her generosity, laughter, and loving nature created a sense of home wherever she went.”

    BILLS LEGEND SEES SUPER BOWL PATH FOR TEAM AS KRYPTONITE IN CHIEFS MAY MISS OUT ON PLAYOFFS

    Kevin Faulk vs the Saints

    New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) runs against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on Nov. 30, 2009. (Matt Stamey/USA TODAY Sports)

    Tanasha Faulk, who died at a hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana, is survived by her three daughters. No official cause of death was listed but there was no sign of foul play, according to the outlet.

    Kevin Faulk and his wife Latisha are middle school sweethearts. They also have a son, Kevin Faulk III.

    The retired NFL player was drafted in the second round in 1999 by the New England Patriots. He played his entire 13-year career with the Patriots.

    Kevin Faulk goes up against the 49ers

    New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) tries to break free from the hold of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the fourth quarter of the Patriots 30-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2008. (Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports)

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    He appeared in 161 games, ran for 3,607 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was on three of the Patriots’ Super Bowl championship teams alongside Tom Brady.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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  • Travis Kelce says Chiefs likely missing playoffs after his crucial drop is a ‘s—-y f—–g feeling’

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    The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in familiar territory, as they are currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.

    After falling to 6-7 on Sunday night with a loss to the Houston Texans, the Chiefs are the 10th seed in the AFC with just a 12% chance of making the playoffs.

    Travis Kelce has not missed the playoffs since his first full season in 2014, but he had a crucial drop on Sunday that led to the loss.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

    Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts to dropping a pass in front of Houston Texans cornerback Myles Bryant (25) during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)

    Perhaps this is a regression to the mean after the Chiefs were able to squeak by in numerous wins last year and find answers, but Kelce admitted those answers are currently lost this year.

    “I feel like I’ve always had the answers in years past. And this year, I just can’t find them,” Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Jason. “I keep thinking if I show up to work and I put in the work and I fix the issues through my practice habits and through perfecting the game plan and my fundamentals and what I’m being taught and go out there and try and play my ass off for my guys next to me, it’s all going to come together like it has in years past. And this year is just not, man.”

    Travis Kelce upset

    Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Amy Kontras/Imagn Images)

    BILLS LEGEND SEES SUPER BOWL PATH FOR TEAM AS KRYPTONITE IN CHIEFS MAY MISS OUT ON PLAYOFFS

    Kelce hinted, in announcing he would return for the 2025 season, that this would be his final NFL campaign. While it’s not set in stone whether Kelce will come back for a 14th NFL season, this is certainly not the way he would want to go out.

    “If there’s a game to be played, I’m going to f—ing make it the most important game in the world, but obviously, looking at the playoffs, this is a tough reality to be in especially with how we’ve always found a way in years past so, it’s a s—-y f—ing feeling, especially dropping the f—ing ball late in the game like that when we were on our last f—ing chance to make something shake. It’s a s—-y feeling, man. You put in all this work to be there for your guys,” Kelce said.

    Kelce is on pace to return to the 1,000-yard club for the first time since 2022 (he was 16 yards short in 2023 and did not play in two games).

    Mahomes threw three interceptions, but he certainly did not get help from his weapons late, as both Kelce and Rashee Rice dropped crucial passes.

    Travis Kelce walks off the field

    Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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    The three-time reigning AFC champions have four games left on the schedule to make a run, and their homestretch begins with a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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  • New England Patriots reveal concerning news before facing Giants

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    The New England Patriots have been enjoying something of a dream season after several years of mostly ineptitude following Tom Brady’s departure in 2020. They have the NFL’s best record at 10-2 and are on an eight-game winning streak, and it is not outlandish to wonder if they may end up returning to the Super Bowl this winter.

    On Monday, they will host the New York Giants, who are injury-plagued but are expected to get promising rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart back after he missed their last two games due to a concussion. While the Giants are 2-10, they aren’t a team that will go down easily, as they took the Detroit Lions into overtime before losing last weekend.

    New England may have to go to war without star pass rusher Harold Landry, who is reportedly listed as questionable for Monday’s contest.

    “On Saturday, two days before facing the Giants in a Monday night showdown, coach Mike Vrabel announced that Landry would be questionable to play in the game because of a knee injury,” wrote Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports.

    Read more: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Sends Pre-Game Message to Vikings

    Landry came roaring out of the blocks this season with 3.5 sacks in his first two games. While the sacks haven’t been coming as easily for him since, he has still been a big reason the Patriots are fourth in points allowed so far this season.

    He has been with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel for a while, as he was drafted by Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans in 2018 and played for them until coming to New England this past offseason. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and reached double digits in sacks in both 2021 and 2023.

    On the other side of the football, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is leading everyone with a 71% pass completion rate and has thrown for 3,130 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 307 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who turns 32 years of age on Saturday, has bounced back from the torn ACL he suffered last year to catch 61 passes for 679 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games this year.

    Read more: NFL Insider Believes Ravens Are Struggling Due to Major Lamar Jackson Issue

    The Patriots will have their bye week following Monday’s game before facing the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 14 and the Baltimore Ravens seven days later.

    For more on the Patriots and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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  • Rams at Carolina Panthers: Who has the edge?

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    RAMS (9-2) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-6)

    When: 10 a.m. PT Sunday

    Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

    TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 228, 382

    Line: Rams by 10.5

    Notable injury designations

    Rams: QUESTIONABLE: S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder), DT Poona Ford (calf), RT David Quessenberry (groin).

    Panthers: OUT: CB Jaycee Horn (concussion), LB Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring), LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion), G Chandler Zavala (calf), C Cade Mays (ankle).

    What’s at stake? The Rams can push their lead over the Chicago Bears for the NFC’s top seed to one game with a win, as well as maintaining their one-game lead over the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West. The Panthers can keep alive their hopes of winning the NFC South with a win.

    Who’s better? The Rams are clicking on all cylinders to the point that they are the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl. The Panthers are a surprise this season, competing for a playoff spot, but an upstart nonetheless.

    Matchup to watch: Rams RB Kyren Williams vs. Panthers LBs. Carolina is 21st in the NFL in estimated points added per play against the run (-0.044). But Carolina will be without former Ram Christian Rozeboom at the center of their run defense, which could allow Williams to control the game on the ground and keep the Rams moving on schedule or in chunks.

    Rams win if: They rush for more than 150 yards. … They sack QB Bryce Young at least three times and limit him to 250 yards passing. … They don’t turn the ball over.

    Fantasy sleeper: WR Tutu Atwell. Back from a stint on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, the speedy receiver is always a threat for a game-breaking play that can put up quick points.

    Prediction: Rams 38, Panthers 14. Beat reporter’s record: 10-1 overall; 7-4 against the spread.

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    Adam Grosbard

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  • Bears coach goes topless in wild locker room celebration after dominating Eagles

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    The Chicago Bears are out to prove they are for real, and their Black Friday victory may have very well done it.

    The Bears went on the road to Philadelphia and dismantled the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles with a 24-15 win.

    The Bears dominated on the ground, rushing for 281 yards. For the first time since 1985, they had two 100-yard rushers in the same game.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

    Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson after a game at Lincoln Financial Field.  (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)

    After the game, though, the party was on in the locker room, and first-year head coach Ben Johnson found himself right in the thick of it, partying shirtless and leading a chant.

    “Good, better, best. Never let it rest ’til your good gets better and your better gets best,” Bears players and Johnson shouted after the head coach flexed his muscles.

    Johnson’s exuberance bubbled over in the locker room — though there was an apparent method to his toplessness. The Wieners Circle, a Chicago hot dog stand, offered free hot dogs if Johnson took off his shirt after any victory this season.

    “These guys just feel pretty good about what they just did,” Johnson said before video of his celebration emerged. “It was hard to go on the road and beat a good team like that.”

    D'Andre Swift

    Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field.  (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)

    EAGLES BOOED OFF FIELD AT HOME STADIUM AS BEARS DOMINATE ON THE GROUND IN UPSET VICTORY

    Last season, the Bears’ Thanksgiving loss at Detroit led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus and was their sixth straight of what ballooned into a 10-game losing streak. A year later, the Bears bullied Philadelphia’s defensive line for a relatively easy win.

    “They have a lot of belief in what we’re doing. They have a lot of belief in themselves,” Johnson said. “They have a lot of belief in this coaching staff. And so that confidence just starts to develop and continues to bubble over.”

    Bears celebrate

    Members of the Chicago Bears celebrate after an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles with teammates during the third quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field.  (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

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    The Bears, winners of five straight, head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers, while the Eagles will look to get back on track in a Monday night contest in Los Angeles against the Chargers on Dec. 8.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter

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  • Five college prospects who could interest the Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft

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    During the college football season each year, as long as you’re watching the games, we point out five players each week to keep an eye on who make logical sense for the Philadelphia Eagles in the following year’s NFL Draft.

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    Jimmy Kempski

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  • It’s too late to fix the Eagles’ offense

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    Barkley has been struggling all year, and the offensive line at this point is banged up and clearly isn’t as strong or as elite as it was. Hurts hasn’t been able to make up the difference with his arm, even with Smith, Brown, Goedert, and Jahan Dotson as his passing options, and with everyone underwhelming showing, offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo only becomes a greater subject of Philadelphia’s scorn.

    Friday’s dismal effort reached a new boiling for that, but head coach Nick Sirinni said postgame that while they’re going to be evaluating everything in the days ahead, a change of offensive playcaller isn’t coming. 

    “I have confidence in the entire group,” Sirianni said. “I know it will keep coming back to Kevin, but if I thought it was one thing, then you make those changes. Obviously, it’s a lot of different things. 

    “We all have a part of it. Kevin has a part of it, I have a part of it, all the coaches have a part of it, all the players have a part of it. You win and you lose as a team. It’s never one thing.”

    But if that’s the case, it might be too many and too late to fully fix them.

    The playoff race is taking clearer and clearer shape. The Eagles are still 8-4 after Friday, and leading the NFC, but Dallas is suddenly closer to them than they were after the Birds lost two straight and the Cowboys three straight. The Bears also improved to 9-3 and leapfrogged the Eagles for the current No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff standings, while claiming the statement win they’ve been looking for in a breakout year. 

    The Eagles? They’re still trying to figure out their offense at a point in the season when teams should know who they are, and after just barely scraping by for weeks with luck that might’ve just run out for them. 

    “I got confidence in this team,” Hurts insisted postgame. “I got confidence in us when we’re collaborative. I got a lot of confidence when we have an identity, so I think that’s the first thing we gotta establish.”

    But in the face of the same problems they’ve been saying they’ll get fixed all season, it might be too late for that now.

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    Nick Tricome

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  • Prescott’s Cowboys overcome Mahomes’ fourth-down magic in 31-28 Thanksgiving win over Chiefs

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    ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys still face long odds in trying to rally for a spot in the playoffs.

    They won’t be short on confidence with a win over last season’s Super Bowl runner-up just four days after beating the defending champs.

    Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Malik Davis sprinted 43 yards for a score and the Cowboys overcame two fourth down TD throws from Patrick Mahomes in a 31-28 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.

    CeeDee Lamb scored the first Dallas touchdown and finished with 112 yards on seven catches after drops plagued the star receiver in a 24-21 victory over reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.

    The Cowboys (6-5-1) have won three straight and dropped the defending AFC champion Chiefs (6-6) back to .500 in a matchup of playoff-chasing teams.

    Dallas is 3-0 since 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide during the club’s open week. The Cowboys came back from the emotion-filled break with a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

    “On top of where we put ourselves right before these games and just the place that we’re in, having to get these wins against two elite teams,” Prescott said. “I mean, two teams that played in the Super Bowl last year. Last year’s last year, but you’re talking about two organizations that obviously know how to win and we just beat them both in two great games.

    “On top of everything that we’ve been through.”

    Mahomes had four touchdown passes in his first professional game at the home of the Cowboys, where he played three times for Texas Tech not far from his East Texas roots.

    “They’re the same desperation that we are and they play better over four quarters than we did,” said Mahomes, who threw for 261 yards and was sacked three times, twice by Jadeveon Clowney. “So even though we have good plays here and there, we have be more consistent at the end of the day.”

    Travis Kelce caught Mahomes’ first fourth-down TD toss on a 2-yarder, and Rashee Rice’s second scoring catch came on fourth-and-3 early in the fourth quarter.

    Kansas City was down 10 when Mahomes was almost tripped in the backfield by Quinnen Williams but kept his feet and found Xavier Worthy wide-open down the field for 42 yards, setting up a 10-yard scoring toss to Hollywood Brown with 3:27 remaining.

    Prescott and company didn’t give Mahomes another chance.

    After two pass interference penalties gave Dallas first downs, Prescott hit George Pickens for 13 yards and a clinching first down at the two-minute warning. Prescott knelt three times after that.

    The Chiefs had five pass interference penalties, one that was declined, and another defensive holding that gave Dallas a first down. Kansas City finished with 10 penalties for 119 yards.

    “Bottom line is we’re having too many penalties, and we have to make sure to take care of that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “No excuses with it. We’re going to clean it up.”

    Rice had eight catches for 92 yards, his first score coming on a 27-yard catch-and-run on the sideline two plays after Prescott was intercepted by Jaylen Watson on the first Dallas possession.

    Davis had just three carries, but his long run gave Dallas its first lead at 17-14 late in the second quarter. Lead running back Javonte Williams scored on a 3-yard catch early in the fourth quarter, and Pickens’ catch on a 2-point conversion put Dallas back in front 28-21.

    The Cowboys were 10th in the NFC entering the game, same as the Chiefs in the AFC coming off nine consecutive AFC West titles. The schedule doesn’t get much easier, although two of the next four opponents — all playoff teams from a year ago — aren’t in the postseason picture at the moment.

    “We’ve got to continue with the same mentality,” Lamb said. “Obviously it’s been a short week. Now we get a little time to rest, a regular week so to speak. We get our bodies back, relax, build, grow, get better and on to next week.”

    Injuries

    Chiefs: The Chiefs lost two offensive linemen to injuries after beginning the game without RG Trey Smith, who was inactive because of an ankle injury. RT Jawaan Taylor injured an elbow, and rookie LT Josh Simmons went out with a wrist injury. … S Bryan Cook injured an ankle in the first half.

    Cowboys: CB Caelen Carson, who had started the previous two games, was inactive after being listed as questionable. He was added to the injury report during the week. … CB DaRon Bland injured a foot in the second half.

    Up next

    Chiefs: Play host to Houston in prime time on Dec. 7.

    Cowboys: Visit Detroit next Thursday night.

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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