2025 NFL Week 16 Buzz: Colts, Cowboys Getting Star Defenders Again

[ad_1] We're right down to the ultimate three weeks of the 2025 NFL common season, with every bit of stories throughout the league turning into an increasing number of essential.

Who's damage? Who's training? Who's beginning? Who's on the recent seat?

This is the most recent on what's taking place across the league coming into Week 16:

Buckner will return for the Colts' Monday night time house matchup in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN. The star defensive sort out hasn't performed since Nov. 2 because of a neck damage. Buckner, a one-time All-Professional and three-time Professional Bowler, has totaled 4 sacks and 42 mixed tackles in 9 video games this season.

Buccaneers elevating JPP forward of NFC South matchup Per week after signing Jason Pierre-Paul, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are planning to raise the veteran defensive lineman to the energetic roster for Week 16. Pierre-Paul, who final performed in 2023, joined Tampa's follow squad on Dec. 9, and can now have a possibility to assist the Bucs of their quest for a fifth-straight NFC South title.

The Bucs can clinch the division with two of their subsequent three video games, beginning with Sunday's highway matchup in opposition to the Carolina Panthers.

A 2010 first-round decide by the New York Giants, JPP beforehand performed for Tampa Bay from 2018 to 2021 and was a member of the membership's Tremendous Bowl LV-winning protection in 2021. Pierre-Paul has 94.5 sacks, 632 tackles and 21 pressured fumbles in 180 profession video games.

Dallas is predicted to activate Diggs off injured reserve for its house matchup in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, per NFL Media. Diggs has missed the Cowboys' final eight video games because of a concussion and a knee damage. Within the six video games that he has appeared on this season, Diggs, a 2021 All-Professional and two-time Professional Bowler, has totaled 18 mixed tackles. Diggs is within the second season of a five-year, $97 million contract.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice out, TE Travis Kelce to play out season The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs will likely be with out Rashee Rice for Sunday's sport in opposition to the Tennessee Titans because the large receiver is in concussion protocol. He didn't follow all week and was dominated out on Friday.

With Rice's absence, the Chiefs at the moment are down arguably their prime two offensive gamers as quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL final Sunday in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Regardless of the massive losses, nonetheless, the offense will, not less than, deploy one among its remaining greatest gamers in tight finish Travis Kelce. The 13-year veteran reportedly intends to play in Kansas Metropolis's last three video games regardless of the staff falling out of playoff rivalry following final week's loss to the Chargers; it is unclear right now if Kelce will return in 2026.

Payments signal veteran DE Judon to follow squad The Buffalo Payments are reportedly signing free-agent move rusher Matthew Judon to the follow squad. The 4-time Professional Bowler will be a part of the Payments (10-4) in time for his or her playoff push, with an opportunity to doubtlessly contribute as quickly as Week 16.

Judon, who will now be a part of his fourth staff in three seasons, was waived by the Dolphins on Dec. 17 after showing in 13 video games (three begins). He has recorded 19 whole tackles and three QB hits, however has but to file a sack—although that would change ought to he swimsuit up in Buffalo's last three video games.

NFL suspends Corridor for pointless roughness Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Corridor has been suspended one sport with out pay for an act of pointless roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct in a 38-37 extra time win in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night time.

The NFL introduced the suspension on Friday.

Corridor, 24, stepped on the leg of Rams guard Kevin Dotson on the finish of a play within the first quarter whereas he was on the bottom. The NFL stated that was in violation of Rule 12, Part 2, Article 8, which prohibits pointless roughness and Rule 12, Part 3, Article 1, which applies to unsportsmanlike conduct, together with "any act which is opposite to the widely understood rules of sportsmanship."

Corridor will likely be eligible to return on Dec. 29, a day after Seattle’s sport in opposition to the Panthers. Beneath the Collective Bargaining Settlement, Corridor might enchantment the suspension.

The third-year professional out of Auburn was chosen thirty seventh by the Seahawks within the 2023 NFL draft. He has appeared in 13 video games and began three for Seattle this season. He has 29 whole tackles and one sack.

Saints signal Charlie Smyth to 3-year deal Saints kicker Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic soccer participant from Northern Eire who made his NFL regular-season debut final month, now has a three-year contract with New Orleans, in line with Smyth's agent, Paul Sheehy. Sheehy introduced the contract in a social media put up on Friday however didn't focus on monetary phrases.

Smyth, 24, has made 4 of his 5 field-goal makes an attempt. His longest thus far was from 56 yards and he hit a game-winner from 47 yards within the last seconds of final week's 20-17 victory over Carolina. His solely miss miss was a 48-yarder in wet circumstances at Tampa Bay.

The contract was considerably of a formality as a result of the Saints had elevated Smyth thrice from the follow squad earlier than every of their previous three video games. The NFL presently limits follow squad elevations to 3 per season.

Smyth, who was coaching to be a main faculty trainer, got here to the NFL by way of the Worldwide Participant Pathway. In contrast to many different NFL kickers from overseas, and with a background in different kicking sports activities, Smyth by no means performed American faculty soccer.

Jets shut down star WR Wilson New York Jets large receiver Garrett Wilson will sit out the ultimate three video games of the season as he continues to recuperate from a knee damage.

Coach Aaron Glenn stated Friday that Wilson is progressing properly, however the staff would not need to take any pointless dangers with the star receiver. Wilson has missed 5 video games whereas on injured reserve after getting damage in opposition to Cleveland on Nov. 9. The Jets (3-11) are out of the playoff hunt as they put together to face the Saints (4-10) in New Orleans on Sunday.

"He’s doing actually, very well so far as his rehab," Glenn stated. "We simply need to be sensible with him as a result of he’s a key cog in what we’re doing right here. To have the ability to get him again within the offseason program, absolutely wholesome, able to go, we really feel like that was the most effective choice for all of us."

Glenn added that the 25-year-old Wilson was "on board" with the choice after speaking to docs and the staff. "He will likely be able to go because the offseason program begins up," Glenn stated, "and I am enthusiastic about that."

Wilson signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension in July after ending with 1,000 yards receiving in every of his first three NFL seasons since being chosen with the No. 10 decide within the 2022 draft out of Ohio State. He was the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr and instantly developed into one of many league's best large receivers.

Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers comply with extension The Jacksonville Jaguars and large receiver Jakobi Meyers agreed to a three-year contract extension. The Jaguars traded for Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders earlier than the NFL commerce deadline, and he is offered speedy manufacturing. He has 27 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns in six video games since coming to Jacksonville.

Meyers was set to be a free agent on the finish of this season, however the Jaguars have now locked him down by way of the 2028 season. He could make as much as $60 million along with his new deal, and is assured $40 million.

The Indianapolis Colts cleared Richardson to start out training on Dec. 18, however Philip Rivers will stay the starter for Monday night time’s essential matchup in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers. This transfer opens the door for Richardson to return from injured reserve earlier than the top of this season, however coach Shane Steichen stated Thursday that Richardson wouldn't be activated this week.

Richardson has been out since mid-October after fracturing an orbital bone close to his eye throughout a freak accident whereas stretching with a band within the locker room throughout pregame warmups. Steichen stated Richardson was cleared as a result of the bone has healed, although Richardson continues to have imaginative and prescient limitations.

Rams experiencing journey delay The Rams’ staff flight heading to Seattle for Thursday Evening Soccer was speculated to take off Wednesday night time however skilled vital delays because of an gear subject with the aircraft, per ESPN. Gamers are coaches needed to get on a brand new aircraft that was scheduled for five:25 p.m. PT, in line with ESPN, and the rest of the Rams’ workers will depart afterward one other aircraft.

Rams checklist WR Davante Adams as uncertain Extensive receiver Davante Adams is formally listed as uncertain for the Rams' sport in opposition to the Seahawks on Thursday night time. Adams sustained a hamstring damage on Sunday and didn't follow this week, however Los Angeles needed to go away the likelihood open that he'd play. It was a tall ask in a brief week. Whereas Adams is not anticipated to play, it is a good indication that he'll be accessible earlier than the top of the common season.

Jets to start out QB Brady Cook dinner once more on Sunday E book will begin for the second sport in a row for the Jets on Sunday in opposition to the Saints. Head coach Aaron Glenn introduced his choice Wednesday, saying he needs to present the undrafted rookie extra expertise and enjoying time. "I need to proceed to judge him and see precisely how he will function on a constant foundation," he stated.

Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee) sat out final week, giving Cook dinner his first regular-season begin. He had an uneven efficiency within the 48-20 loss, going 22-for-33 for 176 yards and one landing with three interceptions.

Glenn stated the staff will see how Taylor and Fields progress from their accidents this week to find out who will again up Cook dinner in New Orleans. "I need to make it possible for we get the person who's going to be probably the most healthiest and be capable to function because the (No.) 2," Glenn stated.

The Dolphins had been formally knocked out of playoff rivalry after they misplaced to the Steelers on Monday. Now, there is a quarterback change. Tagovailoa is being benched for 2025 seventh-round decide Quinn Ewers, per ESPN. Head coach Mike McDaniel instructed reporters on Tuesday that "the whole lot is on the desk" when he was requested if Tagovailoa could be benched over the ultimate three weeks of the season.

This transfer might doubtlessly mark the top of Tagovailoa's time with the Dolphins. We have seen different groups lately bench their beginning quarterbacks within the last weeks of the common season earlier than releasing them (Raiders with Derek Carr in 2022, Broncos with Russell Wilson in 2023). It is usually a transfer meant to forestall the staff from having to pay an damage assure down the road.

Tagovailoa has three years remaining on the four-year, $212.4 million extension he signed in 2024. If the Dolphins had been to chop him this offseason, they might simply have over $99 million in lifeless cap, per OverTheCap.com. Ewers will get the beginning nod over former No. 2 general decide Zach Wilson.

Lazard and the Jets "mutually" parted methods after the large receiver requested his launch, per SNY. Lazard was within the third season of a three-year, $44 million deal, which the veteran signed after spending the primary 5 seasons of his profession with the Packers (2018-22); Lazard took an $8.5 million pay minimize earlier than the 2025 season. By way of 10 video games performed for New York this season, the now-30-year-old Lazard totaled 10 receptions for 70 yards and one landing and tallied a mixed 70 receptions for 911 yards and eight touchdowns over 36 video games performed for the Jets.

The Cardinals introduced Knight has been positioned on season-ending IR because of an ankle damage he sustained in Week 15. Knight exited Arizona's 40-20 loss to the Texans after getting injured on the primary play from scrimmage. The veteran again has performed a key function for the reason that Cardinals misplaced James Conner (ankle) in Week 3, logging 82 carries for 269 yards and 4 touchdowns in 12 video games performed (eight begins).

Daniels will not be taking the sphere for the remainder of the 2025 marketing campaign. The quarterback will likely be sidelined for Washington's last three video games, head coach Dan Quinn instructed reporters on Monday. Quinn stated the choice was partly made by the staff's medical workers and partly made by the group as an entire. Daniels has handled a number of accidents this season, because the Commanders have did not repeat the magic they'd of their run to the NFC Championship Recreation final 12 months. His most up-to-date ailment was an elbow damage that originally sidelined him for 3 video games earlier than reaggravating the damage in Week 14. Daniels has missed three different video games this season because of hamstring and knee accidents.

The Vikings' edge rusher could have season-ending surgical procedure on a left shoulder damage, head coach Kevin O’Connell introduced Monday. The Vikings had been eradicated from playoff rivalry earlier than Sunday's win over the Cowboys. Greenard missed two video games final month with the damage earlier than returning for the final two video games. The 2024 Professional Bowl decide had a sack and three hits on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott earlier than he was damage once more within the fourth quarter throughout a fourth-down cease by the Vikings.

Although Greenard's sack whole dropped from 12.0 final season to simply 3.0 this 12 months, his means to generate quarterback strain and cease the run frequently set the tone for the protection. O'Connell referred to as the 28-year-old Greenard a "foundational participant."

Left sort out Christian Darrisaw, who was inactive on Sunday for his fourth sport missed this season, continues to be being assessed every day, with no plans to close him down, O'Connell stated. Swelling in his surgically repaired left knee final week saved Darrisaw from training.

WR Drake London might return for Falcons' last three video games Head coach Raheem Morris provided hope that London might return after lacking 4 video games with a knee damage. Morris stated on Monday that London stays "day after day however extra hopeful." Morris stated London might return for Sunday's sport in opposition to the Cardinals if he has " follow week. We’ll get an opportunity to try this Wednesday and Thursday."

London has 60 catches for 810 yards and 6 touchdowns. These totals nonetheless lead Atlanta’s large receivers, and his receiving yards lead all gamers on the staff regardless of London lacking 4 video games.

Mahomes will get a second opinion on his torn left ACL earlier than having surgical procedure, head coach Andy Reid stated Monday, and it stays unclear whether or not the two-time MVP quarterback could possibly be accessible by the beginning of subsequent season.

Mahomes tore the knee ligament when he was spun to the bottom whereas making an attempt to maintain Kansas Metropolis's postseason hopes alive late in a 16-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. Mahomes is scheduled to see Dr. Dan Cooper, a extremely regarded orthopedist and the staff doctor of the Cowboys, earlier than the process to restore the ligament. The choice to hunt a second opinion is merely to substantiate what will likely be performed.

"I've had go to with him, a few totally different instances. He is in place," Reid stated on a Zoom name Monday. "You understand, he all the time looks like he let folks down, however he comes again and he is prepared for the problem forward, which is what's actual proper now. He is simply obtained to get by way of surgical procedure, at any time when it is perhaps, after which transfer on from there."

There are a selection of things that go into how lengthy the restoration time will likely be, together with the severity of the ACL tear and whether or not some other harm occurred throughout the knee. Most gamers cam return to the sphere in six to 12 months.

Rivers made the beginning for the Colts on Sunday in opposition to the Seahawks in his shock return to the NFL, and the 44-year-old quarterback will do it once more on Monday night time in opposition to the 49ers, per head coach Shane Steichen. Rivers went 18-for-27 move makes an attempt for 120 yards with one landing and interception every in opposition to Seattle within the 18-16 loss.

Rivers, who retired from the NFL after the 2020 season and was eligible for induction into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, unretired to play for the Colts, as they'd misplaced beginning quarterback Daniel Jones to an Achilles tear, and rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was coping with a knee damage. Anthony Richardson, who competed with Jones for the beginning spot in preseason camp, has spent the season on Injured Reserve because of an orbital fracture. Whereas Richardson has now been cleared to return, per the Indianapolis Star, Rivers was given the nod to start out as soon as extra.

After touchdown on IR on Nov. 22, Edmunds seems to be inching nearer to a return. The staff introduced Friday that he has been designated for return and could have his 21-day follow window opened. Edmunds has been out of motion since struggling a groin damage in a Week 11 win over the Vikings. In his begins this season, the 8-year professional has recorded 4 interceptions, 89 mixed tackles, 9 move deflections and 1.0 sacks throughout 10 begins.

Buchanan has torn his ACL and can miss the remainder of the 2025 season, per ESPN. He is set to bear an MRI to substantiate the extent of the damage. The rookie defender injured his leg throughout punt protection on Sunday in opposition to the Bengals and was then carted off of the sphere earlier than returning to the sidelines later within the sport. Buchanan finally changed Trenton Simpson as a beginning linebacker for Baltimore, and began in 13 of the 14 video games that he is performed in whereas registering 93 mixed tackles, the second-most on the Ravens in 2025.

Jets hearth defensive coordinator Steve Wilks Following a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has made a shakeup to his teaching workers for the ultimate few weeks of the common season. The staff has moved on from Wilks, it introduced Monday.

"I believed it was time to make a change," Wilks instructed reporters. "I will make the choice that is greatest for this group always."

Along with giving up 48 factors to the Jags, the Jets allowed 438 within the loss. New York ranks twentieth in whole protection and thirtieth in scoring protection following Sunday's video games. It additionally ranked thirtieth in defensive DVOA forward of Week 15. Simply as noteworthy, the Jets have solely pressured three turnovers this 12 months and have but to file an interception.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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