NFL Player News

Dawkins (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Dawkins opened Buffalo's week of practice with back-to-back DNPs after sustaining a concussion in the Week 12 loss to the Texans, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. With Dawkins and Spencer Brown (shoulder) both out for Week 13, the Bills are expected to start Ryan Van Demark and Chase Lundt at left and right tackle, respectively.

Zavala (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

The third-year pro from NC State logged consecutive DNPs to begin Carolina's week of practice due to a calf injury, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. Jake Curhan is likely to step in and start at right guard in Zavala's stead.

Mays (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Mays is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a lingering ankle issue. While he's sidelined again in Week 13, expect Austin Corbett to step in and start at center.

Cherelus (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

The Alcorn State product sustained a concussion in the Week 12 loss to the 49ers and was not able to clear protocol in time to play Sunday. While Cherelus is sidelined in Week 13, expect Trevin Wallace and Krys Barnes to operate as the Panthers' top inside linebackers.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Friday that Rodgers (wrist) will start Sunday's game against the Bills, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Tomlin noted that Rodgers was a full participant in Friday's practice and is "all systems go" for the Week 13 contest. Per Pryor, Rodgers fractured his left non-throwing wrist Nov. 16, but following two staight full practices, he's shown enough progress to receive the green light to start, sending Mason Rudolph back to the backup role. Through 10 games, the 41-year-old signal-caller has thrown for 1,969 yards, with a 19:7 TD:INT. In his return from a one-game absence, Rodgers will square off against a 7-4 Buffalo team that has lost two of its last three contests but is giving up a league-low average of 168.2 passing yards per game.

Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Friday's game against the Bears.

Dillon has been passed on the depth chart by both Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley behind Saquon Barkley. In six appearances this season, Dillon has rushed 12 times for 60 scoreless yards, adding two catches for 18 yards on two targets.

Howell (coach's decision) is inactive for Friday's game against the Bears.

Howell will be available as the emergency QB3 only if Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee are unable to play. Howell has yet to appear in a regular-season contest this season.

Walker (coach's decision) is inactive for Friday's game against the Eagles.

The rookie wideout has played just six offensive snaps and another 61 on special teams across five appearances this season.

Johnson (groin) is active for Friday's game against the Eagles.

Johnson missed Week 1 with the same injury, returned in Week 2 only to aggravate the issue, and then required surgery. This will be just his second game of the season. The Chicago secondary is getting a massive boost with the returns of both Johnson and Kyler Gordon (calf) against Philadelphia.

Gordon (calf) is active for Friday's game against the Eagles.

Gordon was activated from injured reserve Thursday and will make his first appearance since Week 7. He missed the first five weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, so Friday will be Gordon's third appearance of the 2025 campaign. He should return to covering the slot for Chicago.