NFL Player News

Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that Lance will start next Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Harbaugh said Justin Herbert and other important Chargers starters will rest Week 18. Herbert isn't even on track to suit up, per Rhim, so DJ Uiagalelei is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the QB2 behind Lance. Lance has appeared in three games this season, completing seven of 13 passes for 90 scoreless yards. Facing Denver's No. 1 defense with a skeleton crew around him, Lance will not be a recommended fantasy target.

Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that Herbert and other Los Angeles starters will rest for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

After losing to the Texans on Saturday, the Chargers still can be anywhere from the No. 5 to 7 seed in the AFC side of the playoffs, but it appears the team will prioritize the health of Herbert and other key players this coming weekend, as Harbaugh told Kris Rhim of ESPN.com that those with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play. Herbert will get two weeks to rest up after absorbing a career-high 54 sacks during the regular season. Trey Lance figures to get the nod under center for Week 18.

The Falcons elevated Blair from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Monday night's game against the Rams, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

It's the third and final time that the Falcons are allowed to elevate Blair from the practice squad this season. He would have to be signed to the active roster in order to be eligible to play in Atlanta's regular-season finale against New Orleans on Sunday. Blair played in Weeks 15 and 16 but did not record a target.

The Texans activated Watson (calf) from injured reserve Monday.

Watson's 21-day window to return from injured reserve was set to close Wednesday, and with the Texans activating him from injured reserve, he'll be available for Houston's regular-season finale against Indianapolis on Sunday. Watson landed on IR in mid-September, and in the two games prior to his injury he logged three catches (on four targets) for 30 yards while also contributing on special teams.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Monday that Bernard (calf) will not play in the Bills' regular-season finale against the Jets on Sunday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Bernard suffered a calf injury during the second quarter of the Bills' 13-12 loss to the Eagles on Sunday and did not return. He'll be sidelined for Week 18 and aim to progress enough in his recovery to be available for the wild-card round of the postseason. Joe Andreessen and Dorian Williams are poised for larger roles on defense in Bernard's absence.

The Vikings signed Vaughn from the practice squad to the active roster Monday.

Vaughn signed with the Vikings in May as an undrafted free agent and opted to stick around in Minnesota as a member of the team's practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He'll be a part of the Vikings' active roster for their regular-season finale against the Packers on Sunday and will give Minnesota a potential contributor on special teams while providing depth in the secondary.

Biadasz (ankle/knee) is unlikely to be available for the Commanders' regular-season finale against the Eagles on Sunday, Ben Standig of Big 100 Washington D.C. reports.

Biadasz suffered ankle and knee injuries during the Commanders' 30-23 loss to the Cowboys on Christmas Day. The injuries aren't severe enough to require surgery, but it puts the sixth-year pro on the doubtful side of playing Week 18. Nick Allegretti would likely draw the start at center against Philadelphia if Biadasz is inactive.

The Buccaneers waived Williams on Monday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Williams served a six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. His suspension was lifted Dec. 22, and rather than cut another player on the 53-man roster to make room for Williams, the Buccaneers have opted to let go of the LSU product. If he goes unclaimed off waivers, Williams will look to sign with a team in need of backfield depth and a returner on special teams.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Mariota (hand/quadriceps) is "a stretch" to be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Eagles but has not been ruled out yet, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Mariota has not resumed practicing since suffering a pair of injuries during Washington's loss to the Eagles in Week 16, which paved the way for Josh Johnson to start versus the Cowboys in Week 17. Per Ben Standig of Big 100 Washington D.C., Quinn said Mariota is not yet moving at full speed, and Zach Selby of the team's official site confirms that the veteran quarterback wasn't able to make it through Monday's walkthrough. If Mariota doesn't play Week 18, Johnson will close out the 2025 campaign under center for the Commanders.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday that Prescott will play in the team's regular-season finale on the road against the Giants on Sunday, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Dallas currently sits at a 7-8-1 record and would finish the 2025 campaign at .500 with a win over New York in Week 18, giving Prescott something to play for even with the team already eliminated from playoff contention. The 32-year-old signal-caller has operated as one of the NFL's most efficient quarterbacks down the stretch, as he's averaging over 300 passing yards per game across seven appearances since the Cowboys' bye in Week 10, with 13 passing touchdowns and just four interceptions in that span.