NFL Player News

Robertson (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Robertson has been wearing a club on his injured hand, leading to limited practice designations throughout the week. The slot cornerback has yet to miss a game this year and will likely play through the injury Sunday, as the Lions' playoff hopes are on the line. If the 27-year-old is unable to play or cannot play his normal snap share, Avonte Maddox may be tasked with some defensive snaps at slot cornerback in Sunday's game.

Watt (chest) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Watt continues to be sidelined due to a partially collapsed lung that he underwent surgery for during Week 15 prep, which will result in the superstar pass rusher being sidelined for Sunday's contest. Watt would likely have to return to practice in at least a limited capacity to have a realistic chance of returning for the Steelers' Week 17 road tilt against the Browns on Sunday, Dec. 28. With Watt out and Nick Herbig (hamstring) listed as doubtful, rookie fourth-rounder Jack Sawyer could be thrust into a starting role opposite Alex Highsmith against Detroit.

Harper (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Harper was a full participant in practice this week and has officially cleared concussion protocol. The free safety has avoided an injury designation just in time to take up the mantle of starting free safety from an injured Kerby Joseph (knee). Harper's last starting opportunity was in Week 13 against the Packers, when he totaled four tackles (one solo) through 58 defensive snaps.

Mauigoa (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Mauigoa was unable to practice during Week 16 prep due to a neck injury and will miss a second consecutive game as a result. His next chance to play is Week 17 against the Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 28, though he would have to log at least a limited practice to have a realistic chance at playing.

Raimann (elbow) did not participate in practice Friday.

Raimann didn't practice Thursday or Friday after leaving early in Week 15's matchup against the Seahawks with an elbow injury. The 28-year-old has one more opportunity to upgrade his practice participation in order to have a chance at playing Monday night against the 49ers. If he is unable to play, Luke Tenuta will likely fill in at left tackle.

Joseph (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Joseph's knee injury is severe enough that the safety was an IR candidate last week. Since then, it seems he has been able to progress enough that he will be able to stay on the active roster, though he will be missing consecutive games. With the starter ruled out, Thomas Harper is in line to play significant snaps at free safety in Sunday's contest.

Bartholomew (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Bartholomew ended Week 16 prep with back-to-back full practices to earn the questionable tag. He opened the season on the physically unable to perform list due to a back injury he sustained in late August, so he'd have to be activated from the Vikings' PUP list Saturday in order to be available for Sunday's contest. If that happens, the rookie sixth-rounder would be slated to make his NFL regular-season debut in New York.

Chandler (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Chandler was a full practice participant during Week 16 prep, but he'll have to be activated from injured reserve Saturday in order to be available for Sunday's game. If he's cleared to play, Chandler would likely leapfrog Zavier Scott as the Vikings' RB3 behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Chandler would also be in the mix to join Myles Price as a returner on kickoffs.

Pearce (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Pearce was added to the injury report Friday with a foot issue that prevented him from practicing, leaving his status for Sunday's game in question. If the outside linebacker has to miss his first game of the 2025 campaign, Arnold Ebiketie will likely see more defensive snaps with the Falcons' linebacker corps.

Tart (shin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Tart logged three limited practices heading into Week 16 versus the Cowboys, giving him a chance to play Sunday. The 28-year-old has yet to miss a game in 2025, accounting for 26 tackles (18 solo) and three pass breakups through Week 15. Should he be unavailable, Otito Ogbonnia will likely get reps on the defensive line behind Jamaree Caldwell and Da'Shawn Hand.