NFL Player News

Rice (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Per Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com, Rice reported concussion symptoms Monday, and the wideout is now in the NFL's concussion protocol as Sunday's game against the Titans approaches. He now has two more chances to practice before the Chiefs' Week 16 game statuses are posted, but with the team eliminated from playoff contention, look for caution to be exercised with both Rice and fellow WR Tyquan Thornton, who is also in the protocol.

Trice (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Trice is now in line to miss all of Atlanta's 2025 campaign due to a knee injury originally sustained in the 2024 preseason. The 2024 third-round pick from Washington has still yet to make his NFL debut. While he remains sidelined for the remainder of the season, expect Jalon Walker, James Pearce and Leonard Floyd to handle the Falcons' top pass-rush duties.

Harrison (knee) won't return this season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Harrison was placed on the injured reserve list in late November due to a knee issue likely sustained in the Week 7 loss to the 49ers. He played in just seven games this season, recording 22 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed. LaCale London will likely remain one of the Falcons' top defensive ends while Harrison is sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Andersen (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The 2022 second-round pick from Montana State was placed on the Falcons' reserve/PUP list in late August and won't play a single game in 2025. Andersen has struggled to stay healthy over the past three seasons, appearing in just nine regular-season games since 2023. Expect Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo to handle Atlanta's first-team linebacker duties for the remainder of the year.

The Steelers signed Sermon to their practice squad Wednesday.

The Ohio State product was dropped from the Steelers' practice squad in early December, but it now appears the team had a change of heart. Sermon has appeared in four games for Pittsburgh this season, recording 51 kick-return yards across 46 special-teams snaps.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Johnson (knee) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro from Ohio State is now in line to miss his second game in a row due to a sprained MCL. While Johnson remains sidelined for the Week 16 contest, expect Josh Fryar to start at left tackle.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Thompson (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The Washington State product is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Thompson has been a crucial part of the Cardinals' defense this season, recording 81 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. Kitan Crawford will likely have an expanded role on Arizona's first-team defense until Thompson returns from injury.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Watson (chest/shoulder) is expected to practice in a limited capacity, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Watson was not able to participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice after being injured during Sunday's loss to the Broncos, so it's highly encouraging to see him back on the field, even if only as a limited participant. LaFleur said Watson is "fighting to play" Saturday versus the Bears, but at this stage the wideout's availability appears legitimately up in the air. If Watson is able to handle at least limited on-field reps again Thursday, he figures to have a fair chance to gain clearance for Week 16.

Hardman (calf) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The veteran wideout from Georgia has been sidelined for the Bills' last four games after sustaining a calf injury in the Week 11 win over the Buccaneers, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Hardman will likely contribute as one of Buffalo's top kick and punt returners once fully healthy, though he must still be activated to the team's active roster in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Browns.

Ward (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ward was sidelined for the Browns' Week 15 loss to the Bears due to a calf injury, and Wednesday's DNP indicates he's still dealing with the issue. The 28-year-old likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to return for Sunday's matchup against the Bills.