NFL Player News

McCollough was added to the injury report with an illness Saturday and is questionable to play Sunday versus the Lions.

McCollough did not show up on the injury report prior to Saturday, so it appears he came down with an illness at some point since Friday's practice. The second-year safety has been productive while playing a reserve role on defense as well as a significant share of snaps on special teams. In 13 games, he's totaled 38 tackles, 2.0 sacks and three passes defended. If McCollough sits out, then Chris Smith and/or Tanner Ingle could see increased playing time behind starting safeties Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens.

Stewart (knee) has been downgraded and ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Ravens.

The rookie defensive end is now in line to miss his fifth consecutive game as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in the Week 9 loss to the Bears. While Stewart remains sidelined, expect Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai to start on the Bengals' defensive line.

Strong was elevated from the Packers' practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

With Josh Jacobs (knee, questionable) and Emanuel Wilson (illness, questionable) both on the Packers' injury report, Strong's elevation provides much-needed depth at running back. If Jacobs or Wilson were to miss Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Strong would likely play a depth role in Green Bay's backfield.

Reddick recorded two total tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one forced fumble in Thursday's 29-28 loss to the Falcons.

The veteran from Temple notched a crucial strip-sack late in the fourth quarter, though officials ruled that the ball was simultaneously recovered by both teams, leaving Atlanta with possession. The sack was his first full sack since Week 1. Reddick has now appeared in 10 games for the Buccaneers this season, recording 22 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and one pass defensed. He's expected to remain one of Tampa Bay's top pass rushers in the Week 16 matchup against the Panthers.

Izien posted eight total tackles (four solo) and one forced fumble in Thursday's 29-28 loss to Falcons.

After playing just 35 defensive snaps over 10 appearances prior to Thursday's loss, Izien was on the field for all 66 of Tampa Bay's defensive plays. The Rutgers product tied Lavonte David for the second-most tackles on the team and stripped Bijan Robinson in the third quarter, leading to a Buccaneers touchdown. He may have earned an expanded role on Tampa Bay's defense going forward, but he's still expected to back up Tykee Smith (neck) once the latter returns from injury.

Wilson was added to the Packers' injury report Saturday due to an illness, and he is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

The illness is a new issue for Wilson, as he wasn't listed on the Packers' injury report during Week 15 prep. He has served as the Packers' primary backup running back for Josh Jacobs this season, and the latter is working through increased swelling in his knee that also has him in jeopardy of missing Sunday's contest. The Packers reinforced their backfield depth Saturday by elevating Pierre Strong from the practice squad, and if one or both of Jacobs and Wilson were to be sidelined for Week 15, then Strong and Chris Brooks would be in line for increased roles on offense against Denver.

David tallied six total tackles (three solo), one pass defensed and one forced fumble in Thursday's 29-28 loss to the Falcons.

The 35-year-old linebacker forced a fumble on Darnell Mooney in the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss, but the Buccaneers were unable to recover. David remains an integral part of Tampa Bay's defense, recording a team-leading 95 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed, with one interception, and two forced fumbles across 14 appearances this season. He's expected to operate as the team's top inside linebacker in the Week 16 matchup against the Panthers.

Simmons was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Darin Gannt of the team's official site reports.

The 2020 first-round pick from Clemson was added to the Panthers' practice squad in late November and has now been elevated to the active roster for the second consecutive game. Expect Simmons to contribute primarily on special teams in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Saints.

Wharton (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

The 27-year-old was added to the Panthers' injury report Saturday with a hamstring issue, putting his availability for Sunday's divisional matchup in question. Wharton has helped fortify Carolina's defensive line in his first season with the team, recording 36 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and one pass defensed across nine appearances. If he's unable to play in Week 15, Bobby Brown will likely have an expanded role with the Panthers' first-team defense.

Dorlus recorded two total tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

The second-year pro from Oregon returned from a one-game absence Thursday and made his impact felt, taking down Baker Mayfield in the third quarter. Dorlus has appeared in 13 games for the Falcons this season, recording 25 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks. He's expected to remain one of Atlanta's top pass rushers in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.