NFL Player News

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.

The Rams activated Atwell (hamstring) from injured reserve Saturday.

Atwell doesn't have a designation for Sunday's tilt against the Lions, so his activation from injured reserve indicates that he's available to return from a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury. If he's active, Atwell will compete with Xavier Smith and Jordan Whittington for snaps at the WR3 spot behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (hamstring). Prior to his extended absence, Atwell caught four passes (one nine targets) for 164 yards and one touchdown across six regular-season games.

Diggs (knee) is not to play versus the Minnesota on Sunday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

Diggs has been practicing since he was designated to return from IR on Nov. 30, and he was limited in Wednesday through Friday's sessions. Schultz adds that the cornerback's relationship with the Cowboys has "soured" and "been severed," as it appears he may feel ready to return to action even if the team does not. Meanwhile, Dallas co-owner Stephen Jones said Friday that he feels like Diggs will be activated this year, according to Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. The 27-year-old would need to be activated before the Week 16 contest versus the Chargers, or else he'll revert to IR for the remainder of the season.

Pearce recorded three total tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, and two passes defensed during Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

Pearce was one of five Falcons to get after the quarterback during Thursday's divisional win, bringing down Baker Mayfield in the first and second quarters. The 2025 first-round pick from Tennessee is beginning to emerge as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, having recorded at least one full sack in each of Atlanta's last six games. His next opportunity to rush the passer will likely come in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.

Alford recorded three total tackles (all solo) and one interception in Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

Alford nabbed a crucial fourth-quarter interception that set up a Falcons touchdown and pulled the game within one score Thursday. He's been an integral part of Atlanta's secondary this season, tallying 56 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 13 appearances. The Tusculum product is expected to continue operating as the team's top slot corner in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.

Mahogany (fibula) has been downgraded and been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams.

The second-year pro from Boston College returned to limited practice this week but is not ready for in-game action just yet. Mahogany will remain on the Lions' injured reserve list, and his next opportunity to suit up will come in the Week 16 matchup against the Steelers.

Harper (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Rams.

Harper sustained a concussion during the Week 14 win over the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The 25-year-old was limited throughout this week of practice and deemed questionable on Friday, but he'll ultimately miss at least one more game with this issue. With fellow safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee) both ruled out as well, veterans Daniel Thomas, Avonte Maddox and Jalen Mills will all likely take on bigger roles versus LA.

Watts posted nine total tackles (five solo) during Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

Watts led Atlanta's defense in total tackles, tallying nine or more stops for the third time this season in Thursday's divisional win. The 2025 third-round pick from Notre Dame has had an impressive rookie campaign, recording 79 total tackles and seven passes defensed, including three interceptions, through 14 appearances. He's expected to continue starting alongside Jessie Bates in the Falcons' secondary in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.

Elliss tallied six total tackles (all solo) during Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

The 30-year-old linebacker has now posted six or more stops in eight of the Falcons' last nine games. Elliss has appeared in all 14 of Atlanta's contests this season, recording a team-leading 94 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, with one interception, and one forced fumble. He's likely to remain one of the Falcons' top tacklers in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.