NFL Player News

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.

Bates recorded eight total tackles (six solo) during Thursday night's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.

After recording just six total tackles in the Falcons' previous two games, Bates returned to his usual output in Thursday's win. The veteran safety finished with the second-most tackles on Atlanta's defense, trailing Xavier Watts' nine-stop performance. Bates has played in all 14 of the Falcons' games this season, recording 85 total tackles, four passes defensed, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He's expected to remain one of the team's top defensive playmakers in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.

The Colts elevated Owen from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Anthony Gould (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest, so Owen will serve as Indy's fifth wide receiver behind Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and Laquon Treadwell. Gould is also the primary kick returner and punt returner for the Colts, so, in his absence, Owen might see action in those roles. This marks Owen's first practice-squad elevation of the season, leaving two more opportunities for him to be elevated this year.

Lewis (ankle) has been upgraded and carries no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks.

The 30-year-old practiced in full Friday, and despite his original questionable designation, he'll suit up for the Week 15 matchup. Lewis has underwhelmed through nine appearances this season, recording just eight total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, and one pass defensed. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Colts' top reserve defensive ends Sunday.

Smith (concussion/neck) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.

The veteran offensive lineman from Auburn has been a mainstay on the Colts' offensive line since entering the league in 2018, starting 105 games. Smith is now set to miss Indianapolis' next four contests, which means he'll be sidelined until at least the end of the regular season. In his absence, 2025 fourth-round pick Jalen Travis is expected to start at right tackle.

Brewer (ankle) told reporters Saturday that he's good to go for Monday night's matchup against the Steelers, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Although Miami's final injury report for the Week 15 contest has not been released, Brewer appears ready to play through his ankle issue for the second consecutive game. If active as expected, the Texas State product will likely operate as the Dolphins' top center.

The Browns signed Dellinger to their active roster Saturday.

Dellinger was selected by the Ravens in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he's found a new home in Cleveland. Now with the Browns, Dellinger could have an opportunity to make his NFL debut in the Week 15 matchup against the Bears.

The Colts signed Rivers off their practice squad Saturday.

The move puts Rivers on track to play Sunday against the Seahawks, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting earlier Saturday that the 44-year-old is expected to start in Week 15, while rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard serves as the backup. The Colts have yet to confirm that Rivers will start, but if he does, he would be making his first NFL appearance since Jan. 9, 2021. Rivers was a full participant in practice throughout the week after the Colts signed him to their practice squad Wednesday.