NFL Player News

Ersery (hand) was absent from Tuesday's practice, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Ersery sustained a hand injury near the end of Sunday's game against the Raiders. The offensive tackle's replacement, Trent Brown (knee), also suffered an injury late in the game and was absent from practice as well. Ersery will have two more opportunities to return to practice and prove he can suit up for Sunday's game, but if neither Brown nor he can go, the Texans' offense line may have some serious issues for Sunday's game.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that Kelly (concussion) will not play Saturday against the Lions, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Kelly suffered his third known concussion of the 2025 season last Sunday against the Giants. It would be extremely surprising if he plays again this season. Look for Michael Jurgens to be under center against Detroit.

Brown (knee) was absent from practice Tuesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown sustained a knee injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Raiders. The offensive tackle's lack of participation in practice is a poor sign for his potential ability to suit up for Saturday's game against the Chargers. Brown will have two more opportunities to get back on the practice field in an attempt to dodge injury designation ahead of Saturday's game.

Hansen (chest) did not practice Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Hansen suffered a chest injury in Sunday's win over the Raiders. The reserve linebacker and special-teamer has appeared in all 15 games this season, producing 19 tackles (11 solo) on nine defensive snaps and another 306 on special teams.

The Texans designated Carter (hamstring) for return from injured reserve Tuesday.

Carter hasn't played since Week 12, but the Texans are opening his 21-day practice window Tuesday. The cornerback has logged 36 snaps on special teams across two appearances this season.

Dean (hamstring) appears to have a chance to play this week, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that Dean is "iffy this week," which is a sign the linebacker could play in Sunday's game against the Bills. The 25-year-old was unable to return to last Saturday's win over the Commanders due to the hamstring injury, and the final decision about his chances to suit up Sunday likely depend on this week's practice participation levels.

The Texans cut Arnette (ankle) from the practice squad Tuesday.

Arnette has appeared in two games for Houston this season, logging a trio of solo tackles across 46 snaps between special teams and defense. He also dealt with an ankle injury last month.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that Brosmer will start at quarterback in Thursday's game against the Lions.

O'Connell revealed that J.J. McCarthy has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture on his throwing hand, and while the second-year quarterback hasn't been ruled out from returning for the Vikings' Week 18 game against the Packers, he won't be able to play through the injury on a short week. Brosmer came on in relief for an injured McCarthy in Week 16 and will be picking up his second start of the season Thursday. Through five total appearances on the season, the undrafted rookie out of Minnesota has completed 31 of 47 pass attempts for 220 yards (4.7 YPA), zero touchdowns and four interceptions while adding no positive rushing yardage. Even against an injury-ravaged Detroit defense, Brosmer doesn't profile as much more than a desperation fantasy play in Week 17.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that McCarthy has been diagnosed with a small hairline fracture in his right hand following an MRI and has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lions.

According to Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune, O'Connell said that McCarthy's injury is "similar to a bone bruise," adding that the Vikings don't view the issue as significant enough to send the second-year quarterback to injured reserve, leaving the door open for the QB to play in their season finale Jan. 4 versus the Packers. Minnesota will turn to Max Brosmer to make his second start of the season, after the undrafted rookie came on in relief for an injured McCarthy in this past Sunday's 16-13 win over the Giants.

Newton (head) is not listed on the Commanders' injury report for Week 17.

Newton left Saturday's 29-18 loss to the Eagles early due to a head injury, but his absence from the Week 17 injury report suggests he avoided a concussion. The 23-year-old should be all set to fully practice throughout Week 17 in anticipation of playing a rotational role along the defensive line Thursday against the Cowboys.