NFL Player News

Neal (neck), who remains on IR, is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Neal was a full participant upon having his 21-day practice window opened Dec. 17, but he downgraded to DNP status the following day and hasn't taken any on-field reps since. The 2022 first-round pick's final chance to take the field with the Giants this season will come Week 18 against the Cowboys.

Wharton (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Wharton will end up missing a third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, which means Bobby Brown, Cam Jackson and LaBryan Ray are all in line for more defensive snaps Sunday. Wharton will aim to progress enough in his recovery to be available for the Panthers' regular-season finale against the Buccaneers in Week 18, a game that could decide who wins the NFC South division.

Kittle (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle exited this past Monday's win at Indianapolis due to what eventually was deemed to be a mid-to-low ankle sprain. He wasn't able to practice Wednesday or Thursday, and GM John Lynch told KNBR San Francisco on Friday that Kittle likely will be a game-time decision for Week 17 action. Coach Kyle Shanahan later relayed to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com that Kittle said he'll have a better idea of his potential to play this weekend by Saturday. In any case, the 49ers will make a decision on Kittle's availability by about 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. If Kittle doesn't suit up, Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell would be in line for significant jumps in snap counts and potential target shares.

The Jets placed Tufele (foot) on injured reserve Friday, Susanna Weir of the Jets' official site reports.

Tufele was unable to practice all week after suffering a foot injury in the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints. With the move to IR, the 26-year-old will finish the season with 12 tackles (five solo). Jowon Briggs and Khalen Saunders are expected to have expanded roles on the defensive line behind Harrison Phillips with Tufele out.

Ezeudu (calf) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Ezeudu has been listed as a full participant at practice throughout Week 17 prep, and he seems healthy enough to be activated from IR and suit up versus Las Vegas on Sunday. He'll need to be activated by the team on Saturday in order to be eligible to take the field Sunday. With Andrew Thomas (hamstring) ruled out for Week 17, Ezeudu could provide New York with some needed depth at left tackle.

With Kayshon Boutte (concussion) Mack Hollins (abdomen) ruled out for Week 17, per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Williams has an opportunity to see added snaps and targets Sunday against the Jets.

In the absence of Boutte and Hollins, and with DeMario Douglas questionable with a hamstring injury, Stefon Diggs is in line to lead the Patriots' WR corps versus New York, with Williams on track to see an expanded role and Efton Chism also a candidate to mix in. Williams logged 28 of 74 snaps on offense in the team's Week 16 win over the Ravens en route to catching two of his three targets for 46 yards and a TD. With added snaps on tap this weekend, the rookie third-rounder could yield dividends for those in need of WR help who choose to use him in their Week 17 fantasy lineups.

Bryant (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Bryant was unable to practice all week due to the knee injury he sustained in the Week 16 overtime victory over the Rams. The defensive back will miss his first game this season, and Ty Okada will likely start at strong safety in Bryant's absence.

Wallace (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Wallace will end up missing a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury that he sustained in practice during Week 16 prep, and his next opportunity to play is the Panthers' regular-season finale against the Buccaneers in Week 18. Claudin Cherelus will likely start at inside linebacker for a second straight game in Wallace's absence.

Moore (elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Moore has been on injured reserve since Oct. 1 due to an elbow injury he sustained against the Patriots in Week 4. He was a full participant in practice all week, but he would need to be activated from IR in order to be cleared to play against Seattle. Moore's return would give the Panthers another contributor on special teams and an additional option at wide receiver.

Mitchell-Paden (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's road contest against the Titans, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Mitchell-Paden was unable to practice in any capacity leading up to Sunday's road matchup, so it's not much of a surprise to see him ruled out. The depth tight end's final chance to play in 2025 will come Week 18 on the road against Atlanta.