NFL Player News

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.

Marks (ankle) was spotted participating in Tuesday's practice, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Marks' participation level remains unclear, but the Texans will be required to release an official injury report Tuesday since they travel to play the Chargers on Saturday. Marks was injured in the Texans' Week 15 win over the Colts and was inactive for this past Sunday's win over the Raiders. In his absence, Jawhar Jordan out-snapped Nick Chubb 30 to 21, with Jordan rushing 15 times for 53 yards and adding five catches for 17 yards on five targets. Jordan would likely be in line to lead the backfield if Marks doesn't return in Week 17.

The Browns announced that Judkins was placed on injured reserve after he underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a dislocated right ankle and fractured right fibula.

Judkins is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026 season and should be ready to resume football activities in 4-to-6 months. The rookie running back suffered the season-ending injury during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Bills. With Judkins out for the final two contests of the 2025 campaign, Cleveland is expected to roll with some combination of Dylan Sampson (hand/calf), Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams out of the backfield in Weeks 17 and 18. Judkins finished the season with 230 carries for 827 yards (3.6 average) and seven touchdowns to go with 26 catches for 171 yards on 36 targets over 14 games.

Coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday that Odunze (foot) is "right on track" in his recovery and is fully expected to play again this season, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

"He's in a good spot," Johnson said of Odunze. "He's going to be able to help us this year." Odunze hasn't played since Week 13 due to a stress fracture in his foot and appeared to suffer a setback ahead of the Bears' Week 15 win over the Browns when he was announced as active but ruled out minutes before kickoff. The 11-4 Bears have already clinched a playoff spot but still have a chance at the No. 1 seed in the NFC. It's unclear if Chicago will push Odunze over the final two weeks of the regular season or let him rest his foot until the postseason.

Head coach Andy Reid said that Thornton (concussion) won't take part in Tuesday's practice, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thornton entered concussion protocol following the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Chargers and wasn't available for this past Sunday's loss to the Titans. The wide receiver still appears to be dealing with symptoms of the concussion and is looking unlikely to be available for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Remigio (knee) will not participate in Tuesday's practice, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Remigio was a full participant in Monday's session, so the downgrade to DNP is a bad sign for the returner's status ahead of Thursday night's game against the Broncos. The lead kick and punt returner will have one more opportunity to upgrade his practice participation, and if he cannot, he will likely have to miss Thursday's contest.

Head coach Andy Reid said that Rice (concussion) won't participate in Tuesday's practice, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice hasn't practiced in any fashion since reporting concussion symptoms following Kansas City's Week 15 loss to the Chargers. Given that he's unlikely to clear the five-step concussion protocol prior to Thursday's matchup with the Broncos, Rice looks on track to miss a second straight game.

Tonges caught one of two targets for seven yards in Monday's 48-27 win over the Colts.

George Kittle (ankle) suffered an ankle injury in the second half of Monday's win, opening the door for Tonges to record his first reception since Week 8. The severity of Kittle's injury isn't yet known, but Tonges would be in line for an expanded role should the Niners' starting tight end miss Sunday's tilt against the Bears. Tonges started in place of an injured Kittle back in Weeks 2 through 6, averaging 4.4 receptions and 41.8 yards per game with two touchdowns scored over that span. Fantasy managers in deeper formats in need of tight end help for Week 17 may want to take a flyer on Tonges in the event Kittle is ruled out for Sunday Night Football.