NFL Player News

Mauigoa (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Mauigoa was unable to practice during Week 16 prep due to a neck injury and will miss a second consecutive game as a result. His next chance to play is Week 17 against the Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 28, though he would have to log at least a limited practice to have a realistic chance at playing.

Raimann (elbow) did not participate in practice Friday.

Raimann didn't practice Thursday or Friday after leaving early in Week 15's matchup against the Seahawks with an elbow injury. The 28-year-old has one more opportunity to upgrade his practice participation in order to have a chance at playing Monday night against the 49ers. If he is unable to play, Luke Tenuta will likely fill in at left tackle.

Joseph (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Joseph's knee injury is severe enough that the safety was an IR candidate last week. Since then, it seems he has been able to progress enough that he will be able to stay on the active roster, though he will be missing consecutive games. With the starter ruled out, Thomas Harper is in line to play significant snaps at free safety in Sunday's contest.

Bartholomew (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Bartholomew ended Week 16 prep with back-to-back full practices to earn the questionable tag. He opened the season on the physically unable to perform list due to a back injury he sustained in late August, so he'd have to be activated from the Vikings' PUP list Saturday in order to be available for Sunday's contest. If that happens, the rookie sixth-rounder would be slated to make his NFL regular-season debut in New York.

Chandler (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Chandler was a full practice participant during Week 16 prep, but he'll have to be activated from injured reserve Saturday in order to be available for Sunday's game. If he's cleared to play, Chandler would likely leapfrog Zavier Scott as the Vikings' RB3 behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Chandler would also be in the mix to join Myles Price as a returner on kickoffs.

Pearce (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Pearce was added to the injury report Friday with a foot issue that prevented him from practicing, leaving his status for Sunday's game in question. If the outside linebacker has to miss his first game of the 2025 campaign, Arnold Ebiketie will likely see more defensive snaps with the Falcons' linebacker corps.

Tart (shin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Tart logged three limited practices heading into Week 16 versus the Cowboys, giving him a chance to play Sunday. The 28-year-old has yet to miss a game in 2025, accounting for 26 tackles (18 solo) and three pass breakups through Week 15. Should he be unavailable, Otito Ogbonnia will likely get reps on the defensive line behind Jamaree Caldwell and Da'Shawn Hand.

Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Friday that Smith will start Sunday's game against the Texans, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith missed the Raiders' Week 15 shutout loss to the Eagles due to shoulder and back injuries, but he has been a full participant throughout Week 16 prep and will reclaim the starting role under center Sunday against Houston's elite defense. His return pushes Kenny Pickett back down to the bench.

Hodge (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Hodge played through the issue with his shoulder in the Falcons' Week 15 win over the Buccaneers, but the wide receiver's inability to practice this week implies he suffered a major setback. The depth receiver's absence will likely not shake up the Falcons' offensive target share too much, though Jamal Agnew may see more offensive snaps.

Ferguson secured three of four targets for 33 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 38-37 overtime loss to the Seahawks.

The rookie tight end found paydirt for the first time since Week 7 in the second quarter, scoring on a third-yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Prior to last week's one-catch performance, Ferguson had been on a four-game streak without a catch, so this week's bump in targets and catches was a welcome sight for fantasy managers waiting to see some of the second-round pick's potential in the latter half of the season. The Rams remain on the road for a Monday, Dec. 29 showdown in Atlanta, and Ferguson will look to continue building on his positive momentum over the last two weeks.