NFL Player News

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.

Phillips (triceps) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Phillips has been on injured reserve since Oct. 18, and Friday constitutes his first on-field practice since suffering the triceps injury. With cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) unlikely to suit up for Monday night's game against the Rams, the remainder of the week for Phillips will be key. If the 24-year-old can string practices together, he may be able to be activated off injured reserve and start Monday's game at outside cornerback.

Melton (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Melton has missed the last four games due to a heel injury, but he has a chance to return for Week 17 after logging three consecutive limited practices. Will Johnson (thumb/chest) is also listed as questionable, so Denzel Burke and Darren Hall would be the top candidates to start at outside corner if one or both of Johnson and Melton were to be ruled out.

Johnson (thumb/chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Johnson was listed as a limited participant in all three practices due to chest and thumb injuries, and his status for Sunday's game may not be officially known until the Cardinals announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If the rookie second-rounder is ruled out, then Darren Hall or fellow rookie Denzel Burke would be slated to start in Johnson's stead.

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

Mauigoa suffered a neck injury in Week 14 and hasn't participated in practice since. With the move to IR, the 2025 fifth-round pick will finish with 45 tackles (16 solo) in 12 games played. Mykal Walker is expected to have a larger role with Mauigoa out for the final two games of the season.

Orhorhoro (knee) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Orhorhoro was not present on the Falcons' estimated practice report Thursday, so his appearance on Friday's injury report is a bit worrisome. The nose tackle appears to have suffered a knee injury, but the ability to practice through it in any capacity means that he could potentially play with it. The 24-year-old will have one more opportunity to upgrade his practice participation to full in an attempt to dodge an injury designation ahead of Monday night's primetime contest against the Rams.