Chargers: Justin Herbert rested in Week 18
The Chargers will be without their starting quarterback on Sunday. On Monday, Jim Harbaugh announced that Justin Herbert (QB), hampered by a broken left hand for the past month, will be rested for the game against the Broncos. Trey Lance will lead the offense, with DJ Uiagalelei on the bench behind him.
Other starters could stay with Herbert. Because the Chargers can no longer win their division. Sunday’s result will have an impact on their ranking and their seeding in the playoffs. But they can no longer go higher than fifth place, and they will therefore necessarily be on the outside for the first match.
« Winning and being healthy, these are our two goals“, explained the coach. “ And we decided to take this direction for the guys who have the most sores and who need a little time off the most. »
This decision could be a small boost for Denver. In the event of a victory against the Chargers, the Broncos will be assured of first place in the AFC.
Ravens wait a few days to find out Lamar Jackson’s status
Coach John Harbaugh said in a press conference Monday that he is waiting to see Lamar Jackson (QB) in practice before making a decision on his participation in the game against the Steelers.
“That still has to be determined,” Harbaugh said. “He is coming off a serious injury, and he is recovering. I saw him working today. I think we’ll know a lot more on Wednesday. […] There was improvement during the week. At the start of the week, it was really not good, and it has improved, hence our optimism. […] If Lamar is fit, he will play. Point. »
Vikings: no decision regarding JJ McCarthy
Looking ahead to week 18, the status of J.J. McCarthy (QB, Vikings) remains uncertain. At a press conference on Monday, Kevin O’Connell (HC) refused to comment on his holder, who suffers from a broken left hand.
The coach confirmed that his quarterback is “progressing” and that he is better than last week. His ability to grip and squeeze the ball will be the deciding factor in deciding whether he plays in the game against the Packers. We’ll have to wait until later in the week to get a better idea.
Patriots: Will Campbell back in training
Absent from the last four matches, Will Campbell (OT, Patriots) came off the injured list following his knee injury. Mike Vrabel (HC) announced Monday at a press conference that the lineman will be able to resume training this week. Very good news ahead of the playoffs.
Bengals: Joe Burrow will not be rested against Cleveland
You would have thought that the Bengals would let their Week 18 meeting against the Browns slide, given that the team and its designated opponent no longer have anything to play in the race for the playoffs. However, Zac Taylor (HC) announced at a press conference that Joe Burrow (QB) will not be left to rest and will hold the reins of the tiger attack to face the club’s intimate enemy. The announced objective is to end the year with a third victory in a row, in order to start the off-season on a positive trajectory.
Raiders: everything would be settled with Maxx Crosby
If we can believe Pete Carroll (HC, Raiders), the problems between the franchise and Maxx Crosby (DE) are now part of the past. In his press conference on Monday, the coach confirmed that everything is settled with his star. Crosby is even back in the team facilities.
“Everything is fine,” Carroll said. “We’re on the same page about what’s going on. »
Andy Reid: ‘If the Chiefs want me, I’ll come back’
After 13 years in Kansas City, the disappointment of the 2025 season could have marked the end of the road for Andy Reid (HC). However, it seems that the veteran coach intends to re-sign for a new campaign.
“Yeah, I think I’ll come back,” Reid told CheifsDigest.com. “If they want me, I’ll come back. You never know in this business, it’s complicated. But that’s what I envision. »
Under his tutelage, the Chiefs have experienced a series of ten consecutive playoff qualifications, and 5 visits to the Super Bowl over the last 6 years. With such a record, it is difficult to envisage his departure because of a single bad season. Especially if he wants to come back.
Cowboys: negotiations will begin with Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney (edge, Cowboys) was only signed in Dallas last September. However, his stint in the Texan squad was sufficiently productive for both parties to want to continue the adventure. The veteran announced after the victory against the Commanders that he wanted to extend, and obviously the management shares the feeling.
“We’re going to talk to him right away…He wants to be there, we want him to be there, hopefully we can sort this out,” Stephen Jones (vice president) told the team’s website.
Bears : Noah Sewell tore his Achilles tendon
NFL Network announces that the Bears will have to do without Noah Sewell (LB) for the end of the season. The linebacker tore his Achilles tendon against the 49ers, and will have to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to his leg.
At 23 years old, Sewell is a sophomore who was recruited in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. He played 13 games this year, for a record of 59 tackles (including 3 for loss) and 1 forced fumble.
Texans: Joe Mixon will not play this year
Unsurprisingly, KPRC confirms that Joe Mixon (RB, Texans) will ultimately not play this year. Placed on the injured list since the summer due to an ankle/foot problem, the running back will not return for the playoffs and will not have played a single regular season down for Houston this season.
Mixon is still under contract for 2026, but he will only be worth two million dollars in dead cap if fired before June.
Houston will begin the final stages with Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan and Nick Chubb to carry the ground attack.
49ers: Christian McCaffrey surpassed 2,000 yards for the third time
With 1,179 rushing yards and 890 receiving yards produced this year, Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers) further secures its place in the history of the league. Because he has now exceeded 2,000 cumulative yards for the third time in his career, with one more game to play. On the NFL’s shelves, there are no less than Marshall Faulk, Eric Dickerson and Walter Payton (all Hall of Famers) who have achieved this feat four times.
