Professional football teams are intensely preparing for Week 14, with significant player health issues to track and numerous games carrying substantial postseason consequences on the horizon.
Sunday’s schedule includes a contest between the top two squads in the AFC North, namely the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are set to welcome the Steelers, secure in the knowledge that their all-time reception leader will remain with them for the near future. On Wednesday, they confirmed the signing of tight end Mark Andrews to a three-year contract extension, reportedly valued at $39.3 million. A more pressing concern might be at the quarterback position, however, with Lamar Jackson missing another practice session Thursday due to an ankle problem.
The Washington Commanders, in contrast, might see the comeback of their starting quarterback this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Jayden Daniels fully participated in Thursday’s practice, recovering from a severe elbow injury sustained during Week 9. Washington aims to break a sequence of seven consecutive losses, dating back to Week 6.
In other news, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice this Wednesday after recovering from a broken clavicle he suffered back in October. Evans is said to have healed quicker than anticipated, with his 21-day practice period now initiated, according to reports from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, are scheduling Deshaun Watson’s return to practice. This arrangement initiates a 21-day period for the team to evaluate whether Watson is fit enough for activation. Since his acquisition by Cleveland from Houston, Watson has participated in only 19 games, largely due to an 11-game suspension issued by the NFL following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and various injuries.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced difficult news on Wednesday: left tackle Josh Simmons is heading to injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery, as reported by head coach Andy Reid. Simmons, a first-round pick for the Chiefs this year, previously missed four games this season due to a private family issue.
Stay connected with Yahoo Sports for the latest developments from the NFL as Week 13 unfolds:
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Andy Backstrom
The Arizona Cardinals’ campaign in 2025 has been one to put behind them. The Cardinals have suffered defeats in nine of their dozen contests, seven of which were decided by a total of 19 points. Besides having difficulties closing out matches, they’ve also faced a number of player injuries.
Further issues have surfaced this week, with wideouts Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) and Greg Dorth (chest) both being absent from consecutive practices. The team has a Sunday match coming up against the Los Angeles Rams.
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Andy Backstrom
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown did not train this week because of an ankle injury he sustained in a Thanksgiving defeat to the Green Bay Packers. But he is officially active Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
It seems St. Brown will attempt to participate in a critical match for a 7-5 Lions team that has a 3-4 record in its most recent seven appearances.
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Criss Partee
Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London did not take part in training on Thursday due to an ongoing knee ailment. London has not been on the field since Atlanta’s Week 11 defeat to Carolina in overtime.
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Criss Partee
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was back in practice on Thursday as a full participant in practice after sitting out practice on Wednesday. Watt has been dealing with a toe injury. In 12 games this season, Watt has recorded 47 total tackles, 17 QB Hits, 9 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles (2 recovered), and 1 interception. The last time Watt missed a regular season game was during the 2022 season.
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Criss Partee
The Detroit Lions have elevated wide receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad with Amon-Ra St. Brown being questionable for Thursday’s game with the Dallas Cowboys.
They also placed tight end Brock Wright on injured reserve and signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man roster.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy participated fully in the team’s practice session on Thursday. McCarthy missed last week’s 26-0 loss to Seattle due to a concussion suffered the previous game against Green Bay.
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Criss Partee
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels participated fully in the team’s practice session on Thursday. This is good for a potential return for Daniels, who hasn’t taken a snap in a game in over a month. Daniels has been out since Washington’s Week 9 loss to Seattle, when he suffered an elbow injury.
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Criss Partee
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury for Thursday night’s showdown with the Detroit Lions. In nine games with the Cowboys this season, Clowney has 27 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.
The Cowboys also released defensive end Isaiah Land from the practice squad.
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Criss Partee
The Washington Commanders have activated defensive end Drake Jackson from injured reserve. Jackson’s 21-day return window was opened by the team on Nov. 13, and the activation means he could be ready to play soon. Jackson has been recovering from a torn patellar tendon suffered during training camp in 2024. He hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2023 with San Franciso
Washington also released safety Darnell Savage per his request.
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Tarohn Finley
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be out for Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after undergoing treatment on both of his shoulders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While Carter could miss multiple weeks, he is not expected to be placed on injured reserve.
Carter got the procedure done on Monday to be as healthy as possible for the playoffs. The Eagles have five regular-season games remaining. The Eagles are 8-4 and first in the NFC East.
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Criss Partee
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a non-participant in practice on Thursday. An ankle injury limited him in Wednesday’s practice session. This marks the fourth consecutive week that Jackson has missed at least one practice.
Should Jackson be unable to go on Sunday against the Steelers, backup Tyler Huntley would get the start.
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Tarohn Finley
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is expected to play in Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Pickens was removed from the injury report yesterday after being limited in Monday’s practice with a calf and knee injury. Pickens fully participated in practice the next two days.
This was similar to Pickens’ practice schedule last week. He did not practice the first day with the same injury, then practiced the next day and was removed from the injury report before the Chiefs’ game. Pickens had 6 catches for 88 yards against the Chiefs.
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Tarohn Finley
Cornerback Darius Slay will not report to the Buffalo Bills and is unsure whether he wants to continue playing, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Slay, 34, was claimed off waivers by the Bills on Thursday. Buffalo retains his rights if Slay decides to continue playing.
“Slay is honored that a first-class organization like the Bills claimed him, but he is going to take some time away from football right now and decide in the next few days if he wants to keep playing,” Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN.
Slay spent the early part of the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before getting cut on Tuesday. Slay is a six-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. The Eagles put in a claim for Slay after his recent release.
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Jason Owens
Following a weak offensive showing in Sunday’s shutout loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Minnesota Vikings are hoping that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be back this week after concussion protocol to face the Washington Commanders.
McCarthy was a full participant in practice Wednesday, keeping him on track to play in Sunday’s game.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters Monday that McCarthy was symptom-free after missing Week 13 and that he needed to go through a full practice to officially clear concussion protocol. He did so on Wednesday.
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Andy Backstrom
Mark Andrews is sticking around. The three-time Pro Bowl tight end has agreed to a three-year extension with the Ravens, the team announced Wednesday.
Andrews’ new deal is worth $39.3 million and includes $26 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Andrews became the fifth tight end to lead a franchise in receiving yards earlier this season. He passed Ravens wide receiver Derek Mason on the team’s career leaderboard, breaking a record that had stood for 15 years.
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