Steelers ‘Optimistic’ T.J. Watt Will Play In Week 18
The Steelers have gone three games in a row without star pass rusher T.J. Watt. With the AFC North title at stake in Week 18, Watt may return to face the Ravens on Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said he’s “optimistic about“ Watt’s “potential inclusion” in this week’s do-or-die showdown between division rivals (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports). Watt’s most recent appearance came in a 27-22 win over the Ravens in Week 14. He underwent surgery on a partially collapsed lung a few days later.
Watt suffered his injury during a dry needling session – a common treatment – at the team facility. The NFLPA quickly made contact with Watt afterward, though it’s unknown if he’ll take action against the Steelers’ medical staff.
The Steelers have been Watt’s only NFL team since he entered the league as the 30th pick in the 2017 draft. Pittsburgh signed Watt to a record-setting extension worth $123MM over three years last summer. The club awarded the former Defensive Player of the Year an eye-popping $108MM in fully guaranteed money.
Despite sitting out three games, Watt has earned his eighth straight Pro Bowl nod this season. The 31-year-old has racked up 53 tackles, 43 pressures, 18 QB hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2025. With a playoff berth on the line, Watt rejoining fellow edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig against Baltimore would be ideal for Pittsburgh. That’s especially the case if the Ravens have two-time MVP-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose status is uncertain as a result of a back injury.
Backup Tyler Huntley filled in for Jackson in a 41-24 win over the Packers in Week 17. Running back Derrick Henry‘s 216-yard, four-touchdown masterclass was the driving force in keeping the Ravens’ season alive in Lambeau Field on Saturday. The Watt-less Steelers could have clinched the division and eliminated the Ravens with a win on Sunday, but they fell 13-6 to the last-place Browns. An offense missing its two best wide receivers – the suspended D.K. Metcalf and the injured Calvin Austin – couldn’t get anything going in Cleveland.
There’s a chance Austin will come back from a hamstring injury in the regular-season finale, but Metcalf and injured tight end Darnell Washington won’t be available. With a shorthanded offense, the Steelers may need a stifling defensive performance to knock out the Ravens and earn their first AFC North crown since 2020. If that’s the case, Watt’s return would boost their chances.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/30/25
Today’s minor moves:
Green Bay Packers
- Placed on IR: CB Kamal Hadden, DL Jordon Riley (story)
- Signed from practice squad: CB Shemar Bartholomew, CB Jaylin Simpson
- Waived: DL Quinton Bohanna
With Kamal Hadden landing on IR and Nate Hobbs exiting Saturday’s loss, the Packers have brought in some extra depth at cornerback, signing both Shemar Bartholomew and Jaylin Simpson to the active roster. Bartholomew is the only addition with NFL experience, as the former UDFA got into five games with the Panthers in 2024.
Despite DL Jordon Riley landing on IR, the Packers also cut Quinton Bohanna today. The defensive tackle was claimed off waivers from the Seahawks earlier this month. He made his lone appearance for the organization this past weekend. The move will leave Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson as the team’s lone options at DT for the moment.
Cardinals Place CB Kei’Trel Clark On IR
Kei’Trel Clark‘s season is ending a bit early. The Cardinals announced today that they’ve placed the cornerback on injured reserve.
Clark popped up on the injury report last week with a back injury that ultimately forced him to miss Sunday’s loss to the Bengals. Now, that injury will also keep him off the field for the season finale, with Clark now representing the 23rd Cardinals player on injured reserve.
A 2023 sixth-round pick, Clark got an extended look as a rookie, collecting 43 tackles while starting half of his 14 appearances. He got into 15 games as a sophomore but played the majority of his snaps on special teams, and he was trending towards a similar role in 2025. However, injuries to the Cardinals secondary forced the third-year player back into a defensive role, with Clark finishing the season with 201 defensive snaps played.
The Cardinals cornerbacks room has been snake bitten in 2025, with all of Garrett Williams, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Starling Thomas currently residing on IR or NFI. The team has also had to deal with absences from Will Johnson and Denzel Burke. The organization will likely have to dig deep into the depth chart for Week 18, with the likes of Darren Hall and Jaden Davis in line for more defensive reps.
To fill the open roster spot, the Cardinals announced that they’ve signed tight end Rivaldo Fairweather off the Cowboys practice squad. The Auburn product has spent the majority of his rookie season in Dallas.
Cardinals To Place DT Walter Nolen, CB Garrett Williams On Injured Reserve
TODAY: Defensive tackle Walter Nolen underwent surgery on his left knee, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss. Neither the severity nor extent of the injury have yet to be reporter.
DECEMBER 22: The Cardinals are placing defensive tackle Walter Nolen and cornerback Garrett Williams on injured reserve, head coach Jonathan Gannon (via team reporter Darren Urban).
Both defenders went down in Arizona’s loss to the Falcons in Sunday. Nolen suffered a non-contact injury to his left knee, while Williams is believed to have suffered an Achilles tear. Gannon only confirmed the areas that were injured for each player but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Nolen, 22, was drafted in the first round of April’s draft (No. 16 overall), but spent the first eight weeks of the season on the PUP list with an calf issue. He debuted in In Week 12, Nolen went down with a knee injury early in the game and missed the next two contests. It is unknown if he injured the same knee on Sunday afternoon.
Nolen has only played 169 snaps this year, so the Cardinals defense is used to playing without him. They have five other defensive tackles on the roster who could fill the rotation for the rest of the year, thought they could call on Zachary Carter or Wyatt Bowles from their practice squad.
Williams, 24, took over the Cardinals’ slot cornerback job midway through his 2023 rookie season. He carried that role into 2024 and allowed completions on just 56.5% of his targets. He also finished as the league’s 10th-ranked cornerback with 5.3 yards per target.
That performance built hype for his third-year effort, but he landed on injured reserve after just two games with a knee injury. Williams missed five games and returned to the field in November, but he has not been able to replicate last season’s results. He has allowed a 79.3% completion rate and 8.3 yards per target as part of a Cardinals defense that has generally struggled to stop opposing offenses this year.
Arizona moved safety Jalen Thompson into the slot during Williams’ absence earlier this year and brought Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in to fill Thompson’s snaps. The Cardinals could use the same approach or reconfigure their secondary to give younger defensive backs some playing time at the end of the season.
Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon Expects To Keep Job
While Jonathan Gannon‘s Cardinals appeared to take a step forward in 2024, the organization took a major step back in 2025. Naturally, the head coach has found himself on the hot seat. While Gannon won’t have much say in the matter, he’s confident he’ll be back in Arizona in 2026.
While speaking with reporters yesterday, the coach answered “yeah” when asked if he’ll be around for the organization’s postseason press conference. While Gannon said he didn’t want to “get into all that” when asked pointedly about his job security, he did admit that he feels “good” about keeping his job. The third-year coach also acknowledged that he’s had productive conversations with owner Michael Bidwill.
“I kind of do the same process as I’ve done the last two years: I try to take detailed notes, try to have a pulse of what’s going on, but you can’t let that … I do have to think about the future a little bit, obviously the seat that I’m in, but my focus is really on L.A. and that there’ll be a time to look at all of that and have those conversations and make changes,” Gannon said (via ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss). “No one’s happy. I’m not happy. Players aren’t happy. Through adversity, you’ve got to change. So, I got to change, and we got to change some things, but we’ll get to that.”
Gannon parlayed his success as Eagles defensive coordinator into the Cardinals head coaching job ahead of the 2023 campaign (although he had to overcome claims of tampering during the hiring process). The Cardinals struggled during the coach’s first season at the helm, finishing with a 4-13 record. However, the team slightly rebounded in 2024, finishing with an 8-9 record, and there was hope the franchise could build off that momentum in 2025.
Instead, the organization is on track to have their worst showing in more than five decades. Kyler Murray appears to be on his way out, leaving the team without an answer at a key position. Gannon’s leadership has also been questioned, especially following a midseason incident with Emari Demercado when the coach appeared to hit the RB in the stomach following a costly fumble. The Cardinals fined Gannon $100K for that incident.
Other than Steve Wilks‘ one-year stint as head coach, the Bidwill family has recently given their head coaches relatively long leashes, with each of Kliff Kingsbury, Bruce Arians, and Ken Whisenhunt all sticking around for at least four seasons. Despite Gannon’s confidence, it remains to be seen if the current head coach will be afforded the same amount of patience.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/30/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: TE Messiah Swinson
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Mecole Hardman
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: TE Ross Dwelley
Denver Broncos
- Signed: OL Calvin Throckmorton
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: RB Damien Martinez
Houston Texans
- Signed: DE Solomon Byrd
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: S Wyett Ekeler
- Released: OL Zachary Thomas
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: LB Kam Arnold, DT Marcus Harris
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: S Brandon Hill
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: DT Simeon Barrow Jr.
New England Patriots
- Signed: TE Marshall Lang
- Released: RB Jashaun Corbin
New York Giants
- Signed: CB Myles Purchase
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: LS Charley Hughlett
- Released: DE Titus Leo
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Josh Williams
- Released: RB Michael Wiley
More On Cowboys’ Decision To Cut Trevon Diggs
While reports indicated that Trevon Diggs‘ sudden release from the Cowboys today was a “culmination of factors,” there are rumblings that the move may have stemmed from a simple request from the veteran player.
[RELATED: Cowboys To Waive CB Trevon Diggs]
According to Jordan Schultz, Diggs requested to stay behind with his family in Washington following the Cowboys’ Christmas day win over the Commanders. As Schultz notes, this wasn’t an unusual request, as players often ask for (and are granted) some “additional family time” during the holidays if the schedule allows. Since Diggs is from the D.C. area and his family resides there (coupled with Cowboys players having several days off following their Thursday night contest), the ask wasn’t unfounded.
However, the request was ultimately denied by head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Diggs made a subsequent plea to stay behind, claiming the arrangement would help him avoid a meaningless flight back to Washington following the team’s return flight to Dallas. Again, the team “vehemently” denied the request. According to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports, Diggs ended up ignoring his team’s denial, skipped the team flight, and stayed behind in Washington.
Fast forward to this morning, and Diggs was unceremoniously cut by the Cowboys. While a violation of team rules would certainly warrant his release, the move also didn’t come as a complete surprise. As our own Sam Robinson detailed earlier today, Diggs was a clear release candidate this upcoming offseason, and his deteriorating relationship with the organization further signaled that his Cowboys tenure would soon be coming to an end.
Instead of releasing the defensive back following the Super Bowl, the Cowboys decided to move on now, allowing Diggs to join another squad in time for the playoffs. Interestingly, the player hired David Mulugheta of Athletes First today for representation, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While Diggs may simply be doing some administrative work ahead of his anticipated free agency, this could also be an indication that the player is anticipating multiple suitors.
Of course, Diggs would first have to clear waivers. If a team does claim the veteran, they’d be on the hook for his final 2025 game check worth $473K. While Diggs’ deal runs through the 2028 season, there’s no guaranteed money beyond the 2025 campaign, meaning the cornerback could represent a short-term rental for any interested squads.
Diggs has dealt with injuries in 2025, limiting him to only eight games. When he’s been on the field, his performance hasn’t resembled his All-Pro showing from earlier in his career. Still, if a team wants some extra CB depth ahead of the postseason, there won’t be higher-upside options than the 27-year-old.
Rico Dowdle, Calais Campbell, Von Miller Among Players Pursuing Incentives
The Panthers will face the Buccaneers in Week 18 with the NFC South on the line. Running back Rico Dowdle, one of the Panthers’ most important weapons, is dealing with a toe injury. It doesn’t appear it will sideline him, though, as head coach Dave Canales said he expects Dowdle to play Saturday (via Joe Person of The Athletic).
Along with winning the division, there’s a lot at stake financially for Dowdle, who’s seven scrimmage yards away from 1,350. If he reaches that total, Dowdle will earn a $1MM bonus, per Devon Henderson and Tobias Bass of The Athletic. Dowdle has rushed for 1,066 yards and added another 277 as a receiver while appearing in all 16 of Carolina’s games. The former Cowboy has given the Panthers plenty of bang for their buck on a one-year deal worth up to $6.25MM.
Dowdle isn’t the only veteran aiming to boost his earnings in Week 18. Here’s a look at several others (via Henderson and Bass):
- Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown has hauled in five touchdowns in 15 games. He’ll earn an extra $750K if he grabs touchdown No. 6 against the Raiders on Sunday. It’s a long shot, but Brown will add an extra $1MM if he catches three TDs. After re-upping with the Chiefs on a one-year pact worth up to $11MM last offseason, he’s on track to reach free agency in March.
- Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell needs one sack to hit 7.5 for the season. If he gets it done against the Rams on Sunday, Campbell will rake in a $500K bonus. That would be a nice way to go out for Campbell, who said before the season that this will likely be his last year. Campbell began his storied career with the Cardinals in 2008 and spent his first nine seasons in Arizona. After playing for four other teams, the six-time Pro Bowler returned to the desert last April on a one-year, $5.5MM guarantee.
- Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead will collect a $1MM bonus if he picks up 1.5 sacks and reaches seven for the season against the Titans on Sunday. Armstead has piled up 5.5 sacks in 15 games in 2025, the second season of a three-year, $51MM deal.
- While little has gone right for the Commanders in 2025, last summer’s Von Miller signing has worked out. After inking a one-year pact worth up to $6.1MM, Miller has recorded eight sacks in 16 games. The 36-year-old will secure a $1MM bonus if he registers his ninth sack in Sunday’s meeting with the Eagles.
- With 70-plus catches and over 700 yards, Saints tight end Juwan Johnson has already maxed out his $750K incentive package for 2025. The 29-year-old has pulled in 74 catches for 828 yards and three touchdowns in the best season of his career. He’ll earn a fully guaranteed $9MM in 2026, the second season of a three-year, $30.75MM accord.
Seahawks Make Handful Of Roster Moves
Gearing up for a monumental Week 18 meeting with NFC West rival San Francisco, Seattle made a few adjustments to its roster on Tuesday. The Seahawks placed wide receiver Cody White on injured reserve, signed offensive tackle Amari Kight to their active roster, waived safety D’Anthony Bell, and added wideout Montorie Foster to their practice squad (via John Boyle of the team’s website).
White, who injured his groin in a win over Carolina last Sunday, will miss a minimum of four games. That means White’s season will officially end if the Seahawks beat the 49ers on Saturday in a battle for the division and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A victory would give the Seahawks a first-round bye, which would render White ineligible for a Super Bowl return if they advance that far.
Now in his second year with the Seahawks, White appeared in 10 games during the regular season and caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He was on the field for 26.8% of special teams snaps and 16.6% of offensive snaps.
Kight, an undrafted rookie from UCF, received his third and final standard elevation from the practice squad in Week 17. The Seahawks had to sign Kight to their active roster in order to use him again. Kight has only played two offensive snaps this year, but with starting left tackle Charles Cross dealing with a hamstring injury, the Seahawks need the depth. Cross has missed back-to-back games, and it’s unclear if he’ll face the 49ers. Josh Jones will start again this week if Cross can’t play.
In his first season as a Seahawk, Bell has played in 14 games and started two. The former Brown has notched 15 tackles and a half-sack while primarily playing on special teams. He ranks third among Seahawks in ST snaps (251). The Seahawks cut Bell two weeks ago before immediately bringing him back on a practice squad deal. They’ll likely do the same again if he clears waivers, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
Bell’s roster spot will go to linebacker Derick Hall, who served a one-game suspension against the Panthers. Although Hall appealed the punishment, the league upheld it as a result of “an act of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct” he committed in a win over the Rams in Week 16.
Brian Flores Addresses Vikings Future
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Vikings are at risk of losing defensive coordinator Brian Flores in the coming weeks. Hoping to prevent Flores from joining another coaching staff, the Vikings are discussing a new deal with him. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that “[Flores] enjoys being here.” Flores confirmed as much on Tuesday (via Kevin Seifert of ESPN).
“I love Minnesota. I love this team. I love working for and with KO,” said Flores, who went on to compliment ownership, the players and the coaching staff.
While it’s clear Flores wouldn’t have a problem staying in Minnesota for a fourth season in 2026, he acknowledged there’s a “business part of this.” That suggests the money will have to line up for Flores to re-sign, which is hardly surprising.
Whether he re-ups with the Vikings or heads elsewhere (the Cowboys are reportedly interested), Flores figures to be among the NFL’s highest-paid defensive coordinators next year. His defense, which ranks fifth in yards and 10th in points, has lifted the Vikings to an 8-8 record this season despite a bottom-of-the-barrel offense.
Even if a new contract materializes with the Vikings, there’s no guarantee Flores will remain in Minnesota next year. It’s likely the 44-year-old has done enough to garner interest from teams searching for a head coach, as he did last winter in interviewing with the Bears, Jaguars and Jets.
During the upcoming hiring cycle, Flores would be one of the most established defensive coaches available as part of a market that won’t feature many high-end offensive-minded candidates. It should help Flores’ cause that he isn’t a neophyte as an NFL head coach. Flores went 24-25 with the Dolphins from 2019-21, a three-year span in which he guided them to two seasons over .500.
After Miami cut ties with Flores, he filed a civil suit against the league and multiple teams alleging racial discrimination in their hiring practices. Flores hasn’t gotten another chance as a head coach since, but that could change over the next month.
A potential Flores exit may lead to an in-house promotion for the Vikings, who could select passing game coordinator Daronte Jones as his successor. Executives around the league expect Jones to take over the Vikings’ defense if Flores leaves, Mike Sando of The Athletic reports. Jones “made a strong impression” interviewing for multiple D-coordinator openings last offseason, according to Sando. The 47-year-old is in his second stint with the Vikings and has been part of their O’Connell-led staff since 2022.