December 23, 2025 – Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season delivered thrilling playoff clinches alongside devastating injuries and off-field drama, shaking up rosters as the regular season nears its end.
Rookie RB Quinshon Judkins’ Season Ends with Gruesome Leg Injury
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick, suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle during the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills. The promising back was carted off the field and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. Recovery timelines for such injuries often extend into the offseason, potentially impacting his availability for the start of 2026. Judkins had emerged as a key piece in Cleveland’s backfield, posting strong yards from scrimmage before the injury.
Positive News for Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew dodged a bullet after initial fears of a torn ACL in the team’s loss to the Tennessee Titans. Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirm no ACL tear, though Minshew is expected to miss time. With starter Patrick Mahomes already out for the season due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 15, the Chiefs turned to third-stringer Chris Oladokun and are signing Shane Buechele off the Bills’ practice squad. Kansas City’s disappointing 2025 campaign continues without its top signal-callers.
DK Metcalf Suspended Two Games for Fan Altercation
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf received a two-game suspension without pay from the NFL for initiating physical contact with a fan during the Steelers’ win over the Detroit Lions. The video showed Metcalf approaching the stands and appearing to throw a punch. The league cited conduct detrimental to the NFL, and Metcalf plans to appeal. Reports indicate a prior history between Metcalf and the fan, with allegations of verbal abuse, though the fan’s attorney denies any slurs. The suspension sidelines Metcalf for the final two regular-season games, a blow to Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
Lamar Jackson Day-to-Day with Back Contusion
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is listed as day-to-day after suffering a serious back contusion in the loss to the New England Patriots. Jackson, who has dealt with injuries limiting his explosiveness this year (career-low rushing yards), was replaced by Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. The Ravens, now 7-8, face a tough road to the playoffs and host the Green Bay Packers next.
Other Notable NFL Injury Updates
Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson and WR Kayshon Boutte → Entered concussion protocol after the win over Baltimore.
Chargers RB Kimani Vidal → Day-to-day with a neck strain; injury not considered serious.
Cardinals CB Garrett Williams → Feared torn Achilles, awaiting MRI confirmation.
Broncos WR Pat Bryant → Released from hospital with concussion after scary cart incident.
Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt → No new update post-lung surgery; expected to practice this week, but status is uncertain.
Playoff Picture Tightens Heading into Week 17
Multiple teams clinched spots in Week 16, including the Chargers, Jaguars, and Bills in the AFC, joining the Broncos and Patriots. In the NFC, the Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, 49ers, and Rams are locked in. Races for division titles and seeding remain intense, with Christmas Day games adding holiday excitement.
As the 2025 NFL season heads into its final weeks, these NFL injuries and developments highlight the brutal nature of the sport. Stay tuned for more NFL news and updates on player statuses ahead of Week 17 matchups.
