Football – Winnipeg Free Press

Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout (11) warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

NFL’s fourth-down revolution and new rules lead to record-low punts in 2025

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read 5:01 AM CST

There were three times in the first 59 years of the Super Bowl era that a team went back-to-back regular-season games without punting once.

That total has been matched during the 2025 season as part of a growing trend that has led to punts becoming more and more rare.

The new kickoff rule, the K-balls that have contributed to more long field goals and an increase in fourth-down aggressiveness by coaches have conspired to take the punt out of the game.

With one week remaining, the NFL is poised to set a record for fewest punts per game in any season in league history with the average of 3.54 punts per game for each team the lowest on record.

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Longtime Buccaneers radio play-by-play voice Gene Deckerhoff retiring after this season

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 3 minute read 1:14 PM CST

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio play-by-play announcer Gene Deckerhoff is retiring after 37 seasons in the booth.

Known for his signature “Touchdown, Tampa Bay!” call and coining the phrase “Fire the Cannons!” after the Bucs score at home, Deckerhoff announced Wednesday this is his last season.

“Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Deckerhoff said. “I’ve had the fortune to form meaningful relationships with players, coaches and staff members as well as interact with thousands of Buccaneers fans everywhere in the world. My wife, Ann, and I are grateful to the Glazer family for allowing us to be a part of the Buccaneers organization for so many wonderful years. I am equally thankful to all the members of the radio crew and the partners I have had with me through the years — particularly Dave Moore, who has been by my side for the past 19 years. I will miss doing what I love, but now is the right time to step away.”

The Buccaneers (7-9) must beat the Panthers on Saturday to have a chance to win the NFC South and give Deckerhoff one more playoff game. They would advance with a victory against Carolina coupled with the Falcons losing or tying tie the Saints on Sunday.

Bills DE Ed Oliver hurts knee, further delaying his return from IR

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Bills DE Ed Oliver hurts knee, further delaying his return from IR

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 2 minute read 12:51 PM CST

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver had minor surgery for a knee injury this week, further delaying his return off injured reserve for playoff-bound Buffalo.

Coach Sean McDermott provided the update on Wednesday, by saying the injury happened while Oliver was rehabbing from a torn left bicep he sustained in late October. Oliver was originally projected to return before the end of the season.

McDermott did not have a timetable on Oliver’s recovery, by saying the knee injury adds a level of uncertainty. He, however, didn’t rule out the player returning should the Bills make a deep playoff run.

Buffalo (11-5) closes the regular season by hosting the New York Jets (3-13) on Sunday. The Bills are currently the AFC’s No. 7 seed, with an opportunity to climb as high as No. 5, meaning they’ll open the wild-card playoff round on the road.

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12:51 PM CST

FILE - Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver arrives prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker, File)

Rivers’ brief comeback to end as Colts opt to start Leonard at QB against Houston

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Rivers’ brief comeback to end as Colts opt to start Leonard at QB against Houston

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read 12:31 PM CST

Philip Rivers' brief comeback is over — and apparently so is his career. Again.

The 44-year-old quarterback who came out of retirement to try and lead the Indianapolis Colts back to the playoffs three weeks ago will not start Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and has likely taken the final snaps of his 18-year NFL career.

Coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday, as expected, Rivers would be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Riley Leonard in the Colts' season finale Sunday at Houston.

Steichen had indicated the move was possible just minutes after Indy (8-8) lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, one day after the Texans beat Rivers' former team, the Los Angeles Chargers, to eliminate the Colts from the playoff race. And he may have inadvertently dropped a hint of the plan when he referred to Rivers “coming out one last time and fighting like crazy.”

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12:31 PM CST

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens (14) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jets undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook gets another shot to start in season finale

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Jets undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook gets another shot to start in season finale

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read 12:36 PM CST

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Brady Cook will get the start at quarterback in the New York Jets' season finale at Buffalo.

It will be the fourth consecutive game in which the undrafted rookie will open under center for the Jets, who will try to end a four-game skid Sunday when they face the Bills.

“I want to give him another chance to go out there and play,” coach Aaron Glenn said before practice Wednesday.

When asked if he thinks Cook gives New York the best opportunity to come away with a victory, Glenn said flatly: “He gives us the best chance to win.

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12:36 PM CST

New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook passes against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

O-lineman Eli signs two-year deal to stay with Bombers

Free Press staff 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:36 PM CST

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Tuesday the club has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with veteran Canadian Tui Eli. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

The 2026 season will be Eli’s sixth season with the Blue and Gold.

The 6-3, 287-pound O-lineman appeared in 18 games and the Eastern semifinal last season and caught Zach Collaros’s pass for a touchdown against the B.C. Lions in June.

The 29-year-old native of Richmond, B.C., has seen action in 70 CFL games and won Grey Cups with the Bombers in 2019 and 2021.

NFL program provides resources to help retired players find new career paths after football

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 5 minute read 5:01 AM CST

Eric Lee was just a few years into his NFL career and fresh off playing in a Super Bowl when he started preparing for life after the game.

Johnson Bademosi played nine seasons in the league and now works as an analyst at an asset management company after participating in a development fellowship at NFL offices.

Brandin Dandridge spent part of a season with the Chiefs and recently started a career in sales after participating in a technology training and career transition program specifically for retired NFL players.

Lee, Bademosi and Dandridge are among many former players who have used the NFL’s Player Care Foundation to prepare for the next chapter of their lives after football.

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Rams face questions about their mentality after dismaying loss to Atlanta extends their late slump

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Rams face questions about their mentality after dismaying loss to Atlanta extends their late slump

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 6:11 PM CST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams were 14 points up on the Seattle Seahawks midway through the fourth quarter less than two weeks ago, cruising toward another NFC West title and likely their first No. 1 playoff seeding in coach Sean McVay's tenure.

The Rams' late collapse into an overtime loss in Seattle followed them across their extra-long Christmas break and into Atlanta, where their embarrassing 27-24 defeat Monday night made it highly likely they'll spend their entire postseason on the road.

Intellectually, the Rams (11-5) still look like a strong Super Bowl contender with their balanced roster, an MVP-caliber quarterback and a coach who has taken them to the big game twice before.

But three losses in their past five games — right when the Rams seemed poised to cement themselves as the NFC favorite, no less — have introduced serious doubt about this team’s ability to win it all.

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Yesterday at 6:11 PM CST

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) celebrates a first down in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they’ll need help to win the NFC South

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they’ll need help to win the NFC South

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:10 PM CST

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes.

After a major collapse, the Buccaneers need help to get in.

First, they must beat Carolina on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak. Then, the Falcons have to lose or tie to the Saints on Sunday.

If that happens, the Buccaneers (7-9) would secure their fifth straight NFC South title and second with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.

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Yesterday at 4:10 PM CST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:51 PM CST

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Cowboys waived cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday, ending a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions.

The move came five days before Dallas' season finale Sunday at the New York Giants, with the Cowboys (7-8-1) already guaranteed to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers.

The season began with Diggs playing in the opener, earlier than expected coming off the recovery from his second major knee surgery in two years.

Diggs played six games before sustaining a concussion in an accident at home Oct. 16, something Diggs waited two months to try to explain to reporters. He said he was trying to install a TV when he was hit in the head by a mounting pole.

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:51 PM CST

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) walks along he sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Lamar Jackson at practice for the Ravens as Baltimore prepares for Pittsburgh showdown

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Lamar Jackson at practice for the Ravens as Baltimore prepares for Pittsburgh showdown

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:03 PM CST

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson was at practice Wednesday for the Baltimore Ravens as they prepared for this weekend's showdown at Pittsburgh for the AFC North title.

Jackson missed last weekend's must-win game at Green Bay because of a back injury. He hasn't had a full week of practice since early November, but his presence Wednesday suggests that's a possibility now. The two-time MVP quarterback also missed three games earlier this season because of hamstring problems.

The Ravens beat the Packers with Tyler Huntley at quarterback, but they still need a win over the Steelers on Sunday night to make the playoffs.

___

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1:03 PM CST

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson watches on the field during pre-game warm ups before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Packers sign Ridder to practice squad and remain noncommittal on plans for regular-season finale

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Packers sign Ridder to practice squad and remain noncommittal on plans for regular-season finale

The Associated Press 3 minute read 1:12 PM CST

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay signed quarterback Desmond Ridder to its practice squad Wednesday as the Packers remained quiet on how they’d approach their final regular-season game with their playoff seeding already determined.

Packers quarterbacks Jordan Love and Malik Willis practiced Wednesday, though coach Matt LaFleur noted that Love remains in concussion protocol and Willis would be limited with a shoulder issue.

“Here’s what I told the team,” LaFleur said. “We have 53 spots on our roster. You can have two call-ups. You have 48 dressed on game day. So there’s going to be some starters that aren’t going to play. Shoot, they may not suit up, they might suit up. And then you’re going to have some starters that are going to play. So basically, you guys will find out on Sunday who’s playing.”

The Packers (9-6-1) are locked into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed for a third straight year by losing 41-24 to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. They close the regular season Sunday at Minnesota (8-8).

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1:12 PM CST

FILE - Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Patriots coach echoes support for Stefon Diggs; hasn’t heard from NFL following criminal charges

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Patriots coach echoes support for Stefon Diggs; hasn’t heard from NFL following criminal charges

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read 2:10 PM CST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.

The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.

“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”

Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.

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2:10 PM CST

FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

Falcons’ Dorlus avoids knee injury, will miss season finale because of injured hamstring

Maura Carey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Falcons’ Dorlus avoids knee injury, will miss season finale because of injured hamstring

Maura Carey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 2:17 PM CST

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus avoided a serious injury after leaving Monday's 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

The second-year defensive tackle left in the third quarter with what was thought to be a knee injury. Coach Raheem Morris expressed concern after the game, saying that “it didn’t look great” and that he “felt for the young man.”

The coach said on Wednesday it was a hamstring injury and not a torn ligament in the knee.

“We dodged a big-time bullet," Morris said. “We feel pretty good about the injury. He's going to miss a couple weeks, obviously he'll miss this game, but we do know we feel really good about what happened as opposed to what everybody thought.”

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Updated: 2:17 PM CST

FILE - Atlanta Falcons defensive end Brandon Dorlus (54) smiles after the win following an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

Steelers could have T.J. Watt back for ‘AFC North championship’ showdown against Ravens

Will Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Steelers could have T.J. Watt back for ‘AFC North championship’ showdown against Ravens

Will Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 12:48 PM CST

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers could have outside linebacker T.J. Watt back for their “win or go home” showdown with Baltimore for the AFC North title on Sunday night.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he's “more optimistic” than he has been that the perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher will be available after sitting out each of the past three games while recovering from surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung sustained following a dry needling treatment.

Tomlin added he'd like to see Watt practice fully at some point this week. Watt was a limited participant last week before being held out of Sunday's 13-6 loss to Cleveland, a setback that cost the Steelers (9-7) a chance to wrap up the division with a week to go.

Now, Pittsburgh either needs to win or tie the Ravens (8-8) on Sunday night to win the AFC North for the first time since 2020.

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Yesterday at 12:48 PM CST

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Bijan Robinson, Falcons finishing strong with 3rd straight win after elimination from playoffs

Bill Trocchi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Bijan Robinson, Falcons finishing strong with 3rd straight win after elimination from playoffs

Bill Trocchi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 12:30 PM CST

ATLANTA (AP) — Maybe the Atlanta Falcons just need to have more games in prime time.

The Falcons improved to 4-1 in prime-time games this season Monday night, upsetting the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on Zane Gonzalez’s 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left.

It was their second Monday night victory at home, the first coming against the Buffalo Bills in October.

Bijan Robinson put on another stellar performance, setting the franchise record for yards from scrimmage in a season after his 229 total yards pushed his season total to 2,255. He had an electrifying 93-yard touchdown run in the first half that was also a team record.

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Yesterday at 12:30 PM CST

December 31, 2025

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