NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Monday, Jan. 1

INJURIES

• QB Taylor Heinicke (left ankle) is uncertain to play in Week 18, with more to be known on Friday, head coach Arthur Smith said. Atlanta will get QB Desmond Ridder ready if Heinicke can’t play.

SIGNINGS

• OL Ben Brown (practice squad)

INJURIES

• QB Josh Allen suffered a neck stinger in Sunday’s win, but HC Sean McDermott added that he will be good to go for the season finale.

SIGNINGS

• OL Jerome Carvin (practice squad)

INJURIES

• OT Tyler Smith “has a chance” to play in Week 18 despite a complete tear to his plantar fascia, per head coach Mike McCarthy

SUSPENSIONS

• DB Jaire Alexander‘s team suspension was officially lifted, per the league wire.

INJURIES

• WR Jayden Reed will have further tests on his ribs today after negative X-rays, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. Rapoport adds that it’s safe to say Reed’s status for Week 18 is in doubt.
• WR Samori Toure was placed on injured reserve.

SIGNINGS

• WR Bo Melton (from practice squad to active roster)
• S Tyler Coyle (practice squad)

INJURIES

• QB Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is “progressing” and see his limitations on Wednesday, per head coach Doug Pederson.
• WR Christian Kirk, who suffered a core muscle injury in Week 13, has “potential” to see his 21-day practice window activated, per Pederson.
• WR Jamal Agnew suffered a lower leg fracture and is out for the remainder of the season, per Pederson.

SIGNINGS

• K Brett Maher is being signed, HC Sean McVay announced. Maher kicked in seven games earlier this season for L.A. before he was released.

ROSTER CUTS

• K Lucas Havrisik

INJURIES

• QB Tua Tagovailoa‘s (left shoulder) availability is not a concern heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Bills, per head coach Mike McDaniel.
• OLB Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources. McDaniel confirmed the news.
• CB Xavien Howard (foot) is unlikely to need surgery, but is not expected to play in Week 18, per McDaniel.

OTHER NEWS

• Head coach Kevin O’Connell said he has made a decision as to who his starting quarterback will be on Sunday against the Lions, but would not announce it before letting his players know. Since Kirk Cousins was lost for the season with an injury, the Vikings have started Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens. Hall started Week 17, but was replaced to begin the second half by Mullens.

ROSTER CUTS

• DB Cameron Dantzler was waived, per the league wire.

INJURIES

• OT Tyre Phillips suffered a torn quad tendon and will have season-ending surgery, per head coach Brian Daboll.

INJURIES

• WR DeVonta Smith is believed to be dealing with a mild ankle sprain and it is not considered a major injury, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. Smith will have more tests today, Rapoport added. Smith, who was seen in a walking boot after Sunday’s loss, remained on crutches and in a boot Monday, head coach Nick Sirianni said. As for his availability Sunday, Sirianni simply said, “We’ll see.”

OTHER NEWS

• QB Mason Rudolph will start in Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Ravens, per head coach Mike Tomlin. QB Kenny Pickett, who was dealing with an ankle injury, is handling the situation as team player, Tomlin added.

INJURIES

• RB Christian McCaffrey has a mild calf strain and will miss Week 18, per head coach Kyle Shanahan.
• CB Ambry Thomas will have surgery for his broken hand on Tuesday, per Shanahan.

ROSTER CUTS

• DE Frank Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler, cleared waivers and is now a free agent.

INJURIES

• QB Baker Mayfield, who is dealing with a ribs injury after Sunday’s game, is expected to be “fine” for Week 18’s matchup against the Panthers, per head coach Todd Bowles.