Titans’ Calvin Ridley (illness), Tyjae Spears (concussion) miss practice

Titans head coach Bill Callahan also said Wednesday that cornerback L’Jarius Snead (quad) has been ruled out for a sixth straight game.

The Titans (2-8) are preparing for their game at the Houston Texans (7-4) on Sunday.

Ridley, 29, had four catches for 58 yards last week, giving him 36 catches for 541 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Spears was injured late in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He’ll have to be cleared from the concussion protocol to play against the Texans.

Spears, 23, rushed three times for 0 yards and caught 2 passes for eight yards on Sunday. In seven games this season, he has 161 yards one touchdown on 43 carries and 17 receptions for 88 tards.

Callahan also said that tackle Leroy Watson (back) is not expected back this week and that the team will open the practice window for cornerback Chido Awuzie (groin) next week.

Sneed, 27, hasn’t played since an Oct. 13 loss to visiting Indianapolis. He has 23 tackles in five games (all starts) this season.

He is in his first season with the Titans after a March trade from the Chiefs. Kansas City had picked him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft out of Louisiana Tech.

Giants mull dropping Daniel Jones to QB4

The New York Giants are considering shutting down Daniel Jones entirely and making Tim Boyle their emergency third-string quarterback.

Boyle, signed by the Giants to their practice squad on Tuesday, took snaps ahead of Jones during Wednesday’s practice. Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters he hasn’t decided whether Jones or Boyle will be QB3 this week.

Daboll on Monday announced that Tommy DeVito will start for the Giants (2-8) on Sunday against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drew Lock will be his backup, demoting Jones to third string.

At play is a $23 million injury guarantee should Jones play and get hurt. It all but foreshadows that Jones has played his last game in a Giants uniform.

This season, Jones has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. The 27-year-old is in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract. He is due to earn $30 million in base salary in 2025, with $12 million fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league season.

Boyle, 30, has appeared in 22 career games, going 0-5 as a starter. He’s thrown for 1,087 yards with four touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

Cardinals activate RT Jonah Williams from IR

The Arizona Cardinals activated right tackle Jonah Williams off injured reserve on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move made in advance, the team waived OL Charlie Heck on Monday, then re-signed him to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Williams, 27, who signed a two-year contract worth $30 million with the Cardinals in March, was injured early in his first game with the club in Week 1 against the Bills. He played 22 offensive snaps in the loss at Buffalo before sustaining the injury on the final play of the first quarter.

Kelvin Beachum started at right tackle in eight of the nine games Williams missed, missing Week 3 himself with an injury.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has not determined if Williams will return to the starting lineup on Sunday.

A first-round pick (No. 11 overall) in 2019, Williams has started all 60 games he’s played with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cardinals.

Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff out after wrist procedure

Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff is out for an undetermined recovery period because of a procedure scheduled for Thursday on his injured left wrist.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said Huff should be able to return before the end of the regular season.

He’s been bothered by a wrist issue since Nov. 3, hurt during pregame warmups ahead of Philadelphia’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He tried to play but was limited to six snaps.

“I can’t say enough of how he battled through all those different things. I really admire the way he battled through and played with that cast on,” Sirianni said Wednesday.

Huff signed a $51 million deal to join the Eagles in free agency after a career-best 10 sacks with the New York Jets in 2023.

The Eagles (8-2) haven’t lost since September and have 28 sacks this season with 2.5 from Huff and stronger contributions from his competition at the position. Josh Sweat leads the team with 6.0 sacks and Nolan Smith has 3.5.

Rookie Jalyx Hunt played a season-high 25 snaps at Dallas. He was the 94th pick in the 2024 draft and could be in line for a larger role while Huff recovers.

“We really like our room,” Sirianni said of divvying out Huff’s reps. “They’ve been playing at a really high level. We obviously drafted Jalyx because we liked his skill set. He’s been doing a lot of good things on special teams.”

Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri among 25 HOF semifinalists

First-time nominees Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly are among the 25 semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 with former Rams wide receiver Torry Holt hoping a 12th time is the charm.

Vinatieri, Kuechly, Manning, Terrell Suggs, Earl Thomas and Marshal Yanda are the first-time candidates who last played in 2019 in the pool of semifinalists, which will be reduced to 15 by the end of the current season.

Holt is a semifinalist for the 12th time and nine-time semifinalists Hines Ward and Darren Woodson have been debated by Selection Committee the second-longest. Woodson was first a semifinalist in 2015; Ward joined the list in 2017.

Offensive linemen Richmond Webb, who retired following the 2002 season, is also a first-time semifinalist.

2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern-Era nominee semifinalists

Eric Allen, CB — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders

Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25

Jared Allen, DE — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers

Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25

Willie Anderson, T — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens

Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25

Anquan Boldin, WR — 2003-09 Arizona Cardinals, 2010-12 Baltimore Ravens, 2013-15 San Francisco 49ers, 2016 Detroit Lions

Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2022-25

Jahri Evans, G — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers

Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2023-25

Antonio Gates, TE — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2024-25

James Harrison, LB — 2002-2012, 2014-17 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2013 Cincinnati Bengals, 2017 New England Patriots

Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2023-25

Rodney Harrison, S — 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots

Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021, 2023-25)

Torry Holt, WR — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars

Times as a Semifinalist: 11 – 2015-2025)

Luke Kuechly, LB — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025)

Eli Manning, QB — 2004-2019 New York Giants

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Robert Mathis, DE/LB — 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts

Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2022-25

Steve Smith Sr., WR — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens

Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2022-25

Terrell Suggs, LB/DE — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Fred Taylor, RB — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots

Times as a Semifinalist: 6 – 2020-25

Earl Thomas, DB — 2010-18 Seattle Seahawks, 2019 Baltimore Ravens

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Adam Vinatieri, PK — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Hines Ward, WR — 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers

Times as a Semifinalist: 9 – 2017-2025

Ricky Watters, RB — 1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, 1998-2001 Seattle Seahawks

Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020, 2022-25

Reggie Wayne, WR — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts

Times as a Semifinalist: 6 – 2020-25)

Richmond Webb, T — 1990-2000 Miami Dolphins, 2001-02 Cincinnati Bengals

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Vince Wilfork, DT — 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans

Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2022-25

Steve Wisniewski, G — 1989-2001 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders

Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2014, 2025

Darren Woodson, S — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys

Times as a Semifinalist: 9 – 2015, 2017, 2019-2025

Marshal Yanda, G/T — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens

Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025

Report: Jets owner suggested benching QB Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8, and they fired general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday.

Yet team owner Woody Johnson reportedly sought another huge move that didn’t happen: the benching of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Johnson advocated a QB change in a Sept. 29 meeting.

Per the report, Johnson brought together a group of coaches and front office staffers in the wake of a 10-9 home loss to the Denver Broncos that dropped the Jets’ record to 2-2.

Johnson advocated installing Tyrod Taylor at quarterback in place of Rodgers, according to The Athletic. Douglas and the coaches, including Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Jeff Ulbrich, then the defensive coordinator, now the interim head coach, reportedly were shocked by the suggestion, with one participant asking Johnson if he was being serious.

The meeting ended with the idea being dismissed.

Rodgers, a 40-year-old veteran who is a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, has started every game this season for the 3-8 Jets. He has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,442 yards and 17 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Last year, his first with New York, Rodgers sustained a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon early in the opening game.

In his career, largely with the Green Bay Packers (2005-22), Rodgers has a 151-83-1 record as a starter with 61,497 passing yards, 492 passing touchdowns and 112 interceptions.

Taylor, 35, went 2-3 as a starter for the Jets last year. A former Pro Bowl performer with the Buffalo Bills who also has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and New York Giants, Taylor owns a career 28-28-1 record in a starting role.

This season, Taylor has completed 6 of 8 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

QB Russell Wilson stays in the moment as Steelers take on Browns

Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”

The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.'”

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.

“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.

NFL suspends Cardinals LB Markus Bailey 6 games for PED violation

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Bailey was suspended six games without pay for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy, the NFL announced on Tuesday.

A member of the Cardinals’ practice squad, Bailey, 27, has appeared in one game this season, a 17-15 home win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 21. He played 73 percent (16) of the special teams snaps and none on defense.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Bailey in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Purdue. He played in 60 games (four starts) for the Bengals and had 73 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and four passes defended.

Arizona re-signed offensive lineman Charlie Heck, who had been released from the active roster, to the practice squad to fill Bailey’s spot on Tuesday. Starting right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) is expected to be activated from injured reserve by Wednesday, his deadline for returning to the active roster to play this season.

NFL has ‘no issue’ with ‘Trump Dance’ celebrations

The NFL does not plan to crack down the “Trump Dance” and in fact has “no issue” with its players incorporating the dance into their on-field celebrations.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa celebrated a sack of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 10 by performing President-elect Donald Trump’s signature dance that has gone viral.

He was joined this past weekend by Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers, Tennessee wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Detroit defenders Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez showing off their renditions following big plays.

“There’s no issue with a celebratory dance such as what took place (Sunday) or the previous week with the 49ers on November 10,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Front Office Sports. “It’s up to the networks to cover them as they see fit.”

NFL rules allow for players to celebrate so long as they’re not excessive and don’t feature violent or sexually suggestive acts. Players are also not allowed to wear printed hats or clothing that promote their political opinions, and Bosa was fined $11,255 for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat on the field.

However, the “Trump Dance” is not considered a political statement by the league.

Stars in other sports have also displayed the dance since the election two weeks ago, including UFC champion Jon Jones and U.S. Men’s National Team soccer player Christian Pulisic, who celebrated with the dance following a goal against Jamaica on Monday night.

Bowers said he came up with the idea to celebrate a touchdown on Sunday with the “Trump Dance” after seeing Jones do it during the UFC event the previous night.

“I’ve seen everyone do it,” Bowers said, per USA Today. “I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC, so I saw it and thought it was cool.”

On Tuesday, the President-elect posted a message to his Truth Social account reading, “TRUMP DANCE SWEEPS THE NATION,” accompanied by a video compilation of NFL players doing their celebrations.

Playoff picture: Broncos (AFC), Commanders (NFC) slotted as No. 7 seeds

The Denver Broncos are the No. 7 seed and the final team in the AFC playoff picture entering Week 12 of the regular season.

A stranger to the postseason since last securing a spot in the 2015 season, the Broncos (6-5) are ahead of the Indianapolis Colts (5-6) and Miami Dolphins (4-6) in the conference wild-card race. Denver is effectively two games behind the current No. 6 seed because of a head-to-head loss to the Baltimore Ravens (7-4).

Denver’s most recent postseason appearance came in Super Bowl 50 in 2016, when Peyton Manning — in his final career game — and the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers.

Resurgent Washington, led by first-year head coach Dan Quinn, holds the No. 7 seed in the NFC through 11 weeks.

To move up from that spot, the Commanders (7-4) would need to overtake the Green Bay Packers (7-3) and Minnesota Vikings (8-2), who trail NFC North-leading and NFC No. 1 seed Detroit (9-1).

Washington last won a playoff game after the 2005 regular season and has lost four straight postseason games since (following the regular seasons of 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020), all in the wild-card round.

Current NFL playoff picture:

AFC

1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)

4. Houston Texans (7-4)

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)

7. Denver Broncos (6-5)

NFC

1. Detroit Lions (9-1)

2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)

3. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

5. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)

6. Green Bay Packers (7-3)

7. Washington Commanders (7-4)