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Cole Kmet: Low-volume usage persists
Sunday, December 21, 2025 8:22 AM
Kmet caught two passes for 14 yards on three targets in the Bears' 22-16 overtime win over the Packers on Saturday.
Kmet has caught exactly two passes in four straight contests, continuing to operate as the secondary tight end behind Colston Loveland. This marked his first game under 28 receiving yards during that stretch, but the low number of receptions limits his fantasy upside, keeping him confined to deep-league fantasy consideration.
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Jahdae Walker: Capitalizes on expanded role
Sunday, December 21, 2025 8:20 AM
Walker caught two of three targets for 21 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 22-16 overtime win over the Packers on Saturday.
Walker played 27 percent of the snaps with Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden (ankle) out after totaling only nine offensive snaps prior to this game. He saw his first career targets, converting one into a touchdown. While the scoring play boosts his profile, his role remains situational and dependent on continued absences ahead of him.
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Olamide Zaccheaus: Extensive playing time in victory
Sunday, December 21, 2025 8:18 AM
Zaccheaus caught two of five targets for 33 yards in the Bears' 22-16 overtime win over the Packers on Saturday.
Zaccheaus played 86 percent of the snaps with Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden (ankle) sidelined, and he placed second on the team behind DJ Moore in targets. He had seven or fewer receiving yards in five of his previous six contests, but if teammates remain out with injuries, Zaccheaus could be productive down the stretch.
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Tee Higgins: Clears protocol
Sunday, December 21, 2025 8:14 AM
Higgins remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Miami, but he's on track to play after clearing the five-step concussion protocol, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
After sitting out the Bengals' Week 15 loss to the Ravens due to the concussion -- his second of the season -- Higgins put himself on a path to return to action in Week 16 after he turned in a full practice Friday. Before the Bengals headed to Miami, Higgins made a brief trip to Pittsburgh to complete the final step of the protocol Saturday, when he received clearance from an independent neurologist. Higgins should be ready to handle his typical snap count Sunday.
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Woody Marks: Planning to play Sunday
Sunday, December 21, 2025 1:17 AM
Marks, who is officially questionable for Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the Raiders due to an ankle injury, is planning to suit up, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Marks didn't finish last Sunday's win over Arizona after hurting his ankle early in the second quarter. He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday this week but got in a limited session Friday to give himself a chance of playing Sunday. It sounds like Marks is going to try to take the field, though his final status probably won't be shared until the Texans release their list of inactives about 90 minutes prior to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Should Marks need to sit out, Houston's backfield work could be split between veteran tailback Nick Chubb (ribs) and rookie Jawhar Jordan.
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John FitzPatrick: Exits locker room in walking boot
Sunday, December 21, 2025 12:54 AM
FitzPatrick, who injured his Achilles during an overtime loss to Chicago on Sunday, exited the locker room with a walking boot on his right foot after the game, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.
Achilles injuries tend to be more than minor, especially when they're the non-contact variety, as FitzPatrick's was. It's certainly not a good sign for FitzPatrick's availability moving forward that he left in a walking boot after Saturday's loss, though an official diagnosis may not be announced until after he undergoes further evaluation. Packers coach Matt LaFleur seemed to be resigned to having to look for another tight end to fill FitzPatrick's void for at least the short-term future, saying postgame, "I'm sure we have guys capable on our practice squad. We'll take a look at that and come up with a solution," per Zach Jacobson of 247Sports.com.
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Colston Loveland: Quiet showing against Packers
Sunday, December 21, 2025 12:51 AM
Loveland recorded three receptions on four targets for 30 yards in Saturday's 22-16 overtime win over the Packers.
Loveland was expected to take on an even larger role in Chicago's offense due to both Luther Burden (ankle) and Rome Odunze (foot) being sidelined. However, he instead tied for third on the team in targets and finished fourth in yardage. While it was a modest showing, Loveland did manage a pair of key catches on Chicago's game-tying drive late in the third quarter. Loveland should maintain a key role in the offense and have the chance to bounce back in Week 17 against the 49ers.
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Jayden Reed: Four touches in OT loss
Sunday, December 21, 2025 12:51 AM
Reed brought in all three targets for 35 yards and rushed once for six yards in the Packers' 22-16 overtime loss to the Bears on Saturday night.
Reed wasn't consistently involved throughout, and he exited the game for a spell in the second half to be evaluated for an undisclosed injury, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Jordan Love's exit from the contest in the second quarter due to a concussion likely didn't help matters, although Reed hauled in a 31-yard pass from Malik Willis in overtime for the majority of his production. Reed will aim to bounce back with a more productive showing at the expense of the Ravens secondary in a Week 17 home matchup next Saturday night.
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Christian Watson: Two catches in Week 16 loss
Sunday, December 21, 2025 12:46 AM
Watson brought in two of six targets for 17 yards in the Packers' 22-16 overtime loss to the Bears on Saturday night.
Watson was contained effectively by an injury-hampered Bears secondary, with the fact Jordan Love exited the game midway through the second quarter due to a concussion likely playing a factor. Watson had his own injury scare in the third quarter per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, but he was able to return to the game before the period was over. The veteran wideout's yardage total was his lowest of the season, and he'll aim to bounce back in a Week 17 home matchup against the Ravens next Saturday night.
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Tee Higgins: Trending toward playing Sunday
Sunday, December 21, 2025 12:44 AM
Higgins (concussion), who is officially questionable for Sunday's contest versus Miami, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Higgins missed last Sunday's loss to Baltimore due to a concussion he suffered in a Week 14 loss to the Bills. Though the concussion was his second of the season, he appears to have made good progress in his recovery after logging a full practice session Friday. Assuming Higgins has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, he appears set to return to action against the Dolphins, which would be a big boost to a Cincinnati offense that was shut out last weekend.
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