San Francisco, California, December 4, 2025
NFL Week 14 brings essential updates for fans, with significant developments around players such as Justin Herbert and Deshaun Watson. As teams adapt amid injuries, key players including Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are poised to return. Ben Roethlisberger suggests a coaching change for the Steelers, while Trey Hendrickson’s status raises concerns for the Bengals. Justin Jefferson shines with a multi-touchdown performance as the league’s excitement continues to grow, showcasing resilience and determination across the teams.
San Francisco, California
NFL Week 14 Updates: Quarterback Injuries, Player Returns, and Team Dynamics
This week’s NFL updates bring exciting news for teams and fans alike, particularly those following key players like Justin Herbert and Deshaun Watson. With injuries reshaping rosters and strategic decisions being made, the resilience of players and teams continues to shine as a testament to character and determination in the league.
As we dive into the details from this week, it’s evident that the landscape of the NFL remains vibrant. Teams are adapting under pressure, and local support for these franchises highlights the significant role they play in community cohesion and local economies. By enabling talent to shine and minimizing regulatory hurdles, franchises can focus on what they do best—enhancing the game through athletic excellence and innovation.
Justin Herbert Aims to Start Despite Hand Injury
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is preparing to start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, despite sustaining a broken non-throwing hand during a recent game against the Raiders. Herbert underwent surgery to insert a plate and screws in his left hand and has not yet resumed throwing. Backup quarterback Trey Lance has been taking first-team reps in practice. Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains optimistic about Herbert’s availability. This season, Herbert has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,842 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Chargers currently hold an 8-4 record and are in the top AFC wild-card spot.
Deshaun Watson Returns to Practice
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has returned to practice for the first time this season, initiating a 21-day window for the team to either activate him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the remainder of the 2025 season. Watson, recovering from multiple Achilles surgeries, was initially presumed out for the year. The Browns have cycled through three quarterbacks in his absence: Joe Flacco (traded to Cincinnati), Dillon Gabriel (concussed after four starts), and rookie Shedeur Sanders, who became the starter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the priority of getting Watson back to practicing football, though he did not confirm Watson would play this season.
Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan Return to Practice
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to welcome back wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, who have been designated to return from injured reserve. Evans has been sidelined since October 22 due to a broken collarbone sustained during a game against the Detroit Lions. McMillan has not played since suffering a neck injury in a preseason game on August 16. With this designation, the Buccaneers now have a 21-day window to activate both players. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, has played only four games this season, recording 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. McMillan, 23, emerged as a key contributor last season, scoring seven touchdowns in the final five games after Chris Godwin’s season-ending injury. The Buccaneers, currently 7-5, ended a three-game losing streak with a win over the Arizona Cardinals and will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 14.
Ben Roethlisberger Suggests Coaching Change for Steelers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed that it may be time for head coach Mike Tomlin and the team to part ways. On his podcast, Roethlisberger suggested Tomlin could benefit from a fresh start, even proposing the Penn State coaching vacancy as a potential fit, citing Tomlin’s strong recruiting ability. Roethlisberger, who played 15 of his 18 NFL seasons under Tomlin, emphasized that Tomlin shouldn’t be fired but rather should mutually agree with the organization to move on. Tomlin, in his 19th season as Steelers head coach, has a 189-113-2 record and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2008. However, the Steelers have struggled in recent years, including six straight playoff losses since 2016. Roethlisberger drew comparisons to former long-tenured coaches Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Andy Reid, noting that fresh starts have led to renewed success for both teams and coaches. Despite advocating for change, Roethlisberger acknowledged Tomlin’s Hall of Fame credentials and respected legacy.
Trey Hendrickson Listed as Doubtful for Week 14
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is considered doubtful for the Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a hip injury. Hendrickson, who has been absent since October 26 and did not play in November, will continue with rehabilitation this week. Despite trade rumors and a standoff over his contract during the offseason, the Bengals retained Hendrickson with a $14 million raise for 2025, increasing his salary to $30 million. He has 4.0 sacks for the season but hasn’t recorded any since early October. The Bengals, now 4-8 after a win over the Ravens, remain in the AFC North playoff race behind the Ravens and Steelers. Quarterback Joe Burrow recently returned from a turf toe injury, while wide receiver Tee Higgins remains out with a concussion.
Justin Jefferson Records Multi-Touchdown Performance
In Week 14, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had his first multi-touchdown performance of the season, finishing with 132 yards and two scores in a 42–21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. This performance marked a significant contribution to the Vikings’ offense and highlighted Jefferson’s continued excellence on the field.
Justin Jefferson’s Contract Extension
On June 3, 2024, Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season. This deal made Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL at an average of $35 million per year.
Upcoming Game: Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are set to host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:15 PM PST. This game is exclusive to WJBK in Detroit.
Injury Report: Amon-Ra St. Brown Listed as Questionable
The Detroit Lions’ pre-game injury report for Thursday’s game against the Cowboys includes four players listed as out – safety Kerby Joseph, wide receiver Kalif Raymond, and tight ends Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra – as well as wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown as questionable. St. Brown has not practiced this week due to a sprained ankle and is a game-time decision to play. He suffered the injury during the Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Packers last week in the first quarter.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Justin Herbert’s Injury Status | Preparing to start against the Eagles despite a broken non-throwing hand; backup Trey Lance taking first-team reps. |
| Deshaun Watson’s Return | Designated to return from PUP list; 21-day window to activate to 53-man roster; Browns have cycled through three quarterbacks in his absence. |
| Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan’s Return | Designated to return from injured reserve; Evans has been sidelined since October 22; McMillan since August 16; Buccaneers now have 21-day window to activate both players. |
| Ben Roethlisberger’s Coaching Suggestion | Suggested Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin consider parting ways; emphasized mutual agreement for a fresh start; acknowledged Tomlin’s Hall of Fame credentials. |
| Trey Hendrickson’s Injury Status | Listed as doubtful for Week 14 against the Bills due to a hip injury; has been absent since October 26; Bengals remain in AFC North playoff race. |
| Justin Jefferson’s Performance | Recorded first multi-touchdown performance of the season in Week 14; 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 42–21 victory over the Falcons. |
| Justin Jefferson’s Contract Extension | Signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Vikings on June 3, 2024; includes $110 million guaranteed; highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. |
| Upcoming Game: Cowboys at Lions | Scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:15 PM PST; exclusive to WJBK in Detroit. |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Injury Status | Listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Cowboys; sprained ankle; game-time decision to play; suffered injury during Thanksgiving game against the Packers. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Justin Herbert’s current injury status?
Justin Herbert is preparing to start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, despite sustaining a broken non-throwing hand during a recent game against the Raiders. He underwent surgery and has not yet resumed throwing. Backup quarterback Trey Lance has been taking first-team reps in practice. Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains optimistic about Herbert’s availability.
2. What is Deshaun Watson’s current status with the Cleveland Browns?
Deshaun Watson has returned to practice for the first time this season, initiating a 21-day window for the team to either activate him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the remainder of the 2025 season. He is recovering from multiple Achilles surgeries and was initially presumed out for the year. The Browns have cycled through three quarterbacks in his absence: Joe Flacco (traded to Cincinnati), Dillon Gabriel (concussed after four starts), and rookie Shedeur Sanders, who became the starter.
3. What is the status of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan?
Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan have been designated to return from injured reserve, providing the Buccaneers with a potential boost as they aim to secure their playoff spot. Evans has been sidelined since October 22, while McMillan has not played since August 16 due to injury.
4. What did Ben Roethlisberger suggest regarding Mike Tomlin’s coaching status?
Ben Roethlisberger suggested it may be time for head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to part ways, citing the potential for a mutually agreed-upon fresh start rather than suggesting Tomlin should be fired.
5. What is the injury status of Trey Hendrickson?
Trey Hendrickson is listed as doubtful for Week 14 against the Bills due to a hip injury. He has not played since October 26 and will continue rehabilitation this week.
6. How did Justin Jefferson perform in Week 14?
Justin Jefferson recorded his first multi-touchdown performance of the season in Week 14, finishing with 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 42–21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
7. What is the upcoming game schedule for the Lions?
The Lions are scheduled to host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:15 PM PST, with the game being exclusive to WJBK in Detroit.
8. What is Amon-Ra St. Brown’s injury status?
Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Cowboys due to a sprained ankle and is a game-time decision to play.
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