NFL to use commemorative ball in 2026 to mark nation's 250th birthday

Wed Nov 26 11:40am ET
Field Level Media

The NFL will mark the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026 with embossing on the footballs and special field markings.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a news release Wednesday that the NFL has been working with the White House Salute to America 250 Task Force to take part in celebrating the nation's 1776 founding.

The marking on the ball says "America 250," with the stylized number colored in red, white and blue that has been adopted by organizers of the nationwide celebration.

"The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America's 250th anniversary," Goodell said. "The story of the NFL reflects the story of America, and the American spirit of resilience, innovation and teamwork has helped football grow into a cultural pastime that unites us all. We are excited to honor our country's history and celebrate our collective future."

The NFL made a similar gesture during the nation's bicentennial year in 1976.

The balls will be put into play in Week 18 during the Jan. 3 and 4 games to start the year-long celebration, which will run through the 2026 season.

In addition to the special balls and field insignias, commemorative coins will be used during pregame coin flips.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan Nov 26 11:10am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) has been on Injured Reserve for the entirety of the 2025 regular season after suffering a neck injury in preseason action. While McMillan has yet to have his IR activation window opened by the team, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports that McMillan "seems close" heading into Tampa Bay's Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Across 13 games as a rookie in 2024, McMillan recorded 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 targets. While 2025 appears likely to be a mostly lost year for the 23-year-old, Auman's reporting indicates that McMillan has a chance to get back on the field before the end of the regular season. If he can return, McMillan would join a crowded Tampa Bay wide receiver room that includes Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Tez Johnson, and could be getting Mike Evans (collarbone) as well. It's unclear how heavily the team would lean on McMillan, particularly given the long injury layoff.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 26 11:10am CT
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Daniel Jones (leg) will be listed as limited for Wednesday's walkthrough practice, but he will be good to go for Sunday's divisional game against the Houston Texans, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Jones was also on last week's injury report with a fibula injury, but he eventually returned to a full practice and played in Sunday's overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, going 19-for-31 passing for 181 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. The 28-year-old has been a front-runner for Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 in his first year in Indy, having thrown for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 11 games. Jones will be more of a low-end QB2 option in fantasy football this weekend, though, against the No. 1 defense in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Nov 26 11:00am CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that he thinks wide receiver Drake London (knee) is "doubtful" to play in his team's Week 13 matchup against the New York Jets, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. London suffered a PCL injury in Week 11 that appears likely to sideline him for at least two games. Across nine games this season, the star wideout has recorded 60 catches for 810 yards and six touchdowns on 94 targets. In his absence in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, Falcons wideouts David Sills V and Dylan Drummond both saw an increase in playing time. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. may be the most likely beneficiaries from a target perspective if London remains out against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Nov 26 10:59am CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has delivered back-to-back productive games with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) sidelined. Over the past two weeks, Dortch has caught 12 passes on 15 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in each game. Dortch has played 65% of the snaps during this period, more than doubling the snaps he previously played. Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated that there is no timetable for Harrison's return, which gives Dortch the opportunity to continue producing. The Cardinals face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, who have allowed the tenth most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. If Harrison remains out, Dortch should remain a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Chris Godwin Nov 26 10:50am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) looked "fine" in practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. The 29-year-old returned in Week 12 from a long injury layoff due to a leg injury and recorded two catches for nine yards on four targets in his team's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Godwin played just 36% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps against the Rams, but Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that the team plans to ramp up his usage going forward. Across the three games he's been healthy for this season, Godwin has recorded eight catches for 61 yards on 18 targets. He's dealt with persistent lower-body issues since suffering a dislocated ankle in October 2024, so it's wise for fantasy managers to proceed with caution until Godwin proves he can maintain health for an extended stretch. Godwin remains tough to trust heading into the Buccaneers' Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, particularly with starting Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield's (shoulder) status in question due to a shoulder injury.

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Bucky Irving Nov 26 10:40am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) looked "fine" in practice on Wednesday, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Irving is expected to practice all week heading into Tampa Bay's Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, although his status for Sunday against Arizona remains unclear. Irving has not played since Week 4 due to multiple injury issues. Across four games before getting injured, the 23-year-old had recorded 430 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 90 touches and looked like the clear RB1 in Tampa Bay. In his absence, the Buccaneers have turned to Rachaad White and Sean Tucker for backfield snaps. Even when Irving returns, the team may choose to operate with more of a committee approach in order to bring him back slowly from the long injury layoff. Still, Irving's return to the field would be a welcome sign for fantasy managers. The final word on his Week 13 status is unlikely to come before the end of the week.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 26 10:30am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been sidelined since suffering a gruesome dislocated left elbow in his team's Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the 24-year-old was able to avoid surgery, and a return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings is a "realistic possibility," per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Fowler notes that while Daniels has not been officially ruled out for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, Washington is more likely to go with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota for one more week. Across six games this season, Daniels has completed 62.5% of his pass attempts for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He's also been a major threat with his legs, rushing for 262 yards and two touchdowns on 54 attempts. While a Week 14 return for Daniels would obviously be a positive thing for fantasy managers, it might be wise to temper expectations, specifically for his rushing workload. With Washington currently saddled with a 3-8 record, the team will likely be cautious with putting its franchise quarterback at risk.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 26 10:30am CT
Daniel Jones

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculates that the Minnesota Vikings could make a play for current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones when Jones hits free agency after the 2025 season. Fowler writes that "a few people inside the league" have wondered whether Minnesota can "bring in a veteran/reclamation project to compete" with struggling quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) heading into 2026. McCarthy has struggled mightily across six starts this season, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He's also missed time with an ankle injury and is currently in the league's concussion protocol heading into Week 13. Minnesota has familiarity with Jones, as he served as the backup to former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold down the stretch of the 2024 season. Jones is in the midst of a resurgent campaign with Indianapolis, leading the Colts to an 8-3 record while throwing for 2,840 yards and 17 touchdowns. While Minnesota may have interest, the Colts seem likely to make a strong play to retain Jones as well.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 26 10:00am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is slated to return in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers suffered a broken left wrist in Week 11 and was unable to play in Week 12's loss to the Chicago Bears. Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that he was "highly optimistic" that Rodgers was going to be back against the Bills. The Steelers held him back from playing last week, preparing him for this marquee showdown against the Bills, which will be extremely important as the Steelers chase a divisional title. Buffalo has been among the best pass defenses in the NFL this season, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Despite Rodgers trending towards playing this week, a tough matchup could limit his fantasy value in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 26 9:50am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) said to the media on Tuesday that he will not sit if he's healthy enough to play. Burrow suffered a grade-three turf toe injury in Week 2 and underwent surgery to repair the ligament. With the Bengals' current situation and the unlikelihood of them making the postseason, some are speculating whether Burrow should return this season. However, Burrow shut down those conversations on Tuesday, stating, "I'm not going to live my life and play this game scared of something happening." Burrow is set to return in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, which will be a must-win game for the Bengals. Burrow offers low-end QB1 value in Week 13, as he makes his highly anticipated return to the field.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 26 9:40am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) could play this week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mayfield suffered a minor AC joint sprain in Week 12's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams and was spotted wearing a sling over his non-throwing shoulder. While there was legitimate concern about this injury, the Buccaneers may still have their starting quarterback in Week 13. Mayfield hasn't practiced on Wednesdays in recent weeks, so don't be surprised if he isn't participating. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key in determining Mayfield's status. The Buccaneers face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, who have lost eight of their last nine games, so resting Mayfield could be on the table.

From RotoBaller

Devin Neal Nov 26 9:30am CT
Devin Neal

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal is expected to have his first career start in Week 13, with starting running back Alvin Kamara (knee) injured. Kamara suffered a MCL sprain in Week 12, which could sideline him for some time. After the veteran left in the first half, Neal had seven carries for 18 yards, while adding 43 yards on five receptions against the Atlanta Falcons. With Kendre Miller (ACL) done for the season and Kamara banged up, Neal will carry the load, with former Broncos back Audric Estime handling the backup role. The Saints have a very favorable upcoming schedule, including Week 13's game against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the fourth most rushing yards this season. If Kamara's out, Neal offers RB2 value in Week 13 in his first career start.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Nov 26 9:10am CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange returned from the Injured Reserve in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals and showed no signs of rust. He converted on all five of his targets for 93 receiving yards. Strange has always been a favorite target of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and given their history together, Strange provides a reasonable floor as a tight end in PPR formats. His upside will be limited by the cluttered pass-catching room that now includes Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle), Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Strange. And while Lawrence is not the type of quarterback to make all of those pass-catchers a great fantasy play weekly, Strange's rapport with Lawrence provides a floor that makes him worth an add if you are struggling at the tight end position or lost Tucker Kraft (knee) or Sam LaPorta (back) to injury. Fantasy teams in a pinch, deep leagues, or even two flex spots can also consider Strange for that role. On the season, he's hauled in 25 of his 29 receptions for 297 yards in six games (one of which he was injured early on and did not return).

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Nov 26 9:00am CT
John Metchie III

With Garrett Wilson (knee) currently on the Injured Reserve, the New York Jets have been looking to see who would step up and be the team's top pass-catching option. Over the last two weeks, third-year receiver out of Alabama, and a former second-round pick, John Metchie III, has stepped up and answered that question. The Jets brought in Adonai Mitchell via trade, and although he has seen 13 targets over the past two games, he has yet to turn that into any production. On the other hand, Metchie has seen 10 targets in the last two games, scored twice, and has hauled in nine of those 10 targets for 110 receiving yards. In Week 12, with Tyrod Taylor under center, Metchie saw a season high of seven targets, and could be working his way into flex consideration in fantasy football while Wilson remains sidelined with the injury.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 26 8:50am CT
Josh Jacobs

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is "good to go" and will be available to return from his injury for the pivotal Thanksgiving matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. The Packers (7-3-1) sit half a game ahead of the Lions (7-4), and the Packers won comfortably over the Lions in Week 1 and have a chance to cement themselves at the top of the NFC North with a win on Thursday. The Chicago Bears (8-3) currently sit atop the NFC North; however, the Packers still face them twice in Weeks 14 and 16, so they control their own fate in the NFC. Jacobs' return is a significant step in the right direction for them to make this end-of-season run. His injury in Week 11 looked bad at first glance, so this news of him already being back is great news for the Packers fans and Jacobs' fantasy owners. Emanuel Wilson filled in for Jacobs last week and played great, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, so Jacobs' upside may be capped because Wilson has earned more playing time. Still, Jacobs is also a set-it-and-forget-it type of player in fantasy football, regardless of the tough matchup. On the season, Jacobs has 11 touchdowns, 648 rushing yards, and 237 receiving yards.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Nov 26 8:46am CT
Brandin Cooks

Dynasty | The Bills have signed free agent wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Dynasty Analysis: This one is fun because of the name recognition. Unfortunately, Cooks is more name than game at the moment after ineffective stops with Dallas and New Orleans of late. While he could provide some depth for the Bills, it's highly unlikely he emerges as a viable threat and more likely ends up like Amari Cooper last year - a high profile player who doesn't produce much. Dynasty managers can likely keep looking for late season help.

George Pickens Nov 26 8:40am CT
George Pickens

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports on Wednesday that, despite being limited by calf and knee injuries in practice this week, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) is expected to play on Thanksgiving against the Kansas City Chiefs, per a source. Pickens popped up on the injury report earlier this week, which caused some stress for Cowboy fans and Pickens' fantasy owners. Still, leading up to the Thanksgiving matchup against the Chiefs, it appears that Pickens will be good to go and can be started confidently as a WR1. Pickens has been spectacular in 2025, heading for career highs, and currently has 1,054 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 67 receptions through 11 games. Even with CeeDee Lamb returning from injury after missing three weeks earlier in the season, Pickens has continued to produce at an extremely high level and has now scored more than 10 fantasy points in half PPR leagues in all but one game this season, which was Week 1 in his first game as a Cowboy. That puts him at the WR2 overall on the season in fantasy points scored in half PPR leagues, only behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Nov 26 8:20am CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who entered concussion protocol earlier this week, is not expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Next in line to take snaps for the Vikings is rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, out of Minnesota, who is set to take the first meaningful snaps of his career. Brosmer, undrafted in the 2025 draft, was signed by the Vikings as a priority undrafted free agent. He will look to bring a Vikings offense back to life, featuring playmakers who have underformed all year due to McCarthy's poor play, such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones Sr. McCarthy, the Vikings' former first-round pick in 2024, has struggled mightily in 2025, completing only 54 percent of his passes, throwing for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in six games played. While it's not clear the timeline and return for McCarthy, as concussion protocols are a tricky game to play, it's possible that if Brosmer plays well, the Vikings continue to let him play to see what they have in him, as it's been a lost season for the (4-7) Vikings after high hopes coming into the season after having 14 regular season wins in 2024 with Sam Darnold under center.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Nov 26 12:20am CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is putting together a phenomenal 2025 season, handling 164 carries for 900 yards and five touchdowns to go with 54 receptions (71 targets) for 370 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver. Achane is the RB4 in PPR points per game this season at 21.4, and is currently on a monster four-game run. The star running back has 428 rushing yards with 22 receptions in the past four games, a feat that only Jahmyr Gibbs has matched in any four-game stretch this season. Since 2016, the only running backs to hit those dual-threat marks or better over a four-game span include Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, and Le'Veon Bell. Achane's ability to break off explosive runs, combined with his elite pass-catching ability, has made him a fantasy cheat code since entering the league in 2023. He will remain an elite RB1 in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Nov 26 12:10am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will return on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens after serving a one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Chase unsuccessfully appealed the suspension after clearly being caught on video doing the unsportsmanlike act. The superstar wideout is back, however, and will be joined by his star quarterback, Joe Burrow, in a big Week 13 divisional game. In two games against Baltimore last season, Chase caught 10 of 12 targets for 193 yards and two touchdowns, and then 11 of 17 targets for 264 yards and three touchdowns. With fellow star wideout Tee Higgins (concussion) ruled out, Chase should be in for a huge game on Thanksgiving night.

From RotoBaller