Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jaxson Dart, a Rookie of the Year finalist for the New York Giants, is eager to work with new head coach John Harbaugh, who also expressed excitement about coaching him. Dart showed creative instinct, an accurate arm, and competitive fire in his rookie season, but needs to improve his decision-making and self-protection. His development will be aided by the return of Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers from injury.
Joe Flacco is a free agent whose playing future is uncertain, though he remains in the mindset of preparing for the next season. The Cincinnati Bengals are considering his availability for re-signing, as he navigates the offseason without a definitive plan for retirement or continued play.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is identified as a central figure in one of the 2025 conference championships' top player matchups. He is slated for a significant head-to-head collision against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, a matchup highlighted among the eight best to watch this weekend.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is a key player for the NFC Championship, facing a head-to-head matchup against Devon Witherspoon. Forming arguably the NFL's best receiving duo with Davante Adams, Nacua paced the NFC with 129 receptions and holds the NFL record for most receptions (277) through a player's first 40 career games. He is a versatile possession receiver, lining up both in the slot and out wide, as he prepares for his first NFC Championship appearance.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a spectacular touchdown pass to force overtime against the Rams on Sunday, a play that left Rams coach Sean McVay stunned. Despite the dramatic play, McVay praised his team's ability to regroup immediately. The Rams ultimately persevered in overtime, but Williams' clutch performance was a key moment in the game.
The Baltimore Ravens' hire of Jesse Minter as head coach has ignited questions surrounding QB Lamar Jackson's future and contract status. With two years left on his deal, an extension is crucial before free agency due to a $74.5M cap hit. Minter's role is seen as either guiding Jackson to a Super Bowl or potentially overseeing a transition post-Jackson if no extension is reached. Jackson's input on the next offensive coordinator is paramount, and an 'authentic connection' between coach and QB is a high priority for the franchise.
Seattle Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp is downplaying the storyline of facing his former team, the Los Angeles Rams, in the NFC Championship Game, emphasizing the Seahawks' goal for a Super Bowl berth. His regular season saw 47 catches for 593 yards in 16 games, his lowest output since 2018. Earlier reports noted his pivotal mentorship role in Puka Nacua's elite performance during his time with the Rams.
The New York Giants have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal to a reserve/futures contract, making him the first signing of the John Harbaugh era. Leal, 25, was a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2022, playing 32 games with six starts over four seasons. He recorded one career sack, 35 tackles, and three quarterback hits during his tenure with Pittsburgh.
Denver Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham is set to start the AFC Championship game against the Patriots following Bo Nix's season-ending injury. This marks an unprecedented situation, as Stidham will be the first QB since 2012 to make his first playoff start without a regular season pass, and the first ever to do so in a conference championship. With only four NFL starts, Stidham has received advice from former QBs Jeff Hostetler and Nick Foles to "block out the noise." Coach Sean Payton expresses confidence in Stidham, who was a priority free agent. Stidham faces a significant challenge in his biggest NFL career game.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye has been named a finalist for the 2025 AP NFL MVP award, joining Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Christian McCaffrey, and Matthew Stafford. He also earned recognition among the NFL's top 100 players for the 2025 season, underscoring his significant impact and strong performance. Maye is positioned as a strong MVP contender, leading the Patriots' remarkable turnaround after two 4-13 seasons, with reports suggesting a potential dynasty. He was also identified as being 'Under Duress' ahead of Conference Championship Weekend.
Seattle Seahawks starting left tackle Charles Cross missed practice for a second consecutive day due to lingering injuries. Coach Mike Macdonald, however, expressed optimism that Cross will be able to play in the NFC Championship versus the Los Angeles Rams. The team's backup left tackles, Josh Jones (knee, ankle) and Amari Kight (knee), are both listed as day-to-day, indicating significant concerns for the offensive line.
Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte publicly responded to Broncos coach Sean Payton's pre-AFC Championship comments. Payton suggested Broncos fans would 'have plenty of rest after this one — two weeks,' implying a win. Boutte retorted, 'They can rest in Cancun too at the end of the day.' The exchange, described as a 'playful jab,' is fueling the rivalry between the 14-3 Patriots and Broncos ahead of their Sunday matchup.
Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is currently prioritizing his Fox broadcasting job, despite the team's announcement that he would collaborate closely on the head coach search. Brady stated his preparation is 'very much centered around what I have to do in broadcasting.' He views his Raiders minority ownership as a 'dream come true' and enjoys helping 'shape and strategize.' He will dedicate more time to the Raiders after the NFC Championship, acknowledging a 'clear conflict of interest' in holding both roles.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold remains a limited participant in practice due to an oblique injury but is fully expected to start Sunday's NFC Championship against the Rams. He played through the issue last Saturday, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Coach Mike Macdonald is optimistic about his availability. The Rams defense, known for forcing turnovers against Darnold (6 INTs this season), will challenge him, but he's praised as a tough, veteran QB.
Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake returned to full participation in Thursday's practice after being sidelined Wednesday with an illness, indicating a positive step towards his availability. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Byron Young (knee) remained out but is still expected to play, likely on a snap count. Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle) also returned to a limited practice session.
Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Kevin Johnson, 55, died Wednesday at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. Officials announced his death was caused by 'blunt head trauma and stab wounds' and has been ruled a homicide, with an investigation underway. Johnson, a 1993 fourth-round pick, played for the Eagles in 1995-96, where he recorded 7 sacks, 43 tackles, and a fumble return touchdown in 23 games. He also played for the Patriots and Raiders.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been officially named a finalist for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award. He is the only Cowboys player to be a finalist across the major awards categories this season. Prescott joins Stefon Diggs, Aidan Hutchinson, Trevor Lawrence, and Christian McCaffrey, all of whom are returning from injuries sustained during the 2024 season. He has previously won the Walter Payton Man of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant progressed to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday due to a concussion, a positive sign for his availability in the AFC Championship Game. Bryant had three catches for 32 yards in last Saturday's overtime win against the Bills. Meanwhile, running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), center Alex Forsyth (ankle), and wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) remained limited, while quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) is out after successful surgery.
New England Patriots starting center Garrett Bradbury did not practice on Thursday due due to an illness, marking a new concern for the team ahead of the AFC Championship Game. Bradbury had previously held an ironman status, accumulating 1,191 offensive snaps this season until the final two regular season games. He joins linebackers Harold Landry III (knee) and Marte Mapu (hip), who also remained sidelined for a second consecutive day.
New England Patriots edge rusher Harold Landry remained out of practice on Thursday for a second consecutive day due to a knee injury. Landry, who led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks during the regular season, has been dealing with a lingering knee issue since late fall. He played only 11 of 75 defensive snaps last weekend despite being active. The team will issue official injury designations for the AFC Championship Game against the Broncos on Friday.
