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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, January 20

Kyler Murray Headlines Notable Trade Candidates for 2026 Offseason

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been identified as a prominent trade candidate heading into the 2026 NFL offseason. He is among the notable names highlighted in discussions regarding potential roster moves for the upcoming season, signaling a potential shift for the veteran QB.

Monday, January 19

Titans Hire Robert Saleh to Spearhead Cam Ward's Crucial Second-Year Development

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The Tennessee Titans, after Cam Ward's challenging rookie season as the No. 1 overall pick, are finalizing a deal to hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Ward completed 59.8% of passes for 15 TDs and 7 INTs in 17 games, taking a league-leading 55 sacks. He ranked poorly in several QB metrics (29th in yards/game, 39th in PFF grades) but showed flashes of potential. Saleh, a defensive-minded coach, is tasked with unlocking Ward's potential and engineering a drastic turnaround in Year 2, making his offensive coordinator choice critical for the franchise's top priority.

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear

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Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet sustained a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee during Saturday's divisional-round win. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the injury requires surgery, sidelining him for the postseason, offseason, and a significant portion of the 2026 regular season. Charbonnet rushed 5 times for 20 yards before exiting. He led the team with 12 rushing TDs and finished second with 730 rushing yards in 2025. Kenneth Walker is now expected to lead the backfield.

Sam Darnold (oblique) 'day-to-day' this week, expected practice restrictions

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Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (oblique) is 'day-to-day' this week, per Coach Mike Macdonald. Darnold suffered a left oblique injury last Thursday but played 47 snaps in Saturday's 41-6 win, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one TD, and no interceptions while wearing padding. He is expected to operate with practice restrictions this week as the team balances reps and recovery ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams.

Dobbins Designated to Return from IR, Eyes AFC Championship Game

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Denver Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins (foot) has been designated to return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. Sidelined since a Week 10 Lisfranc injury requiring surgery, which was initially believed to be season-ending, Dobbins is expected to practice this week. He has a legitimate chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots or potentially Super Bowl LX. His return would boost the offense, especially with QB Bo Nix's season over. Dobbins tallied 772 yards and 4 TDs on 5 YPC in 10 games before his injury.

Bears' Ben Johnson Considered Late Two-Point Conversion

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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson reportedly considered a bold two-point conversion attempt against the Rams following Caleb Williams' epic fourth-quarter touchdown. This strategic decision, if executed, would have given the Bears a one-point lead with only 18 seconds left in regulation. Ultimately, the Bears lost 20-17 in overtime, concluding their season.

Williams' Wild TD Not Enough; Bears Lose OT, Season Ends

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Caleb Williams threw a wild fourth-quarter touchdown, but the Chicago Bears ultimately lost 20-17 in overtime to the Rams, ending their season. Williams attributed a costly interception to 'miscommunication' with DJ Moore, stressing the importance of being on the same page with receivers. Following Williams' epic touchdown, Bears' Ben Johnson considered a two-point conversion with 18 seconds left in regulation to take a one-point lead, but it wasn't enough.

Kittle Optimistic for Early Return from Achilles Tear

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has provided an optimistic update regarding his Achilles tear, indicating a potential return to play 'well before November.' Kittle's recovery timeline is a key point of interest as the 49ers organization prepares for an offseason that could bring significant changes to their offensive strategy and personnel.

Stidham Aims to Join Elite Backup QBs in Super Bowl

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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham has voiced his ambition to join an exclusive group of backup quarterbacks, including notable names like Nick Foles and Tom Brady, who have gone on to start in a Super Bowl. Stidham's opportunity to achieve this significant career milestone is directly linked to the Broncos securing a win in their pivotal game scheduled for Sunday.

Nick Foles Highlighted as Super Bowl Backup QB

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Nick Foles is cited as a significant example of a backup quarterback who ultimately started and excelled in a Super Bowl. His remarkable journey is brought into focus as Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham articulates his hopes of joining this distinguished group, provided the Broncos emerge victorious in their crucial Sunday game.

Tom Brady Cited as Super Bowl Backup QB Precedent

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Tom Brady is prominently referenced as a historical precedent for backup quarterbacks who have successfully ascended to start in a Super Bowl. This notable achievement is highlighted in current discussions as Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham expresses his ambition to emulate such a path, contingent upon the Broncos securing a victory in their upcoming Sunday matchup.

DJ Moore Faces Criticism for Route-Running in Bears' OT Loss

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DJ Moore was involved in the Chicago Bears' 20-17 overtime loss to the Rams, which ended their season. Quarterback Caleb Williams cited 'miscommunication' with Moore as a factor in a costly interception during the game. Following the loss, Moore faced criticism for his route-running effort in overtime, prompting Williams to stress the importance of being on the same page with his wide receivers.

Purdy Won't Require Offseason Procedure for Turf Toe Injury

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49ers QB Brock Purdy confirmed Monday he won't need an offseason procedure for the turf toe injury that hampered him in 2025. The issue, combined with an AC joint sprain, caused him to miss eight games (two initially, six after a Week 4 re-aggravation). Purdy will strengthen the toe, expecting no limitations. In 9 regular-season/2 playoff games, he completed 230-of-342 for 2,569 yards, 22 TDs, 3 INTs, and rushed for 208 yards/3 scores. His 2026 fantasy outlook is murky due to Kittle's Achilles, Jennings' free agency, and Pearsall's 2025 injuries.

Lions' OC Hire Expected to Boost Jahmyr Gibbs' Fantasy Outlook

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The Detroit Lions' recent hiring of Drew Petzing as their new Offensive Coordinator is considered positive news for RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Petzing, who previously served as the Cardinals' OC, successfully piloted productive and efficient running games, with Cardinals RBs averaging 4.7 yards per carry in his scheme. This suggests a potentially favorable system for Gibbs in the upcoming season.

Kyler Murray's Role in Cardinals' Productive Rushing Attack Highlighted

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QB Kyler Murray was a significant factor in the Arizona Cardinals' productive and efficient running games during Drew Petzing's tenure as OC. Under Petzing, the Cardinals ranked top seven in both rushing yards and yards per carry in 2023 and 2024. While the team's total yards dipped to 31st in 2025, they still maintained a 16th ranking in yards per carry, with Murray playing a key role in these rushing successes.

Bo Nix's Season Ends with Fractured Ankle; Stidham to Start AFC Title Game

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Denver Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix's season is officially over due to a fractured ankle sustained late in Sunday's playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. This injury, which occurred during the NFL divisional round, was described as turning the NFL playoffs upside down. With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will be significantly shorthanded for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. Backup Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown an NFL pass since the 2023 season, will start in his place.

Rome Odunze Avoids Offseason Foot Surgery After Missing Five Games

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Rome Odunze confirmed Monday he will not require offseason surgery for the foot injury that sidelined him for the final five regular-season games. The Bears wideout returned for both postseason contests, recording 2-44-0 receiving lines on six targets in each. Despite being a 2024 first-round pick, injuries hampered his 2025 regular season, where he secured 44 of 90 targets for 661 yards and six touchdowns across 12 appearances.

Bills Fire McDermott, Prioritizing Josh Allen's Super Bowl Window

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The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott following their playoff ouster and a 33-30 OT loss. The franchise aims for a new direction to maximize Josh Allen's championship window, emphasizing that the team's margin for error is shrinking with Allen in his prime. This move creates a rare opening, with coaching candidates now on the Bills' radar, and Allen's influence a key factor in the team's future plans.

Kenneth Walker Becomes Seahawks' Workhorse RB After Charbonnet Injury

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Kenneth Walker is now the Seahawks' clear backfield leader after Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury during Saturday's divisional-round win. Walker stepped into an expanded role against the 49ers, finishing with 19 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns, plus three catches for 29 yards. With Charbonnet out for the playoffs, Walker is locked in for a workhorse role in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, with Velus Jones and Cam Akers as depth candidates.

C.J. Stroud's Playoff Collapse Forces Texans Reckoning After Pick-Six

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C.J. Stroud's historically poor postseason has forced the Houston Texans to confront an uncomfortable reality as his mega-extension looms, with no real alternative. This comes after Stroud threw a critical pick-six during the divisional round, a play highlighted as one of the most impactful moments from the games, underscoring its significance within intense matchups and contributing to the overall drama.