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NFL News

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

Sunday, January 18

Nick Foles Offers Broncos Advice, Trolls Patriots Ahead of AFC Championship

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Former Eagles QB Nick Foles offered encouragement to the Denver Broncos and their fans after Bo Nix's season-ending injury, reminding them that the Patriots "struggle against backup QBs in championship-type games." Foles, who famously led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII victory over the Patriots as a backup, sees similarities to his 2017 situation. He highlighted his Super Bowl performance where he completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and caught a "Philly Special" TD. Foles is currently a true free agent option for the Broncos.

Maye Leads Patriots to AFC Championship, Expresses Sympathy for Nix

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New England Patriots QB Drake Maye led his team to a 28-16 divisional-round win over the Texans, securing a spot in the AFC Championship Game. Maye completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Despite ball security issues, including four fumbles (losing two), he connected with DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, and Kayshon Boutte for scores. Maye, now with a 4:2 TD:INT ratio in two playoff games, will face Denver next. He also expressed being 'heartbroken' over fellow 2024 NFL Draft prospect Bo Nix's season-ending ankle injury.

Tom Brady Ruled Out as Broncos QB Option; Patriots Return to AFC Title Game Post-Brady Era

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Tom Brady has been explicitly ruled out as a viable quarterback option for the Denver Broncos following Bo Nix's season-ending injury, due to his ownership stake in the Raiders. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are returning to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since Brady's departure, marking 2,562 days since his last AFC title game with the team and 29 years since they played in one without him.

Trevor Lawrence Among Rare QBs With 4 First-Half Playoff INTs

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Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is noted for having thrown four interceptions in the first half of a 2022 wild-card game against the Chargers, a feat he shares only with C.J. Stroud since 2000. Despite this challenging start, Lawrence famously led the Jaguars to a comeback victory in that game. He was the first quarterback to record four first-half playoff interceptions since Gary Danielson in 1982.

Jarrett Stidham Named Broncos' AFC Championship Starter After Nix Injury

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Jarrett Stidham is confirmed as the Denver Broncos' starter for the AFC Championship Game, stepping in after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle fracture. This will be Stidham's fifth career NFL start and his first in the playoffs, a rarity not seen since 1972 for a QB's initial start of the season. Coach Sean Payton expressed strong confidence in Stidham, who holds career stats of 60.6% completion, 1,422 yards, 8 TDs, and 8 INTs over 20 games. Sam Ehlinger is now the backup, with Ben DiNucci joining the practice squad. Nick Foles also weighed in, offering encouragement to Denver.

Patriots CB Carlton Davis Sustains Head Injury After Two Interceptions

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New England Patriots CB Carlton Davis sustained a game-ending head injury in the fourth quarter of the divisional-round win against the Texans, leaving his status for the AFC Championship unclear. Before his exit, Davis was instrumental, setting the tone with two first-half interceptions of C.J. Stroud, including an incredible diving sideline grab. Davis, who joined the Patriots on a three-year, $54 million contract in March, has started all 17 regular season games and both postseason contests, recording 76 tackles and 14 pass breakups.

Woody Marks Returns From Injury, Loses Fumble in Playoff Loss

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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks initially exited Sunday's divisional-round game against the Patriots with a shoulder injury but was later deemed able to return. Prior to his departure, he carried eight times for seven yards and caught one of two targets for six yards. Marks continued to pace Houston's backfield with Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz unavailable, but he also lost a fumble in the 28-16 defeat.

Marcus Jones Returns Interception for TD in Patriots' Win

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New England Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones made a significant play in the divisional-round game against the Houston Texans, returning one of C.J. Stroud's four interceptions for a touchdown. His score contributed to the Patriots' 28-16 victory over the Texans, which secured their advancement to the AFC Championship Game.

Rhamondre Stevenson Returns to Game After Eye Injury Scare

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New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson returned to Sunday's divisional-round game against the Texans after exiting earlier with an eye injury, initially making his return questionable. Prior to the injury, he recorded 3 carries for 25 yards and caught his only target for 9 yards. He is now back to sharing backfield duties with TreVeyon Henderson.

Dalton Schultz Ruled Out of Divisional Round Game with Calf Injury

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Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz sustained a calf injury during Sunday's divisional-round game against the Patriots and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Before his departure, Schultz secured both of his targets for 47 yards, highlighted by an impressive 42-yard reception. Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant are expected to handle tight end duties in his absence.

Azeez Al-Shaair Fined $11,593 for 'Stop the Genocide' Eye Black

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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,593 by the NFL for wearing "stop the genocide" on his eye black during the wild-card game, a violation of league uniform rules. He was reportedly told he would be pulled from Sunday's divisional-round loss to the Patriots if he continued to wear it, and later removed it. Al-Shaair, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2025 and won the Texans' Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, stated, "It's bigger than me... it makes people uncomfortable, imagine how those people feel." He had a team-high nine tackles in the loss.

Brock Purdy's 49ers Face Uncertainty After Playoff Blowout Loss

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The San Francisco 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, experienced a blowout loss to the Seahawks in the divisional round, casting real uncertainty over the team's dominant era. Following another playoff exit, concerns are mounting regarding an aging supporting cast around Purdy and significant defensive questions.

Drake London Identified as Key Offensive Weapon for New Falcons HC

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Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London is identified as a high-end skill player under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, formerly the Browns HC, is expected to bring Tommy Rees as OC. Despite quarterback uncertainty with Kirk Cousins signed and Michael Penix recovering from ACL surgery, Stefanski will rely on a sturdy offensive line and key skill players like London, alongside RB Bijan Robinson, to bolster the Falcons' offense for the 2026 season.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Recovering from ACL Surgery, Out Until August

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Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix is currently on the roster but is working back from ACL surgery. The injury is expected to sideline him into August, creating further uncertainty for the Falcons' quarterback situation heading into the 2026 season. The team recently hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach, who will inherit a roster that also includes Kirk Cousins, who remains signed. Penix's recovery timeline makes him a question mark for early season availability under the new coaching staff.

Baker Mayfield's Past with Stefanski Highlighted as Falcons Hire

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Baker Mayfield's past performance with Kevin Stefanski was highlighted following Stefanski's hiring as the new Atlanta Falcons head coach. Stefanski, who spent six seasons as Browns HC, achieved two playoff appearances over his first four years, with the first coming during his tenure with QB Baker Mayfield. This historical context is relevant as Stefanski takes over the Falcons, who face quarterback uncertainty for the 2026 season. Mayfield's connection to Stefanski's coaching success is noted.

Kirk Cousins Remains Signed with Falcons Amidst QB Uncertainty

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Kirk Cousins remains signed with the Atlanta Falcons as the team hires Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. Stefanski previously coached Cousins during his 2019 season with the Vikings. The Falcons' quarterback situation is a significant question mark for 2026, with Cousins on the roster and Michael Penix recovering from ACL surgery expected to sideline him until August. Stefanski is expected to bring Tommy Rees as OC, inheriting a sturdy offensive line and key skill players.

Bijan Robinson Poised as Key Piece Under New Falcons HC Stefanski

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Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson is highlighted as a high-end skill player under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, who previously coached the Browns, is expected to bring Tommy Rees as OC. The Falcons' QB situation is uncertain with Kirk Cousins signed and Michael Penix recovering from ACL surgery, but Stefanski will have a sturdy offensive line and Robinson, alongside WR Drake London, as key offensive weapons for the 2026 season.

Zach Charbonnet's Knee Injury Structurally Okay, Availability Uncertain

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet injured his left knee in the second quarter of Saturday's win against the 49ers and did not return. He was later seen on a stationary bike, and HC Mike Macdonald confirmed the knee is 'okay structurally.' While this suggests he avoided a major injury that would impact his 2026 season, his availability for the NFC Championship game next weekend remains uncertain. Further updates are expected early this week.

Steelers 'More Than Open' to Rodgers Reunion in 2026 Despite Tomlin's Exit

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Sources indicate the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly 'more than open' to an Aaron Rodgers reunion in 2026. This scenario, despite the Steelers' interest, is considered unlikely, primarily due to the recent resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin. The coaching change significantly impacts the feasibility of such a move, though the team's willingness to consider Rodgers suggests a potential future interest in the veteran quarterback.

Bears' Ozzy Trapilo Out for Season After Wild Card Injury

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Chicago Bears player Ozzy Trapilo has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury during the team's Wild Card game.