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NFL News

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

Friday, January 16

Sam Darnold Expected to Play Despite Oblique Injury

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Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, who sustained an oblique injury in practice, is now expected to play in Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in Darnold's readiness, with Darnold himself believing he'll be ready. He was limited and questionable, but the team will confirm his status 90 minutes before kickoff. Drew Lock is prepared to start if Darnold cannot play. Darnold stated he felt a "little something" but didn't want to push it, and expects to be ready with close to a 0% chance of not playing.

Devon Witherspoon Named Game Captain for Seahawks Divisional Round Matchup

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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon has been named a game captain for Saturday's Divisional Playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, his second such honor this season. Witherspoon continues to be a top contributor in the Seahawks' secondary, earning second-team All-Pro honors and his third Pro Bowl nomination in as many seasons. Despite missing five of the first seven weeks with a knee injury, he recorded 72 tackles (first among Seattle CBs) and tallied 12 tackles and a tackle for loss in two regular season games against the 49ers.

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton Recovers from Playoff Exit & Ankle Injury

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Los Angeles Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is vacationing after the team's playoff exit, which saw him log just two snaps in the loss to the Patriots before being pulled due to an ankle ailment that plagued him most of his rookie season. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft played 9 regular-season games, rushing for 545 yards and 4 touchdowns on 124 carries, and added 192 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 32 receptions.

Broncos Elevate Rookie TE Caleb Lohner for First Career NFL Game

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The Denver Broncos have elevated rookie tight end Caleb Lohner from the practice squad to the active roster for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Bills, marking his first career NFL game. A 2025 seventh-round pick and former collegiate basketball player (6-7), Lohner is considered a long-term project with potential as an interesting red zone target for quarterback Bo Nix. Coach Sean Payton has spoken highly of Lohner’s potential, suggesting he might have specific plays designed for him for this pivotal playoff game.

Broncos Elevate WR Elijah Moore from Practice Squad for Bills Game

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The Denver Broncos have elevated wide receiver Elijah Moore from the practice squad to the active roster for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Bills, marking his first game with the team and against his former club. A 2021 second-round pick, Moore has 209 career catches for 2,274 yards and nine touchdowns, having appeared in nine games for the Bills earlier this season. Coach Sean Payton is expected to utilize Moore's depth, speed, and big-play ability, potentially designing deep shots for him in the playoffs.

Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo Questionable for Sunday's Game vs. Bears

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Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as questionable for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Bears due to a back issue that flared up earlier in the week, causing him to miss Thursday and Friday practices. Garoppolo has played 18 snaps in three games this season without throwing a pass. Stetson Bennett is prepared to back up Matthew Stafford if Garoppolo is unable to play, with defensive end Desjuan Johnson also questionable due to illness.

Texans WR Nico Collins Ruled Out for Divisional Round with Concussion

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Houston Texans WR Nico Collins has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots due to a concussion. He remained in concussion protocol and was unable to practice all week since sustaining the injury in Monday's wild-card win. Collins, a Pro Bowler who led the Texans with 71 receptions and 1,117 receiving yards (his third straight 1,000-yard season), requires full clearance and would only play again this season if Houston advances to the AFC Championship. His absence significantly impacts the Texans' offense, with Christian Kirk and rookie Jayden Higgins expected to take on expanded roles.

Christian Kirk Poised for Expanded Role After 144-Yard, TD Wild-Card Performance

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Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk is poised for a significantly expanded role in Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots. This comes after No. 1 WR Nico Collins (concussion) was officially ruled out. Kirk had a notable performance in the wild-card win, finishing with eight catches on nine targets for 144 yards and one touchdown on a 56 percent snap share. He will now be a key target alongside Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, and potentially Jaylin Noel and Braxton Berrios in the Texans' passing game.

Bears WR Rome Odunze Questionable for Divisional Round, Expected to Play

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Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze is listed as questionable for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Rams due to a lingering foot issue, though a back issue was also mentioned. Despite not being 100%, he was a full participant in Friday's practice and intends to play. A final decision on his availability will be made 90 minutes before kickoff. In last weekend's win, Odunze ran routes on 72% of pass plays, catching two of six targets for 44 yards.

Former Jets OL Brian Winters Recalled NFL Drug Test on Wedding Day

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Former Jets offensive lineman Brian Winters was randomly drug tested by the NFL on his wedding day in August 2017, according to his wife Jenny Winters. She revealed in a TikTok series that the NFL also tested him after he posted a video pulling three Ford trucks. Winters played 89 games over seven seasons with the Jets (2013-2019) before short stints with the Bills and Cardinals. He retired in 2022 and now owns a contracting business in Ohio.

Rams WR Puka Nacua Favored for Over 98.5 Receiving Yards vs. Bears

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is a strong prop bet for over 98.5 receiving yards in the Divisional Round against the Bears. He recorded 111 yards last week and averaged 190 receiving yards over a three-game stretch in December. As Matthew Stafford's favorite target, Nacua is expected to be targeted frequently with quick routes and short passes, even in potentially windy conditions. He is projected to eclipse 100 yards, making him a key offensive weapon for the Rams.

Caleb Williams & Bears Evolve into Offensive Juggernaut; Over 217.5 Passing Yards Expected

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been a key figure in the team's transformation into an offensive juggernaut, with significant improvements attributed to his play and the assistance of Ben Johnson. For the Divisional Round game against the Rams, Williams is strongly favored to exceed 217.5 passing yards, despite potential strong winds. The Bears' offensive strategy is expected to involve long, sustained drives, utilizing Williams' strong arm to work the ball through the wind and get the passing game going.

Josh Allen Faces 'Super Bowl or Bust' Divisional Round

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Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen is preparing for a critical Divisional Round matchup against the Broncos, the AFC's No. 1 seed. This marks the Bills' 6th straight Divisional appearance without a Super Bowl berth, raising 'Super Bowl or Bust' stakes. Next Gen Stats highlight Allen's running game, with some analysts predicting his playoff streak could end. Betting analysis and daily fantasy tips are available, focusing on his performance in this pivotal game. Predictions suggest he will find paydirt, with odds favoring over 36.5 rushing yards and under 208.5 passing yards.

Jaguars GM Suggests Travis Hunter May Play More CB in 2026

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Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone indicated at his end-of-season press conference that Travis Hunter's role might shift more towards cornerback in 2026. This potential change is based on the team's positional needs, prioritizing CB over WR. As a rookie, Hunter played 323 snaps on offense and 162 on defense, demonstrating his versatility across both sides of the ball.

Jalen Hurts' Role in Eagles' Struggles Debated

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Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman addressed Jalen Hurts' role in the team's offensive struggles. Both acknowledged that everyone, including coaches and players, had a hand in the disappointing season. Sirianni defended Hurts, emphasizing his winning mentality and willingness to adapt, citing increased under-center snaps and varied play calls. Roseman highlighted Hurts' past successes, including a Super Bowl MVP performance. Reports suggest internal frustration with Hurts, with some teammates feeling he is resistant to change or aloof, contrasting with his documented desire to improve.

Colts Rookie TE Tyler Warren Replaces Brock Bowers in Pro Bowl Games

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Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren will participate in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, replacing the injured Raiders TE Brock Bowers. Warren becomes only the second Colts rookie tight end in history to earn Pro Bowl honors, joining John Mackey in 1963. He played all 17 games with 12 starts, recording 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns, plus one rushing touchdown. Warren ranked tied-sixth in receptions and fifth in receiving yards among NFL tight ends, also setting franchise rookie TE records.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers Withdraws from Pro Bowl Games Due to Injury

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has withdrawn from the 2026 Pro Bowl Games due to an injury. He will be replaced by Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Bowers' absence means he will miss the opportunity to participate in the annual event, with the nature of his injury not specified beyond his withdrawal.

Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Clears Concussion Protocol for Divisional Round

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New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will play in the Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans without an injury designation. Gonzalez entered the protocol late last weekend but progressed quickly, going from a non-contact jersey to a full participant for consecutive practice sessions. His availability is a boost for the Patriots' defense as they prepare to face the Texans.

49ers QB Brock Purdy Unbeaten at Lumen Field Entering Playoff Showdown

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San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy carries an unbeaten record at Lumen Field into Saturday's critical playoff game against the Seahawks, tying Hall of Famer Dan Fouts for the longest quarterback win streak at the venue. Purdy has proven his ability to perform under high-leverage, high-pressure situations. The 49ers are expected to lean on his aggressive play, especially with Trent Williams back, as Purdy is less efficient on shorter throws and thrives when pushing the ball downfield.

Hutchinson Steps Up as Top WR for Texans in Divisional Round

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Xavier Hutchinson is projected to be one of the Houston Texans' top three wide receivers for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots. This increased role comes as fellow receiver Nico Collins has been officially ruled out due to a concussion. Hutchinson, alongside Jayden Higgins and Christian Kirk, will be key targets in the Texans' passing game for the playoff matchup.