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NFL News

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

Thursday, January 15

Brady Reflects on Retirement, Advises Rodgers, Praises Seahawks Defense

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Tom Brady shared his retirement perspective, advising Aaron Rodgers to assess his readiness for another NFL season, having felt he had nothing left to offer. He also discussed various playoff quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen's 'Super Bowl or bust' pressure, and reflected on Rodgers' career legacy. Brady's example was cited as an indirect factor in Drake Maye's development. Additionally, he praised the Seahawks' defense, suggesting their play will be crucial for the 49ers' path to victory, and noted Brock Purdy is on track to tie his and Patrick Mahomes' record of six playoff wins in their first four NFL seasons.

Sam Darnold questionable for Divisional Round with oblique injury, expects to play

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Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (oblique) is questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers after feeling an issue in Thursday's practice. Despite Drew Lock taking first-team reps, Darnold expressed high confidence he'll play, stating the likelihood of being unavailable is 'very low, closer to zero.' He played all 17 regular-season games, leading Seattle to a 14-3 record and a Pro Bowl nod despite 20 turnovers. His performance has declined since Week 11, but he aims for playoff redemption. When pressured, Darnold ranks poorly in EPA/dropback and turnover rate.

Rams backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo misses practice with back injury, status uncertain

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Rams backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo was added to the injury report on Thursday, missing practice due to a back issue. His absence would leave Stetson Bennett as the primary backup to Matthew Stafford for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Bears. Garoppolo's status for the game remains uncertain as he did not participate in practice.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Rises to Elite WR Conversation, Ignites Seahawks Offense

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Former slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has rapidly elevated his game, now entering the conversation as one of the best wide receivers in the league. His significant impact is credited with igniting the Seattle Seahawks’ explosive offense, showcasing a transformation that has made him a pivotal figure. This rise highlights his ability to be a game-changer, demonstrating how he has achieved such a high standing among his peers.

Josh Allen Cleared to Play Divisional Round Despite Multiple Ailments

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Bills QB Josh Allen has no injury designation and is cleared to play in Saturday's Divisional Round playoff game against the Broncos. Despite managing foot, knee, and right finger issues, he logged full practices. Allen will lead a banged-up wideout corps with Joshua Palmer, Tyrell Shavers, and Gabe Davis on IR, relying on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox. The Bills face 'Super Bowl or bust' pressure after their sixth consecutive Divisional Round appearance, with Allen not 100% healthy and the team's rush defense porous.

Seahawks LT Charles Cross cleared to play Divisional Round after hamstring injury

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Seahawks LT Charles Cross (hamstring), who missed the past three games, was a full participant in Thursday's practice and has no injury designation for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers. Despite being downgraded to limited practice with both hamstring and knee issues on Wednesday, Cross is now cleared to protect Sam Darnold's blindside. His backup, Josh Jones, has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw cleared to return for playoff game after hamstring injury

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Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and has no injury designation, clearing him to return for the playoff game against the Bills. Greenlaw, who last played in Week 16, was limited earlier in the week. In eight games this season, he totaled 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a sack, a forced fumble, an interception, and two passes defensed.

Fred Warner ruled out for Divisional Round, NFC Championship return remains possible

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49ers LB Fred Warner (ankle) will not be activated from injured reserve and is officially ruled out for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Seahawks. Despite being a limited participant in practice, Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed encouragement that Warner's return for the NFC Championship Game remains a possibility if the 49ers advance. His absence is significant for the 49ers' defense, which relies heavily on his presence in the middle, a role that will now be filled by Eric Kendricks.

Ricky Pearsall questionable for Divisional Round with knee injury, optimistic to play

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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Seahawks. Pearsall continues to manage a PCL injury in his right knee, which kept him inactive for Weeks 16, 18, and the wild-card win. Despite limited practice, he remains optimistic about playing. His presence is crucial, especially with TE George Kittle sidelined, as Pearsall has recorded over 85 yards in four of his nine games, including his last two.

Drew Lock takes first-team reps as Sam Darnold deals with oblique injury

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Seahawks backup QB Drew Lock took first-team reps in practice as starter Sam Darnold deals with an oblique injury, making him questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers. Lock would start if Darnold is unable to play, with rookie Jalen Milroe serving as the third-string quarterback.

Christian Gonzalez progresses to full practice, expected to clear concussion protocol for Divisional Round

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Patriots No. 1 CB Christian Gonzalez, who has been in concussion protocol, progressed from limited to full practice participation on Thursday. This positive development suggests he is moving closer to clearing protocol and is expected to be in the lineup for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Texans. His availability is crucial for the Patriots' defense.

Hunter Henry logs full practice, set to play in Divisional Round vs. Texans

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Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (knee) practiced fully on Thursday after being limited Wednesday, indicating he is set to be available for Sunday's divisional-round game against the Texans. As New England's No. 1 tight end, Henry recorded a 60/768/7 receiving line on 87 targets in 17 regular-season games and is expected to remain one of quarterback Drake Maye's top passing options against a tough Houston defense.

Texans RT Trent Brown misses practice again with ankle injury

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Texans right tackle Trent Brown missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Brown, who played every snap in the team's Wild Card win against the Steelers, is now a concern for the upcoming Divisional Round game.

Texans DL Denico Autry misses second straight practice with knee injury

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Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry (knee) was out of practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday. His continued absence raises concerns for Houston's defense as they prepare for the Divisional Round game.

Nico Collins unlikely for Divisional Round vs. Patriots due to concussion

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Texans WR Nico Collins is considered unlikely to clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots. He sustained a concussion Monday and has missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices. Collins' absence is a major blow to Houston's passing game, as he led the team with 1,117 receiving yards, significantly more than any other receiver. Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel are prepared to step up in his place.

Ike Brown listed in Eagles GM's discussion

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Ike Brown was listed as a player in an article discussing Eagles GM Howie Roseman's comments on the difficulty of finding great players. No specific details regarding Ike Brown were provided in the content.

Eagles GM Roseman on A.J. Brown: 'Hard to find great players,' trade possible

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Eagles GM Howie Roseman stated it's 'hard to find great players' like A.J. Brown, when asked about potentially trading the star wide receiver this offseason. Brown's frequent grievances, a sideline kerfuffle with coach Nick Sirianni, and a crucial drop fueled trade chatter during the 2025 season. Roseman did not explicitly rule out a trade, indicating the team will weigh offers. Brown, 28, has been excellent in his four seasons with the Eagles, eclipsing 1,000 yards each year, but his future remains in question despite being under contract through 2029 and his relationship with Jalen Hurts being 'in a good, great place.'

Rome Odunze limited in practice, managing foot injury

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Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he continues to work through a foot injury that sidelined him for the final weeks of the regular season. Odunze returned last Saturday, recording two catches for 44 yards, including a 27-yard reception on a fourth-down throw.

DJ Moore limited in Bears practice with knee injury

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Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury. In the last game, Moore recorded six catches for 64 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.

Derick Hall suspended for stomping on Kevin Dotson's calf

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Seahawks defensive lineman Derick Hall was suspended for Week 17 after stomping on Rams right guard Kevin Dotson’s calf. The incident occurred after Dotson sustained an ankle injury when teammate Coleman Shelton accidentally rolled onto his leg. Hall was not penalized on the field at the time.