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NFL News

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

Thursday, January 15

Kevin Dotson addresses calf stomp incident, hopes to return for playoffs

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Rams right guard Kevin Dotson, who has been out since Week 16, addressed the incident where Seahawks DL Derick Hall stomped on his calf after an accidental ankle injury. Dotson expressed gratitude for teammate Coleman Shelton defending him, stating, 'I’m past it. I’m not going to hold nothing against [him] until I can see him and get my get back.' He had a limited practice Wednesday and hopes to return for the upcoming game to make an impact, which would significantly boost the Rams' playoff aspirations.

Dalton Kincaid Cleared to Play Saturday, Expected to See Increased Volume

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Dalton Kincaid (knee/calf) has been cleared to play in Saturday's divisional-round game against the Broncos, carrying no injury designation despite being limited in practice earlier in the week. With wide receivers Joshua Palmer, Tyrell Shavers, and Gabe Davis all on IR, Kincaid is expected to be a busy target for the Bills. In Buffalo's wild-card win over the Jaguars, he recorded three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown on five targets.

Aaron Rodgers' future uncertain, retirement looms amid Jets speculation

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Aaron Rodgers is reportedly weighing retirement, receiving advice from Tom Brady on handling another NFL season. Following Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers, Rodgers was seen sobbing and apologizing, indicating his 'all-in' move for a playoff win had failed, making his return to Pittsburgh improbable. Steelers president Art Rooney II confirmed Tomlin's exit likely impacts Rodgers' decision. His options for 2026 are slim, including a potential move to the Minnesota Vikings, retirement, or waiting for a mid-season opening. Rodgers, 42, played well last season but faces historical challenges for QBs aged 43+.

Davante Adams Urges Young Rams to Stay: 'Ain't Gonna Be Greener'

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Davante Adams, who has thrived in his first year with the Los Angeles Rams, is actively encouraging the team's young players to remain with the organization. He stated, 'It ain't gonna be greener than this,' emphasizing his belief in the team's environment and future. Adams' message comes as he reflects on his successful transition to the Rams, suggesting a strong commitment to the franchise and its developing talent.

Jordan Poyer ruled out for Bills-Broncos game with hamstring injury

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Bills safety Jordan Poyer has been ruled out for Saturday’s divisional-round matchup against the Denver Broncos due to a hamstring injury. Poyer missed practice earlier in the week, confirming his unavailability for the crucial playoff game.

Maxwell Hairston ruled out for Bills-Broncos with ankle injury

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Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston has been ruled out for Saturday’s divisional-round matchup against the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury. Hairston missed practice earlier in the week, confirming his unavailability for the crucial playoff game.

Emeka Egbuka's 'bizarre' rookie season raises questions for 2026 fantasy

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Emeka Egbuka experienced a 'bizarre' rookie season with an exciting start but a significant decline in the second half. After being the WR3 overall in fantasy through Week 5, he dropped to WR57 from Week 6 onward. He finished with 63 catches on 127 targets for 938 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games, ranking WR26 in half-PPR. Analysts are now questioning his 2026 outlook, with his dynasty value influenced by uncertainties in the Buccaneers' receiver room, including Mike Evans' free agency and Chris Godwin's injury recovery.

Matt Harmon discusses Emeka Egbuka's fantasy outlook for 2026

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Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon discussed Emeka Egbuka's outlook for the 2026 season, noting he viewed Egbuka as a Tier 2 prospect from the 2025 NFL Draft, expected to be a very good No. 2 wide receiver. Harmon described Egbuka's rookie season as 'bizarre' despite an exciting start.

Patriots LT Will Campbell Addresses Playoff Struggles, Eyes Texans Challenge

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Patriots left tackle Will Campbell reflected on a challenging playoff debut where he allowed several pressures, including a strip-sack of quarterback Drake Maye. Despite online criticism, Campbell asserted he holds himself to the highest expectations and is not dwelling on past mistakes. He emphasized the importance of moving on and focusing energy on the upcoming game against Texans edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Campbell stated that lamenting previous plays is a waste of energy, underscoring the vital role of protecting Maye against the Texans' defense.

Jayden Higgins Set for Increased Role with Collins Sidelined

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Jayden Higgins is expected to be elevated to a top-three wide receiver for the Houston Texans, alongside Christian Kirk and Xavier Hutchinson, due to Nico Collins' (concussion) anticipated absence in the Divisional Round.

Xavier Hutchinson Elevated to Top-Three WR Role for Texans

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With Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion) out for the Divisional Round game against the Patriots, Xavier Hutchinson is slated to step into a top-three wide receiver role for Houston, alongside Jayden Higgins and Christian Kirk.

Christian Kirk Poised for Increased Role Amid Collins' Absence

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With Nico Collins (concussion) out, Christian Kirk is set to step up as one of the Texans' top three wide receivers. Kirk is coming off his best game with the franchise, and his potential increased target share makes him a key player for Houston in the Divisional Round game against the Patriots.

George Kittle ruled out for Divisional Round with torn Achilles, season over

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San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle has been ruled out for the Divisional Round game against the Seahawks, with his season ending abruptly due to a torn Achilles suffered in the NFC Wild Card Round. Despite his absence, veteran tackle Trent Williams noted that Kittle's spirit and energy continue to influence the team, and his positive mindset in the locker room helped steady his teammates. The 49ers will now rely more heavily on other offensive players like Ricky Pearsall and Jake Tonges, who is set to step into a larger role.

Giants' Coaching Changes to Shape WR Malik Nabers' Offensive Role

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The New York Giants' new coaching staff, led by head coach John Harbaugh, is expected to significantly influence the team's offensive scheme. This will have direct implications for wide receiver Malik Nabers and how he fits into the evolving attack.

George Pickens Central to Cowboys' Upcoming Free Agency Decisions

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George Pickens is a focal point as the Dallas Cowboys begin to outline their offseason plans, with his free agency status being a significant factor in their salary cap and roster decisions.

Trent Williams on Kittle's 'spirit' after Achilles injury

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Veteran tackle Trent Williams reflected on how the 49ers responded after losing George Kittle to a torn Achilles, emphasizing that Kittle's 'spirit' and positive mindset in the locker room helped steady the team. Williams noted that Kittle's energy continues to live through the team despite his season-ending injury.

Bears Coach Ben Johnson Notes Cold Weather for Rams Matchup

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Bears coach Ben Johnson highlighted that Sunday night's game against the Rams at Soldier Field is expected to be the coldest the Rams have faced this season, with forecasts predicting possible snow and temperatures around 20 degrees.

Wednesday, January 14

Jalen Hurts' Rushing Drastically Down This Season, Impacting Eagles Offense

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Jalen Hurts' rushing production saw a significant decline this season, impacting the Eagles' offense. In a recent crucial game, he recorded just 14 rushing yards on 5 carries. His average carries dropped from 10 per game (first month) to 5, and rushing yards from 45 to 20. The Eagles' success correlates with Hurts' running volume. Despite maintaining a 4.6 YPC, his RPO usage and runs on RPOs were sharply down. The article suggests coaching decisions limited his running, making the offense easier to defend. A new offensive coordinator must re-integrate his mobility.

Kirk Cousins Joins CBS for Playoffs Amidst Uncertain Free Agency Future

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Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins will join CBS's 'The NFL Today' for the next two weekends of the postseason, signaling a potential future in media. His NFL future remains uncertain as a recent contract tweak sets the stage for the Falcons to release him in March, making him a free agent. Cousins signed a four-year, $100 million guaranteed deal in 2024, was later benched, but started eight games in 2025 after Michael Penix Jr.'s injury, ending the year with a four-game winning streak.

Matt Ryan Departs CBS, Returns to Atlanta Falcons

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Matt Ryan is reportedly leaving his role at CBS to return to the Atlanta Falcons. This move comes as Kirk Cousins is announced to join The NFL Today for the upcoming playoff weekends, filling a seat previously occupied by a Falcons player.