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

Wednesday, January 14

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.

Stafford's Injured Finger Feels 'Great,' Ready for Cold Bears Playoff Matchup

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Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (right finger) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, confirming his readiness for Sunday's divisional-round game in Chicago. He sustained a sprained index finger in Saturday's wild-card win but played all 76 snaps, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford stated his finger feels 'great' and he won't wear protection. He's not worried about cold weather, embracing the elements for his 12th season facing NFC North teams. He holds a 12-10 career record against the Bears, with a 5-7 record at Soldier Field.

Dre Greenlaw Remains Limited in Practice with Hamstring Injury

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Denver Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) was again a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. He missed the final two games of the regular season after sustaining the injury in Week 16. In seven games this season, Greenlaw recorded 43 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble.

Charles Cross Downgraded to Limited with New Knee Injury

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Seattle Seahawks LT Charles Cross, who returned to practice as a full participant Tuesday after missing three games with a hamstring injury, was downgraded to limited participation Wednesday due to both his hamstring and a new knee injury. Josh Jones, who started in Cross's place, also remained out of practice with a knee injury.

Trent Williams Returns to Full Practice, Dismisses Holding No-Call Controversy

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San Francisco 49ers LT Trent Williams returned to full participation in Wednesday's practice after being limited Tuesday. He tweaked his hamstring in Week 17 but played all 59 snaps in the playoff victory over the Eagles. Williams, who earned Pro Bowl honors for a 12th season with only one holding penalty called all year, dismissed controversy over an uncalled hold on Nolan Smith during the game-winning touchdown, stating, 'I didn’t see a flag... you only can’t get a speeding ticket if you don’t get pulled over.'

Rams Safety Quentin Lake Discusses Tomlin Firing, Bears Playoff Matchup

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Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake joined Andrew Siciliano to discuss the firing of Mike Tomlin and the team's upcoming playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears. Lake's insights provide a player's perspective on significant league events and the divisional-round contest.

Texans WR Nico Collins Misses Practice with Concussion, Status Doubtful

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Houston Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion) did not practice Wednesday after sustaining the injury during Monday's wild-card win. He was carted off the field and faces a significant challenge to clear protocol with a short week before Sunday's divisional-round game. His status is doubtful, and he was noted as out of practice alongside Justin Watson.

Josh Allen Practices Fully, Set for Divisional Round; Injury Concerns Eased

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Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (foot/knee/right finger) practiced fully Wednesday, an upgrade from being limited Tuesday, solidifying his availability for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Broncos. He is trending toward no injury designation. Allen played all 63 snaps in Sunday's win over the Jaguars, throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown. He had 3,668 yards, 25 TDs, and 10 INTs in the regular season.

George Kittle Placed on IR with Torn Achilles, Expected to Miss 2026 Season

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San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle was officially placed on injured reserve Wednesday after being diagnosed with a torn right Achilles following this past Sunday's wild-card victory. He is slated for surgery Wednesday, beginning a lengthy recovery. Kittle is expected to miss a decent portion of the 2026 season. Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell, and Brayden Willis will see increased roles in the 49ers' current playoff run.

49ers LB Fred Warner Returns to Practice, Eyes Early Playoff Game

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San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner (fractured/dislocated ankle) returned to practice Wednesday, leading drills. He hasn't ruled out playing Saturday vs. the Seahawks, though the team is cautious, targeting an NFC Championship return. His 21-day practice window opened Tuesday, and he was moving well. Separately, Seahawks LB Uchenna Nwosu clarified his viral 'The road ends here brother' Instagram comment on Warner's post was a playful jab, as they are long-time friends since high school.

Ricky Pearsall Limited in Practice, Optimistic for Saturday's Divisional Game

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San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a lingering PCL injury, having missed Weeks 16, 18, and the wild-card game. He expressed optimism, stating his knee 'feels fine' and he hopes to play Saturday in Seattle, though his designation remains uncertain. Pearsall's ability to stretch the field could be very beneficial for the team's offensive scheme.

Caleb Williams' Transformation Fueled by Ben Johnson's Confidence-Building

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Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams has undergone a significant transformation, described as the team's biggest comeback in a season of comebacks. This turnaround was notably fueled by the confidence-building efforts of coach Ben Johnson, highlighting the profound impact of the coach-quarterback bond on player development and team success.

Ben Johnson Addresses Bears' Stalling Run Game Amid Coaching Success Buzz

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Ben Johnson, highlighted as a successful first-year head coach credited with transforming QB Caleb Williams and the Bears, stated the team's running attack needs significant improvement. The Bears recorded a season-low 65 rushing yards in their regular-season finale and only 93 in the playoffs. Johnson emphasized the importance of a strong run game, especially in cold weather, as they prepare to face a formidable Rams run defense.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart Meets with John Harbaugh Amidst Coaching Push

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New York Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart, the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 draft, met with John Harbaugh during Wednesday's interview as the Giants make a 'massive push' to hire him. Harbaugh reportedly watched film on Dart last week. Dart appeared in 14 games (12 starts) as a rookie, completing 63.7% of passes for 2,272 yards, 15 TDs, and 5 INTs, despite suffering multiple injuries. Harbaugh is still expected to meet with the Titans and Falcons.

Trevon Diggs Plays One Unimpressive Snap, Likely Released by Packers

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Green Bay Packers CB Trevon Diggs played only one unimpressive snap in the playoff loss to the Bears, where he was knocked onto his back on a third-down play. He was not put back on the field, suggesting a lack of confidence in his ability. Diggs, 27, is under contract for 2026 with a $15 million cap hit but no guaranteed pay, making his release likely. He tore his ACL in early 2023 and hasn't been the same player since.

DJ Moore Limited in Practice with Knee Injury Ahead of Rams Game

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Bears WR DJ Moore was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report due to a knee issue. Despite being limited last Tuesday, he played 86% of snaps in Saturday's wild-card win against the Packers, recording 6 catches on 7 targets for 64 yards and a touchdown, plus one carry for -5 yards. His status, along with fellow WR Rome Odunze (foot), will be monitored closely ahead of Sunday's divisional-round contest versus the Rams.

Rome Odunze Limited in Walkthrough with Lingering Foot Injury

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Bears WR Rome Odunze was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a lingering foot injury. He recently returned from a five-game absence in Saturday's wild-card win against the Packers, where he played 54 of 78 offensive snaps and recorded 2 catches on 6 targets for 44 yards. His status, along with DJ Moore (knee), will be monitored as the team prepares for Sunday's divisional-round game versus the Rams.

Christian Gonzalez Limited in Practice, Nearing Return from Concussion

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New England Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez had limited work Wednesday as he seeks to return from a concussion sustained in Sunday night's win over the Chargers. This is a positive step toward being cleared to play Sunday against the Texans. Gonzalez, one of the team's top defensive players, recorded 10 passes defensed in 14 regular-season games and added two more in the wild-card game.

Hunter Henry Limited in Practice with Knee Injury, Still Productive

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New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury, though he managed to get in reps. Henry has been productive recently, scoring three touchdowns in his last four appearances, including a 3-64-1 receiving line during New England's wild-card win. He will have two more opportunities to upgrade his practice status before Sunday's divisional-round game against the Texans.