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NFL News

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

Tuesday, January 13

Tyrell Shavers Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear, Out Until 2026

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Buffalo Bills wideout Tyrell Shavers sustained a torn ACL during the team's 27-24 wild-card victory over the Jaguars. This season-ending injury will sideline him for the remainder of the playoffs, with recovery from surgery expected to extend into the start of the 2026 season. Shavers' injury means the Bills are now without two wide receivers for the postseason, as Gabe Davis also suffered an ACL tear in the same game. The team's healthy receivers are Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman.

Philip Rivers Referenced as Matt Ryan Dismisses Return to Play

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Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers was recently referenced by new Atlanta Falcons president Matt Ryan. Ryan, a former franchise quarterback himself, joked that he's 'not trying to pull a Philip Rivers,' implying he has no plans to return to playing. This lighthearted comment highlights Rivers' past career decisions or potential for a comeback, though no direct news regarding Rivers himself was reported.

Falcons President Matt Ryan Jokes About Not 'Pulling a Philip Rivers'

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New Atlanta Falcons president and former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan recently joked about his new role, stating he's 'not trying to pull a Philip Rivers.' This comment suggests Ryan is not planning a return to playing, distinguishing his current position from Rivers' past career trajectory. Ryan's transition to a front-office role marks a new chapter for the former MVP with the Falcons organization.

Herbert Under Scrutiny as Chargers Seek New OC for 2026 Bounce-Back

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert continues to face significant scrutiny for his playoff performance, having yet to secure a victory with 'unsightly' postseason statistics. The Chargers recently fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, whose scheme was less to blame than an injury-wrecked offensive line that saw LT Rashawn Slater and RT Joe Alt suffer season-ending injuries, leading to Herbert being pressured on a league-high 43.6% of his dropbacks. The team is actively seeking a new offensive play caller to uplift Herbert and the offense, which is viewed as a prime bounce-back candidate for 2026 with a potentially healthier O-line and new weapons.

Fred Warner's 21-Day Practice Window Opened for Possible Return

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The San Francisco 49ers have officially opened the 21-day practice window for star linebacker Fred Warner. This move clears the path for Warner to potentially return to action and be ready for the upcoming NFC Championship Game. His return would be a significant boost for the 49ers' defense as they prepare for a critical postseason matchup.

Omarion Hampton Expected to Lead Chargers' Backfield in 2026 Offensive Bounce-Back

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Omarion Hampton is highlighted as a key running back for the Los Angeles Chargers' offense, which is projected for a significant bounce-back in 2026. Following the firing of OC Greg Roman and with expectations of a healthier offensive line, Hampton, alongside quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, and tight end Oronde Gadsden, is expected to benefit from improved offensive conditions. The Chargers' blocking unit struggled last season, but better health and a new offensive coordinator are anticipated to create more opportunities for the team's offensive playmakers, including Hampton in the backfield.

Oronde Gadsden Set to Contribute to Chargers' Expected Offensive Resurgence

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Oronde Gadsden is identified as a key tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers' offense, which is projected for a significant bounce-back in 2026. Following the firing of OC Greg Roman and with expectations of a healthier offensive line, Gadsden, alongside quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, is expected to benefit from improved offensive conditions. The Chargers' blocking unit struggled last season, but better health and a new offensive coordinator are anticipated to create more opportunities for the team's playmakers.

Joe Alt's Return Expected to Boost Chargers' Offensive Line in 2026

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Joe Alt, the Los Angeles Chargers' right tackle, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9, contributing significantly to the team's offensive line struggles last season. The Chargers finished bottom two in Pro Football Focus' run- and pass-blocking grades and ESPN's run- and pass-blocking win rates, leading to QB Justin Herbert being pressured on a league-high 43.6% of his dropbacks. With Alt's anticipated return and better health across the line, the offensive line is expected to be much improved in 2026, bolstering the team's overall offensive performance.

Ladd McConkey Expected to Thrive in Chargers' Anticipated 2026 Offensive Resurgence

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Ladd McConkey is identified as a key component of the Los Angeles Chargers' offense, which is anticipated to have a significant bounce-back season in 2026. With the recent firing of OC Greg Roman and the expectation of a much-improved and healthier offensive line, McConkey, along with quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Omarion Hampton, wide receiver Quentin Johnston, and tight end Oronde Gadsden, is positioned to benefit. The Chargers' blocking struggled last season, but a healthier unit is expected to create more opportunities for the team's offensive playmakers.

Quentin Johnston Poised for Bounce-Back Season with Chargers' Revamped Offense

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Quentin Johnston is highlighted as a key weapon for the Los Angeles Chargers' offense, which is projected for a significant bounce-back in 2026. Following the firing of OC Greg Roman and with expectations of a healthier offensive line, Johnston, alongside quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Omarion Hampton, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, and tight end Oronde Gadsden, is expected to benefit from improved offensive conditions. The team finished bottom two in blocking grades last season, but better health could lead to increased production for its playmakers.

Khalil Shakir's Role Expands Amidst Bills' Wide Receiver Injury Crisis

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Khalil Shakir is now one of the Buffalo Bills' healthy wide receivers, and his role is expected to expand significantly as the team faces a wide receiver injury crisis. Gabe Davis tore his left ACL in the Wild Card win, ending his season. While Tyrell Shavers was initially listed as healthy in an earlier report, later news confirmed he also suffered a torn ACL. The Bills are currently relying on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman. Curtis Samuel, out since Week 11, has been designated to return from IR, potentially offering additional support for Saturday's game against the Broncos.

Keon Coleman Steps Up as Bills Face Significant Wide Receiver Injuries

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Keon Coleman is now one of the Buffalo Bills' healthy wide receivers, taking on an increased role as the team deals with significant injuries at the position. Gabe Davis tore his left ACL in the Wild Card win, ending his season. While Tyrell Shavers was initially listed as healthy in an earlier report, later news confirmed he also suffered a torn ACL. The Bills are currently relying on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman. Curtis Samuel, out since Week 11, has been designated to return from IR, potentially offering additional support for Saturday's game against the Broncos.

Gabe Davis Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear, Enters Free Agency Injured

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Buffalo Bills WR Gabe Davis tore his left ACL in Sunday's Wild Card win over the Jaguars, ending his season and sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. This major injury comes as Davis is set to enter free agency this offseason. He turns 27 in April but has recorded only 32 catches across the past two seasons. His absence, along with Tyrell Shavers' confirmed ACL tear, leaves the Bills significantly depleted at wide receiver, relying on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman, with Curtis Samuel designated to return from IR.

Curtis Samuel Designated to Return from IR, Could Play Divisional Round

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Curtis Samuel (elbow), who has been out since Week 11, has been designated to return from injured reserve and was listed for return to practice Tuesday. This designation gives him a chance to play in the Buffalo Bills' divisional-round game against the Broncos on Saturday. His potential return comes at a critical time for the Bills, who are facing significant wide receiver injuries, with Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers both suffering season-ending ACL tears. Samuel's activation would provide much-needed depth alongside Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman.

Brandin Cooks Becomes Key Receiver for Bills Amidst Teammate Injuries

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Brandin Cooks is now one of the Buffalo Bills' healthy wide receivers, a crucial role as the team faces significant injuries at the position. Gabe Davis tore his left ACL in the Wild Card win, ending his season. While Tyrell Shavers was initially listed as healthy in an earlier report, later news confirmed he also suffered a torn ACL. The Bills are currently relying on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman. Curtis Samuel, out since Week 11, has been designated to return from IR, potentially offering additional support for Saturday's game against the Broncos.

Rodgers' Season Ends Amidst Tomlin Exit, Retirement Talk After Pick-Six

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Aaron Rodgers concluded the Steelers' season with a 50-yard pick-six in their 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans, fueling significant speculation about his potential retirement. Following the defeat, Rodgers staunchly defended head coach Mike Tomlin, calling criticism 'an absolute joke.' However, Tomlin is now out as coach, raising questions about who could replace him and how this impacts Rodgers and the Steelers' quarterback position. Discussions are ongoing about whether Rodgers will return for another season after Pittsburgh's exit, with some suggesting the team needs to move on for a championship future.

Panthers Exercise Bryce Young's $26.5M Fifth-Year Option Through 2027

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Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan confirmed the team exercised Bryce Young's 2027 fifth-year option, valued at approximately $26.5 million and fully guaranteed. This commitment follows Young's Year 3 improvement, where he led the Panthers to their first NFC South title in a decade with an 8-9 record, completing 304 passes for 3,011 yards, 23 TDs, and 11 INTs. Despite a career-best 63.6% completion rate and "flashes of greatness" leading to playoffs, he'll need further strides in 2026 for a long-term extension.

Sam Darnold Among Favorites for 2026 Super Bowl MVP Odds

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is currently among the players atop the 2026 Super Bowl MVP odds board, indicating a close race for the top spot. The latest odds place him as a leading contender for the prestigious award.

Loveland's Breakout Game Fuels Bears' Divisional Round Run

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Chicago Bears rookie TE Colston Loveland delivered a career-best performance, hauling in 8 receptions on 15 targets for 137 yards and earning a 90.1 PFF grade. His emergence as Caleb Williams' top target has been crucial, fueling the Bears' run to the divisional round for the first time in 15 years. This breakout game highlights his significant impact on the team's postseason success.

Kraft optimistic for Week 1 return after torn ACL, meniscus, LCL

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Packers TE Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL, partially torn meniscus, and damaged LCL, ending his season. He expects to start training camp on the PUP list but is optimistic about playing Week 1, stating he'll be '10 months post-surgery and hopefully bulletproofed' by then. Kraft noted his progress is 'ahead of schedule' less than 10 weeks post-op. He finished 2025 as the PPR TE3 in points per game.