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NFL News

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

Tuesday, January 13

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.

Jayden Higgins poised for larger role with Collins injured

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Texans WR Jayden Higgins is expected to step into a more prominent role as one of the team's top three receivers, alongside Christian Kirk and Xavier Hutchinson, should Nico Collins miss the upcoming game against the Patriots due to a concussion. This scenario could significantly increase Higgins' target share.

Xavier Hutchinson could see expanded role if Collins is out

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Texans WR Xavier Hutchinson is projected to be among the team's top three receivers, alongside Christian Kirk and Jayden Higgins, if Nico Collins is sidelined due to his concussion sustained in the Wild Card win. This potential absence for Collins could lead to an expanded role and increased targets for Hutchinson in the upcoming game against the Patriots.

Nico Collins suffers concussion, Week 18 status uncertain

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Texans WR Nico Collins sustained a concussion during Monday night's Wild Card victory against the Steelers, requiring a cart to the locker room. This marks his first documented concussion, posing a challenge for him to clear protocol before Sunday's game versus the Patriots. His absence would elevate Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson as the Texans' primary receivers, with TE Dalton Schultz also potentially seeing more targets.

Dalton Schultz poised for increased workload with Collins injured

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Texans TE Dalton Schultz is a candidate for more work in the upcoming game against the Patriots, following WR Nico Collins' concussion in the Wild Card win over the Steelers. If Collins is sidelined, Schultz could see an increased target share alongside Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson in the Texans' receiving corps.

Christian Kirk delivers 144-yard game for Texans in Wild Card win

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Texans WR Christian Kirk recorded an unexpected 144-yard performance in Monday night's Wild Card victory over the Steelers. With Nico Collins sustaining a concussion, Kirk is expected to be a top receiver alongside Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson if Collins misses the upcoming game against the Patriots. TE Dalton Schultz is also a candidate for increased targets.

Davante Adams Thrives with Rams, Three Games from Championship Goal

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Davante Adams, now with the Los Angeles Rams, revealed he specifically sought a winning situation during free agency. He is currently just three games away from achieving that goal, highlighting his successful integration and strong performance with the Rams after previous stints with the Raiders and Jets.

Monday, January 12

Rodgers' Steelers Season Ends in Playoff Loss; Future Uncertain

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Aaron Rodgers' Steelers season concluded with a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans. He completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, throwing one interception and fumbling twice, losing one. Sacked four times, his turnovers directly led to Texans touchdowns. Rodgers faces a significant offseason decision about his future, potentially contemplating his 'NFL swan song.' Kenneth Gainwell was a notable target. The Texans' defense was highlighted as a key factor in their victory.

C.J. Stroud Overcomes Turnovers, Guides Texans to Wild-Card Victory

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Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 pass attempts for 250 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two lost fumbles in Monday's 30-6 wild-card win over the Steelers. Stroud struggled with ball security early, committing three turnovers, but the Steelers only capitalized for three points. He settled down in the second half, leading the Texans to victory. The 23-year-old will need to minimize mistakes against the Patriots in the divisional round.

DK Metcalf Returns from Suspension, Posts 42 Yards in Playoff Loss

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Pittsburgh Steelers WR DK Metcalf returned from a two-game suspension, catching two of five targets for 42 yards in Monday's 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans. His 42 receiving yards were a team-high. This marked a quiet end to his debut season in Pittsburgh, where he finished with 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns on 99 targets across 15 games. Metcalf is expected to remain the Steelers' No. 1 receiver in 2026, likely with a new quarterback.

Woody Marks Cleared from Concussion, Rushes for Career-High 112 Yards & TD

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Houston Texans RB Woody Marks was cleared from concussion protocol and re-entered Monday's wild-card game against the Steelers after a second-quarter evaluation. He went on to deliver his best performance of the season, recording his first career 100-yard rushing game. Marks took 19 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown in the 30-6 playoff win. He is expected to continue leading Houston's backfield and will face the Patriots in the divisional round.

Gainwell Logs 146 All-Purpose Yards, Key Target for Rodgers in Playoff Loss

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Kenneth Gainwell recorded 146 all-purpose yards in the Steelers' 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans, rushing six times for 20 yards, catching four of six targets for 26 yards, and returning four kickoffs for 100 yards. He served as Aaron Rodgers' primary target under pressure, leading the team with a 22.4% target rate and ranking among the top 10 pass-catchers in that scenario. Following a successful 2025 season where he posted career-bests in rushing yards (537) and receiving (73-486-3), Gainwell's performance on a one-year deal may prompt the Steelers to retain him before free agency.

Jaylen Warren Logs 47 Total Yards in Playoff Loss, Career-High Season

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Jaylen Warren rushed 12 times for 43 yards and caught his only target for four yards in the Steelers' 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans. He doubled Kenneth Gainwell in carries and outgained him by 23 rushing yards. Despite a modest playoff performance, Warren concluded the 2025 regular season with career highs in rush attempts (211), rushing yards (958), and rushing touchdowns (six), alongside a 40-333-2 receiving line. Warren is under contract through 2027 and is expected to maintain a prominent role in the ground attack next season.

Christian Kirk Explodes for 8-144-1 in Wild-Card Win Over Steelers

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Christian Kirk delivered a standout performance in the Texans' 30-6 wild-card win over the Steelers, catching eight of nine targets for 144 yards and a touchdown. He led Houston in receiving, capitalizing after Nico Collins exited with a concussion, though Kirk was already having a big night, scoring C.J. Stroud's only touchdown pass. This playoff outburst was significant, contrasting his 2025 regular season line of 28 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown. Kirk is poised to be Houston's top receiving threat against the Patriots in the divisional round if Collins remains sidelined.