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NFL News

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

Monday, January 12

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.

Nico Collins Ruled Out with Concussion After Head Injury in Wild-Card Game

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Texans WR Nico Collins was carted off the field and ruled out with a concussion during Monday's wild-card game against the Steelers. Collins suffered a head injury after hitting his head directly off the turf in the third quarter, struggling to leave the field. Prior to his exit, he recorded three receptions for 21 yards. He will now aim to clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday's divisional-round matchup against New England.

Mack Urges Herbert to Share Burden After Playoff Loss

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Chargers veteran LB Khalil Mack expressed a desire for quarterback Justin Herbert to stop "putting everything on his shoulders" following another disappointing playoff defeat. This sentiment comes after the team's 16-3 AFC Wild Card loss to the Patriots.

Herbert Blamed for Chargers' Playoff Loss; OC Change Considered

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Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers are 0-3 in postseason play after a 16-3 AFC Wild Card loss to the Patriots. Herbert faced immense pressure, suffering six sacks and 39 total pressures. Analysts question if Herbert is to blame, suggesting Jim Harbaugh must protect him to avoid an 'Andrew Luck trajectory.' Harbaugh is reportedly contemplating firing OC Greg Roman, signaling a need for offensive changes to prioritize Herbert's potential. LB Khalil Mack hopes Herbert stops "putting everything on his shoulders."

Andrew Luck Trajectory Cited for Justin Herbert's Future

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Andrew Luck is referenced as a cautionary tale for Justin Herbert, with the implication that Jim Harbaugh needs to make the right decisions to protect Herbert and prevent him from following a similar career trajectory. Luck, whom Harbaugh coached at Stanford, represents a path of high potential but also significant injury and early retirement, underscoring the importance of structural support for young quarterbacks.

Hurts Withholds Endorsement for Eagles OC Patullo Post-Playoff Exit

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Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts notably withheld an endorsement for offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo following the team's playoff exit, deflecting questions about Patullo's future to the general manager, head coach, and owner. Despite recent struggles and a sideline incident involving A.J. Brown, Hurts confirmed that he and Brown are in a 'great place.' The Eagles' offense significantly declined under Patullo this season, finishing 24th in yards per game, raising questions about the coaching staff's future.

Bills WR Gabe Davis Suffers Season-Ending Torn ACL

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday's Wild Card victory over the Jaguars. He recorded two catches for 14 yards in that game, bringing his season totals to 12 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown in six games. This significant injury adds uncertainty to the team's wide receiver position, with Brandin Cooks, Tyrell Shavers, and Keon Coleman now expected to take on increased responsibilities.

Bills Safety Jordan Poyer Out for Saturday's Game vs. Denver with Hamstring

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Buffalo Bills starting safety Jordan Poyer has been ruled out for the upcoming Saturday game against Denver. Poyer is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, impacting the Bills' defensive lineup for the crucial matchup.

Fantasy Analyst Matt Harmon Offers Wild Card Takeaways, TE Rankings

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Yahoo fantasy analyst Matt Harmon provided Wild Card takeaways, suggesting the Eagles scrap their entire offense and the Packers fix their running game this offseason. Harmon also debated whether Bears rookie TE Colston Loveland should be considered among the elite tight ends for 2026 fantasy drafts, expressing optimism for the Bears' offensive trajectory and ranking Loveland as high as TE6 in early projections.

Stafford Cleared for Bears Game Despite Sprained Finger, Unfazed by Cold

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Rams QB Matthew Stafford will play in Sunday's divisional-round matchup against the Bears despite suffering a sprained right index finger on his throwing hand during Saturday's Wild Card win. X-rays confirmed no serious injury, and Stafford downplayed concerns, stating he's 'not worried about it at all' and expects to feel great. He also expressed excitement for playoff football in Chicago's cold, windy conditions, drawing on his 12 seasons of experience in the NFC North.

Packers DB Xavier McKinney Calls Bears HC Ben Johnson 'A Troll'

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Green Bay Packers defensive back Xavier McKinney publicly responded to Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's recent comments. McKinney referred to Johnson as 'a troll' following the Bears coach's unapologetic and profane postgame remarks directed at the Green Bay Packers.

Bears HC Ben Johnson Unapologetic for 'F*** the Packers' Comments

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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson remains unapologetic for his profane postgame comments, including shouting 'F*** the Packers,' following Chicago's Wild Card victory over their rival. Johnson explicitly stated he 'doesn't like that team' and emphasized the Bears-Packers matchup 'needs to be a rivalry,' with owner George McCaskey supporting his stance. He also praised QB Caleb Williams' interception for its field-flipping impact, showcasing his focus on reshaping the Bears' culture.

Keon Coleman Expected to Step Up for Bills After Gabe Davis's ACL Tear

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is anticipated to take on a more significant role in the team's offense, starting with Saturday's matchup. This increased playing time is a direct consequence of the season-ending torn ACL sustained by fellow receiver Gabe Davis, which has impacted the depth of the Bills' wide receiver position.

Tyrell Shavers to See Expanded Role for Bills Following Davis's Injury

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers is slated for an expanded role in the team's upcoming games, beginning Saturday. This opportunity arises due to the season-ending torn ACL suffered by fellow receiver Gabe Davis, which has created a need for increased contributions within the Bills' wide receiver corps.

Brandin Cooks Set for Expanded Role with Bills After Davis's ACL Injury

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks is expected to take on a significantly bigger role in the team's offense, starting with Saturday's game. This increased responsibility comes as a direct result of fellow wide receiver Gabe Davis suffering a season-ending torn ACL, which has thinned the Bills' position group.

49ers WR Jauan Jennings Throws Second Career Playoff TD Pass

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw his second career playoff touchdown pass, a 29-yard 'sky bang reverse pass' to Christian McCaffrey, giving the 49ers a crucial 17-16 lead in their Wild Card victory. Jennings, a former four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit, took a hit from Eagles defensive end Jalen Carter on the play, drawing a roughing-the-passer penalty. QB Brock Purdy expressed admiration for Jennings' toughness.

Eagles DE Jalen Carter Penalized on 49ers Trick Play TD

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jalen Carter was involved in a 49ers trick play touchdown against his team, where he bore down on wide receiver Jauan Jennings, resulting in a roughing-the-passer penalty. 49ers QB Brock Purdy notably made a 'business decision' to avoid blocking Carter on the play, allowing Jennings to take the hit instead, highlighting Carter's aggressive presence.