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NFL News

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

Monday, January 12

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.

Purdy Debated in 49ers Win, Avoids Blocking Jalen Carter on TD Play

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Following the San Francisco 49ers' 23-19 Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, discussions have arisen questioning Brock Purdy's specific contribution to the win. During a trick play touchdown, Purdy made a 'business decision' to avoid blocking Eagles defensive end Jalen Carter, letting Jauan Jennings take the hit instead. Purdy expressed regret but acknowledged the safer choice, as Carter received a roughing-the-passer penalty on Jennings.

McCaffrey Vows to Play for Kittle, Catches Trick Play TD

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49ers RB Christian McCaffrey caught a 29-yard trick play touchdown pass from Jauan Jennings, giving the team a crucial 17-16 lead in their Wild Card win over the Eagles. McCaffrey also stated the team will play for George Kittle after the tight end suffered an Achilles injury during the game, underscoring the team's resolve following the significant loss of a key offensive player.

Tucker Kraft Ahead of Schedule, Targets Week 1 Return from ACL Injury

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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (ACL) announced he is ahead of schedule in his recovery and aims to be "bulletproof" by Week 1 of the 2026 season. A typical ACL rehab is nine months, and Kraft will be 10 months post-surgery by Week 1. He recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and 6 touchdowns in eight games during the 2025 campaign. If healthy, Kraft projects to reprise a key role in the Packers' aerial attack and expects to be ready to play early next season, similar to teammate Micah Parsons.

Packers' Micah Parsons Targets Early 2026 Return From ACL Tear

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Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons is targeting an early return in the 2026 season after suffering a torn ACL, stating a Week 1 return is possible, though Week 3 or 4 is more realistic. He reports 'flying' through rehab and expects to avoid an injured reserve stint. Parsons also provided a strong endorsement for head coach Matt LaFleur, noting LaFleur's presence was a significant reason he wanted to be traded to the franchise.

Caleb Williams Orchestrates 21-Point Comeback Win Over Packers

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Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams spearheaded a dramatic 21-point comeback, leading his team to a 31-27 Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers after being down 21-3. Williams showcased his late-season surge by escaping pressure on fourth-and-8 to complete a crucial strike to Rome Odunze, a play earning a PFF grade of +1.5. Coach Ben Johnson even praised an interception Williams threw, calling it 'one of the better interceptions you could have' for its field-flipping impact.

A.J. Brown's Eagles Future Uncertain Amidst Trade Rumors, Sideline Spat

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A.J. Brown's future in Philadelphia is uncertain following the Eagles' Wild Card loss, where he was held to three receptions for 25 yards and had two uncharacteristic drops. This performance contributed to trade rumors, with the Patriots and Broncos mentioned as potential landing spots. Brown also had a sideline spat with coach Nick Sirianni, which Sirianni downplayed. Despite the struggles, QB Jalen Hurts stated he and Brown are in a 'great place.' Brown finished the season with 78 catches, 1,003 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Bills DT Ed Oliver Designated for Return from Injured Reserve

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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been designated for return from injured reserve this week, with his practice window now open. Oliver has been limited to just three games this season due to ankle and biceps injuries, as well as a meniscus injury suffered during rehab. His potential return would significantly bolster Buffalo's beleaguered run defense, which has surrendered 136.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 28th in the NFL.

Bills WR Curtis Samuel's Practice Window Opened from IR

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel has had his practice window opened from injured reserve, making him eligible to return for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Broncos. Samuel has been sidelined since Week 12 with elbow and neck injuries, having recorded seven catches for 81 yards and one touchdown in six games this season. His potential return could provide a boost to the Bills' receiving corps following Gabe Davis's season-ending injury.

Josh Allen's Tush Push Powers Bills to Divisional Round

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Josh Allen, alongside the Bills' offensive line, successfully utilized the 'tush push' to drive Buffalo past the Jaguars and into the Divisional Round. With the absence of frequent playoff rivals like Patrick Mahomes and the Ravens, pressure is mounting on the reigning MVP to deliver in a postseason that many view as wide open. The Bills won 12 games in the regular season and now face a tough road test against the top-seeded Denver Broncos.

49ers LB Fred Warner Pushing for NFC Championship Return

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is not expected to return for Saturday's playoff game against the Seahawks, despite stating he's 'ready whenever they're ready.' Warner, who dislocated and fractured his right ankle in Week 6, is now doing full football drills and is pushing to return if the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game. He emphasized the need to check all boxes before being cleared to play.

Kincaid's lower leg injury 'precautionary'; expected to play Saturday

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Bills TE Dalton Kincaid's lower leg injury, which saw him in a walking boot after Sunday's win over the Jaguars, has been deemed "precautionary" by head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott stated Kincaid "should be fine" for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, though his practice activity will be monitored. Kincaid secured three of five targets for 28 yards and one touchdown against Jacksonville, marking his sixth receiving score with Josh Allen in 2025, and played 28 offensive snaps.

Patriots Release Running Back D'Ernest Johnson

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The New England Patriots have released running back D'Ernest Johnson. Johnson, 29, joined the Patriots' practice squad midseason and was signed to the 53-man roster in mid-December. He appeared in seven regular-season games for the club, primarily playing two special teams snaps in their recent playoff victory over the Chargers. His departure opens up a roster spot as the team prepares for the divisional round.

Lamar Jackson Mentioned in Historical QB Recruit Context

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Lamar Jackson was mentioned in a historical context regarding quarterback recruits. It was noted that Jauan Jennings, the 49ers wide receiver who recently threw a trick play touchdown, was ranked as a four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit ahead of Jackson, Sam Darnold, and Joe Burrow in high school, highlighting Jennings' past potential as a signal-caller.

Sam Darnold Mentioned in Historical QB Recruit Context

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Sam Darnold was mentioned in a historical context regarding quarterback recruits. It was noted that Jauan Jennings, the 49ers wide receiver who recently threw a trick play touchdown, was ranked as a four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit ahead of Darnold, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson in high school, highlighting Jennings' past potential as a signal-caller.

Burrow, Chase Urge Bengals Changes Amidst Front Office Discrepancy

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Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have expressed a desire for the Cincinnati Bengals to implement changes, indicating a divergence between their vision for the team and that of the Bengals' front office. In a historical context, Burrow was also mentioned as a quarterback recruit who was ranked below Jauan Jennings in high school, highlighting Jennings' past dual-threat potential.

Jonathan Jones Reports Cowboys Interviewing DL Coach Whitecotton

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Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the Dallas Cowboys will interview defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Whitecotton joined Matt Eberflus' staff a year ago, but the Cowboys' defense struggled in 2025, ranking last in points allowed. The team also traded edge rusher Micah Parsons before the season, adding to the defensive challenges.

Bears Rookie TE Colston Loveland Shines in Wild Card Win

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Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland delivered a huge performance in the Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers, being heavily targeted by QB Caleb Williams and converting a crucial two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Despite a slow start to his season and an early injury, Loveland finished as the TE14 in half-PPR scoring with 58 catches, 713 yards, and six touchdowns, now ranked as high as TE6 in early 2026 fantasy projections.

Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Enters Concussion Protocol

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New England Patriots starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez has officially entered concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Sunday's 16-3 playoff victory against the Chargers. He was ruled out of the game due raising immediate concerns about his availability for the Patriots' upcoming divisional round game. Gonzalez, in his third season, had a strong year after missing the first three regular season games with a hamstring injury.