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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Bills WR Khalil Shakir had a standout performance in Sunday's 27-24 Wild Card win over the Jaguars, catching all 12 of his targets for 82 yards. His dozen receptions marked a new single-game career high, encompassing both regular season and postseason play, and his 82 receiving yards were his best showing since Week 12. Shakir was Josh Allen's top target, receiving high volume to begin Buffalo's playoff run.
James Cook was stymied in the Bills' 27-24 Wild Card win over the Jaguars, carrying 15 times for 46 yards and catching two of three targets for five yards. This performance came despite an anticipated expanded role due to Ty Johnson (ankle) being inactive, with Cook expected to absorb most of Johnson's typical passing-down work (averaging 1.9 targets, 1.4 catches per game). He had trouble finding room against an elite Jaguars run defense.
Matthew Stafford's finger X-rays on his throwing hand returned negative Sunday, confirming no dislocation after he suffered an injury during Saturday's 34-31 Wild Card win over the Panthers. Despite the injury, Stafford rallied for two go-ahead touchdowns, throwing for 304 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT, including a game-winning 19-yard dart. He is expected to play in the upcoming Divisional Round.
Eagles RT Lane Johnson remained inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the 49ers. This decision comes despite some optimism that he might have been able to return from the Lisfranc injury that has sidelined him since mid-November. His continued absence impacts the Philadelphia Eagles' lineup for their wild-card round matchup.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles. This marks his second consecutive inactive status, having also missed Week 18. Pearsall was a non-participant in practice all week, leading to his questionable designation. In his absence, Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne are expected to see increased snaps as the No. 2 and 3 receivers behind Jauan Jennings, with Skyy Moore and Malik Turner also available.
With Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) inactive for the 49ers' Wild Card game against the Eagles, Kendrick Bourne is expected to see increased snaps. He will step into the role of San Francisco's No. 3 wide receiver, playing behind Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson. This adjustment comes as Pearsall misses his second consecutive game.
Matt Ryan has officially started his new role as the Falcons' president of football operations, setting a primary goal to return the team to the playoffs, a feat not achieved since 2017. His immediate tasks include identifying a new head coach, general manager, and another quarterback, especially after recent investments in Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix. Ryan also made his final appearance on 'The NFL Today' Sunday, marking his departure from CBS Sports.
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle announced that his significantly decreased carries late in the season will directly influence his decision on whether to re-sign with the reigning NFC South champions in free agency. His role reduction is a key factor as he considers his future with the team.
Bears coach Ben Johnson delivered a viral, expletive-laden postgame speech yelling "F--- the Packers!" after his team's dramatic playoff victory. He explained that the team was motivated by "noise" and perceived disrespect from Green Bay during the week, which "got us riled up." Johnson also had a quick, tense handshake with Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Earlier, Johnson used the Patriots' 28-3 Super Bowl LI comeback as inspiration for his team, which helped them overcome a 21-3 deficit against the Packers.
Parker Washington was cleared to return to Saturday's wild-card game against the Bills after passing his concussion evaluation. He had exited the game in the first quarter to be checked for a head injury, having carried once for minus-3 yards and not hauling in either of his two targets prior to leaving. Earlier, Washington was projected as a strong play for the Jacksonville Jaguars due to his recent surge in target share and production, with the Bills' coverage unit seen as vulnerable.
According to a report, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is open to the possibility of returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season. The report indicates that the Steelers would reportedly welcome Rodgers back if he chooses to continue playing.
Jacksonville Jaguars backup running back Bhayshul Tuten made a significant impact in his first action against the Bills. During the Jaguars' third possession, Tuten picked up 20, 14, and 13 yards on three consecutive runs, moving the ball deep into Bills territory. His strong performance directly set up a touchdown that gave Jacksonville a 7-3 lead.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the end zone. This score gave the Jaguars a 7-3 lead over the Buffalo Bills during their AFC Wild Card Round game.
Ian Thomas was included in an article detailing the Jacksonville Jaguars' early 7-3 lead over the Buffalo Bills. However, the accompanying article content did not provide any specific news, actions, or performance details regarding Ian Thomas himself during the game.
Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater, who has been managing a quadriceps injury, was active and served as the team's sole kicker against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Demonstrating his readiness, Prater successfully converted a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter, giving the Bills an early 3-0 lead in the Wild Card matchup.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher D.J. Wonnum was involved in a play during Saturday's game where Rams QB Matt Stafford sustained a right finger injury after banging it on Wonnum late in the first half. Although Stafford's X-rays on the finger subsequently came back clean, the incident caused concern. Stafford, despite the contact with Wonnum, managed to finish the game and perform adequately, leading his team to a win over the Panthers.
Buffalo Bills RB Ty Johnson (ankle) has been declared inactive for today's Wild Card game against the Jaguars. Johnson, who typically plays a passing-down role, has averaged 1.9 targets and 1.4 catches per game this season. His absence means James Cook is expected to handle an increased workload in the backfield.
Packers safety Javon Bullard voiced his frustration after the loss to the Bears, asserting, "No disrespect to them, but it ain't s*** that they did. It's us. We gotta finish." He attributed the defeat to the Packers' inability to close out the game, rather than any exceptional plays from Chicago, emphasizing the team's internal need to improve their finishing capabilities.
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is expected to play today against the Eagles, despite a hamstring injury that forced him to miss last week's regular-season finale. The 12-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro expressed confidence in his ability to play through the injury, stating that adrenaline will help once the "juices start flowing."
Wide receiver Davante Adams praised Matthew Stafford's performance at the end of Saturday's win, calling it "MVP stuff." Adams quoted Stafford telling the offense, "let's go snatch these guys' hearts," before leading a go-ahead touchdown drive. Adams expressed his admiration for Stafford's "gangster" comment and his subsequent execution.
