Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Saturday, January 10

Rhamondre Stevenson: Playoff-Ready with Six Touchdowns in Three Games

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson, under Mike Vrabel's guidance, has transformed into a playoff-ready asset. He enters the postseason playing his best in 2025, highlighted by an impressive six touchdowns scored in his past three games. This strong performance positions him as a key player as the Patriots head into the playoffs, demonstrating significant improvement and impact.

Friday, January 9

Commanders Promote David Blough to OC After Just Two Years Coaching

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Washington Commanders have promoted assistant QB Coach David Blough to offensive coordinator, a rapid ascent after only two years in coaching. Blough's promotion follows OC Kliff Kingsbury's departure, with the Commanders moving swiftly to retain him amid Lions' interest. Blough, an NFL QB from 2019-2023, including time with the Lions under HC Dan Campbell, has experienced a meteoric rise through the coaching ranks since ending his playing career. The move was confirmed by a source to ESPN.

Steelers TE Jonnu Smith Added to Injury Report with Glute Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been added to the injury report with a glute injury that limited his participation in practice.

Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Cleared for Wild Card After Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (illness) returned to full practice on Friday, assuaging any concerns about his availability for Monday's wild-card round home playoff game against the Texans. Warren had missed Thursday's practice due to an illness, but his full return indicates he is good to go. He is set to split backfield duties with Kenneth Gainwell against the stout Houston defense.

49ers LT Trent Williams Questionable for Sunday's Playoff Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is listed as questionable for Sunday's playoff matchup against the Eagles due to a hamstring injury tweaked in Week 17, which caused him to miss Week 18. He missed Wednesday's practice but returned as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. His availability will be a key factor for the 49ers' offensive line in the Wild Card round.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (Knee/Ankle) Questionable for Sunday's Playoff Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall is officially questionable for Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles due to nagging knee and ankle issues, including an aggravated PCL injury from Week 17. He has not practiced all week and hasn't played since Week 17. Despite this, the team is leaving open the possibility of a last-minute recovery. If Pearsall is declared inactive, Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne are expected to take on increased roles in the offense.

Rams WR Davante Adams Returns from Injury, Named Top TD Scorer Pick

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rams WR Davante Adams returns to the lineup Saturday against the Panthers in the NFC Wild Card game after a hamstring injury sidelined him since mid-December. He finished the season with an NFL-best 14 touchdown catches in 14 games, becoming the first player to lead the league in TD receptions with three different teams. Adams, with 117 career TD catches, has been highlighted by the SportsLine Machine Learning Model as a top anytime touchdown scorer pick for the Wild Card Weekend, positioning him as a key offensive threat.

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (Ankle) Questionable, Expects to Play Sunday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is officially questionable for Sunday night's Wild Card game against the Patriots due to an ankle injury, but he stated he expects to play. After missing Wednesday and Thursday practices, Hampton returned Friday as a limited participant, sporting an ankle brace. His availability for the 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff will be determined 90 minutes prior. This marks his potential return since Week 17, though he's expected to be less than 100%. Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Jaret Patterson are poised for increased roles if Hampton is sidelined or limited.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's Future System Fit & Contract Under Scrutiny

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens OC Todd Monken accepted blame for Lamar Jackson's regression in his third season, citing a lack of coaching relationship. Jackson, a two-time MVP, faces contract work with only one year of guarantees left and a looming $74.5 million cap hit. While talented, his health (missed 4 games this year with hamstring/back) and the need for an offensive play-caller who maximizes his dual-threat abilities are key questions for the team's future amidst coaching changes.

Eagles OL Lane Johnson Questionable for Sunday's Playoff Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson is listed as questionable for Sunday's Wild Card game against the 49ers, but is expected to return. He went through three limited practices this week after missing the final seven regular-season games due to a foot sprain (Lisfranc injury) sustained on November 16. His return will be a significant boost for the Eagles' offensive line.

Texans CB Kamari Lassiter Returns to Practice, Expects to Play Monday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (ankle/knee) returned to limited practice on Friday after missing Thursday's session. He played through a knee injury in Week 16 and sat out Week 17 as a precaution, but stated earlier this week that he expects to play in Monday night's Wild Card game against the Steelers.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Upgraded to Full Practice Participant

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) has been upgraded to a full participant in practice after being limited on Thursday, indicating improved health ahead of the team's upcoming game.

49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) cleared to play in Wild Card game vs. Eagles.

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia, confirming he is cleared to play. Kittle played 95 percent of snaps in Week 18, marking his return from a one-game absence for the 13-3 loss to Seattle. He is expected to handle his usual every-down role this weekend against one of the NFC's top defenses.

Texans RB Jawhar Jordan (ankle) misses second practice, availability in doubt.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan (ankle) missed his second straight practice on Friday, raising significant doubt about his availability for Monday night's Wild Card game against the Steelers. Jordan has recently emerged as the Texans' No. 2 running back. His potential absence would likely provide a slight boost to fellow RB Woody Marks' projection. The team is expected to release his official injury status on Saturday's final injury report.

Texans RB Woody Marks named top anytime TD scorer pick for Wild Card Weekend.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Woody Marks has been identified by the SportsLine Machine Learning Model as a top anytime touchdown scorer pick for the upcoming NFL Wild Card Weekend, highlighting his high potential to find the end zone. This projection suggests confidence in his ability to impact the game with a scoring play. Furthermore, with Texans RB Jawhar Jordan dealing with an ankle injury and missing practice, Jordan's potential absence would provide a slight boost to Marks' projection, indicating an increased role or opportunity for the Houston running back.

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal poised for increased role with Hampton's ankle injury.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is poised for an increased role in Sunday's Wild Card game against the Patriots, especially if fellow RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) is sidelined or limited. Hampton is questionable for the game and expects to play, but is anticipated to be less than 100%. Vidal, along with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson, could see more snaps and opportunities in the backfield depending on Hampton's final status and effectiveness.

Giants RB Cam Skattebo Sheds Walking Boot, Aims for Training Camp Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants RB Cam Skattebo (ankle) is on schedule in his recovery from a dislocated right ankle, having shed his walking boot after eight weeks. He is now close to 10 weeks removed from his late-October injury and is set to start "upping" his speed soon to regain dorsiflexion in his right foot. The 2025 fourth-round draft pick is aiming to be back by training camp in July, if not for spring practices, putting him well on track to ramp up to full speed by the start of the 2026 campaign. Once healthy, Skattebo could reclaim the top spot in the Giants backfield over Tyrone Tracy.

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) cleared to play vs. 49ers after full practice.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the 49ers, indicating he is good to go. Goedert missed Week 18, but after being limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, he upgraded to full participation on Friday. He is expected to be ready for his usual every-down role in the upcoming Wild Card matchup.

Packers WR Christian Watson set for larger target share with Wicks out.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is set for a potentially larger target share and increased snaps in Saturday night's Wild Card game against the Bears, following the official ruling that fellow WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is out. Watson will likely be a primary option in the passing game, alongside Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, as the Packers adjust to Wicks' absence.

Packers WR Romeo Doubs expects increased role with Wicks (concussion) sidelined.

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is expected to see increased snaps and routes in Saturday night's Wild Card game against the Bears, as fellow WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) has been officially ruled out. Doubs will likely serve as a key target alongside Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, with Matthew Golden filling in as the No. 4 wideout.