Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Wednesday, January 7

Myles Garrett Shatters NFL Sack Record with 23 Sacks, Earns PFF All-Pro

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett achieved PFF All-Pro honors for his elite 2025 season, leading edge defenders with a 92.7 PFF grade and 93.3 pass-rush grade. He shattered the NFL sack record with an astounding 23 sacks, solidifying his status as the league's top pass rusher. Garrett also received the PFF Dwight Stephenson Award, recognizing him as the NFL's best player regardless of position. A 2011 sack ruling change, which reportedly worked in his favor, was noted in relation to his record-breaking achievement.

Kimani Vidal Poised for Lead Back Role if Hampton Misses Wild Card

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers RB Kimani Vidal is poised to step into the lead back role for Sunday night's Wild Card game against the Patriots. This opportunity arises if fellow running back Omarion Hampton, who did not practice Wednesday due to a significant ankle injury, is unable to play. Vidal would lead the backfield options for the Chargers in Hampton's absence.

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Raises Wild Card Game Doubt

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, confirming his injury is a significant concern, not just rest. He hasn't practiced since his 22-touch Week 17 performance. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh stated Hampton is "doing everything and anything he can to get back." His status for Sunday's Wild Card game against the Patriots is uncertain. If Hampton is unavailable, Kimani Vidal is expected to step in as Los Angeles' lead back, alongside Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson.

Ricky Pearsall Aggravates Knee Injury, Projected to Miss Wild Card Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Pearsall aggravated a PCL sprain in his right knee ahead of the regular-season finale. Having already missed Week 18, he is currently projected to miss Sunday's Wild Card game against the Eagles, though his official status remains uncertain. If Pearsall is unavailable, Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne are expected to see increased opportunities behind Jauan Jennings.

Josh Allen Returns to Full Practice, Nearing 100% for Wild Card

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bills QB Josh Allen (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, marking his first full session since December 26th. After being hobbled and playing only one snap last Sunday, the week off appears to have significantly helped his recovery. Allen is now expected to be close to 100% for Sunday's Wild Card game against the Jaguars. Despite ongoing roster questions, his Super Bowl window seems clearer. He holds a 7-6 postseason record with 3,359 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.

Russell Wilson Intends to Play Next Season, Switches Agents for Free Agency

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson confirmed Monday his full intention to play next season. In a move signaling preparation for upcoming free agency, Wilson recently switched to Athletes First super-agent David Mulugheta, according to official NFLPA records. This change comes as Wilson looks ahead to his future in the league.

Justin Herbert Logs Full Practice, Hand Feels Strong Ahead of Wild Card

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) practiced fully Wednesday, taking snaps under center, a positive sign as his hand feels as strong as it has since before his Week 13 fracture. He noted that resting during the Week 18 loss to the Broncos was "pretty helpful" for healing. This full participation indicates he is progressing well in preparation for Sunday night's wild-card contest against the Patriots, having previously waited until later in the week to take snaps.

Eric Smith Reports Justin Herbert's Full Practice Participation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reported Wednesday that quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) practiced fully. Smith's report highlighted Herbert's progress, noting that the Chargers' starting QB is managing a left (non-throwing) hand injury and that the team elected to rest him in the Week 18 loss to the Broncos to aid in healing. Herbert confirmed his hand feels as strong as it has since before his Week 13 injury.

Three Arrested in $200K Burglary at Shedeur Sanders' Home

AutoDraft Pro AI

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with a burglary at Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders' home, where approximately $200,000 in property was stolen. Authorities are still searching for a fourth suspect. The incident occurred in November, notably on the same day Sanders made his NFL debut. This update follows initial reports of the break-in at the Browns' signal-caller's residence.

Cam Newton to Drum for Panthers' Wild Card Game, Hints Confirmed

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former MVP Cam Newton is set to return to Charlotte for the first time in four years, serving as a pregame drummer for the Carolina Panthers' Wild Card matchup against the Rams. The Panthers' social media has hinted at his involvement with a post using his voice, confirming his highly anticipated return. This unique and nostalgic element coincides with the Panthers hosting their first playoff game since 2016, adding to the excitement for fans.

49ers TE George Kittle Limited in Practice Due to Ankle Sprain

AutoDraft Pro AI

George Kittle (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice for the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle is managing a mid-to-low-ankle sprain that caused him to miss Week 17. He returned last Saturday against the Seahawks, playing 95 percent of snaps and recording five catches on seven targets for 29 yards. He will have two more practice opportunities this week before the 49ers' wild-card game at Philadelphia on Sunday, with his status for the game potentially receiving a designation.

Packers' Jordan Love Ready for Wild-Card After Concussion, Eyes Playoff Run

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love, who has been sidelined since suffering a concussion in Week 16, expressed no concerns about rust as he prepares for the upcoming wild-card game against the Bears. His career trajectory is drawing comparisons to Packers legends Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, with a deep playoff run identified as the crucial next step to emulate their Super Bowl success. Love aims to prove his readiness and lead the team deep into the postseason.

Trevor Lawrence's Grill Creation a Family, Team Effort

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's custom grill was the result of a collaborative effort. The unique accessory came together through the involvement of his mother, wife, a former Clemson teammate, and the Jaguars' social media team. This collective endeavor highlights a personal project for the team's signal-caller.

Josh Jacobs Cleared, 100% Healthy for Wild-Card Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) is officially off the injury report and 100% healthy for Saturday's wild-card game against Chicago. Jacobs stated Wednesday he feels the best he has since suffering a knee contusion in Week 11, with lingering pain and range of motion issues now resolved. He had been dealing with a swollen and stiff knee, missing Week 12 and being a healthy scratch Week 18. Jacobs is expected to handle his typical workload, having averaged 21.1 touches per game before his injury.

Kyler Gordon Returns from IR, Factored into Bears' Gameplan

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bears nickel corner Kyler Gordon is returning from his second stint on the Injured Reserve list and is being actively factored into the team's gameplan. He is expected to play a role in Saturday's crucial wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, marking his return to action.

DJ Moore: Stays limited Wednesday with knee injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bears WR DJ Moore (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, following a limited walkthrough Tuesday. He ended the regular season with two consecutive one-catch efforts. Moore needs to practice without restrictions Thursday to avoid a designation for Saturday's wild-card game against the Packers.

Rome Odunze: Limited again Wednesday due to foot injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday, marking his third consecutive limited report. He is seeking his first game action since Week 13. Odunze will need to practice without restrictions Thursday to avoid an injury designation for Saturday's wild-card game against the Packers.

Lamar Jackson to Play Key Role in Ravens' Coaching Search

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore's coaching search is actively underway, and quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to play a substantial role in the team's decision-making process for their next head coach. The Ravens are looking for a coach to maximize Jackson's window as an elite quarterback, with Robert Saleh topping the list of potential candidates.

Bryce Young Ranked Among Playoff Quarterbacks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bryce Young is ranked among the 14 playoff quarterbacks based on his potential to carry his team to the Super Bowl.

Stafford Named NFC Player of Week 18, PFF All-Pro & MVP Candidate

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 18 after a 259-yard, 4-TD performance, securing the 5th seed. He was also named PFF All-Pro with an elite 93.3 passing grade and is considered a deserving 2025 NFL MVP. Stafford finished the season leading the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, alongside 8 interceptions. He is ranked among the top playoff quarterbacks.