Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson are in agreement that the 24-year-old signal caller is "built for these moments" ahead of Saturday's NFC Wild Card game against the Packers. Williams also indicated that WR Rome Odunze is on track to return, expressing excitement. Earlier, analysts debated potential criticism for Williams if the Bears were to lose the upcoming matchup.
Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore (knee) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, marking a new concern after his last injury report mention was for an illness in Week 17. Moore will have two more opportunities to increase his practice activity to ensure availability for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Packers. He played all 17 regular season games, recording 7 total TDs.
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins' contract for the final two years has been modified, establishing a critical deadline of March 13, 2026, for a decision on his future with the team. This date, the third day of the 2026 NFL league year, is a pivotal moment as the Falcons determine his role, with buzz suggesting he may be cut.
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, continuing his return from a stress fracture that sidelined him for the final five regular season games. QB Caleb Williams expressed excitement, suggesting Odunze is on track to play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Packers. Odunze may need full participation by Thursday to avoid an injury designation.
Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, marking his first full listing since Week 14. After missing the final three regular season games, Head Coach Sean McVay confirmed Adams is on track to play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. He is not expected to face snap count limitations, though there is always a risk of hamstring aggravation.
The Buffalo Bills signed kicker Matthew Wright to their practice squad. He is now considered the favorite to kick in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, and potentially beyond, following K Matt Prater's quad injury in Week 18.
Bills kicker Matt Prater suffered a quad injury in Week 18. As a result, the Bills signed K Matthew Wright to their practice squad, who is now the favorite to kick in Sunday's game against the Jaguars and potentially beyond.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was sentenced to five days in jail for a reckless driving incident. He was booked Tuesday morning, and the sentence is expected to impact his immediate availability and off-field status.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Jordan Love will start at quarterback for Saturday's wild-card game against the Chicago Bears. Love has cleared concussion protocol after sustaining an injury in Week 16 and, despite being a backup in Week 18, maintained a "mostly normal amount of practice work." He will benefit from a full week of practice and the expected return of right tackle Zach Tom.
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold was a topic of discussion on 'The Herd,' with Nick Wright and Colin Cowherd debating if he and the team can be trusted heading into Wild Card Weekend. The conversation centered on their potential performance and reliability in the upcoming playoff matchups.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was mentioned as being absent from this year’s playoffs, alongside Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. This context was part of a discussion on 'The Herd' questioning if the Buffalo Bills are in a 'Super Bowl or Bust' situation this season.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was noted as being absent from this year’s playoffs, alongside Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. This absence was highlighted during a discussion on 'The Herd' regarding whether the Buffalo Bills face a 'Super Bowl or Bust' scenario this season.
The Green Bay Packers anticipate right tackle Zach Tom will return to the lineup for Saturday's wild-card game against the Bears. Tom, who missed the final three regular season games with a knee injury, is considered the team's "most consistent offensive lineman" and his return is a "huge get" for the team, providing a significant boost.
The Green Bay Packers anticipate backup quarterback Malik Willis will be available for this week's game. Willis had been dealing with a right shoulder injury in the final weeks of the season, which led to him being inactive for the team's Week 18 loss to the Vikings.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop is receiving donations from Pittsburgh Steelers fans following a recent missed field goal. This unexpected gesture is transforming a negative on-field moment into a positive outcome, highlighting a unique display of sportsmanship.
The Chicago Bears have designated offensive lineman Braxton Jones for return from injured reserve. Jones has been sidelined since October due to a knee injury. He played in six games, making four starts, during the regular season before his injury.
The Chicago Bears have designated cornerback Kyler Gordon for return from injured reserve, with hopes he'll practice this week. Gordon has been sidelined since November 28 due to a groin injury, which led to him being placed on IR December 13. He appeared in only three games this season, recording seven tackles and one sack. His potential return would provide a boost to the Bears' secondary.
Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby offered kind words to former coach Pete Carroll after his firing, stating Carroll was "always incredible to me." Crosby, who was shut down with a knee injury, addressed previous reports of a strained relationship with the team, suggesting no animosity. While his relationship with the Raiders appears intact, a trade in the offseason remains a possibility as the team eyes a major rebuild.
The Philadelphia Eagles expect linebacker Nakobe Dean to play in Sunday's wild-card game against the 49ers. Dean, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury suffered on Dec. 20, also missed the first five games of the season recovering from a torn patellar tendon last playoffs. In 10 games this season, he recorded 55 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 7 TFLs, 6 QB hits, and a pass breakup, providing a significant boost to the Eagles' run defense and blitzing.
Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is set to formally interview later this week for the newly created president of football role with his former team. Ryan, the leading candidate, would give up his CBS TV analyst position if hired, resolving a potential conflict. The Falcons are also interviewing 49ers' Josh Williams for the position, and must comply with the Rooney Rule before making an official hire.
