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NFL News

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

Monday, January 5

Russell Wilson Plans to Play in 2026, Dismisses Retirement Talk

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Russell Wilson has dismissed retirement rumors, confirming his intention to play in the 2026 NFL season after completing his year with the New York Giants. He is evaluating potential career options moving forward.

Colts Claim LB John Bullock Off Waivers from Buccaneers

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The Indianapolis Colts have claimed linebacker John Bullock off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bullock appeared in 15 games for the Bucs this season, primarily on special teams.

Lamar Jackson Stunned by Loss, Avoids Future Talk as Ravens Miss Playoffs

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Lamar Jackson appeared 'stunned' after the Steelers loss, declining to discuss his future or John Harbaugh's status, stating it was 'not his focus'. He anticipates facing numerous questions about his long-term prospects with the Ravens, continuing to avoid public comment on his contractual situation. Despite an injury-marred season that saw the Ravens miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021, Jackson has the support of his teammates.

Fred Warner Out Until Championship Game if 49ers Qualify

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Fred Warner's return is unlikely before the NFC Championship Game, if the 49ers advance. His absence, coupled with Tatum Bethune's season-ending groin injury, leaves Eric Kendricks to lead the linebacker corps.

Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams Lead Playoff-Bound Bears

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Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams have overcome initial friction to successfully lead the Chicago Bears into the playoffs. Their strengthened partnership proved crucial in the team's successful campaign and playoff qualification.

Matt Prater Day-to-Day; Bills to Work Out Kickers

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Bills coach Sean McDermott stated kicker Matt Prater is day-to-day with a re-injured quad. The team will work out other kickers as a backup plan for their upcoming game.

Giants' Russell Wilson Played Through Torn Hamstring Before Dart Took Over

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Russell Wilson revealed he played through an undisclosed Grade 2 torn hamstring before being benched for rookie Jaxson Dart. Wilson stated the Giants were unaware of the injury, which occurred on the last play of practice before Week 2.

Former CB Trevon Diggs Critiques DC Eberflus' Scheme Amid Cowboys' Defensive Woes

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Former cornerback Trevon Diggs has repeatedly critiqued defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' scheme. His comments come in the context of the Dallas Cowboys' defensive performance, which allowed an NFL-high 30.1 points per game during Eberflus' first season. Diggs' multiple critiques highlight ongoing concerns about the defensive strategy, contrasting with current Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams' positive remarks about the same scheme.

Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams Praises DC Eberflus' Scheme Amid Defensive Struggles

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Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has expressed his approval for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' scheme. This endorsement comes despite the Cowboys' defense allowing an NFL-high 30.1 points per game during Eberflus' inaugural season. The scheme has also faced criticism, notably from former cornerback Trevon Diggs, who reportedly critiqued it multiple times. Williams' support offers a contrasting perspective amidst the team's defensive performance challenges.

49ers LB Tatum Bethune Out for Playoffs with Torn Groin

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Tatum Bethune will miss the entire postseason with a torn groin, a significant blow to the 49ers' defense. The linebacker recorded 91 tackles this season, and his absence may require surgery.

49ers WR Jacob Cowing to Return to Practice This Week

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Wide receiver Jacob Cowing will return to practice this week, opening his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. He injured his hamstring in the preseason and caught four passes for 80 yards as a rookie.

Julian Edelman Discusses Patriots, Seahawks, Bills Super Bowl Outlook

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Former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman joined Colin Cowherd on 'The Herd' to offer his insights on the current NFL landscape. During the interview, Edelman discussed the New England Patriots’ odds of winning the Super Bowl, evaluated whether the Seattle Seahawks can contend similarly to their past 'Legion of Boom' era, and debated if the Buffalo Bills face a 'Super Bowl or Bust' scenario this season.

Greg Olsen Praises Patriots' 'Historic Turnaround' to 14-3 Record

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Analyst Greg Olsen, alongside Joe Davis, provided commentary on the New England Patriots' remarkable "historic turnaround" this season. Their discussion centered on the Patriots' impressive performance, culminating in a Week 18 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This win allowed New England to finish the season with an outstanding 14-3 record, a significant achievement that Olsen highlighted as a testament to the team's dramatic improvement and success throughout the year.

Brock Purdy Cleared for Full Practice, Ready for Wild-Card Game

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) is expected to be a full participant in practice this week, ahead of Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia. Purdy sustained a "stinger" during the 49ers' final offensive play in Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Seahawks but was evaluated and checked out fine, with Shanahan confident he would have returned to the Week 18 contest if needed. Purdy concluded the regular season with 2,167 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 3 rushing scores across nine appearances.

Davante Adams Cleared to Play in Rams' Wild Card Game

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Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is expected to play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. He missed the final three regular season games but returned to limited practices and is anticipated to handle a full snap load.

Ravens Kicker Tyler Loop Reflects on Season-Ending Missed Field Goal

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Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop stated, 'I just mishit the ball' regarding his 44-yard, season-ending missed field goal that dashed playoff hopes. The kick sailed wide right in a critical game against the Steelers.

Sam Darnold's Leadership Questioned After Seahawks Clinch NFC 1-Seed

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Following the Seattle Seahawks' 13-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, which secured the NFC's 1-seed, sports analyst Colin Cowherd raised the question of whether quarterback Sam Darnold can lead Seattle to Super Bowl LX. The team's strong performance has put them in a prime playoff position.

Aaron Rodgers Leads Steelers to Playoff Berth; Playoff Trust Questioned

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Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, clinching the final AFC playoff spot. Following the win, sports analyst Colin Cowherd questioned if Rodgers can be trusted to end the Steelers’ playoff win drought, despite his role in securing their postseason berth.

Colts CB Charvarius Ward Mulls Retirement Amid Concussion Complications

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward is seriously considering retirement from the NFL. This decision comes as he battles complications stemming from a series of three concussions suffered during the 2025 season, impacting his long-term health and career outlook.

Week 18 Recap & Playoff Preview with Matt Harmon

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Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski recap Week 18, including the Ravens-Steelers game, and look ahead to the playoff field. They discuss what's next for the Ravens and Buccaneers and analyze coaching firings.