Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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 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.
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.
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.
Former Eagles RB LeSean McCoy predicts a tough game for the 49ers in their Wild Card matchup against Philadelphia, citing the Eagles' strong defense and pass rush as key factors.
New Orleans Saints edge defender Carl Granderson was named "Defensive Player of the Week" for Week 18. Granderson delivered a strong all-around performance, which was key to earning him the prestigious defensive award. His impactful play on the field contributed significantly to the Saints' efforts in their final game of the season, demonstrating his prowess as a top defender.
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson earned "Offensive Player of the Week" honors for Week 18. His standout performance included three total touchdowns, which were instrumental in securing the Patriots' win. This recognition underscores his significant contribution to the team's offense in the final week of the season, showcasing his ability to find the end zone multiple times.
Giants WR Malik Nabers admitted Monday he's "iffy" to be ready for the 2026 opener, 10.5 months post-ACL and meniscus surgery on October 28. Spotted on crutches with a knee brace, Nabers emphasized he won't play if his body isn't right. Early fantasy drafters should consider him no better than 50/50 for Week 1 readiness, as his progress will be monitored throughout the offseason.
Rams TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) is expected to return for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers after missing Week 18, HC Sean McVay confirmed Monday. Ferguson is projected to be the No. 3 tight end, playing behind Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson in the Rams' playoff lineup.
Los Angeles Rams TE Colby Parkinson is expected to serve as a key tight end for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. Teammate Terrance Ferguson, returning from injury, is projected to be the No. 3 TE, playing behind both Tyler Higbee and Parkinson, solidifying Parkinson's role in the Rams' playoff lineup.
Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee is expected to maintain his role as a primary tight end for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. Teammate Terrance Ferguson, returning from injury, is projected to be the No. 3 TE behind Higbee and Colby Parkinson, indicating Higbee's continued importance in the Rams' playoff offense.
The firing of Head Coach Pete Carroll by the Las Vegas Raiders has prompted speculation regarding its implications for quarterback Geno Smith. The article questions what Carroll's departure means for the Raiders' No. 1 pick and the desirability of the coaching job, indirectly linking Smith to the potential ripple effects of the coaching change.
Milton Williams is set to join the New England Patriots as a defensive reinforcement. His arrival aims to bolster the team's defense, alongside Robert Spillane, addressing a needed spot for the Patriots.
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism is reportedly making the most of an expanded role with the New England Patriots. Chism is helping to fill a needed spot on the team, contributing significantly as defensive reinforcements also arrive.
Robert Spillane is set to join the New England Patriots as a defensive reinforcement. His arrival aims to bolster the team's defense, alongside Milton Williams, addressing a needed spot for the Patriots.
Veteran Cameron Jordan faces an uncertain future with the New Orleans Saints. The team has now missed the postseason for five consecutive years, leading to speculation that significant changes, potentially involving veteran players like Jordan, could be on the horizon.
Taysom Hill's future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain as the team has now missed the postseason for five straight years. This prolonged playoff drought suggests that significant changes could be on the horizon for veteran players like Hill.
Veteran Demario Davis faces an uncertain future with the New Orleans Saints. The team has now missed the postseason for five consecutive years, prompting speculation about potential changes on the horizon for key players like Davis.
Wan'Dale Robinson fractured his ribs in the first half of the Giants' Week 17 win over the Raiders but played through it to reach his 1,000-yard goal. He finished the 2025 season with a 92-1,014-4 receiving line on 140 targets across 16 games before being placed on injured reserve for Week 18. His ribs are expected to heal by spring OTAs, but his future with the Giants is uncertain as he's slated for unrestricted free agency, potentially making him a sought-after slot receiver.
CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys left his recent game early, concluding with a 45% snap share. The report did not specify the reason for his early departure.
