NFL Player News

The Giants are holding a deep, open competition at linebacker in camp -- including Dan Connor, Aaron Curry, and Jacquian Williams -- but the trio of Herzlich, Paysinger, and Rivers is expected to open the season as starters. None of the three have a ton of IDP value because they’ll be rotated too often.

Oh, good, another running back to enter the Denver backfield rotation. Jaleel McLaughlin has taken over as the primary rusher for the Broncos, with Javonte Williams in on clear passing situations and Audric Estime serving as the primary change of pace option. Badie could potentially make his presence felt on special teams should he be active for the Wildcard Round against the Bills.

Jones has been managing a quad injury for almost a month now, something that has capped his practice reps through the start of playoff preparations. He again sheds an injury designation on the team’s final injury report of the week as the Vikings prepare to face the Rams in Arizona for Wildcard Weekend.

The questionable designation comes after Akers missed practice Saturday with an illness, although head coach Kevin O’Connell relayed that he expects Akers to be able to play come Monday. Fellow running back Ty Chandler missed practice earlier int he week with an illness but returned to the practice field Saturday, ultimately free a game designation.

Both skill position players came into the weekend listed as questionable but will ultimately suit up for the visiting Chargers, who look for an elusive road playoff win Saturday against the Texans. The Chargers will roll out a backfield consisting of Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Hassan Haskins, with notable free agent addition Ezekiel Elliott watching from the sidelines after joining the team five days ago. Johnston will likely be tasked with additional volume after setting career highs in receptions and yards in Week 18 in the absence of Joshua Palmer.

Both offensive offensive guard Juice Scruggs and wide receiver John Metchie will play after coming into the weekend listed as questionable. Scruggs should slot into the starting lineup for the absent Mason while Metchie should return to a starting role alongside Nico Collins on the perimeter. The Texans look to complete the rare home dog upset in the Wildcard Round against the visiting Chargers.

Palmer had been ruled out earlier in the week, leaving the biggest surprise tight end Hayden Hurst. Hurst began the season as the lead tight end before suffering injuries that forced him to miss eight of the team’s final 13 games. Will Dissly took over as the primary tight end in Hurst’s absence and never relinquished the role, backed up by both Tucker Fisk and Stone Smartt.

The Falcons move on from Lake after surrendering 24.9 points per game (24th) and 345.2 yards of total offense per game (23rd), both of which landed them in the bottom 10 in the league in 2024. The pieces are present for the Falcons to continue to be competitive in a relatively weak NFC South division, with the move at defensive coordinator a step in the right direction for the future of the franchise.

The Steelers have toyed around with specific packages for Fields throughout the season after he filled in as the starter for the injured Russell Wilson to begin the season. Up to this point, their hand has typically been played face up with Fields on the field, so it will be interesting to see the extent of his packages against the Ravens. Instilled as 9.5-point road underdogs in the Wildcard Round, the Steelers have nothing to lose as they chase an opening round upset.

Bonsignore cites sources saying the Colorado football coach has his eyes on the Raiders job and that NFL-connected associates of Sanders have reached out to team to express interest. As of now, an interview with the 57-year-old former defensive back isn’t on the books. It’s unclear whether Sanders’ interest in the Raiders will be reciprocated. His son, Shedeur Sanders, is one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, though the Raiders are set to pick sixth overall and thus aren’t well positioned to acquire Shedeur without trading up.

Johnson has now completed interviews with the Patriots, Raiders and Bears. The 38-year-old offensive coordinator is also set to meet with the Jaguars Saturday. Johnson has been heavily linked to the Raiders of late, though it’s also been reported that he covets a quarterback, something the Raiders don’t have. He’s the sixth different candidate the Bears have interviewed so far joining Mike Vrabel, Anthony Weaver, Mike Kafka, Pete Carroll and Drew Petzing.