NFL Player News

It’s not clear exactly why Rice is sitting out. Rice did play through a bit of a foot issue in 2020 that required treatment, but he does not have on a boot or anything of that nature, so it’s not clear whether or not that is what is keeping him out. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker also opted out of the Peach Bowl a few weeks ago, so it’s possible Rice primarily went down to Mobile for interviews and such. Stay tuned for updates on Rice’s ability to practice this week.

Both players came into the weekend listed as questionable but will ultimately be held out for the team’s Conference Championship game against the Broncos. Jennings was not activated from injured reserve after being placed there in Week 13 with a concussion. Expect veteran journeyman D’Ernest Johnson to be active on Sunday and serve in an emergency role behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Martindale was crowned the early favorite for the defensive coordinator role earlier this week by another Jets beat writer, ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Hughes also replied to a fan comment on Twitter about the Jets not letting Martindale leave Saturday with, “I doubt they do.” Martindale has previously held the DC title with the Giants, Ravens and Broncos in the NFL as well as at the University of Michigan on the college level.

Walker was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. The 25-year-old left tackle appeared in Queens County Criminal Court on the gun charge and was later released. He is due back in court on March 19. A seventh-round pick by the Packers in 2022, Walker is set to hit free agency for the first time this offseason. His pending court appearance could impact his free agency as the legal negotiating period for pending free agents starts on March 9, and players can officially sign deals with new teams on March 11.

While the Bills are just beginning their search for a new head coach after dismissing Sean McDermott earlier this week, McDaniel has already withdrawn his name from the Browns head coaching search and interviewed for multiple offensive coordinator positions before agreeing to sign on with the Chargers. Schultz says McDaniel and the Bills remain in contact for a potential interview, but there’s a “strong possibility” he moves forward with the Chargers. McDaniel’s presence in Los Angeles would be massive as fantasy managers could expect the 42-year-old coach to get the most out of Justin Herbert and the rest of the Chargers’ offense.

Earlier today, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Davis would be listed as questionable, but Davis ended up clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol this afternoon. Davis leads the team with 12 pass breakups this year. His return is good news for the Patriots’ defense.

Douglas is currently in his second stint with the Eagles’ front office. He previously served as the Eagles’ vice president of player personnel from 2016-2019 before taking the Jets’ vacant general manager position. He has been in his current role for one year.

Udinski, 30, completed his second interview with the Browns today. The young candidate piloted an offense that ranked top-12 in yards per pass play (7.15) during the regular season. He is also expected to interview for the Bills’ head-coaching vacancy.

Turner’s time with the Jets comes to a close after just one season. The Jets also fired QB coach Charles London, DL coach Eric Washington, LB coach Aaron Curry, defensive assistant Roosevelt Williams and defensive assistant Alonso Escalante.

Cowboys DL coach Aaron Whitecotton is “drawing interest” from the Titans as they search for a defensive coordinator under new head coach Robert Saleh. Rather than waiting to find out if Whitecotton leaves, the Cowboys are proactively starting their own search for his potential replacement. ESPN’s Todd Archer notes that Dixon coached the Broncos’ defensive line from 2022-2023, while new Cowboys DC Christian Parker coached Broncos defensive backs.

Tabor held the same role with the division-rival Bills in 2025. Before that, he served as the Panthers’ special teams coordinator from 2022-2023 and was promoted to interim head coach briefly during the latter season.