NFL Player News

Wicks remains limited through two practices as he attempts to return from a concussion he suffered in Week 17. His availability for the Packers’ Wild Card Round game against the Bears remains up in the air. Having him on the field would provide QB Jordan Love with another capable pass catcher.

Josiah Stewart ran right over Ekwonu as his leg buckled. The fact that he was almost immediately ruled out likely foreshadows that he would have problems playing if the Panthers advanced. We can’t rule out a serious injury that requires surgery, either. Ekwonu played 950 regular-season snaps as Carolina’s starter at left tackle. Yosh Nijman took over at left tackle.

Gordon made only three appearances for the Bears during the regular season but gives a struggling secondary a tangible boost as they prepare to host the Packers Saturday evening. The two teams split the season series but meet in the Wildcard Round.

The No. 1 seeded Broncos get the luxury of an additional week of preparation as they await their Division Round opponent, giving Sanders a legitimate chance to return for the team’s first postseason game. The third-year linebacker spent the entirety of the 2025 regular season on injured reserve after complications from a torn Achilles suffered in 2024.

Jordan injured his ankle in Week 18 and failed to practice all week, eventually ruled out with the ailment. That leaves very little depth behind starting rookie Woody Marks, who could find himself in a workhorse role for the team’s Wildcard matchup against the Steelers. Nick Chubb appears likely to operate as the primary change of pace option while Dare Ogunbowale could rotate in on obvious passing situations.

No real surprises from one of the healthier teams entering the postseason as the Panthers attempt to knock off the Rams at home as 10-point underdogs. It is the franchise’s first home playoff game since 2015.

Ferguson came into the weekend listed as questionable and will ultimately be held out for the team’s Wildcard Round game against the Panthers. The Rams come into the contest listed as 10-point favorites on the road after losing to the Panthers in Carolina earlier in the season. Wide receivers Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and Tutu Atwell get the nod over Whittington.

Shula, the grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, will have a chance to bring the family full circle in Miami after his Rams ranked 17th in total defense and 10th in points allowed per game in his second season in Los Angeles. The 39-year-old defensive coach has coached with the Rams under head coach Sean McVay since 2017 after coming up at the collegiate level. He would be amongst the five youngest head coaches in the NFL should he land a head-coaching gig this offseason.

Palmer failed to practice all week before initially drawing the questionable tag, eventually ruled out on Saturday for the team’s Wildcard Round game against the Jaguars. He was then placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Keon Coleman is expected to be active due to the absence for a team in desperate need of play makers behind quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook. The team elevated DE Andre Davis and RB Frank Gore Jr. in an associated move.

It’s the fifth interview request for the former Jets head coach as the 2026 coaching carousel continues trudging on. Saleh has also drawn interest from the Cardinals, Ravens, Falcons, and Titans after interviewing with the Cowboys and Jaguars ahead of the 2025 season. The veteran defensive mastermind coach could be on the move once more this offseason.

Young improved a lot in his third year after a rough first two seasons with the Panthers. The 24-year-old quarterback led Carolina to eight wins, a division championship and the playoffs. Young orchestrated four fourth quarter comebacks and six game-winning drives. He threw for over 20 touchdowns for the first time without increasing his interceptions and lowered his sack percentage. Young led the league in deep ball accuracy with a catchable percentage of 75 percent on passes that traveled at least 20 yards in the air. While Young still has work to do to be a top-15 fantasy quarterback, the Panthers are committed to him for at least the next two years now.