NFL Player News - Divisional Playoffs Week

**yisman** · 01-08-18, 12:32 PM

Bears hiring Matt Nagy as their new HC, apparently.

Former KC OC.

**Otters27** · 01-09-18, 08:06 AM

Looking more and more like Steelers vs. Pats.

NFC seems way more up in the air.

Could be a rematch of Pats vs. Falcons

**LT Profits** · 01-09-18, 09:18 AM

Tuesday Update

PIT - WR Antonio Brown on the field Monday

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown (calf) participated in practice Monday, Jan. 8, and is optimistic about his availability for the Divisional Round playoff game.

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Brown missed Week 16 and Week 17 as he dealt with this calf injury. The plan was for him to rest and get ready for the postseason. After a bye week in the playoffs, Brown looks like he's going to be out there against the Jaguars in the Divisional Round.

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WAS - Jay Gruden wants long-term answer at QB

Source: The Washington Post - Dan Steinberg

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said he prefers that impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins signs a long-term deal or the team moves onto another quarterback. 'I think something has to be done,' Gruden said. 'I personally don't want to go through another one-year deal, and just [keep going] one year, one year. I think you want to have a quarterback in here that's going to be here. And hopefully that is Kirk, and if not, we have to move on and do what we have to do as an organization.'

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Cousins has been franchise-tagged by Washington each of the last two years. He hasn't gotten a long-term deal that he wants, and the team is running out of time to get it done. They could tag him again in 2018, but the cost would be almost $35 million and he still wouldn't have a long-term contract. If Cousins gets to the open market, several teams should have interest in the veteran quarterback. Washington could transition tag Cousins so they at least would get something in return if they lose him to another team.

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CHI - Matt Nagy officially hired

Source: ChicagoBears.com

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has officially been hired as the Chicago Bears new head coach.

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Nagy did great work with the Chiefs offense this year, especially when he was given play-calling duties later in the season. He is the perfect offensive minded coach to help get the most out of young QB Mitchell Trubisky. The Bears are hoping he can be to Trubisky what former Chiefs OC Doug Pederson is to Carson Went with the Eagles. We'll see if Bears DC Vic Fangio sticks around on Nagy's staff.

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NE - Bill Belichick says he's staying

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Monday, Jan. 8, that he absolutely plans to coach the Patriots next season.

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There has been plenty of rumors swirling about the potential downfall of the Patriots with an alleged rift growing between Belichick, QB Tom Brady and team owner Robert Kraft. It sounds like Belichick is going to squash those rumors at this time. The Patriots are set to make another Super Bowl run and Belichick is now solely focused on beating the Tennesse Titans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

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KC - TE Travis Kelce doing well

Source: Chiefs.com

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (concussion) 'probably would have been alright' for a playoff game this coming weekend had the Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans, head coach Andy Reid said Sunday, Jan. 7.

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Kelce had two concussions in three months and it's something to monitor going forward. With the Chiefs losing, Kelce has the entire offseason to get better.

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GB - Green Bay to be a player in free agency

Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette - Ryan Wood

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will be more aggressive in free agency than his predecessor, Ted Thompson, according to a source.

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Being 'a player' in free agency isn't much when compared to what Thompson did in that process, which was next to nothing each year. Thompson believed in building through the draft and limiting free agent signings. It sounds like the Packers will be more aggressive, which by nature should happen even if they're just middle of the road compared to other teams.

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Source: footballguys.com

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 01-09-18, 09:36 AM

Can Henry have a big game against NE and keep the game close?

**mr. leisure** · 01-09-18, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

Can Henry have a big game against NE and keep the game close?

13 is a lot of points but early lean thinks no .

**yisman** · 01-09-18, 11:59 PM

I don't think the Falcons will make the SB this time.

**Otters27** · 01-10-18, 08:02 AM

Funny how Falcons could take out both Rams and Eagles. Both teams that ran the regular season show with young QBs

**LT Profits** · 01-10-18, 09:05 AM

Wednesday Update

PIT - WR Antonio Brown a full participant Monday

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Joe Rutter

Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach told reporters WR Antonio Brown (calf) was a full participant in practice Monday, Jan. 8, and that the team will monitor Brown's participation throughout the week.

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Brown is likely to be back for the Divisional Round game against the Jagaurs on Sunday. He missed two games at the end of the year with this calf injury, and Brown had an extra bit of rest during the team's bye last week. If Brown is out there, we expect him to perform up to expectations and not be a decoy for QB Ben Roethlisberger.

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ATL - WR Julio Jones idle Tuesday

Source: 92.9 The Game - Wendy Adams

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (ankle) will not practice Tuesday, Jan. 9, but head coach Dan Quinn said there was no injury setback after the Wild Card game.

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Jones always gets some rest during the week of practice. With the Divisional Round game against the Eagles set for Saturday, the Falcons just wanted their superstar to take the day off. Their best shot of beating the Eagles is with a big day from Jones.

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CLE - QB Alex Smith linked to Browns

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith could be an option for the Cleveland Browns after the Browns hired general manager John Dorsey, in the opinion of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe. Dorsey was the Chiefs' general manager when he acquired Smith from the San Francisco 49ers.

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The move would make a lot of sense for both sides. Smith is under contract for one more year with the Chiefs, but he could be traded away so Kansas City can begin the Patrick Mahomes era. The Browns have the no1 and no4 overall picks in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. One of those picks should be used on a quarterback like Josh Rosen or Sam Darnold. If Smith was added, he could help groom a young passer like one of those incoming rookies.

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ATL - RB Devonta Freeman limited Tuesday

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (knee) was limited in practice Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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Freeman's knee injury limited him in practice last week too. The Falcons are in need of Freeman if they're going to beat the Eagles on the road in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

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NE - RB Rex Burkhead, RB James White both limited

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RBs Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) were limited practice participants Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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Both Burkhead and White are expected back in action this week for the Divisional Round Game against the Titans. That's good news for the Patriots, especially with Mike Gillislee (knee) banged up.

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NE - WR Chris Hogan puts in limited practice

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots WR Chris Hogan (shoulder) was limited in practice Tuesday, Jan. 9. He is expected to return to action this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.

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Hogan has missed seven of the final eight games of the regular season for the Patriots, and the last time we saw him was in Week 14 against the Dolphins when he had one catch for one yard. We'll see if he can practice fully later in the week.

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TEN - RB DeMarco Murray not practicing

Source: The Tennessean - John Glennon

Tennessee Titans RB DeMarco Murray (knee) was not able to practice Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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Murray's status for the Divisional Round Game against the Patriots is up in the air. Even if he is able to play, the Titans will use Derrick Henry as their workhorse back. The Titans should run the ball as much as possible to play 'defense' against Tom Brady by keeping him on the sidelines.

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NE - RB Mike Gillislee a no-go Tuesday

Source: NBC Sports Boston - Phil Perry

New England Patriots RB Mike Gillislee (knee) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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The Patriots should get Rex Burkhead and James White back in the backfield this week against the Titans in the Divisional Round. Gillislee's status will have to be updated later in the week.

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CAR - Two Panthers fired

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey were fired Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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Shula has been with the Panthers for all of Cam Newton's pro career (since 2011). The Panthers offense faltered under his guidance even though new weapons were added to the mix. We'll see if the Panthers can add more talent to the WR position and get more out of weapons like RB Christian McCaffrey or WR Curtis Samuel with a new offensive coordinator.

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MIN - QB Sam Bradford update

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Chris Tomasson

Updating previous reports, Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Bradford (knee) practiced two days last week and saw one-third of the repetitions, according to head coach Mike Zimmer. He's not expected to be above No. 3 on the depth chart.

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The Vikings have a couple of weeks to decide whether or not to activate Bradford. They'll continue to monitor him during the week of practice and see how far they could go in the postseason. Case Keenum is entrenched as the starter for the Vikings as they look to make a run at the Super Bowl.

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LAR - WR Sammy Watkins open to returning to LA

Source: The Orange County Register - Rich Hammond

Los Angeles Rams WR Sammy Watkins, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, said that it 'would be a pleasure to come back.' He also mentioned that 'it's a business' and that he's 'looking forward to talking to the coach' and seeing where his future is at.

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A first-round pick in 2014, Watkins did not get a fifth-year option by the Bills and then he was traded to the Rams. Watkins is correct, the Rams are building something special and he could be a big part of it. In 2017, Watkins appeared in 15 games finishing with 39 catches for 593 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. It's not outlandish to think Watkins could double those numbers (for receptions and receiving yards) while catching double-digit touchdowns for a Rams offense on the rise. He is open to returning, but Watkins is still looking for a contract that could pay him near $10 million annually...maybe more.

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LAC - Chargers expect jump from WR Mike Williams

Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams is expected to produce more next year after a full offseason of working with QB Philip Rivers, according to general manager Tom Telesco. Rivers also feels that way and is excited to be working with Williams, citing that he feels he can 'add another dimension' to the offense.
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Fantasy owners are expecting a jump from Williams in 2018 as well. Williams has all the talent you want in a no1 WR, and he reminded many in the scouting community of a more athletic version of Plaxico Burress. He's a big-bodied target who could dominate smaller defenders in the red zone. Working with Rivers through OTAs and minicamp will only help. Williams has tremendous upside for the Chargers and in fantasy leagues if he can only stay healthy and play up to that potential.
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Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 01-10-18, 12:17 PM

CLE - QB Alex Smith linked to Browns

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith could be an option for the Cleveland Browns after the Browns hired general manager John Dorsey, in the opinion of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe. Dorsey was the Chiefs' general manager when he acquired Smith from the San Francisco 49ers

Poor Alex Smith lol

**LT Profits** · 01-11-18, 09:28 AM

Thursday Update

ATL - WR Julio Jones sits again

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Jones is a regular when it comes to missing practice during the week. He should be in line to play on Saturday against the Eagles. Jones should be able to participate in some form or fashion on Thursday and Friday.

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SEA - Tom Cable fired

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Seattle Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable was fired Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to a source.

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Cable has been with the Seahawks since 2011, but he doesn't get left out as Seattle is cleaning house with their assistants on the coaching staff. The Seahawks had a terrible offensive line, but a large part of that was the talent put in place.

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TEN - RB DeMarco Murray ruled out

Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans RB DeMarco Murray (knee) has already been ruled out for the divisional round of the playoffs.

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There was a small chance that Murray would be back for the Divisional Round Game against the Patriots, but he just didn't heal quick enough. The Titans will once again turn to Derrick Henry as their lead back with Murray out.

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NFL - Derrius Guice entering 2018 draft

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Louisiana State RB Derrius Guice has announced that he is entering the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Guice is one of the best running backs in this class (a loaded class in 2018). He's got the toughness to run inside and he does a good job of avoiding trash at the line of scrimmage. Guice runs with quickness and can make defenders miss in small space. He wasn't used much as a receiver out of the backfield for the Bayou Bengals (32 receptions in three seasons). Guice is currently seen as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

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MIN - TE Kyle Rudolph fully practices

Source: Vikings.com

Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Rudolph should be good to go against the Saints on Sunday. He's one of Case Keenum's favorite targets and could get a bit more work/looks if Saints CB Marshon Lattimore shuts down WR Adam Thielen.

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NE - WR Chris Hogan listed as limited

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots WR Chris Hogan (shoulder) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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It looks like Hogan is going to return for the Divisional Round game against the Titans. Hogan could be limited as the team has other returning, pass-catching weapons like RBs James White and Rex Burkhead who could be more involved when the team goes through the air.

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NE - RB James White limited

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB James White (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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White is likely to be back in action this week against the Titans for the Divisional Round. He could catch a few passes out of the backfield, but his role might be somewhat limited as RB Rex Burkhead should return to action this week as well.

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NE - RB Rex Burkhead a limited participant

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB Rex Burkhead (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Burkhead is a goal-line back for the Patriots and he's a pass-catching weapon out of the backfield. His return means he'll likely be splitting carries with Dion Lewis against the Titans on Saturday.

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NE - RB Mike Gillislee misses practice

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB Mike Gillislee (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Gillislee isn't looking like he's going to be available. The Patriots have RBs James White and Rex Burkhead likely returning this week, so there's no need to rush Gillislee if he's not ready.

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ATL - RB Devonta Freeman listed as limited

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Freeman was limited last week yet came through on Wild Card Weekend. He's getting some rest while the team prepares for the Divisional Round game against the Eagles on Saturday.

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NFL - Calvin Ridley officially declares

Source: Twitter

Alabama WR Calvin Ridley officially declared for the NFL draft Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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Ridley may be the best WR in this draft class. He's 6'1" 190 pounds and can cut a rug. Ridley is already savvy as a route-runner and uses suddenness to get open against tight coverage. He has incredible concentration and does a good job of looking passes into his hands. Ridley should be a first-round pick, no question, and there's a good chance he could land inside the top-10 selections.

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LAC - PK Roberto Aguayo signed by Chargers

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Free-agent PK Roberto Aguayo (Buccaneers) was signed to a Reserve/Future contract by the Los Angeles Chargers Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to a source.
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A second-round pick of the Bucs in 2016, Aguayo has bounced around to three different teams (now four) during his short pro career. He's failed with the Bucs, Panthers and Bears but the Chargers are willing to see if Aguayo can get his career on track.
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Source: footballguys.com

**Otters27** · 01-12-18, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by mr. leisure

CLE - QB Alex Smith linked to Browns

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith could be an option for the Cleveland Browns after the Browns hired general manager John Dorsey, in the opinion of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe. Dorsey was the Chiefs' general manager when he acquired Smith from the San Francisco 49ers

Poor Alex Smith lol

Sounds like Smith is headed to the likes of Josh McCown, Cutler, Fitzpatrick. Picked up by teams that are desparate for a QB.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 01-12-18, 08:55 AM

lots of drama surrounding Leveon Bell and the Steelers...

Can Jax pull off the upset?

**LT Profits** · 01-12-18, 09:35 AM

Friday Update

CAR - Carolina reaches agreement with Norv Turner

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers to become the team's new offensive coordinator, according to a source.

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This could be a big help to Cam Newton and the offense, although Turner has struggled at times to adapt to his players. If he can avoid trying to cram Newton into a pocket passer when he just isn't that guy, the team could have success. He usually is good for tight ends and running backs as well, so Greg Olsen and Christian McCaffrey should be happy.

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PIT - Le'Veon Bell not interested in tag

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell said he would consider sitting out the 2018 season or possibility retiring if the Steelers decide to place the franchise tag on him this offseason.

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It's also worth noting Bell shot down this talk about next year stressing he was only focused on this season. It seems like a no-brainer to pay Bell, who is far and away the best back in the NFL when healthy and not suspended. However, running back value has fallen, even for a special guy like Bell. This should be interesting to watch play out. Also interesting, will be watching Bell go at the Jaguars defense this weekend as the unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Even in a tough matchup, Bell will be one of the top running backs in fantasy this week.

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ATL - WR Julio Jones puts in limited practice

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Jan. 11.

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Even though the Eagles defense is solid against the pass, Jones is a guy who can overcome that and he'll get his. We know Matt Ryan will lean on him as much as possible as well. There are fewer receiving options again this week, so you want to go with the guys you know will get targets. Jones is one of those guys.

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NE - WR Chris Hogan removed from injury report

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots WR Chris Hogan (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and has been removed from the injury report for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

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Great news for a guy who could be in for a very good week. Tennessee is Football Outsiders' 24th ranked pass defense according to their DVOA metric. While Brandon Cooks and Rob Gronkowski are Tom Brady's first and first-adjacent choices, Hogan could be in line for borderline WR1/WR2 numbers this week as the defense shifts its attention to the other two targets, leaving Hogan in single coverage.

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NE - RB James White listed as questionable

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB James White (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

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We expect White to play. White will be a lesser used option compared to Dion Lewis, but should produce some solid RB2 numbers.

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NE - Questionable tag for RB Rex Burkhead

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB Rex Burkhead (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

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Burkhead may not even play, and if he does there is no way to predict what he will produce. Really, if it's not Dion Lewis, who we are very high on, or James White, who is consistent enough to produce well, we are not putting a Patriots running back in our lineups this week.

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NE - RB Mike Gillislee questionable

Source: Patriots.com

New England Patriots RB Mike Gillislee (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

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While we love Dion Lewis and think James White could be a solid RB2, we would avoid Gillislee even if he plays, which we don't think he will.

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ATL - Limited practice for WR Mohamed Sanu

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 11.

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Sanu will be a distant second to Julio Jones, and will probably struggle with Philadelphia's secondary in a way Jones won't. Not a bad option overall, we would look at Sanu as a WR2 though, and no more.

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ATL - Devonta Freeman practices fully

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (knee) had a limited status in practice Thursday, Jan. 11.

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Freeman is a little banged up and facing the third best run defense in the NFL according to Football Outsiders' DVOA metric. We feel he may do all right with yards, but not find the end zone, and even with the yards he is unlikely to break 100 combined.

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LAR - WR Sammy Watkins could be tagged

Source: CBSSports.com - Joel Corry

Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Sammy Watkins may be given the franchise tag or a transition tag this offseason. The franchise tag would cost $16.063 million and a transition tag would cost $13.995 million. The Rams possess a $178.1 million salary cap in 2018.

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While Watkins didn't set the league on fire, he seemed to fit better in Los Angeles than he did with the Buffalo Bills. He also said that it "would be a pleasure to come back," so we know he's open.
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Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 01-12-18, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

lots of drama surrounding Leveon Bell and the Steelers...

Can Jax pull off the upset?

Highly unlikely

**LT Profits** · 01-13-18, 10:02 AM

Broncos | Denver a landing spot for Tyrod Taylor?
Buffalo Bills QB Tyrod Taylor is due a $6 million roster bonus in March and $10 million in base salary for 2018. There is growing belief he will not be a Bill in 2018, and the Denver Broncos could be a landing spot for him, due to the connection with Broncos official Gary Kubiak, according to The Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala.

Footballguys view: Kubiak is taking on a larger role in the front office in 2018. The Broncos are in dire need of a quarterback with the failure of Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian. We expect them to make a big push for Kirk Cousins, but if they don't get him then Taylor would be an option. They would likely draft a quarterback with their no5 overall pick if Taylor was added in free agency.

Link to story

**Cross** · 01-13-18, 11:42 AM

Maybe Cutler for another run in Denver, lol???

**LT Profits** · 01-13-18, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by Cross

Maybe Cutler for another run in Denver, lol???

I have been hearing Kase Keenum

**mr. leisure** · 01-13-18, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by Cross

Maybe Cutler for another run in Denver, lol???

Cousins will be the next BRONCOS QB

**LT Profits** · 01-13-18, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by mr. leisure

Cousins will be the next BRONCOS QB

I personally think Skins will give him long term contract

**LT Profits** · 01-13-18, 07:16 PM

Saturday Update

PIT - WR Antonio Brown a game-time decision?

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown (calf, illness) is expected to a game-time decision for the Divisional Round playoff game because his calf injury is still an issue, according to a source.

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That's the latest and this is new news that contradicts reports that Brown's calf was doing well. Brown's also dealing with an illness that caused him to leave practice Friday. The superstar WR has missed the last two games dealing with a calf injury and he was supposed to be out there in the Divisional Round. Now his status is clearly in doubt.

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NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell not activated

Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe

New England Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee) was not activated from the Reserve/Injured list Friday, Jan. 12, and will not be available to play in the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

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It doesn't seem like Mitchell is on track to return for the Patriots this season. They have until Wednesday to activate the second-year WR if they advance to the AFC Championship Game.

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ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald waiting on decision

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald said he would like to see who the Cardinals hire as their next head coach before he decides if he will play in 2018.

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No surprise here. With both head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer retiring, there are many things the Cardinals need to clean up before Fitzgerald makes his decision. The thinking was always that if Arians retired then Fitzgerald would too. We'll see if the Cardinals can hire a coach Fitzgerald wants to play for. The superstar veteran proved that he could still produce at a high level in 2017.

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CHI - Vic Fangio staying with Bears

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will remain with the Bears after agreeing to a new three-year deal with the team, according to a source.

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When Matt Nagy was hired as the new head coach, many though Fangio (who interviewed for the job) would move on to opportunities with teams like the Chargers or the Packers. Staying with the Bears is a huge boost for the Bears defense who has been getting stronger under the guidance of Fangio for three seasons.

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Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 01-14-18, 09:10 AM

Sunday Update

PIT - WR Antonio Brown at walk-through Saturday

Source: NFL Network - Aditi Kinkhabwala

Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown (calf, illness) participated in a walk-through Saturday, Jan. 13, and 'looked fully healthy' according to a couple of his teammates.

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The plan is for Brown to play on Sunday. The calf injury he sustained in Week 15 has gotten three weeks of rest. The illness he's been struggling with late in the week seems to be the larger issue. Some considered Brown a game-time decision for the Divisional Round, but we say he's on the probable side of questionable.

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HOU - Bill O'Brien receives contract extension

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

The Houston Texans signed head coach Bill O'Brien to a four-year contract extension Saturday, Jan. 13, according to a source. He is now under contract through the 2022 season.

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O'Brien and new GM Brian Gaine are locked in for the next five years. In four seasons, O'Brien has a losing record (31-33) as the Texans head coach. With a healthy Deshaun Watson and plenty of offensive talent, the Texans could get back into the playoffs next season.

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MIN - QB Sam Bradford activated for Divisional Round

Source: Vikings.com - Craig Peters

Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Bradford was activated to the active roster Saturday, Jan. 13, after practicing each of the last two weeks without incident. TE Kyle Carter was waived in a corresponding move.

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The Vikings now have four quarterbacks on the active roster. Bradford joins starter Case Keenum and backups Teddy Bridgewater and Kyle Sloter on the 53-man roster. We haven't seen Bradford since he re-aggravated his knee injury in Week 5 against the Bears. We'll see if Bradford gets the nod as the primary backup behind Keenum while the Vikings are still in the playoffs.

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NFL - WR Calvin Johnson not coming back

Source: Sporting News - Alex Marvez

Retired WR Calvin Johnson said he is not interested in playing professional football again and is enjoying his time off the field.

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Every year (just like with Barry Sanders years ago), we have to check in with Calvin Johnson to see if there's a chance we could see him again. Johnson also said he does not want to be a coach because it would take up too much of his time.

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NYG - NYG narrows head coaching search to three

Source: New York Post - Paul Schwartz

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur are considered the three finalists for the New York Giants' head coaching vacancy.

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With those three coaches in the postseason, the Giants are going to have to wait. There appear to be no surprise candidates looming and there is no clear favorite for the job.

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NFL - Mason Rudolph part of Senior Bowl

Source: NFL.com

Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2018 Senior Bowl.

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At 6'5" 235 pounds, Rudolph has the look of a starting NFL quarterback and he could be a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Rudolph put up a ton of passing yards in the spread system at Oklahoma State (13,618 career passing yards, 92 career passing touchdowns). We'll see how he processes information and works from under center during the week of practice in Mobile.

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PHI - RB Darren Sproles begins running

Source: 94WIP Radio

Philadelphia Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) has resumed running following surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.

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Reports indicate that Sproles is leaning towards playing another year. He'll be a free agent in March, and it will be interesting to see how much interest he gets on the open market.

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NFL - QB Josh Freeman headed to CFL

Source: Terre Haute Tribune-Star - Tom James

Free-agent QB Josh Freeman (Colts) has signed a two-year deal for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

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An interesting move to say the least. A first-round pick of the Buccaneers (2009), Freeman has spent the last two years out of the league. He's got a big arm and could stretch the field in the wide open Canadian game.

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DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas' spot in jeopardy?

Source: Denver7 Sports - Troy Renck

Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas could be asked to restructure his contract or be cut, according to Troy Renck of Denver7 Sports, because of a provision that allows Denver to void the final two years of his contract if his $4 million option bonus is not picked up by the end of the league year on March 14.

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We don't think Thomas is going anywhere. With $15 million in dead money, the Broncos will likely restructure his contract before the 2018 season. Thomas is a big part of what the Broncos want to do, and he should get his numbers back on track with the expected upgrade (Kirk Cousins?) at the quarterback position the Broncos will make.

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DEN - Denver linked to Baker Mayfield

Source: SI.com - Andy Staples

The Denver Broncos coaching staff requested that Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield be placed on their team for the upcoming Senior Bowl, according to Senior Bowl director Phil Savage.

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There's buzz about Mayfield being their favorite quarterback in the 2018 NFL draft. Mayfield has a ton of heart and is an accurate quarterback but benefited from many wide open throws thanks to the run/pass options in the Sooners offense. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner is considered an early second- or late first-round pick at this time.

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Source: footballguys.com

**Otters27** · 01-14-18, 11:04 AM

Josh Freeman to the CFL with Johnny Manziel. CFL is landing some big names lately. NFL should give Toronto a team

**mr. leisure** · 01-14-18, 11:54 AM

Bortles has to come up big today if jax is going to compete .

**Cross** · 01-14-18, 02:19 PM

Bortles torching them so far!!

**yisman** · 01-14-18, 11:57 PM

Brown supposedly wasn't 100% and he torched the JAX secondary

**mr. leisure** · 01-15-18, 12:34 AM

Originally posted by mr. leisure

Bortles has to come up big today if jax is going to compete .

Props to the Jags

**Cross** · 01-15-18, 01:11 AM

Let’s get that Jags Vikes super bowl, would be fun!!

**Otters27** · 01-15-18, 05:00 AM

Originally posted by Cross

Let’s get that Jags Vikes super bowl, would be fun!!

NFL wants Pats. Question is will that effect refs. People are already suspicious