The initial round of the playoffs has concluded, marked by the Houston Texans’ dominant victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers during Monday’s evening game.
This unexpected defeat, where the league’s top-spending defensive unit managed three takeaways against Texans signal-caller C.J. Stroud yet succumbed by 24 points, was followed by the news of Mike Tomlin’s departure as Pittsburgh’s head coach after 19 years. The club confirmed this via a statement from President Art Rooney II on Tuesday.
Beyond numerous shifts in the NFL’s coaching landscape — with nine head coaching roles now open — this wild-card stage proved historically significant. For the first time ever in NFL history, at least four matchups in a single playoff round were determined by margins of four points or less, as reported by Opta Stats. Furthermore, Dante Koplowitz-Fleming from NFL research observed that it was also the initial instance of a playoff round featuring six or more lead changes within the fourth quarter.
The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers kicked off with an unexpected nail-biter; despite LA being perceived as overwhelming road favorites going into the week, their 34-31 triumph over Carolina concluded in the last seconds when presumptive MVP Matthew Stafford delivered a 19-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson. The Panthers faced additional adversity beyond their loss, with reports indicating that starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu sustained a ruptured patellar tendon, potentially impacting his readiness for the upcoming season.
A subsequent Saturday spectacle saw Caleb Williams guiding the Chicago Bears to another remarkable rally, this time overcoming their NFC North adversary, the Green Bay Packers, to progress to the next playoff stage. The Packers had established a 21-3 advantage in the first half before the Bears unleashed a 25-point offensive surge in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Sunday maintained the excitement, as the Buffalo Bills, spearheaded by Josh Allen, triumphed over Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, concluding Liam Coen’s surprisingly successful initial season as a head coach. Following Allen’s rushing score post-two-minute warning (perhaps after an exceptional “tush push” play), a crucial interception by Bills safety Cole Bishop enabled Allen to run out the clock, securing the franchise’s first away playoff win in 33 seasons.
The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles then engaged in another closely contested match, with the Niners overcoming Philly through a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter (and some innovative play from receiver Jauan Jennings). Notwithstanding their exciting win, the Niners face another significant injury setback, as Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle sustained a torn Achilles tendon, concluding his season.
Even though they limited Drake Maye to a single touchdown, the Los Angeles Chargers were unable to generate sufficient offensive production to defeat the New England Patriots. Los Angeles did not manage to score a touchdown throughout the game, resulting in a 16-3 loss and prompting speculation about potential changes to the Chargers’ coaching personnel in the upcoming offseason.
What further developments await this postseason? Keep abreast of the most recent NFL news and injury reports from Yahoo Sports in preparation for the divisional round.
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Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver returned to practice on Wednesday, marking his first appearance since the regular season’s eighth week. Oliver had been sidelined by knee and bicep issues.
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Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen participated in a restricted capacity during Tuesday’s practice, citing foot, knee, and right finger ailments. Despite these limitations, Allen conveyed to the press that he is feeling well as the squad gets ready for their Saturday divisional round contest against the Denver Broncos.
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The Chicago team moved linebacker T.J. Edwards and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo to injured reserve, simultaneously activating offensive lineman Braxton Jones from the same list.
Additionally, the club brought linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin onto the active roster and added linebacker Nephi Sewell to the practice squad.
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Sean Leahy
During Sunday’s wild-card victory against the Jaguars, Shavers sustained an injury while returning a punt. Initially questionable to return, he later rejoined the match.
The 26-year-old San Diego State alumnus participated in all 17 regular-season games for the Bills, securing 15 receptions from 23 targets for 245 yards and a single touchdown. Before his departure from the Jaguars game, he had registered one catch for 14 yards.
With Gabe Davis and Joshua Palmer sidelined in the previous week, the sole uninjured wideouts remaining on the roster are Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman.
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Sean Leahy
Warner has been sidelined since Week due to a fractured and dislocated ankle. The four-time first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection might rejoin the 49ers’ squad if they reach the NFC Championship Game.
“I am prepared when they are. You understand my sentiment?” Warner expressed last week on “The Ryen Russillo Show.” Certain prerequisites must be met. If it were solely my decision, I would be on the field this weekend, but circumstances dictate otherwise. I must ensure all requirements are fulfilled, and everyone grants approval before I can participate.
“However, I am working diligently. I am training intensely. I have resumed complete football drills, so we shall see. We must secure a victory first.”
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Following 19 campaigns, Mike Tomlin’s time leading the Pittsburgh Steelers has concluded. Tomlin is departing the Steelers organization merely a day after their 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans in the initial playoff round. Tomlin, at 53 years old, maintained a winning record throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh and guided the team to a Super Bowl championship in 2008.
Pittsburgh now finds itself in a rare situation. The organization will initiate a search for a new head coach for only the third occasion in its entire history. Chuck Knoll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin represent the only three individuals who have held the head coaching position for this franchise.
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The Buffalo Bills have formally transferred wide receiver Gabe Davis to injured reserve due to a torn ACL, a transaction that frees up a spot on the active roster.
Additionally, Buffalo brought in receiver Kristian Wilkerson for their practice squad.
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Jason Owens
The Buffalo Bills are without Gabe Davis due to a torn ACL, but another pass-catcher might return for Saturday’s divisional-round clash versus the top-ranked Denver Broncos.
Coach Sean McDermott disclosed Davis’s injury on Monday, the day after Davis exited the field via cart with a knee injury during Buffalo’s playoff victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Bills also stated on Monday that they have initiated the practice periods for wide receiver Curtis Samuel and defensive tackle Ed Oliver, both coming off injured reserve, in anticipation of Saturday’s match. These activations create the possibility for one or both to participate on Saturday.
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According to head coach Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills are activating the practice periods for wide receiver Curtis Samuel and defensive tackle Ed Oliver, both of whom were on injured reserve.
Safety Jordan Poyer is facing a week-to-week status due to a hamstring injury and is not anticipated to compete against Denver on Saturday. Tight end Dalton Kincaid was observed in a protective boot after the game, reportedly as a precaution.
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Ian Casselberry
New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez has entered concussion protocol, having exited Sunday night’s triumph against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter without returning.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned on Boston radio station WEEI (as reported by ESPN) that Gonzalez entering concussion protocol was routine after he wasn’t cleared to re-enter the contest.
Gonzalez sustained his injury while covering a pass intended for Quentin Johnston. He almost secured an interception by moving in front of Johnston. However, as both athletes fell, Johnston landed on Gonzalez’s headgear. The rear of Gonzalez’s skull seemed to impact the playing surface.
Over 15 starts this season (including Sunday’s postseason match), Gonzalez has accumulated 69 tackles and broken up 12 passes. These achievements led to his inaugural Pro Bowl selection.
The Patriots are scheduled to face the victor of Monday night’s wild-card confrontation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans.
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Chris Cwik
Houston Texans reserve quarterback Davis Mills is anticipated to be ready for his team’s Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mills’ spouse recently gave birth, which had cast doubt on his participation in the match.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old will be able to play.
After commencing 26 games across his initial two NFL campaigns, Mills transitioned from the Texans’ starting quarterback position following the team’s selection of C.J. Stroud in the draft. Mills has functioned as a backup since that time, though he did start three contests in 2025 when Stroud was sidelined by injury.
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Bills wideout Gabe Davis is scheduled for an MRI regarding a knee issue that necessitated his removal via cart during Sunday’s playoff victory against Jacksonville. Davis had secured two receptions for 14 yards prior to sustaining the injury.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay stated that Matthew Stafford sustained a sprain to his throwing hand’s index finger during the triumph over Carolina, but will be fit to play against Chicago on Sunday in their divisional playoff encounter.
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Chris Cwik
Reports indicate that the Green Bay Packers intend to offer Matt LaFleur an extension. This information surfaces merely two days after the Packers suffered another defeat to their rivals, the Chicago Bears, this time in the postseason.
Notwithstanding this, the organization is reportedly negotiating a contract extension with LaFleur, whose current deal runs until 2026, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
LaFleur’s coaching record as the Packers’ head coach over seven seasons stands at 76-40-1. While the squad has enjoyed considerable regular-season accomplishments under his leadership, his playoff record is 3-6.
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Chris Cwik
Ex-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel faces a demanding schedule leading up to the divisional round of the playoffs. McDaniel is slated to hold discussions with four different organizations regarding their open head coaching roles.
These four teams are identified as the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans, as per NFL Network reports.
McDaniel, 42, is also anticipated to interview for the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator role.
McDaniel is pursuing his next coaching role after achieving a 35-33 record across four seasons with the Dolphins. Although his early period in Miami appeared promising, the situation deteriorated over his final two seasons, culminating in his dismissal.
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Chris Cwik
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense appeared uninspired during their 16-3 defeat against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Justin Herbert and the Chargers failed to achieve even a single touchdown during the game.
Consequently, head coach Jim Harbaugh fielded inquiries concerning offensive coordinator Greg Roman following the matchup. Harbaugh refrained from providing a direct response, stating, “I do not possess that information at present.”
This is not the initial instance of the Chargers facing offensive difficulties in the postseason under Roman’s direction. Across 22 playoff possessions with Harbaugh and Roman, the Chargers have managed only one touchdown.
