Category: NFL news

Eagles announce 3 roster moves ahead of NFC wild-card game vs. Packers

Eagles sign Brett Toth to the active roster, signed Joe Ngata to the Practice Squad, and placed Jack Driscoll on Injured Reserve.

The Eagles announced the signing of Brett Toth to the active roster, the signing of wide receiver Joe Ngata to the Practice Squad, and offensive lineman Jack Driscoll placed on Injured Reserve ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game vs. the Green Bay Packers.

Philadelphia had A.J. Brown return to practice on Friday after sitting out Thursday with a knee injury. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed practice with a back spasm, while Jalen Hurts cleared the concussion protocol and will start at quarterback.

DeVonta Smith injury update: Latest news on Eagles WR

DeVonta Smith is dealing with back tightness and missed the Philadelphia Eagles Friday practice ahead of Sunday’s wild card game vs. the Packers

The Eagles will hit the practice field for the final time and although A.J. Brown is expected to practice, DeVonta Smith will sit out.

Smith is dealing with back soreness, and missed Friday’s practice, but he’s expected to play Zach Berman reports.

Brown has been nursing a knee injury for weeks, but is expected to play after earning All-Pro honors for the third straight year.

Tackle Lane Johnson was rested on Thursday, so he was only a limited participant. Offensive lineman Jack Driscoll was added to the injury report on Thursday. He was limited with an ankle injury.

Watch: LeSean McCoy narrates Eagles NFC Wild Card hype video, ‘Lets HUNT’

LeSean McCoy narrates the Philadelphia Eagles NFC Wild Card hype video, ‘Lets HUNT’

Philadelphia has grown used to being the hunted, but with the team at 14-3 and among the NFC favorites, Nick Sirianni’s group has assumed the role of hunters.

In the hype video narrated by Eagles Hall of Fame running back LeSean McCoy, the Birds run with the motto, ‘Lets Hunt’ as they prepare to face the Packers on Wild Card Weekend in a rematch from Week 1.

Philadelphia and Green Bay started 2-2.

Following the bye, the Eagles won 12 of their final 13 games, while the Packers won nine of their final 13 games. Green Bay overcame quarterback injuries and drastically improved on defense. Philadelphia rode the dynamic wave of Saquon Barkley and emerged as one of the best defenses in football.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. named AP first-team All-Pro

Derek Stingley Jr. is now only known as ‘All-Pro Sting’ after a breakout 2024 season.

Derek Stingley’s breakout 2024 season is finally getting its proper recognition.

The third-year Houston Texans cornerback was named has been named an Associated Press First Team All-Pro, the AP announced Friday.

Stingley, 23, is the first Texans player to earn first-team All-Pro honors wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2019. He’s the first defensive player to earn the accolade since three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt in 2018.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2022, proved to be one of the league’s best defenders after setting records in 2024. He started all 17 games in coverage and posted career-high numbers in tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four).

Stingley also notched five interceptions, which tied his career-high from 2023. His five turnovers were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked as the fourth-most in the NFL this season, while his 18 pass breakups stood as the second-most in the League.

According to NextGenStats, Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.

But his breakout game in Week 15 likely sealed the accolade. Against the Miami Dolphins in man coverage against Tyreek Hill, Stingley recorded five tackles, including two for loss, two interceptions and two passes defensed, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game.

For his efforts he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.

Stingley becomes the first cornerback in franchise history to earn AP All-Pro First Team honors.

Stingley, along with wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and running back Joe Mixon were all named to the Pro Bowl roster. The standout defensive back also made the NFLPA All-Pro team following the 2024 season.

The Texans take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.

Jalen Hurts injury updates: Latest news as Eagles QB clears concussion protocol

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has cleared the concussion protocol and will start against the Green Bay Packers on Wild Card Sunday

Jalen Hurts’ 2024 regular season ended in Week 16, but the Eagles star quarterback is rested and set to return to game action.

Philadelphia will have their final practice ahead of wild card Sunday, and Hurts has cleared concussion protocol, signaling an official return to the lineup.

Hurts was 1-4 passing for 11 yards and had three carries for 41 yards before exiting for the blue medical tent against the Commanders three weeks ago.

In Week 17, Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee tossed touchdown passes as Philadelphia dominated Dallas 41-7 at Lincoln Financial Field. Pickett is nursing broken ribs and missed the season finale, but Tanner McKee shined in a win over the Giants.

With Hurts set to return, Philadelphia waived Ian Book on Tuesday.

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Texans getting healthy at right time before showdown with Chargers

For the first time in the 2024 NFL season, the Houston Texans should have both starting linebackers.

Barring a last-second switch, the Houston Texans should be as healthy as possible for Saturday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers.

No, Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Tank Dell, and two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs aren’t walking into the building, but the defense should have Christian Harris and Dencio Autry back.

It will have back linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games after an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

And Will Anderson Jr. is nearing 100% for the first time since Week 9 after resting in Week 18’s regular-season finale. The same goes for defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who’s suffered a roller coaster of injuries this season, costing him time.

Houston’s injury woes won’t decide the outcome of Saturday’s game, but they could factor into the scoring. The Texans have been limited on the defensive end for weeks, especially at linebacker, with Harris and Al-Shaair out for multiple weeks.

For this first time this season, the projected starting duo will be on the field for the first time. When Harris initially returned in Week 15, Al-Shaair was still suspended.

When Al-Shaair returned for a 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, Harris was out because of an ankle injury.

Offensively, right guard Shaq Mason will miss his third consecutive game. He’s been out since suffering a knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not participated or been out at drills.

Wide receiver John Metchie III is listed as questionable for Saturday’s showdown with a shoulder injury suffered last week against Tennessee. The No. 3 target did not practice Tuesday but returned in a limited capacity on Wednesday.

He was a full participant on Thursday, which means he’ll likely go even in a limited capacity opposite Nico Collins and Diontae Johnson.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Paramount+.

PFF names one Texans former first-round pick as its top trade candidate

Kenyon Green should be on the move this offseason after three seasons with the Houston Texans.

Kenyon Green needs a fresh start after three underwhelming seasons with the Houston Texans.

Pro Football Focus agrees, which is why the publication tabbed the offensive lineman as Houston’s top trade candidate for the 2025 NFL offseason.

Green, a two-time All-American at Texas A&M, was expected to anchor the interior offensive line as a promising run blocker with upside in pass protection. Three seasons, three injuries and a slew of lackluster games later, the former No. 15 overall pick has moved down the depth chart in place of former starting right tackle Tytus Howard.

In his two healthy years, Green has recorded PFF overall grades of 37.7 and 38.6, struggling as both a run blocker and in pass protection. In fact, Green was the third-lowest-graded offensive lineman in the NFL this season (minimum 500 snaps). The sad truth is that Green’s inability to develop has severely hindered Houston’s interior offensive line and, thus, the team’s offensive efficacy. – PFF.

Houston plans on addressing its offensive line woes this offseason, but it starts by trimming away the current pieces. Shaq Mason is likely a cap cut after struggling to regain his 2023 form. Howard could also be on the move if the plan is to move former second-round pick Blake Fisher outside to right tackle permanently.

But Green, who still could have two years left on his deal, might be worth trading, espeically since teams are always looking to bolster their trench depth.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio assuredly understands that his team’s interior offensive line needs to be totally revamped, and that would theoretically leave Green on the trade block. One would expect Green to have supporters throughout the league, given his age (23) and strong career at Texas A&M not long ago.

The Texans have been linked to multiple offensive line prospects in the first round entering the pre-draft process, including Alabama’s Tyler Booker and Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea.

Currently, the Texans could be in line to replace three starting linemen for 2024. Green, however, is not one left in consideration.

History on Texans side in wild-card round because of kickoff time

Believe it or not, the Houston Texans should be thankful for the early wild-card kickoff time vs. the Chargers.

Some might view an early kickoff time in the playoffs as an insult.

For the Houston Texans, it feels natural heading into Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. kick against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Texans return to the postseason for the eighth time in franchise history. For the eighth time, they’ll be the first game of the afternoon, airing this season on CBS and Paramount+.

That’s not a negative when looking at the team’s success on Saturdays. While the Texans are still trying to advance to their first-ever conference championship, they’re 5-2 all-time on wild-card round week and are currently riding a three.

Fresh off a 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, Houston has regained a much-welcomed spark. Expectations from the outside are quite dim, but internally, players still see a path to New Orleans and potentially a Super Bowl title.

“We’re going to bring our style of football, our brand of football on Saturday regardless of what any one of those talking heads’ opinion is about us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It really doesn’t drive or change our approach.”

Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who’s struggled to regain the pedigree of his rookie season, said he’s embracing being counted out before a whistle has even blown.

“I kind of like being the underdog,” Stroud said. “I’ve been the underdog a lot of my life and my career, so it’s actually comfortable for me.”

With a win, the Texans would improve to 6-7 all-time in postseason games. Barring an upset, Houston would return to Arrowhead for a redemption arc tale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. named to the NFLPA All-Pro team

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is garnering high praise from his peers entering wild-card round weekend.

Derek Stingley Jr.’s breakout season is being noticed among his peers.

The third-year Houston Texans cornerback was named a first-team All-Pro cornerback by the NFLPA as part of the third-annual tradition. He joined fellow Defensive Player of the Year candidate Pat Surtain II as the starting cornerback after helping Houston’s defense respond in 2024 en route to a playoff berth.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick, finished the regular season as arguably the league’s top cornerback. In 17 games, he totaled five interceptions, 12 pass deflections and 54 tackles.

His five turnovers were tied for the team lead with rookie defensive back Calen Bullock. Among cornerbacks, Stingley ranked fourth, trailing only Baltimore Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey, Minnesota Vikings’ Byron Murphy and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Donte Jackson.

Listed below is the first-team defense, voted on by players following the conclusion of the regular season:

  • DL Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs
  • DL Jalen Carter – Philadelphia Eagles
  • EDGE Trey Hendrickson – Cincinnati Bengals
  • EDGE Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
  • NT Dexter Lawrence – New York Giants
  • LB Roquan Smith – Baltimore Ravens
  • LB Fred Warner – San Francisco 49ers
  • S Xavier McKinney – Green Bay Packers
  • S Kyle Hamilton – Baltimore Ravens
  • CB Patrick Surtain II – Denver Broncos
  • CB Derek Stingley Jr. – Houston Texans

NOTE: PLAYERS WHO MISSED 5 OR MORE GAMES AS OF WEEK 15 WERE INELIGIBLE.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for a showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers on wild-card round weekend this Saturday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Parmount+.

All 14 playoff quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Here’s where C.J. Stroud stacks up in total QBR compared to the 13 remaining quarterbacks entering wild-card round weekend.

Going into the wild-card round weekend, Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has a Total QBR rating of 50.2. He ranked 24th among primary starters in the regular season.

Among those in the hunt for a Lombardi Trophy, Stroud ranks 14th out of the 14 passers left standing.

Stroud’s traditional passer rating this season was 84.0, which ranked 14th among QBs in the playoffs this year.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s a look at how Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s playoffs quarterbacks going into the first round of the NFL postseason.

NFL playoff QBs ranked by Total QBR

  1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 77.5
  2. Josh Allen, Bills: 77.2
  3. Jayden Daniels, Commanders: 70.6
  4. Jordan Love, Packers: 69.2
  5. Jared Goff, Lions: 68.5
  6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 67.9
  7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: 65.6
  8. Justin Herbert, Chargers: 65.3
  9. Matthew Stafford, Rams: 64.9
  10. Baker Mayfield, Bucs: 61.8
  11. Sam Darnold, Vikings: 60.6
  12. Bo Nix, Broncos: 57.2
  13. Russell Wilson, Steelers: 51.3
  14. C.J. Stroud, Texans: 50.2

Stroud and Co. will look to upset Justin Herbert (No. 8) and the Los Angeles Chargers in their playoff showdown on Saturday at NRG Stadium on CBS and Paramount+.