49ers: ruptured Achilles tendon for George Kittle
Despite the victory, the 49ers will have some regrets after their victory this Sunday. Because George Kittle (TE) was injured in the first half and will not return for the rest of the playoffs. Indeed, the tight end injured his right Achilles tendon. Additional examinations will be carried out to determine the severity of the injury. But what is certain is that the player will be away from the field for a little while.
The end of a complicated season for George Kittle who missed 6 games this season. Important for moving the chains (628 yards and 7 touchdowns) but also in the running game with his science of blocks, Kittle’s absence will be felt against the Seahawks next weekend. At 32 years old, Kittle will have a hard time coming back from such an injury.
It’s up to Kyle Shanahan to find yet another alternative solution.
Bears: end of season for TJ Edwards and Ozzy Trapilo
The Bears won this weekend. Qualified for the next round, Chicago can smile. But when you wake up this Monday, the Bears may still have a little bitter taste in their mouth. Because the franchise loses TJ Edwards (LB) et Ozzy Trapilo (OT) for the rest of the playoff campaign.
TJ Edwards suffers a fractured fibula. In his absence, D’Marco Jackson should start in the center of the Bears’ defense. For his part, Trapilo tore his patellar tendon. The rookie who became the starting left tackle from week 12 will therefore give way to Theo Benedet.
Rams: no finger injury for Matthew Stafford
On Sunday, Matthew Stafford (QB) injured his finger against the Panthers. The pitcher admitted that he finished the game thanks to adrenaline but that he was in pain. The quarterback therefore underwent examinations this Sunday to ensure that there was nothing serious.
And good news for the Rams and Stafford, the x-rays came back negative. Stafford should therefore not be limited for the playoff game this weekend.
Packers: Matt Lafleur’s future decided this Monday?
Eliminated from the playoffs after leading 21-3, Matt LaFleur undoubtedly had a bad Sunday. And the start of the week could get complicated. The coach explained to the press that he should meet the president of the franchise this Monday. The reason: to discuss the future of Matt LaFleur in Green Bay.
If LaFleur’s record is positive with 76 victories for 40 defeats in the regular season and six qualifications in 7 seasons for the playoffs, in the final phase it is more complicated. The franchise has not reached the conference finals since the 2020 season.
LaFleur is under contract for one more season. Will the Packers give him one last chance? Or will they thank him? Response in the next few hours.
Mike McDaniel visits Cleveland
The former Dolphins coach will have his first interviews this week. Mike McDaniel is scheduled to meet with the Browns and Titans this week. This is the first time that the coach has been associated with teams for a head coach position since his dismissal from Miami.
In 4 seasons with the Dolphins, McDaniel won 35 games and 33 losses. The coach has led Miami to 2 playoff qualifications in this time frame.
David Blough new Commanders offensive coordinator
The Commanders have their new offensive coordinator after the firing of Kliff Kingsbury. And this is an internal promotion. Washington chooses to promote David Blough. Until then, he was the QB coach in Washington. Blough was coveted by the Lions for the same position, the Commanders reacted quickly so as not to lose the coach.
Also looking for a defensive coordinator, Washington met Dennard Wilson for the position. Currently the defensive coordinator of the Titans, Wilson’s future at Tennessee is uncertain until the team has its new head coach.
Panthers: Ejiro Evero (DC) extended, big injury for Ikem Ekwonu
The Panthers announce that they have extended the contract of their defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. However, the franchise has not communicated the duration and amount of this extension. In office since 2023, the coach is satisfactory and should therefore remain in Charlotte in 2026. Unless…
Unless Evero gets a head coach position elsewhere. We’re not there yet, but the defensive coordinator will interview this week with the Falcons and Raiders.
On the player side, the Panthers have less good news to announce. Ikem Ekwonu (LT) suffers from a torn patellar tendon. The Panthers therefore expect the player to be away from the field for several months. He should therefore miss training camps and perhaps even the start of the 2026 season.
Jeff Hafley (DC, Packers) sees the Raiders and Dolphins
Eliminated this weekend from the playoffs, Jeff Hafley (DC, Packers) can now fully concentrate on his interviews for a head coaching position. According to ESPNHafley is scheduled to trade with the Dolphins and Raiders this week.
The coach has already interviewed with the Cardinals, Titans and Falcons.
Rams coordinators in high demand
The weeks of the Rams staff are intense. In addition to preparing for the next playoff game, several of the franchise’s coaches are interviewing with other franchises for open positions.
There’s Mike LaFleur (OC) who received interview requests from the Cardinals and Raiders for their head coaching position. On the attacking side, ESPN reports that Nate Scheelhaase (passing game coordinator) is also scheduled to interview with the Raiders and Browns this week.
But the busiest man is undoubtedly Chris Shula. The defensive coordinator has already had 2 interviews with the Titans and Dolphins and 4 more planned. According to Sports Illustrated, the coach is scheduled to meet with the Cardinals, Ravens, Raiders and Giants this week. Be careful not to lose the thread…
Tampa begins search for new offensive coordinator
The Buccaneers fired Josh Grizzard last week as offensive coordinator. Tampa Bay therefore began looking for his replacement and the interviews began. Floridians met Zac Robinson (OC, Falcons), Israel Woolfork (QB coach, Cardinals) and David Shaw (passing game coordinator, Lions) for the position of offensive coordinator.
Browns: Deshaun Watson titular in 2026?
What if Deshaun Watson was the Browns’ starter in 2026? The quarterback did not play in 2025 but the franchise could give him yet another chance in 2026. Indeed, Andrew Berry (GM) confirms wanting to keep the pitcher on the roster for the last year of the contract.
And according to insider Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns would even see Watson as a possible starter in 2026. Management would not be particularly confident in Shedeur Sanders and Dilon Gabriel for the future. Watson would then serve as a transition quarterback while waiting for a new young quarterback to be ready.
However, we will have to wait until the Browns have a new coach to see if this possibility becomes clear.
