With just four teams left competing for the Lombardi Trophy, there’s still plenty happening around the NFL — and injuries are playing a major role as the playoffs move forward. Who’s hurt, who’s back on the practice field and who will actually start are all storylines to watch heading into the conference title games.
Jon Gruden turns down Jets OC role
The New York Jets reportedly reached out to former NFL head coach Jon Gruden about their offensive coordinator vacancy, but Gruden declined. New York dismissed OC Tanner Engstrand and several other assistants on Tuesday; Engstrand had joined the staff last season alongside head coach Aaron Glenn and lasted only one year, so the Jets will continue their search for a new play-caller.
Packers cut cornerback Trevon Diggs
Green Bay released cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday after acquiring him late in December following his release from the Dallas Cowboys. Diggs logged just 33 defensive snaps for the Packers, 32 of which came in the regular-season finale against the Vikings. He’ll be placed on waivers — because of the timing of the move his roster status for the remainder of the postseason is unclear — and if he clears waivers he would become a free agent able to sign with any team still active. Diggs had been a two-time Pro Bowler during his time in Dallas.
Seahawks to rely on Kenneth Walker after Charbonnet ACL
Seattle will lean on Kenneth Walker at running back for the rest of the postseason after Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL and is scheduled for knee surgery, coach Mike McDonald said on Jan. 19, with ESPN later reporting the ACL injury occurred in the divisional-round win over San Francisco. Charbonnet had led the Seahawks with 12 rushing touchdowns in the regular season and finished with 730 yards at an average of 4.0 yards per carry. Walker stepped up in Charbonnet’s absence in the divisional round, rushing for 116 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring three times. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
Broncos give Dobbins more practice time ahead of AFC title game
Denver has increased the practice reps for running back J.K. Dobbins, ESPN reported Jan. 19, after he was previously believed to be done for the season with a foot injury sustained around Week 10. Before the injury, Dobbins totaled 772 rushing yards in 10 games, averaging five yards per carry with four touchdowns. The Broncos will face a New England defense in the AFC Championship that has allowed just 3.1 yards per carry during the postseason.
Fan take: These roster moves and injuries can swing playoff outcomes — losing a key runner or defender changes game plans and can elevate other players into breakout roles. For fans, staying on top of these updates is essential because a single personnel change this week could decide who plays in the Super Bowl.
