NFL Player News

Landry (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Landry has been able to play through his knee injury lately, including during the divisional round versus the Texans, but it's evidently still bothering him as New England begins preparing for the AFC Championship. As long as he's able to return to practice Thursday or Friday, there's still a solid chance he'll be able to keep toughing it out come Sunday at Denver.

Speaking with the media Wednesday, Texans GM Nick Caserio said Mixon's foot/ankle injury that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season was a "freak thing" and "as unique a situation" as Caserio has seen, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

"He didn't jump off a building," Caserio said Wednesday regarding Mixon and how he suffered the injury. "He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing." Both Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans have said this week that Mixon's status for 2026 is uncertain. Mixon has just one year left on his contract and is scheduled to carry a $10 million cap number next season, and the Texans can clear $8 million in cap space by cutting the veteran running back. Expect Houston to further address the running back position this offseason after Woody Marks led the backfield with a pedestrian 196-703-2 rushing line as a 2025 rookie.

Elliss (hip) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Elliss played 40 defensive snaps during Sunday's win versus the Texans in the divisional round, and it's not immediately clear when he hurt his hip. Regardless, he'll likely have to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Jennings (concussion) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Jennings has spent the Patriots' last six games on the injured reserve list after suffering a concussion back in Week 13 versus the Giants, but it now appears he may be on track to suit up for the AFC Championship. He's already back up to full speed at practice, so all that's left is for New England to officially make the call to activate him from IR prior to Sunday's contest at Denver.

Krull (foot) was a full participant at practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Krull has been on Denver's injured reserve list since breaking his foot during practice back in October, but it looks like there's a solid chance he will suit up for the AFC Championship versus the Patriots. With that said, there probably won't be a clear path to a significant snap share for Krull as long as Evan Engram, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins all remain available.

Darnold (oblique) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

After Darnold played through a left oblique injury this past Saturday against the 49ers, coach Mike Macdonald told Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle that the quarterback would be "day-to-day" this week. Macdonald said Wednesday that Darnold "continues to get better," but the Seahawks will cap his number of throws due to the health concern, per Brady Henderson of ESPN.com. Darnold himself relayed to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic on Wednesday that he "felt good" in the wake of the divisional round, but he also needs "to get my body right to be ready" for Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Rams. In the end, Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not Darnold heads into the weekend with a designation.

Bryant (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Bryant left this past Saturday's divisional-round win versus the Bills after he was diagnosed with a concussion, but he's clearly made progress through the protocol for head injuries to be able to handle some on-field work Wednesday. Even if he progresses to a full session by Friday, though, he may enter the weekend with a designation for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Ultimately, Bryant will need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play in that contest.

Franklin (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Both Franklin and fellow WR Pat Bryant (concussion) made early departures from this past Saturday's divisional-round win against the Bills, but both players were able to handle some drills to begin prep for the AFC Championship Game. Franklin will have two more chances to prove the health of his hamstring this week before the Broncos potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Patriots.

Dobbins (foot) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The Broncos designated Dobbins to return from injured reserve Monday, and now that he's back on the practice field, he at least has a chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Perhaps Super Bowl LX is a more realistic opportunity for Dobbins to suit up again, assuming the Broncos win this weekend, but his status will continue to be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of his odds to to return for the first contest. Currently, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie are the healthy backfield options for Denver.

The Broncos designated Wattenberg (shoulder) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Wattenberg suffered a shoulder injury in late December that required extensive recovery time. Alex Forsyth (ankle) took over as the starting center in his absence and has played since Week 17. With Forsyth injuring his ankle in last Saturday's overtime playoff victory over the Bills, Wattenberg's potential return for Sunday's AFC Conference Championship Game against the Patriots would be a huge addition to the offensive line. In a doomsday scenario where neither Wattenberg nor Forsyth can suit up, the task of protecting backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham would fall to Sam Mustipher.