NFL Player News

Jackson tallied 43 total tackles (18 solo), including 1.0 sack, and three passes defensed, including one interception, across 16 regular-season games in 2025.

Prior to his 2025 campaign with the Bears, Jackson was primarily a special-teamer, recording just 26 total tackles across 27 regular-season games with the Saints from 2023 to 2024. While he remained a key special-teams contributor in Chicago (273 special-teams snaps), the 27-year-old started the first four games of his career and logged a personal-best 259 defensive snaps. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, Jackson likely will find work as a reserve outside linebacker while continuing to contribute on special teams.

Stevenson recorded 49 total tackles (36 solo), 10 passes defensed, including one interception, and two forced fumbles over 13 regular-season games in 2025.

The third-year pro from Miami (Fla.) saw declines in several statistical categories compared to his 2024 campaign, including total tackles (78 to 49), passes defensed (12 to 10) and interceptions (two to one) while playing fewer defensive snaps (786 to 584). Despite this drop in production, Stevenson remained an important part of the Bears secondary, finishing with the second-most passes defensed on the team. Under contract through the 2026 season, the 25-year-old is expected to remain a key part of Chicago's defense next year.

Gardner-Johnson totaled 66 tackles (46 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and four passes defended across 13 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

Gardner-Johnson started the season with the Texans but was released after struggling across the first three games. The 28-year-old ended up signing with Chicago in late October, where he was much more productive, racking up a career-high 3.0 sacks across just 10 outings. Gardner-Johnson is set to become a free agent this offseason and could join his fifth team in the past four seasons.

Cherelus posted 32 tackles (14 solo) and a pass defended across 14 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

Cherelus racked up a career-high 32 tackles despite missing three games due to injuries. The 26-year-old was most productive toward the end of the season after taking over as one of the Panthers' starting inside linebackers in December following Trevin Wallace's placement on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Cherelus is now set to become a free agent this offseason.

Wharton (hamstring) totaled 36 tackles (11 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and a pass defended across nine regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

Wharton had one of his most productive seasons in 2025, as he tallied a career-high 36 points despite missing eight games, including the final four contests of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. While the 27-year-old managed to suit up for the wild-card loss to the Rams, he aggravated the injury during the game and will likely begin the offseason focused on getting healthy.

Landry (knee) was a limited participant in New England's practice Wednesday.

Landry didn't practice at all last week but managed to make his return Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. The 29-year-old was inactive for the AFC Championship Game but is seemingly trending in the right direction toward playing in the Super Bowl. However, if he ends up being unable to play, Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder would likely see increased playing time.

Spillane (ankle) didn't participate in New England's practice Wednesday.

Spillane hasn't practiced since the AFC Championship Game, as he's still nursing the ankle injury that forced him to exit the contest early. However, the 30-year-old said that he's confident he'll be good to go for the Super Bowl on Sunday, where he would resume his role as the team's defensive signal caller.

Cross (foot) was a limited participant in Seattle's practice Wednesday, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.

Cross didn't have an injury designation in the Seahawks' initial injury report released Sunday, but is seemingly still battling the foot injury he suffered during the divisional-round win over the 49ers. However, if the 25-year-old ends up being unable to play, the team could find itself shorthanded at left tackle, as Josh Jones is currently dealing with a knee injury and Amari Kight (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Emmanwori (ankle) was a limited participant in Seattle's practice Wednesday, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.

Emmanwori was a full participant in practice throughout last week, so it's currently unclear when he injured his ankle. The rookie second-round pick's availability in Thursday and Friday's practice sessions will provide more clarity on his status for the Super Bowl.

Russell (hand) was a full participant in Seattle's practice Wednesday, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.

Russell was a limited participant in practice throughout last week after suffering a hand injury during the NFC Championship Game but is seemingly healthy again. With Robbie Ouzts still battling a neck injury, Russell could be in line to serve as the team's top fullback in the Super Bowl on Sunday.