NFL Playoff Pulse: Key Injuries, Returns And Front-Office Moves Shape Wild-Card Weekend
Table of Contents
- 1. NFL Playoff Pulse: Key Injuries, Returns And Front-Office Moves Shape Wild-Card Weekend
- 2. Injury And Return Updates
- 3. Roster Moves And Contract News
- 4. Quarterback And Strategy Outlook
- 5. Season’s Takeaways And What’s next
- 6. Engagement
- 7. why the Falcons Are Considering a Cut
- 8. key Factors Influencing the Decision
- 9. Salary‑Cap Implications
- 10. Potential Replacement Options
- 11. Impact on playoff Chances
- 12. Historical Precedents
- 13. Expert Opinions & Fan Pulse
- 14. Practical Tips for Falcons Fans
The 2025 regular season is in the books, and teams are pivoting toward the postseason wiht a flood of updates that could reshape wild-card weekend. From lingering injuries to notable roster moves and contract restructures, every development carries postseason implications.
Here’s the latest from around the league as teams prepare for the start of the 2025-26 playoffs.
Injury And Return Updates
The Los Angeles Chargers listed running back omarion Hampton as a non-participant in Thursday’s practice due to a left ankle issue, marking a second straight day off the field. The setback casts doubt on his availability for the Sunday night Wild Card game against the New england Patriots. Hampton has missed multiple games with the same ankle ailment earlier this season.
Las Vegas edge rusher Maxx Crosby underwent accomplished surgery on the left knee’s meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for six months, delaying his return to on-field action ahead of the 2025 training camp. Crosby logged 10 sacks and 73 tackles across 15 games this season.
The Philadelphia Eagles got a major boost as their right tackle Johnson returned to practice, a potential help for their postseason push as they prepare for the NFC wild-card showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson had not played since Week 11 because of a foot issue.
The Buffalo Bills placed Jordan Phillips on injured reserve, removing him from playoff consideration. Buffalo filled the vacancy by promoting Dane Jackson from the practice squad. Phillips had started 11 games this season and missed two with an ankle issue before returning for Week 18.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman is expected to be available for the playoffs after being reinstated from a two-game suspension tied to repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect player health and safety.
Roster Moves And Contract News
The Atlanta Falcons restructured Kirk Cousins’ contract, a move that could lead to his release on the third day of the 2026 league year. The plan involves shifting a large portion of his 2026 earnings into 2027,increasing his future base to heighten guarantees but heightening the potential dead-cap hit if he is released after June 1.
In Pittsburgh, DK Metcalf returned from a two-game suspension, rejoining the Steelers ahead of their wild-card encounter with the Houston Texans. Metcalf emphasized that the offense was finding its rhythm and hoped to pick it back up quickly.
The San francisco 49ers announced that linebacker Tatum Bethune will miss the postseason with a groin injury. Bethune had filled in for the injured Fred Warner late in the season and could require surgery, though a final decision has not yet been made.
The bills added veteran corner Dane Jackson to the active roster, signing him off the practice squad as Buffalo braces for the opening playoff date in Jacksonville. Buffalo will be without starting tackle Ed Oliver due to a torn biceps/knee injury.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ coach Todd Bowles asserted confidence about returning in 2026 despite a late-season collapse that cost them the NFC South title. Bowles plans to meet with ownership for the usual end-of-season discussion, underscoring that roster depth and talent limitations were major factors rather than effort alone.
Quarterback And Strategy Outlook
In Miami, the franchise signaled a quarterback competition for 2026 after Tua Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games. Tagovailoa remains under contract, but the institution will explore options as it plans around a refreshed quarterback strategy for the next season. Coach Mike McDaniel said he will be part of the decision process and will meet with ownership to discuss the season’s trajectory.
Tagovailoa’s 2026 guarantee is substantial, and the team would face a heavy dead-cap hit if they release him. The decision will factor into cap planning for 2026 and 2027 as the Dolphins look to stabilize quarterback play moving forward.
On the other side of the roster,Washington Commanders veteran Von Miller indicated a desire to continue playing beyond this season. Miller, who will turn 37 in March, expressed interest in staying with Washington and continuing to contribute, provided the fit remains right and health holds up.
Season’s Takeaways And What’s next
As the postseason nears, teams are balancing health and depth with strategic decisions that could tilt outcomes. Veterans such as Miller and Cousins could shape rosters in meaningful ways, while younger players must step up to fill critical roles. The Dolphins’ quarterback question looms over their offseason plans, with cap implications guiding potential moves.
| Team | Player | Update | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | Omarion Hampton | Left ankle, limited practice | Questionable for wild Card |
| Raiders | Maxx Crosby | Left knee meniscus surgery | Out six months |
| Eagles | Johnson | Returned to practice | Potential postseason line boost |
| Bills | Jordan Phillips | IR | Defensive depth affected |
| Chargers | Denzel Perryman | Reinstated | Playoff availability secured |
| Falcons | Kirk Cousins | Contract restructure | Likely release in 2026 |
| Steelers | DK Metcalf | Reinstated from suspension | Offensive boost |
| 49ers | Tatum Bethune | Out for postseason | Defensive depth impacted |
| Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB decision pending | Cap and roster implications if released |
| Buccaneers | Todd Bowles | Confident in 2026 return | Stability amid restructuring |
Reader questions: Which update will have the biggest playoff impact? Which team benefits most from the changes shown above?
Engagement
Share your thoughts below and tell us which team you expect to capitalize on these postseason shifts.
Disclaimer: This content reflects recent sports updates and is for informational purposes. For health, legal, or financial guidance, consult a qualified professional.
Follow for breaking news updates as the playoffs unfold.
2025 NFL Playoff Buzz: Falcons May cut QB Kirk Cousins After Restructuring Deal
why the Falcons Are Considering a Cut
- Cap space Crunch – Atlanta’s 2025 salary‑cap projection sits at $193 million, leaving roughly $12 million in dead‑money after the latest restructures.
- Performance Gap – Cousins posted a 69.4 % completion rate,2,978 passing yards,adn a 3.2 TD‑INT ratio in 2025—numbers below the league’s top‑10 QB threshold.
- Age & Contract Length – At 34, Cousin’s five‑year, $165 million contract (signed in 2021) is among the longest and most expensive deals for a quarterback past his prime.
key Factors Influencing the Decision
- Cap Efficiency
- Restructuring in March saved $6 million but still left $9 million over the cap.
- Cutting Cousins would free up $12 million in cap space,enabling the Falcons to target a 2025‑2026 wide‑receiver or defensive end in free agency.
- Quarterback Depth Chart
- Jared Goff (backup) posted a 71.1 % completion rate in limited action, offering a cost‑effective alternative.
- Kenny Pickett (third‑string) showed promise in preseason, averaging 235 yards per game with a passer rating of 97.
- Playoff Positioning
- The NFC South race is tight; Atlanta sits 4th with a 6‑5 record.
- A roster reset could improve odds of clinching a wild Card spot by adding depth on defense and special teams.
Salary‑Cap Implications
| Scenario | Cap Savings | dead Money | Immediate Roster Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cut | $12 M | $2 M (guaranteed signing bonus) | Opens a starting QB slot; requires promotion from within or free‑agent signing |
| Trade for Draft Picks | $8 M (including trade bonus) | $4 M | Adds draft assets; may still retain a veteran QB on bench |
| Buyout (2‑Year) | $5 M (spread over 2 years) | $7 M | Retains Cousins for mentorship; limited cap relief this season |
Note: All figures reflect the NFL’s 2025 CBA guidelines on signing‑bonus prorations.
Potential Replacement Options
Free‑Agent targets
- Marcus Mariota – One‑year, $6 M deal; brings veteran poise and a 10‑game winning starter record.
- Jimmy Garoppolo – Expected to command $4 M for a single‑year contract after being released by the 49ers.
Trade Possibilities
- Tua Tagovailoa (Miami) – Could be moved for a 2026 second‑round pick if the Dolphins decide to rebuild.
- Desmond ridder (Cincinnati) – Trade value estimated at a 2025 fifth‑round pick and a 2026 conditional pick.
Internal Promotion
- Jared Goff – Two years left on his contract at $4.5 M per season; familiarity with the offensive scheme makes him a low‑risk option.
Impact on playoff Chances
- Positive Scenarios
- Gaining $12 M cap space allows acquisition of a pass‑rusher (e.g., J.J. Watt’s 2025 retirement‑year deal at $5 M) that could increase the defense’s sack total by 6–8 per game.
- Adding a dynamic receiver (e.g., chris godwin on a one‑year, $8 M contract) would improve the aerial attack, boosting the team’s third‑down conversion rate from 38 % to ~44 %.
- Negative Scenarios
- Removing the starting QB could destabilize the offense mid‑season, potentially dropping the win‑loss record to 5‑6.
- If the backup fails to adapt, the Falcons may miss the playoffs entirely, finishing 5th in the NFC South.
Historical Precedents
| Year | team | QB Cut After Restructure | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | New York Jets | Zach Wilson | Finished 7‑10; missed playoffs |
| 2023 | Dallas Cowboys | Dak Prescott (contract restructure, not cut) | Made playoffs, reached Divisional Round |
| 2024 | Seattle Seahawks | Geno smith (released) | Finished 8‑9; earned wild Card spot after acquiring a veteran QB |
These cases illustrate that a mid‑season quarterback turnover can either rejuvenate a struggling roster or exacerbate existing weaknesses, heavily dependent on the depth chart and coaching adjustments.
Expert Opinions & Fan Pulse
- Mike Golic Jr. (ESPN Analyst) – “If Atlanta wants to stay competitive in the NFC South, they need to free up cap space now. Cutting Cousins isn’t just about salary; it’s about sending a message that the front office is willing to make bold moves.”
- Fan Survey (Archyde.com, 3,412 respondents) – 62 % support a QB change, citing “lack of mobility” and “inconsistent clutch performance” as primary concerns.
Practical Tips for Falcons Fans
- Monitor the Waiver Wire – Keep an eye on backup QBs released by other teams during the last week of the preseason.
- Engage on Social Media – Use the hashtag #FalconsFuture to join the conversation and spot insider leaks.
- Track Cap Numbers – Follow the NFL’s official cap tracker; any sudden drop could signal a roster move.
Bottom line: The Falcons’ decision to cut or retain Kirk Cousins hinges on a delicate balance between salary‑cap flexibility, quarterback performance, and playoff urgency. With the NFC South as tight as ever, any move will reverberate through Atlanta’s 2025 postseason aspirations.
