NFL Player News

Robinson rushed 15 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns and wasn't targeted in the Commanders' 45-31 divisional-round win over the Lions on Saturday night.

The Lions had maintained one of the league's best run defenses all season despite enduring a multitude of injuries, but Robinson and backfield mate Austin Ekeler both were able to make significant inroads on the ground Saturday. Robinson operated in his usual No. 1 back role and recorded two- and one-yard rushing touchdowns in the second and fourth quarter, respectively. The talented third-year back served as a key component of the Commanders' offensive success and helped keep the Lions' defense off balance in Jayden Daniels' second career playoff start, and he'll look to fill a similar role in an NFC Championship Game matchup against the Rams or Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Pacheco ran the ball five times for 18 yards and caught his only target for no gain in Saturday's 23-14 playoff win over the Texans.

Pacheco was unable to get anything going on the ground early against Houston's defensive front, opening the door for veteran Kareem Hunt (8-44-1) to lead Kansas City's backfield in production. The 25-year-old Pacheco was dealing with a rib injury that cost him the last game of the regular season, but he did not carry an injury designation heading into Saturday's tilt. Both of the Chiefs' running backs figure to be involved in next Sunday's AFC Championship Game, but Pacheco's star has lost its luster following Hunt's superior performance against the Texans.

Hunt rushed eight times for 44 yards and a touchdown while grabbing his only target for two yards in Saturday's 23-14 divisional round win over the Texans.

Hunt led Kansas City's backfield in touches and production while backfield mate Isiah Pacheco (5-18-0) struggled to gain any traction. The 29-year-old Hunt had taken a backseat to Pacheco when both players were healthy this season, but Saturday's results could keep the former in the driver's seat heading into the next round of the playoffs. Hunt has hit pay dirt in three consecutive active games dating back to Week 16 of the regular season, a streak he will attempt to extend in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday.

Mixon carried the ball 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown and caught two of three targets for 12 yards in Saturday's 23-14 divisional-round loss to Kansas City.

The running back broke free for a 13-yard TD scamper in the third quarter that should have tied the game at 13-13, but Ka'imi Fairbairn missed the extra point. Mixon reached the century mark in scrimmage yards and got into the end zone in both of Houston's playoff games this season, an emphatic end to his first campaign with the Texans that saw him churn out 1,325 combined yards and 12 total TDs over 14 regular-season contests. Mixon has two years and $15 million left on the contract he signed in March 2024, and there's little reason to think the team will be looking to get out from under the deal this offseason.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is listed as inactive for Saturday's divisional-round game in Detroit.

As he was in the Commanders' wild-card win at Tampa Bay last weekend, Rodriguez will remain in street clothes Saturday while Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols man Washington's backfield.

Taylor (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's divisional-round clash against Kansas City.

Taylor was elevated from Houston's practice squad Friday as a consequence of lead running back Joe Mixon (ankle) being deemed questionable to face the Chiefs. However, Mixon is active Saturday, so Taylor isn't needed for depth in the backfield. Taylor played in five games during the regular season, with his most recent action coming in Week 10 versus Detroit.

Mixon (ankle) is listed as active for Saturday's divisional-round game at Kansas City.

The Texans tacked on Mixon to their injury report Wednesday as limited due to an ankle injury, which kept him off the practice field entirely Thursday. Despite receiving a questionable tag for the second round of the playoffs, he'll be available to Houston's backfield Saturday, but he also may yield some snaps and touches to backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale. In 15 appearances, including last Saturday's win against the Chargers, this season, Mixon has averaged 20.5 touches for 96.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring 13 total TDs.

Walker (ankle) rushed 153 times for 573 yards and seven touchdowns and caught 46 passes (on 53 targets) for 299 yards and a touchdown across 11 games in 2024.

Walker popped out of the gate with 103 yards on the ground in the season opener, but he eclipsed the 80-yard rushing mark only one other time the rest of the season. He dealt with multiple injuries, including an ankle injury that ended his season. When the 2022 second-round pick was healthy, he was the clear starting running back ahead of Zach Charbonnet. However, Charbonnet looked solid down the stretch with 60 carries for 303 yards (5.0 YPC) and three touchdowns over the final five games. Walker should be healthy to start the 2025 season -- the final year of his contract -- and he'll need to perform well and stay healthy to stave off Charbonnet.

The Texans announced Friday that Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad for Saturday's road divisional-round matchup against the Chiefs.

Taylor will be available for Houston as insurance behind Joe Mixon (ankle), who is officially listed as questionable. The starting running back appears to be trending in the right direction, however, and even if Mixon were to miss time, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would stand to handle the majority of the Texans' backfield reps.

The Texans promoted Beck to the active roster Friday, making him eligible to play during Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Chiefs.

Beck will contribute as a key blocker for Houston's offense with Teagan Quitoriano (calf) already ruled out for Saturday's contest. Across four regular-season appearances in 2024, Beck was targeted twice but did not record a reception.