NFL Player News

The Falcons signed Simon to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Simon stuck with the Falcons' practice squad throughout the 2025 season after ultimately failing to make the 53-man roster. The tight end was not elevated to the active roster at all this season. The future contract will allow Simon to compete for a spot on the 2026 roster once the preseason commences.

The Patriots designated Farmer (hamstring) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Farmer was placed on injured reserve in late December due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the Patriots' Week 16 win over the Ravens. Before sustaining the injury, the defensive end accumulated 15 tackles (seven solo) and one pass defensed through 13 games. The return of the fourth-round rookie would provide rotational depth at defensive end behind starters Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. If Farmer can string consecutive practice sessions together, he may be activated in time for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos.

The Bears signed Ismail to a reserve/future contract Wednesday.

Ismail signed with the Bears' practice squad in late November before being placed on the practice-squad injured list with an undisclosed issue in late December. The tight end was not elevated for any games this season. The 25-year-old is currently listed behind Colston Loveland (concussion), Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe, Stephen Carlson and Nikola Kalinic on the depth chart. Ismail will have a chance to fight for a roster spot over any of those names and likely more when the 2026 season commences.

The 49ers are hopeful that Bosa (ACL) will be back in time for training camp ahead of the 2026 season, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Bosa underwent surgery to address his torn ACL in late September. The defensive end is progressing well in his recovery and is anticipated to be all set for the 2026 season. Before missing most of the 2025 campaign, Bosa logged 52 tackles (33 solo), including 9.0 sacks for one forced fumble, and one pass defensed for an interception over 14 games in the 2024 season. If the 28-year-old can set his body right, the ceiling of the 49ers' 2026 defense will surely climb.

Lake (illness) will not practice Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Lake has come down with an illness and will not be able to participate in the first practice of Week 21. The starting slot cornerback will likely be able to recover in time to practice ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks. If Lake is unable to suit up for Sunday's contest, Josh Wallace is next on the depth chart at slot cornerback.

Davis (head) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Davis remains in concussion protocol after leaving the second half of last Sunday's playoff victory over the Texans with a head injury. The presence of the cornerback in Wednesday's session is a good sign for his potential to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. Davis will have two more chances to upgrade his practice participation in an attempt to dodge an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.

The Seahawks designated Holani (hamstring) to return to practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle reported that Holani said he was healthy when the four weeks of mandatory injured reserve time was up, and the running back has just been waiting for a chance to get back to work. The 26-year-old last played in the Week 12 win over the Titans, recording five special teams snaps. If Holani is activated in time for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams, he will be the No. 2 running back behind Kenneth Walker due to the injury to former No. 2 rusher Zach Charbonnet.

Stover (knee) did not sustain any damage to his ACL, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports

Stover suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's playoff loss to the Patriots. The confirmation of an intact ACL means that the tight end likely will enter the 2026 season healthy.

Tonges suffered a plantar fascia injury in his foot during this past Saturday's divisional-round loss at Seattle, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Tonges flashed at times during the 2025 campaign when George Kittle was sidelined for a variety of injuries, totaling a 40-366-5 line on 55 targets in 19 games, including two postseason contests. He made an early exit in the third quarter of the divisional round and wasn't able to return, and now the nature of his health concern is known. Tonges has a three-week recovery on tap, so he should be fully healthy before the 49ers need to make a decision on his restricted free-agent tender in March.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he expects Jones to be with the 49ers for 2026, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

General manager John Lynch also praised Jones but didn't comment on expectations for next season. Jones went 5-3 as a starter while completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 7.4 YPA, giving the 49ers a fantastic return on their investment in the first season of a two-year, $8.4 million contract. He probably won't be content to return to San Francisco as an underpaid backup, but his contract does give the team some leverage in discussions about a trade or raise.