NFL Player News

Davis recorded 69 total tackles (39 solo) and 10 passes defensed over 17 regular-season games in 2025.

The 29-year-old corner started all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career this season. Davis proved to be a key addition to New England's defensive improvement from 2024 to 2025, as the team allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) and the ninth-fewest passing yards per game (193.5) in the NFL. Although he failed to record an interception for the first time since 2018, he was one of three Patriots to register double-digit passes defensed. Davis remains under contract through 2027 and is expected to remain a crucial part of the team's secondary following the 2025 playoff run.

Jones (calf) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card game against the Jaguars.

Jones has been cleared for his first game action since Week 16 after upgrading to full practice participation Friday following limited showings Wednesday and Thursday. He's expected to start along the interior of Buffalo's defensive line, as Jones did in all 12 of his regular-season appearances en route to 22 tackles (11 solo), including 3.0 sacks.

Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card contest at Jacksonville.

Johnson emerged from a Week 18 win against the Jets with an ankle injury that left him day-to-day, as coach Sean McDermott told Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News on Monday. After sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough and Thursday's practice, Johnson mixed back into drills as a limited participant Friday, thus giving him a chance to suit up this weekend. If he's deemed active about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, Johnson and Ray Davis will serve in complementary roles out of the Bills backfield behind No. 1 option James Cook.

Woodson tallied 79 total tackles (42 solo) and three passes defensed over 17 regular-season games in 2025.

Woodson, a 2025 fourth-round pick from California, quickly became an integral part of the Patriots' secondary, starting 15 of the 17 regular-season games in which he appeared. He impressed throughout his rookie season, tying for the team lead in fumble recoveries while ranking fourth in total tackles. With Jaylinn Hawkins set to become an unrestricted free agent following the Patriots' 2025 playoff run, Woodson could start alongside a new running mate in 2026.

Poyer (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card game against the Jaguars.

Poyer upgraded to full practice participation Friday after being listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday. He's ready to return for his first game action since Week 16. The starting strong safety produced 70 tackles (31 solo) and had one interception among his three passes defensed across 10 regular-season appearances.

Kincaid (knee) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's wild-card game in Jacksonville.

Kincaid has been dealing with a knee injury from time to time since at least Week 14 prep, but he missed only one contest during that span, a Week 17 matchup with the Eagles. In the other four appearances since then, he combined for a 10-123-1 line on 13 targets. Kincaid followed up a limited walkthrough Wednesday and capped practice Thursday with all activity Friday, meaning he should be good for his typical share of snaps alongside fellow TE Dawson Knox.

Hawkins tallied 71 total tackles (45 solo), including 1.5 sacks, six passes defensed, including four interceptions, and one forced fumble across 15 regular-season games in 2025.

The 28-year-old started all 15 games in which he appeared and logged 836 defensive snaps this season, the second-highest total of his career. In his second year with the Patriots, Hawkins proved to be an integral part of the secondary, leading the team in interceptions and ranking fourth in passes defensed. Set to become an unrestricted free agent following New England's 2025 playoff run, Hawkins will likely draw interest from teams in need of a starting safety ahead of the 2026 season.

Prater (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card game against the Jaguars.

Prater sandwiched a full practice Thursday between being a non-participant Wednesday and Friday. The veteran kicker's status appears to be truly up in the air, with Matthew Wright on standby and eligible to be brought up from the practice squad in the event that Prater's unavailable. Prater hasn't finished a game since Week 15, with two absences and an early exit after that point.

Jones had 21 punt returns for 363 yards and two touchdowns while registering 65 tackles (47 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three interceptions among his 11 passes defensed across 17 regular-season games in 2025.

Jones rounded out his versatile stat line with two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He's a key contributor on defense and special teams for New England, excelling as a slot cornerback and punt returner. Jones signed a three-year extension with the Patriots in October, so he's locked in with the team well beyond its current playoff run, which begins Sunday with a home game against the Chargers in the wild-card round.

Lambert-Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Patriots.

Lambert-Smith opened the Chargers' week of practice with consecutive DNPs after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 18 loss to the Broncos, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. The rookie wideout from Auburn logged just 53 offensive snaps over 10 regular-season contests this season, catching five of 12 targets for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kimani Vidal will likely step in and operate as one of the Chargers' top kick returners while Lambert-Smith is sidelined for the wild-card round.