NFL Player News

The 49ers signed Rucci to a reserve/future contract Thursday.

Rucci joined the 49ers' practice squad Jan. 14 but wasn't elevated to the active roster for the NFC divisional-round game against the Seahawks despite the absence of George Kittle (Achilles). Rucci will be on the 49ers' 90-man roster when the offseason officially begins Feb. 9, giving him the opportunity to participate in OTAs and minicamp.

Darnold (oblique) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Darnold played through an oblique injury during this past Saturday's divisional-round win against the 49ers, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while taking two sacks. He's so far logged back-to-back capped sessions this week, but it's unclear if he's thrown any passes, as coach Mike Macdonald told Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune prior to Thursday's practice that he'd like Darnold to do so before Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Rams. Darnold will have one more chance to prove his health Friday before the Seahawks potentially give him a designation ahead of the weekend.

Hollins (abdomen) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

The Patriots designated Hollins for return from injured reserve Thursday, after which he logged his first on-field work since Week 16 prep. He's missed the requisite four contests while on IR due to an abdominal injury, but it remains unclear if he has a chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game in Denver. How Hollins is listed on Friday's practice report will reveal as much.

Dobbins (foot) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Since Denver designated Dobbins to return from injured reserve Monday, he's put together back-to-back capped sessions as he seeks his first game action since Week 10, when he sustained a foot injury that required surgery. Friday's practice report will be telling for his odds to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, especially if he's listed as questionable. If that occurs, the Broncos would need to activate him from IR by Saturday afternoon in order for him to have a chance to rejoin RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie in the backfield this weekend.

Bryant (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Bryant sustained a concussion in this past Saturday's divisional-round win versus the Bills, but he followed up Wednesday's limited session with all activity one day later, displaying considerable progress through the protocol for head injuries in the process. Having said that, he must gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to be eligible to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

Franklin (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Franklin maintained his activity level from Wednesday, while fellow WR Pat Bryant (concussion) upgraded from limited to full. Both players made early departures from this past Saturday's divisional-round win against the Bills, but Franklin himself has just one more chance to prove his health before Denver potentially tags him with a designation ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game versus the Patriots.

The Patriots designated Hollins (abdomen) for return from injured reserve Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Hollins landed on IR after Week 16 due to an abdominal injury, and while coach Mike Vrabel told Evan Lazar of the team's official site that the wide receiver's practice window wouldn't open Wednesday, the official move occurred one day later. Hollins will have two chances to mix into drills this week ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Denver, but more realistically New England may have given him the all clear to practice with Super Bowl LX in mind, assuming it wins this weekend.

Bush will become an unrestricted free agent in March, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Bush finished 2025 with a career-high 125 tackles (63 solo, 2.0 sacks) and recorded three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, over 17 regular-season games. That puts the 27-year-old linebacker in line for a big payday this offseason. Bush's chances of returning to Cleveland are higher if current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz returns, as either the DC or head coach.

Emerson (Achilles) becomes an unrestricted free agent when the offseason begins in March, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Emerson, who hoped to earn a contract extension this season, missed all of 2025 after tearing an Achilles last July. After two strong years upon his arrival as a third-round pick in 2022, Emerson experienced a regression in 2024 before suffering the injury. There hasn't been much news regarding the cornerback's recovery, although other players with a similar injury typically required six to eight months. That puts Emerson in line to be ready for offseason activities.

Forbes (shoulder) was a limited participant in the Rams' practice Wednesday.

Forbes managed to practice Wednesday despite having suffered a shoulder injury during last week's divisional-round win versus Chicago. As his injury isn't considered to be serious, the 25-year-old should be good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks.