NFL Player News

Warner (ankle) was seen sprinting on the side during Thursday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Warner has been on injured reserve since hurting his ankle in Week 6 and has already been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card-round game against the Eagles, but he's progressing in his recovery, and Barrows speculates that Warner could be an option to return as soon as the NFC divisional round if the 49ers advance. Getting the four-time Pro Bowler back would be a huge boost to a 49ers defense that has been decimated by injuries at linebacker. Tatum Bethune (groin) and Nick Martin (concussion) are on IR alongside Warner, while Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quadriceps) are uncertain to be available against the Eagles.

Hunt (biceps), who remains on IR, practiced in full Thursday and is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's wild-card matchup against the Rams.

Hunt appears on track to return to the starting lineup Saturday, but Carolina will first need to officially activated him from IR to the 53-man roster. If cleared to play Saturday, Hunt's presence at right guard will signify a notable boost for the Panthers' offensive line.

Rochell (concussion) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's wild-card matchup against Los Angeles.

Rochell has fully cleared the concussion protocol and is on track to handle his usual role on special teams during Saturday's playoff opener. Across six regular-season appearances, Rochell did not handle a single defensive snap.

Brown (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Saturday's wild-card game against the Rams.

Brown has exited the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, which means he has gained clearance from an independent neurologist and will be available for Saturday's playoff game against his former team. The rotational defensive lineman practiced without limitations Wednesday and Thursday.

Warren (illness) didn't practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

With a 'DNP' to start the practice week, Warren's status now merits monitoring in advance of Monday night's playoff opener against the Texans. The running back has two more chances to practice before the Steelers assign game designations for that contest Saturday.

Hines-Allen recorded 8.0 sacks among his 49 tackles (28 solo) in the 2025 regular season while adding three passes defensed.

Hines-Allen suited up for all 17 regular-season games and matched his 2024 regular-season sack total. He hasn't come close to replicating the production from his 17.5-sack Pro Bowl season in 2023, but Hines-Allen remains a steady contributor when it comes to rushing the passer, having notched at least 7.0 sacks in six of his seven NFL campaigns. He'll face former namesake Josh Allen and the Bills in the wild-card round Sunday, and Hines-Allen's ability to generate pressure could be key to slowing down Buffalo's star quarterback.

Johnson made 58 tackles (37 solo), including 2.0 sacks, across 17 regular-season appearances in 2025. He also recorded a career-high nine passes defensed (including five interceptions) and one pick-six.

Johnson's pick-six came Week 18 against the Titans, a contest in which he totaled three solo tackles and one interception, which he returned for the first defensive touchdown of his career. The 2023 fifth-round pick will continue handling a significant rotational role in Jacksonville's secondary during Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Bills. He has one more year remaining on his rookie deal.

Armstead compiled 28 tackles (13 solo), including 5.5 sacks, plus one forced fumble across 16 regular-season appearances in 2025.

Armstead will continue holding down a starting role at defensive tackle during Jacksonville's playoff run, beginning with Sunday's wild-card-round matchup against the Bills. He has one more year remaining on his contract with the Jaguars, though the team has a potential 'out' in his deal this offseason, albeit at the cost of $17.1 million in dead cap.

Tom (back/knee) is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's wild-card matchup on the road against Chicago, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Tom was listed as limited on Green Bay's first two practice reports this week, but he was listed as a non-participant Thursday due to what head coach Matt LaFleur labeled a "rest day." The starting left tackle hasn't played since injuring his knee Week 15 versus Denver, and he's also been managing a back injury since that game. LaFleur said Tom has "looked good in practice" and that the Packers will "give him up till gametime, and if he can go, he'll be out there."

Pearsall (knee/ankle) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Though Pearsall was present for the session, he was relegated to working out on a rehab field to the side of practice while he continues to manage a lingering PCL injury to his right knee in addition to an ankle issue. The 49ers haven't indicated that Pearsall's aggravation of the knee injury is as significant as the initial PCL sprain that kept him sidelined for six straight games earlier this season, but with no practice activity so far this week, the wideout would appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's wild-card game in Philadelphia.