Historic NFL Wild-Card Weekend Concludes with Steelers-Texans Showdown; Injury Updates Reshape Divisional Round
The NFL's wild-card weekend has already secured its place in history, delivering unprecedented drama even before the final game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans is played Monday night. The round has set multiple records, including the first time four or more games in a single playoff round were decided by four or fewer points and the first with six or more fourth-quarter lead changes.
The action-packed slate featured last-minute heroics from Matthew Stafford in the Rams' win over the Panthers, a stunning 18-point comeback by Caleb Williams and the Bears, a clutch road victory by Josh Allen's Bills, and a season-ending triumph by the 49ers over the Eagles, albeit at the cost of a torn Achilles for All-Pro tight end George Kittle. The only lopsided contest saw the New England Patriots dominate the Los Angeles Chargers.
As the weekend concludes, attention shifts to mounting injuries that will significantly impact the divisional round:
Buffalo Bills: Wide receiver Gabe Davis suffered a torn ACL and is out. The team has opened the practice window for Curtis Samuel (WR) and Ed Oliver (DT), potentially bolstering the roster against Denver. Safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) is week-to-week.
San Francisco 49ers: Tight end George Kittle is out for the season with a torn Achilles.
Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback Matthew Stafford has a sprained index finger on his throwing hand but is expected to play.
New England Patriots: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is in the concussion protocol.
Houston Texans: Backup QB Davis Mills is expected to be available despite his wife recently giving birth.
Coaching Carousel & Front Office News
The offseason rumor mill is already churning:
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly working on a contract extension for head coach Matt LaFleur despite their playoff exit.
Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is set for a busy week, interviewing for four head-coaching vacancies (Falcons, Ravens, Browns, Titans) and potentially the Lions' OC position.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh declined to answer questions about potential offensive staff changes following another anemic playoff performance from Greg Roman's unit.
All eyes now turn to Monday night's Steelers-Texans matchup to finalize the divisional round lineup, as teams grapple with the immediate physical toll of a historic and brutally competitive opening weekend.
