News
1/14/23
18 min read
Dolphins GM Grier: Tua Tagovailoa Is Our Starting Quarterback
Saturday, Jan. 14
Hamlin Returns to Bills' Facility
In a sight to bring joy to NFL fans across the world, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was seen making his return to the team's facility and visiting with his teammates on Saturday. An image from linebacker Matt Milano's Instagram story, shared to Twitter by NFL Media, showed Hamlin interacting with teammates at the Orchard Park, N.Y. facility.
From Matt Milano's Instagram story. Damar Hamlin. Unbelievable. Appears he is back "on campus" in Orchard Park. pic.twitter.com/toSCQI2b64
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 14, 2023
Hamlin's visit came 12 days after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during the team's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and three days after he was released from the hospital. The NFL world watched and prayed for his recovery in the days following his injury, including tributes across the league during last week's games.
Buffalo hosts the Miami Dolphins at 1 p.m. on Sunday in their wild-card game. There is no official word yet whether Hamlin will be joining his team on the sidelines or in some in-stadium capacity for the contest.
Friday, Jan. 13
Lane Johnson on Track to Return
Offensive tackle Lane Johnson (abdomen) was seen at Eagles practice Friday, and it appears he is on track to return next week for the Divisional Round, ESPN reported.
Johnson, who hasn't played since Week 16, suffered a torn tendon in his abdomen. He chose to hold off on surgery until after the season as he hoped to be able to play for Eagles in the playoffs. It appears that will be a reality.
Browns' Clowney Apologizes for Comments
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney issued an apology to the Browns and teammate Myles Garrett after comments he made before the team's Week 18 game against the Steelers, ESPN reported.
"As a son and a parent I want to fully apologize to anyone I offended, specifically Myles Garrett and his Family." Clowney also added, "I will continue to learn and grow as I move forward."
Clowney stated he was "95% sure" he would not be back with the team and was unhappy with the focus Garrett received from the team. Clowney was ruled out by the Browns and did not play against the Steelers after making the comments.
Thursday, Jan. 12
Neutral Site for AFC Championship Game Announced
A potential neutral site AFC Championship Game between the Bills and the Chiefs will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, according to multiple reports.
"We are heartened by the continued improvement and progress of Damar Hamlin in his recovery, and Damar and his family remain top of mind for the NFL community," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in an announcement. "We are also grateful to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons for agreeing to host the AFC Championship Game in Atlanta should the Chiefs and the Bills advance."
Atlanta was designated as a backup site for any postseason game prior to the NFL season, making it the easy choice to host the potential game between the Bills and Chiefs.
The NFL canceled the Bills-Bengals Week 17 game after Hamlin was critically injured on the field, creating an inequity in games played between the top teams in the AFC. The NFL approved changes to the AFC playoff picture on Jan. 6, including the neutral site championship game.
Hamlin has since received many positive updates and was discharged from a Buffalo area hospital on Wednesday.
Williams Questionable for Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is questionable for Saturday's game against the Jaguars, NFL Media reported. The team will give Williams all the way until game-time before a decision is made on whether or not he plays in the wild-card round.
Coach Brandon Staley had the opportunity to rest his starters in Week 18 but chose to play them for a significant portion of the game - a decision that was derided by many in the NFL community.
Bears Name New Team President
The Chicago Bears officially named Kevin Warren as the new team president on Thursday, the team announced. Warren was the former commissioner of the Big 10 and will step in for long-tenured Bears executive Ted Phillips.
"Kevin is going to be a tremendous resource, and I am excited to get started with him," general manager Ryan Poles said in the team's statement. "In my time spent with him during the interview process, it quickly became apparent his resumé and business acumen will be a powerful asset to helping improve our organization and ultimately reach our goal to be a championship organization."
Warren, who served as Big 10 commissioner from 2020 to 2022, was chief operating officer for the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 until 2019. He'll work with current Bears general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus as the Bears enter one of the most pivotal off-seasons in recent memory. Chicago has the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and the most projected cap space for the 2023 free agent class, per Over the Cap.
At the beginning of the 2022 NFL regular season, Phillips — who has served as Bears president and CEO since 1999 — announced 2022 would be his final year.
