Patrick Mahomes Lights Sparklers with Brittany and Kids as He Celebrates New Year's Eve in Knee Brace

Patrick Mahomes Lights Sparklers with Brittany and Kids as He Celebrates New Year's Eve in Knee Brace Ingrid VasquezJanuary 2, 2026 at 2:32 AM 0 Brittany Mahomes/Instagram Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes with their three kids Patrick Mahomes was all smiles celebrating New Year's Eve with his wife Brittany and their three kids The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL in his left knee in the final moments of his team's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14 He underwent surgery soon after and is now wearing a knee brace Patrick Mahomes isn't letting an injury get him down.

- - Patrick Mahomes Lights Sparklers with Brittany and Kids as He Celebrates New Year's Eve in Knee Brace

Ingrid VasquezJanuary 2, 2026 at 2:32 AM

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Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes with their three kids -

Patrick Mahomes was all smiles celebrating New Year's Eve with his wife Brittany and their three kids

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL in his left knee in the final moments of his team's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14

He underwent surgery soon after and is now wearing a knee brace

Patrick Mahomes isn't letting an injury get him down.

Weeks after the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 30, tore his ACL in his left knee in the final moments of his team's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 14, the athlete smiled as he celebrated New Year's Eve with his family.

In a family photo posted by his wife, Brittany Mahomes, 30. on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the NFL star smiled from ear to ear while wearing a gray hoodie and matching shorts, exposing his knee brace, and two canes.

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Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes with their 3 kids

Holding a sparkler, Patrick stood next to his 4-year-old daughter, Sterling, who was dressed in a black dress with matching tights and boots.

As she held on to a sparkler, her younger brother, Bronze, 3, stood next to her with his own sparkler.

Keeping things casual was their mother, who stood behind them as she carried the youngest of the bunch, Golden, who turns one this month.

Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Brittany Mahomes and Golden Raye Mahomes

Brittany made sure to let Golden join in on the fun by gently sharing a long sparkler in another photo.

The family seemed to enjoy themselves, as evidenced by a photo and a video of Sterling making multicolored shapes with her sparkler.

Bronze also took time to hold up the sparkler in the air and wave it up and down, causing him to giggle, as seen in another photo.

Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Patrick "Bronze" Lavon Mahomes III plays with a sparkler

This is the first time the Kansas City Current co-owners are celebrating the new year as a family of five. Their outdoor celebration comes days after the family wore matching green and blue pajamas to celebrate Christmas.

Patrick was injured in the final two minutes of his team's game against the Chargers in mid-December, as he attempted to secure a touchdown for his team and snag a spot in the playoffs.

The Chiefs shared in an update on X on Monday, Dec. 15, that he had "successfully undergone surgery" and will "begin his rehab process immediately."

Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

Sterling Skye Mahomes

"Don't know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it's hurts," wrote Patrick, while addressing his injury in a statement on X.

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"But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again," he continued. "Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever"

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Patrick Mahomes Lights Sparklers with Brittany and Kids as He Celebrates New Year's Eve in Knee Brace

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'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother

'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother WILL GRAVES January 2, 2026 at 2:34 AM 0 1 / 2Dolphins Steelers FootballPittsburgh Steelers' Pat Freiermuth (88), Connor Heyward (83) and Darnell Washington (80) celebrate Heyward's touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Justin Berl) PITTSBURGH (AP) — There's a legacy that comes when your last name is Heyward, and you play football for a living. Especially when you do it in Pittsburgh.

- - 'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother

WILL GRAVES January 2, 2026 at 2:34 AM

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1 / 2Dolphins Steelers FootballPittsburgh Steelers' Pat Freiermuth (88), Connor Heyward (83) and Darnell Washington (80) celebrate Heyward's touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — There's a legacy that comes when your last name is Heyward, and you play football for a living.

Especially when you do it in Pittsburgh.

Connor Heyward has known this basically his entire life. The Steelers tight end/fullback grew up hearing the stories about his father, former NFL running back and University of Pittsburgh great Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. He watched from afar as older brother Cam evolved from a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2011 into one of the best defensive tackles of his generation.

It's a lot to live up to. Particularly when what you do on the field is hard to define.

Connor Heyward doesn't bulldoze opposing linebackers as his dad did. He doesn't overwhelm offensive linemen on the way to the quarterback — and maybe one day the Hall of Fame — like his brother.

There's no one more aware of this than the 26-year-old who has spent the past four seasons trying to show that his roster spot isn't merely the result of the name on the back of his jersey.

"I always feel like I have something to prove," Heyward said. "Whether that's to myself or just my peers, teams we're competing against, just showing them that I belong."

Even now, after being selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl as a fullback for the first time, Heyward is hardly ready to exhale and say he's arrived. While he points out he's stuck it out longer than most sixth-round picks, all it takes is one search of his name on social media to make sure the chip on his shoulder never leaves.

There were times, particularly earlier in his career, when the online vitriol directed his way that he was the NFL's version of a nepo-baby would get to him.

"You can't hide from that," he said. "You see it. It sucks."

A 'true football player'

He wasn't the only one who noticed. Asked if he thinks it's hard for Connor to be his little brother, Cam Heyward nodded.

"He gets a s—- ton," of criticism, said the older Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowler and the NFL's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year. "I kind of walked in here with it myself, being my dad's son. (Connor's) just got it both ways. He's got to deal with both (me and my dad). And it's not always easy, but I think he's answered it and he's on his way."

And he's done it by being himself. At 6-foot and 230 pounds, he is hardly the biggest, the strongest or the fastest player on the field. Yet Heyward has consistently found a way to be impactful whenever — or wherever — he lines up.

He's a fixture on special teams but is just as comfortable taking the snap from center in the Steelers' version of the "tush push" (dubbed the 'Pittsburgh Plunge' in honor of a ride at a local amusement park), something he does when he's not running routes at tight end, setting up at fullback and clearing space for Kenny Gainwell and Jaylen Warren.

"He is a true football player," tight end Pat Freiermuth said. "It's unfortunate to see he doesn't get the respect that he deserves outside the building, but everyone in the building knows what he can do."

And as a result, everyone in the building is fine asking Heyward to do a lot, including the kind of dirty work that rarely makes its way to a highlight package but stands out in the team's film room.

"The more we put on his plate, the more he executes," Freiermuth said. "It's awesome."

Which makes the moments when the ball is in Heyward's hands feel earned, not given. Last week against Cleveland, the Steelers unveiled their latest wrinkle on the "Pittsburgh Plunge" by having Heyward take the snap and race to his right for 29 yards to help set up a field goal.

Heyward has learned there is no pleasing everyone. That no matter what he does, it will never be enough for some. He'd be lying, however, if he said he doesn't get some small level of satisfaction out of having his mentions go silent, at least for a little while.

"It's not like, 'Shut up,' but it's, like, 'I told you so,'" Heyward said. "And sometimes it's just to yourself, like just that reassurance that you sometimes need."

A tightening bond

Heyward will be a free agent this offseason. It seems almost a given he's done enough for the Steelers — who have long reserved spots on the roster for players willing to do what Heyward so capably does — to earn a contract to return.

If he sticks around, it would give him a chance to spend perhaps one final season alongside Cam, who will be entering the last year of his current contract and turns 37 in May.

Connor Heyward described Cam as "like a dad to me," while growing up, thanks in part to their 10-year age gap. That has shifted during their time together in Pittsburgh, where Cam has become the big brother careful not to overstep his bounds and Connor has turned into the self-described "cool uncle" to Cam's and wife Allie's three kids.

It's telling of how comfortable they are with each other that Connor never asked the team to move his locker, which has been a stall or two over from Cam's during the entirety of his career.

Asked why he never bothered to move — it's worth noting that former Steeler brothers/teammates Nick and Nate Herbig and Trey and Terrell Edmunds had lockers on opposite sides of the room — and Connor points to the demands of their lives away from the facility that make getting together during the season difficult.

Those quiet moments together have been invaluable, and render all the noise that comes with being considered the "other" Heyward just that: noise.

Yes, if he were somewhere else, maybe there'd be a little less hate sent his way. But there also wouldn't be the same sense of family. It's a trade-off he will happily deal with.

No, he's not his dad. No, he's not his brother. That doesn't make him less than. It just makes him different.

"I'm glad I'm here in Pittsburgh," Connor Heyward said. "I'm glad to continue to build off what I've started and what Cam has done. I know who I am."

___

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'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother

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Who does Oregon football play next in CFP? Ducks advance to Peach Bowl

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Who does Oregon football play next in CFP? Ducks advance to Peach Bowl John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK January 2, 2026 at 5:07 AM 0 Who does Oregon football play next in CFP? Ducks advance to Peach Bowl Oregon football is Peach Bowlbound in the College Football Playoff. Relying on their defense for much of the game, the fifthseeded Ducks upset No. 4 Texas Tech 230 in the CFP Orange Bowl quarterfinal on Thursday, Jan. 1 inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

Who does Oregon football play next in CFP? Ducks advance to Peach Bowl

John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK January 2, 2026 at 5:07 AM

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Who does Oregon football play next in CFP? Ducks advance to Peach Bowl

Oregon football is Peach Bowl-bound in the College Football Playoff.

Relying on their defense for much of the game, the fifth-seeded Ducks upset No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 in the CFP Orange Bowl quarterfinal on Thursday, Jan. 1 inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The win for the Ducks sends them to their first CFP semifinal under Dan Lanning, and moves them one step closer to returning to the national championship game for the first time since the 2014 season.

REQUIRED READING: Oregon vs. Texas Tech score, highlights: Ducks win CFP game at Orange Bowl

The Ducks' defense pitched their first shutout of the season and held the Red Raiders' offense, which entered the day ranked fifth in the country in total offense, to just 215 total yards. Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a strip-sack in the third quarter to set up a 6-yard touchdown from Jordon Davison. Uiagalelei's turnover was one of four created by Oregon on the afternoon.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore Jr. completed 26-of-33 passes while throwing for 234 yards and an interception.

Here's a quick look at what you on who the Hurricanes play next in the College Football Playoff:

Who does Oregon football play next in CFP semifinals?

The Ducks will play either No. 1 Indiana or No. 8 Alabama in the next round of the playoff. They will meet in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, for the Peach Bowl on Friday, Jan. 9.

The Hoosiers and the Crimson Tide will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl.

REQUIRED READING: Who's in CFP semifinals? bracket, scores for College Football Playoff

Oregon CFP semifinals time, date, schedule -

Date: Friday, Jan. 9

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. MST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

TV: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Oregon will meet the winner of the Rose Bowl, either Indiana or Alabama, on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. ESPN will carry the game, with streaming options including the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who does Oregon football play next in CFP?

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Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3-year extension, expect him back for playoffs

Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3year extension, expect him back for playoffs Andy BackstromJanuary 2, 2026 at 2:40 AM 0 The Los Angeles Rams announced they signed safety Quentin Lake to a contract extension Thursday. That's also when they opened his 21day practice window. Lake, a 2022 sixthround pick, was in the final year of his rookie deal and was set to hit free agency in March. His extension is worth up to $42 million, with $25.7 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

- - Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3-year extension, expect him back for playoffs

Andy BackstromJanuary 2, 2026 at 2:40 AM

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The Los Angeles Rams announced they signed safety Quentin Lake to a contract extension Thursday. That's also when they opened his 21-day practice window.

Lake, a 2022 sixth-round pick, was in the final year of his rookie deal and was set to hit free agency in March. His extension is worth up to $42 million, with $25.7 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Lake, a team captain who translated an impressive 2024 campaign to early success during the 2025 season, has been on injured reserve since Week 12.

He dislocated his left elbow in a Week 11 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The injury required surgery, but Lake has been working his way back to the field. While he's not expected to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams are counting on his presence in the secondary come postseason.

It sounds like Lake's on the same page.

"I'm so thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization," Lake said in a quick Rams social media video addressing fans Thursday. "Can't wait to see you guys in the playoffs and for many years to come."

Lake played his high school ball at Mater Dei in nearby Santa Ana, California. The UCLA product will be sticking around L.A. for a while longer.

While he started his Rams career earning his horns on special teams, he's developed into a standout safety. Last season, he piled up 111 total tackles, the second most of any player on the team.

This time around, he's made even more plays, including those of the game-changing variety. Through Week 11, he had accounted for not only 61 total tackles — including 37 solos — but also one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and 10 passes defended.

The Rams deploy Lake at all safety positions in a diverse defensive picture that's often changing under coordinator Chris Shula.

Of the 634 defensive snaps Lake has played this season, according to Pro Football Focus, 424 have come in the slot, 89 occurred in the box and 84 were from a deep safety position. Additionally, he's lined up 32 times on the defensive line and five times at the outside corner spot.

He's a defensive chess piece, and the Rams have missed him during his absence. In the first 10 games of the season, when Lake was on the field, L.A. gave up only 17.2 points per game. But in the six games since, the 11-5 Rams have allowed 25.7 points per game and gone just 3-3.

Earlier this season, L.A. extended middle linebacker Nate Landman, who made an immediate impact after signing on a veteran minimum deal of $1.1. million in free agency.

Another captain, Landman has been a stabilizing force in the second level of Shula's defense.

The Rams rewarded him for his efforts, and they've now taken care of Lake, too.

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Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3-year extension, expect him back for playoffs

Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3year extension, expect him back for playoffs Andy BackstromJanuary 2,...

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Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals

Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:52 AM 0 Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) makes a touchdown catch over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) in the second half at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) In something of an identity crisis, the Los Angeles Rams will be out to lock down a favorable playoff matchup when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Inglewood, Calif., in the regularseason finale for both teams.

- - Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals

Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:52 AM

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) makes a touchdown catch over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) in the second half at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

In something of an identity crisis, the Los Angeles Rams will be out to lock down a favorable playoff matchup when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Inglewood, Calif., in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Once riding high as the first NFC team to clinch a playoff spot, the Rams (11-5) are on a two-game losing streak that has taken them out of the running for the NFC West title and reduced them to no better than the No. 5 playoff seed.

Instead of playing a simple playoff tune-up against one of the worst teams in the NFC, the Rams face the Cardinals (3-13) at a crossroads. They can look either like a team that simply peaked in early December or a dangerous wild-card entry capable of running the table in the postseason.

Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay is taking no chances. He already has said the Rams' regulars will be in action against the Cardinals.

If the Seattle Seahawks defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, then Los Angeles will land the No. 5 seed with a win. That will put the Rams on the road to open the playoffs with a less daunting challenge against the NFC South champion.

A 49ers win or a Rams loss makes Los Angeles the No. 6 seed with a visit to either Chicago or Philadelphia ahead in the wild-card round.

"Just because you play good one week doesn't mean you're going to play good the next and vice versa," Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. "I'm just going to go out there and continue to trust what we've done all year."

Stafford has thrown a franchise-record 42 touchdown passes, but he threw a season-high three interceptions in a 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday that was a blow to his MVP chances. He also had two interceptions in a Nov. 30 loss at Carolina. He tossed just two picks in the Rams' first 11 games.

"We wouldn't be in a lot of the great situations we're in without him, but ... he's capable of playing better," McVay said of Stafford's most recent performance.

Los Angeles running back Blake Corum (ankle) did not practice Wednesday after an injury that occurred against the Falcons. It might afford running opportunities for Ronnie Rivers behind Kyren Williams.

Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) also missed practice, while tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) was designated for a return from injured reserve and was a full participant. Adams is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game.

The Cardinals are playing out the string in a disappointing season that has them on an eight-game losing streak following a 37-14 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday.

Quarterback Kyler Murray is done for the season with a foot injury sustained in a devastating Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans, who scored 16 fourth-quarter points.

Jacoby Brissett has taken over and completed 64.5% of his passes in 13 games (11 starts) with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

At issue has been a Cardinals defense that has allowed 35.0 points per game during the current losing streak. That includes allowing a season-high 45 points to the Rams in a Dec. 7 blowout loss.

"Those guys, they know. They'll maximize their last opportunity here," Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said of his team. "... They want to go play well for their teammates and try to win a game."

Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (left foot) was ruled out on Wednesday while safety Kitan Crawford (ankle) and linebacker Josh Sweat (ankle/knee) missed practice.

--Field Level Media

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Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals

Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:52 AM 0 Los Angeles R...

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With win over Dolphins, Patriots can stay in No. 1 seed chase

With win over Dolphins, Patriots can stay in No. 1 seed chase Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:55 AM 0 Sep 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

- - With win over Dolphins, Patriots can stay in No. 1 seed chase

Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:55 AM

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Sep 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East championship last week and have a chance to lock up the conference's top seed -- and with it a first-round bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl -- if it can beat division rival Miami on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Mass.

The Patriots (13-3), who can win 14 games in a season for the first time since 2016 when they won Super Bowl LI, can clinch the top seed with a win over the Dolphins (7-9) and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the L.A. Chargers.

While New England would like this pursuit to be its sole focus this week, the team is dealing with legal issues surrounding two key players -- receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Christian Barmore.

The Patriots were fresh off celebrating their first division title since 2019 when reports surfaced of Diggs facing charges of felony strangulation or suffocation, and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from an incident that took place on Dec. 2. Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 23.

In an unrelated incident, Barmore faces a misdemeanor charge of one count of assault and battery on a family/household member alleged to have occurred on Aug. 8.

New England coach Mike Vrabel said before the team's practice Wednesday he hadn't heard anything that would keep either player from being available to play against Miami, though Diggs' status for the postseason remains unclear.

"It means that everybody that we care about and that we have been close to for a while ... means that we support, and we do," Vrabel said. "We understand that there's allegations, but we also want to support each and every player, and each and every coach, and each and every staff member."

The Patriots' tumultuous week comes after a stress-free 42-10 victory over the New York Jets during which quarterback Drake Maye threw a career-high five touchdown passes. Maye threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for another in Week 2 when the Patriots beat the Dolphins 33-27 in Miami.

Since being eliminated from postseason consideration, the Dolphins have turned their focus toward their future over the past two weeks. That has included benching starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Rookie Quinn Ewers is expected to make his third career start -- and first on the road -- on Sunday. After struggling during a 45-21 loss to Cincinnati in which he threw two interceptions, Ewers bounced back last week and led Miami to a 20-17 win over Tampa Bay. Ewers tossed his first two touchdown passes, committed no turnovers and completed 14 of 22 passes for 172 yards.

"It's what I always dreamed of is playing in this league at the highest level in this position, and it's special whenever you've got a group of guys like we do this year," Ewers said. "We're not playing for a Super Bowl, so I thought we did a really good job of coming out here and playing for each other and playing for our last names and playing for the organization."

The Dolphins took the pressure off Ewers by again running the football effectively, led by Pro Bowler De'Von Achane. The third-year pro has rushed for 1,350 yards and caught a team-high 67 passes for 488 yards. Achane's rushing yardage is the third-most in a single season in Dolphins history behind Ricky Williams, who rushed for a league-high 1,853 yards in 2002 and 1,372 yards in 2003.

The Patriots had several players who didn't practice on Wednesday, including Barmore due to an illness. The others were tight ends Hunter Henry (knee) and Jack Westover (ankle), linebackers Harold Landry III (knee) and Robert Spillane (ankle), defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (foot) and guard Jared Wilson (concussion). Cornerback Alex Austin (wrist), receiver Kayshon Boutte (concussion), linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (illness) and offensive tackles Morgan Moses (rest) and Thayer Munford Jr. (illness) were limited.

For the Dolphins, Achane (shoulder), linebacker Jordyn Brooks (hamstring), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf), tight end Darren Waller (groin), receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs) and linebacker Chop Robinson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Center Aaron Brewer (neck) and kicker Jason Sanders (right hip) were limited.

--Field Level Media

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With win over Dolphins, Patriots can stay in No. 1 seed chase

With win over Dolphins, Patriots can stay in No. 1 seed chase Field Level MediaJanuary 2, 2026 at 3:55 AM 0 Sep 14, 2025...

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Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in 3-year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked'

Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in 3year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked' Chris Cwik January 1, 2026 at 7:23 PM 0 NFL fans know Joe Burrow is a true franchise quarterback, one of the few elite players who can lift up an entire team and immediately make it a contender. Despite the presence of Burrow, however, the Cincinnati Bengals haven't made the playoffs in three seasons. That's quite the feat, one that hasn't gone unnoticed by Burrow, who advocated for "change" within the organization Wednesday, per ESPN.

- - Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in 3-year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked'

Chris Cwik January 1, 2026 at 7:23 PM

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NFL fans know Joe Burrow is a true franchise quarterback, one of the few elite players who can lift up an entire team and immediately make it a contender. Despite the presence of Burrow, however, the Cincinnati Bengals haven't made the playoffs in three seasons.

That's quite the feat, one that hasn't gone unnoticed by Burrow, who advocated for "change" within the organization Wednesday, per ESPN.

"We don't want to be in the spot we are in now, so something's got to change," Burrow said Wednesday. "Whether it's players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change]."

[Get more Bengals news: Cincinnati team feed]

It marks yet another eyebrow-raising comment by the 29-year-old Burrow over the past few weeks. With the Bengals in the midst of their worst season since 2020, Burrow has been vocal about his enjoyment of the game and admitted he's considered a future where he's no longer a Bengal.

Burrow kept his "change" comments centered on players, saying either those currently on the team need to take a step forward or the organization needs to bring in championship-caliber talent to lift the team back into the playoffs.

While Burrow didn't mention coaching or front-office upheaval, there may be some Bengals fans who believe that could be the necessary "change" to push the Bengals back into contention. Under head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals have been criticized for their slow starts. While he led the team to a Super Bowl in his third season, the fact that Taylor has failed to take a Burrow-led team to the playoffs in three straight years is a concern.

Burrow, however, isn't completely blameless in his team's failure to make the postseason the past three seasons. When healthy, Burrow is undoubtedly an elite quarterback. But various injuries have prevented him from leading the Bengals to glory. Burrow missed seven games in 2023 due to a wrist issue and nine this season with a toe injury. Both injuries essentially sunk the team's chances in those seasons.

Keeping Burrow healthy and upright would go a long way toward the Bengals returning to the Super Bowl in the next couple seasons. The team's front office was criticized for not doing enough last offseason to strengthen its offensive line. Those critiques were immediately validated after Burrow went down in Week 2 with his injury.

Because of that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Burrow is advocating for change. If he can avoid taking big hits, Burrow has it in him to lead the Bengals to a championship. But if the Bengals continue to embrace the status quo — like they did last offseason — the remainder of Burrow's time in Cincinnati could end in bitter disappointment.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

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Source: Sports

Published: January 01, 2026 at 02:27PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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January 01, 2026

Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in 3-year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked'

Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in 3year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn'...

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