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The Seattle Seahawks celebrate after an interception by safety Quandre Diggs during overtime of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Quandre Diggs thrives as teacher for young Seattle secondary

Tim Booth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Quandre Diggs spent as much time this season teaching as playing free safety.

While that’s a little bit of an exaggeration, this season was challenging in a different way for the anchor of the Seattle Seahawks defensive backfield.

There were the challenges on the field trying to fix a Seattle defense that rode a roller coaster of success and struggles for most of the season. And there was the challenge of playing alongside five different starting strong safeties at various point of the season, not to mention two rookie cornerbacks.

“It’s definitely tested me and it’s definitely made me better on how I’ve got to approach certain guys and how I have to be on my P’s and Q’s every day,” Diggs said. “Because those guys are looking up to me and looking at me for answers a lot of the times.”

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Martindale says Giants D is coming together for playoffs

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Martindale says Giants D is coming together for playoffs

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Coordinator Wink Martindale has been excited about his defense all season, and he believes his New York Giants unit is coming together heading into the playoffs.

Martindale sees all the signs of the Giants (9-7-1) being a “playoff defense.”

There's a brotherhood among the players. They care for each other and they don't care who makes the play as long as it's made. They are also on-point in their preparation.

The other thing that has Martindale excited preparing for Sunday's wild-card game in Minnesota against the NFC North champion Vikings (13-4) is the defense is almost healthy.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) fumbles the ball as New York Giants player Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles him during the second half of a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Landover, Md. (Shaban Athuman/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) fumbles the ball as New York Giants player Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles him during the second half of a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Landover, Md. (Shaban Athuman/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Bills turn focus to Dolphins, with Hamlin recovering at home

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Bills turn focus to Dolphins, with Hamlin recovering at home

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — With Damar Hamlin recovering at home, Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott smiled when asked if he thought the tide of bad news might finally be turning for his team.

And he jumped on an opportunity to move forward to Sunday, when the AFC East champion Bills (13-3) host their division rival Miami Dolphins (9-8) in a wild-card playoff game.

“I appreciate where you’re going with that, but this is not a soap opera,” McDermott responded. “We’ve got one game to get ready for, and that’s really what we’re focused on.”

In the wake of an emotionally draining stretch during which the Bills were inspired by the outpouring of support from around the NFL, and uplifted further by Hamlin’s remarkable recovery since he had to be resuscitated on the field in Cincinnati, McDermott’s message was clear.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, center, laughs with safety Jordan Poyer (21) during an NFL football practice in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, center, laughs with safety Jordan Poyer (21) during an NFL football practice in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Chargers’ Williams questionable for playoff game vs. Jaguars

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Chargers’ Williams questionable for playoff game vs. Jaguars

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Mike Williams’ status for the Los Angeles Chargers' AFC wild-card round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be a game-time decision.

Williams was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report Thursday. He did not practice all week after suffering a lower back contusion late in the first half of last Sunday’s 31-28 loss at the Denver Broncos.

“He’s making progress in getting treatment,” coach Brandon Staley said. “We’re just trying to get him as much rest as possible for Saturday. We’re hoping that he can make it to the game.”

Williams had one reception — a 15-yard touchdown — in the Chargers’ 38-10 loss to the Jaguars on Sept. 25. He has six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns in four games against Jacksonville.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is hit by Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is hit by Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Brady-led Bucs primed to host Cowboys in NFC wild-card game

Fred Goodall, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Brady-led Bucs primed to host Cowboys in NFC wild-card game

Fred Goodall, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down a winding path to the playoffs. Dak Prescott helped the Dallas Cowboys weather significant challenges on their way to the postseason.

The star quarterbacks meet Monday night in an NFC wild-card game, and they are hoping the regular-season adversity will pave the way to a Super Bowl run.

“Everyone works hard to get to this point. There’s no more second chances,” said the 45-year-old Brady, who has the Bucs (8-9) in the hunt for a second title in three years despite finishing the regular season with a losing record for the first time in more than two decades as a NFL starter.

“It’s going to be hard, but we’re battle tested,” the seven-time Super Bowl champion added. "We’ve had some tough games. Some we came back from. Some we haven’t. But ... close won’t be good enough going forward for anybody.”

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy speaking to members of media after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. Washington won 26-6. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy speaking to members of media after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. Washington won 26-6. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Patriots look to extend Mayo, seeking offensive coordinator

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Patriots look to extend Mayo, seeking offensive coordinator

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots have started discussions for a long-term contract extension with linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and Bill Belichick will also begin interviewing candidates for offensive coordinator next week.

The team made the announcements in a statement Thursday. It comes on the heels of Mayo being sought for the second straight offseason for interviews for one of the NFL's open head coaching jobs. The Carolina Panthers are the latest team to request permission to talk to him, Mayo also interviewed last offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Patriots are looking to hire their first offensive coordinator since Josh McDaniels left following the 2021 season to take the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job. Matt Patricia, an assistant with an extensive defensive pedigree, served as the Patriots' primary offensive play-caller this season.

But the unit struggled, with second-year quarterback Mac Jones regressing during an underachieving season that had the Patriots’ offense ranked in the bottom half of the league in points per game and red zone touchdowns.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo faces reporters, Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, at the NFL football team's stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo bringing the number of known candidates for the team’s head coaching vacancy to 10, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, on condition of anonymity because the team does not make its coaching search public. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
FILE - New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo faces reporters, Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, at the NFL football team's stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo bringing the number of known candidates for the team’s head coaching vacancy to 10, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, on condition of anonymity because the team does not make its coaching search public. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Elliott has revamped role in 4th playoff trip with Cowboys

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Elliott has revamped role in 4th playoff trip with Cowboys

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott enters his fourth trip to the playoffs with the Dallas Cowboys in a position unlike any of the previous three.

The two-time NFL rushing champion is no longer the top playmaker in the Dallas backfield, and not even the leading rusher. Tony Pollard carries those distinctions now.

Teammates and coaches grade Elliott's value on a different scale, most notably the quarterback who has been with him since their remarkable rookie seasons together.

“He's a huge part of the temperature of that locker room,” said Dak Prescott, who was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in a toss-up vote with his teammate.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) wearing a t-shirt with message for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before the start of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) wearing a t-shirt with message for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before the start of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

49ers seeking 3-game sweep vs. Seahawks in wild-card game

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

49ers seeking 3-game sweep vs. Seahawks in wild-card game

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan knows the challenges of trying to beat an opponent three times in a season after falling short a year ago in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams.

The 49ers open this postseason with a similar challenge when they host NFC West rival Seattle in a wild-card playoff game Saturday less than a month after beating the Seahawks for the second time this season.

“I don’t really look at it as you have to beat someone three times. I just look at it as we have to beat them on Saturday," Shanahan said. “That’s the game, I don’t think the other games have to do with it."

The Niners (13-4) are seeking a better result against the Seahawks (9-8) than they had last year against the Rams, when they blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and lost 20-17 to Los Angeles in the NFC title game.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is congratulated by fullback Kyle Juszczyk after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is congratulated by fullback Kyle Juszczyk after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Chiefs top seed in AFC, but title game could be in Atlanta

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 12 minute read Preview

Chiefs top seed in AFC, but title game could be in Atlanta

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 12 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Patrick Mahomes is the graybeard of the quarterbacks in the AFC playoffs even though he's only 27 and wasn't even born yet when Tom Brady was a freshman at the University of Michigan in 1995.

With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) out and Teddy Bridgewater, 30, also hurt, the Miami Dolphins are preparing rookie Skylar Thompson, 25, to start at Buffalo this weekend.

That would make Mahomes the oldest starting quarterback in the AFC field.

Mahomes said he certainly feels as if he's entered a new phase in which he's no longer the puerile passer who took the league by storm in 2018 when he threw for 50 touchdowns and was the league MVP in his first season as the Kansas City Chiefs' starter.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) scrambles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) scrambles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Lamar Jackson says in tweet he’s suffered grade 2 PCL sprain

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Lamar Jackson says in tweet he’s suffered grade 2 PCL sprain

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens are still practicing without Lamar Jackson.

Thursday, however, included one significant development — an update from the star quarterback's Twitter account.

“Thank you everyone for your support and concerns regarding my injuries. I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process,” Jackson tweeted. “I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3. There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee remains unstable.

“I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance.”

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson was again absent from practice during the portion open to reporters Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. The Baltimore star hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in a Dec. 4 win over Denver, and there was no sign of him Wednesday as the Ravens prepared for Sunday night's playoff opener at Cincinnati. Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season.(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)
FILE - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson was again absent from practice during the portion open to reporters Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. The Baltimore star hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in a Dec. 4 win over Denver, and there was no sign of him Wednesday as the Ravens prepared for Sunday night's playoff opener at Cincinnati. Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season.(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Texans interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Texans interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans interviewed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Thursday, making him the first announced candidate for their head coaching vacancy.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio is searching for his third coach in as many years.

Lovie Smith was 3-13-1 in one season and was fired on Monday, a year after Houston fired David Culley following one season and a 4-13 record.

The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are also interested in interviewing the 36-year-old Johnson about potentially leading their teams.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Dec. 24, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview four different NFL offensive coordinators for their head coaching vacancy, including Johnson, Philadelphia’s Shane Steichen, Buffalo’s Ken Dorsey and New York Giants’ Mike Kafka, according to a person familiar with the situation. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)
FILE - Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Dec. 24, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview four different NFL offensive coordinators for their head coaching vacancy, including Johnson, Philadelphia’s Shane Steichen, Buffalo’s Ken Dorsey and New York Giants’ Mike Kafka, according to a person familiar with the situation. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

Eagles, Hurts get week of much-needed rest as NFC’s top team

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 12 minute read Preview

Eagles, Hurts get week of much-needed rest as NFC’s top team

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 12 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Jalen Hurts couldn't wait to get back to work so he could get some more time off.

Hurts returned to Philadelphia's lineup last weekend after missing two weeks with a sprained right shoulder and helped the Eagles secure the top seed and lone bye in the NFC playoffs.

“We’re the No. 1 seed and we are the NFC (East) champs and that’s the goal we set out to do. Now I can continue to recover and be ready for the playoffs,” Hurts said after operating a conservative offense designed to keep him safe and leading the Eagles to a 22-16 win over the Giants' backups in Week 18.

“Winning pretty is not a priority,” second-year coach Nick Sirianni said.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) points upward after scoring against Washington Commanders during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) points upward after scoring against Washington Commanders during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Titans interview Cowden, Ossenfort for vacant GM role

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans interviewed two in-house candidates on Thursday for the team’s vacant general manager position.

The team interviewed vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden and director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort for the position previously held by Jon Robinson, who was fired last month after seven seasons on the job.

Robinson was fired despite never posting worse than a 9-7 record and going 69-47 with six straight winning seasons.

The Titans are also expected to interview candidates from outside of the organization as well before making a hire.

Jags’ Lawrence, Chargers’ Herbert face off in playoff debuts

Mark Long, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jags’ Lawrence, Chargers’ Herbert face off in playoff debuts

Mark Long, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence feels as if he’s been in the playoffs the past two months.

Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars were 3-7 and four games behind division-leading Tennessee in late November. It was clear they needed to find ways to start winning close games.

Lawrence easily could have panicked or even packed it in. Instead, he and the Jaguars picked it up and won six of seven down the stretch, clinching the AFC South and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Now, Lawrence will make his official postseason debut when the Jaguars (9-8) host fellow playoff newcomer Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) in a wild-card game Saturday night.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) in the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) in the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Vikings get upstart Giants in playoffs with ‘do it now’ view

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Vikings get upstart Giants in playoffs with ‘do it now’ view

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings quickly found their stride under rookie head coach Kevin O'Connell as a confident, close-knit and resilient team — featuring the league's leading receiver — with an NFL-record 11 wins by eight points or fewer.

Just because O'Connell's career is ascending doesn't mean this season of strong wills and late-game thrills can be replicated with the current core.

The Vikings face eight-figure salary-cap hits in 2023 for eight players, five of them age 30 and older, in a crunch that likely will force the departure of a key player or two. Then there's the statistical improbability of staying undefeated under O'Connell in one-score games.

“NFL stands for ‘not for long,’ and people move on. I kind of felt like this is a special group, and there’s a time sensitivity here where we've got to do it now,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said after the Vikings beat the New York Giants on Dec. 24.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts as he is introduced before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts as he is introduced before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Pro Bowl QB Hurts does best to protect sprained shoulder

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Pro Bowl QB Hurts does best to protect sprained shoulder

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts finally found Eagles fans annoyed by one of his audibles.

The changed play call that left some slightly ruffled? In this case, it was Hurts’ late decision to ask coach Nick Sirianni and some assistants to come into team headquarters on an off day and watch game film.

“I think Mrs. Sirianni gave me a hard time about that one,” Hurts said Thursday, laughing. “And his kids. But I told him we had business to tend to. We have an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Hurts doesn’t plan to waste it.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs a drill at the NFL football team's practice facility in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs a drill at the NFL football team's practice facility in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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