NFL

Mayfield came into the contest listed questionable with multiple injuries after struggling through the team’s Week 18 win over the Panthers. Inactive for the Buccaneers are WR Rakim Jarrett, RB Patrick Laird, LB Jose Ramirez, LB J.J. Russell,O T Brandon Walton, LB Markees Watts, and QB John Wolford.

Brown was ruled out Saturday while safety Reed Blankenship is the biggest surprise, the latter of whom came into the contest listed questionable but did not prove enough during pre-game warmups to play. The Eagles look to avoid compounding their late-season woes with a win over the Buccaneers on the road.

A banged up Bills defense loses yet another key player. Bernard has been stellar in his first year replacing Tremaine Edmunds, registering 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions. The Bills are now playing their 4th and 5th cornerbacks and their 4th and 5th linebackers on defense against the Steelers in the Wild Card Round.

Martin was hurt while chasing down a blocked punt late in the second quarter. He immediately went into the blue medical tent but remained on the sideline with the other specialists. It seems as though he will still be able to hold kicks for Tyler Bass, but he may not be able to punt, which could be problematic for the Bills if they face fourth downs deep in their own territory during the second half of their Wild Card Round game against the Steelers.

The Bills are already down top cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee), but Benford now also had to go to the locker room with a knee injury. In his absence, second-year cornerback Kaiir Elam missed a tackle and got called for a holding penalty but then turned in a beautiful interception in the end zone. There’s no word yet on how Benford got hurt or the long-term concerns from the injury, but the Bills secondary is very short-handed with safety Taylor Rapp out as well.

Kafka has received multiple head coaching interviews over the last few seasons, but no team has been willing to take a shot on the former quarterback turned coordinator. Kafka, 36, entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Eagles in 2010 but has had coaching stops in Kansas City and New York since retiring after the 2015 season. Kafka helped turn the Giants into a playoff contender in 2022, but the team took a massive step back this season. Still, it’s possible he will secure a gig this offseason. He’s already met with the Titans and should have a chance to speak with the Seahawks sometime this week.

Treadwell caught just one pass for 16 yards in five games with the Ravens this season. The former first-round pick has struggled to find a home in the league since being drafted by the Vikings in 2016 and will likely be playing for his fifth team in as many seasons if he catches on elsewhere in 2024.

Morris continues to stack up interviews. The Seahawks are now the fourth team to request an interview with Morris, who could be just weeks away from receiving his second opportunity as a head coach. Morris coached the Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, going 17-31 during his three seasons. Morris has bounced around with several teams since being let go by the Buccaneers and has received high praise from several coaches and league executives. His tenure with the Rams includes a Super Bowl championship and an impressive 2023 campaign in which his defense played far better than expected.

Smith has been one of the most popular names during this coaching cycle. The Seahawks now become the fifth team to request an interview with Smith, who was hired as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator back in 2022. While Mike McDaniel receives plenty of credit for Miami’s offensive success, Smith can’t be overlooked. Considered by some as a “best-kept secret” in the league, it’s possible Smith will have his chance to shine in a lead role next season.

This one should come as no surprise. Quinn was the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks from 2013 to 2014 before being hired as the Falcons head coach ahead of the 2015 season. He also worked with the Seahawks in 2009 and 2010 as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Quinn’s ties to the Seahawks have made him a popular candidate for the head coaching gig. With four interviews already lined up this week, it’s possible Quinn will add another before the weekend.