🏆 Conference Championship Round News From Wednesday

Plus - Isiah Pacheco Expects To Play, Deebo Samuel Uncertain  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 01/25/24 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]() | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}[,](=)​ I don't know about you but this feels like a fantastic final four. I love all these teams and can see a path for all to the trophy. Sure, some are more "seeable" than others but I love how we've arrived at these four. Our Cecil Lammey has the News and Notes you need. Let's Go. J Inside This Issue [] - [SF: Deebo Samuel's status uncertain](#article-1) - [KC: Isiah Pacheco expects to play](#article-2) - [BAL: Full practice for Mark Andrews](#article-3) - [MIA: Dolphins, Vic Fangio part ways](#article-4) - [DET: Sam LaPorta does not practice](#article-5) - [CIN: Dan Pitcher to be new OC](#article-6) - [CLE: Duce Staley to join staff](#article-7) - [DET: Brock Wright placed on IR](#article-8) - [DET: Zach Ertz uncertain to play](#article-9) - [IND: Two coaches will not return](#article-10) - [KC: Rashee Rice takes part in practice](#article-11) - [LVR: Mike Sullivan to meet with Raiders](#article-12) - [PHI: Kliff Kingsbury talks with Philadelphia](#article-13) - [LAC: Brandon Brown meeting with Chargers again](#article-14) [] 1. SF: Deebo Samuel's status uncertain [Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter]( San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder) will not practice on Wednesday, Jan. 24, and his status for the NFC Championship Game is uncertain, head coach Kyle Shanahan said. Our view: This will be something to monitor closely as the week goes on. Initial reports expressed positivity about Samuel's availability, and he's the type of player who doesn't need to practice in order to play. Samuel might be a true game-time decision. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. KC: Isiah Pacheco expects to play [Source: NFL Network - James Palmer](=) Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (toe) expects to play in the AFC Championship Game despite a toe injury, he said on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Our view: Pacheco is always a bit banged up, because he's the angriest runner in the league, but he should be out there as the Chiefs try to take down the Ravens. This should be a great matchup, and Pacheco's play will be key for Kansas City as they want to advance to yet another Super Bowl. [Back to Top](#top) [] 3. BAL: Full practice for Mark Andrews [Source: BaltimoreRavens.com]( Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Jan. 24. Our view: Andrews was practicing in full last week as well but did not play. It was going to be touch-and-go for him to play in the Divisional Round, and the team decided to give him another week of rest. Now, Andrews is preparing for the AFC Championship Game and we expect him to be out there for the big game against the Chiefs. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. MIA: Dolphins, Vic Fangio part ways [Source: MiamiDolphins.com](=) The Miami Dolphins and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Our view: Fangio's defense has taken the league by storm, but injuries and inconsistencies plagued his unit with Miami. There are rumblings that Fangio could wind up as a defensive coordinator of the Eagles. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. DET: Sam LaPorta does not practice [Source: DetroitLions.com]( Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Lions did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation. Our view: Everyone banged up is getting some rest for the Lions. We feel LaPorta will be ready to go as the Lions are one game away from the Super Bowl. Let's see what he can do later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. CIN: Dan Pitcher to be new OC [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher has been hired as the Bengals new offensive coordinator, according to sources. Our view: Pitcher gets the promotion with Brian Callahan moving on to take the Titans head coaching job. Having worked closely with QBs Joe Burrow and Jake Browning, this should be a seamless transition for the Bengals. [Back to Top](#top) [] 7. CLE: Duce Staley to join staff [Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot]( Former Carolina Panthers running backs coach Duce Staley was hired by the Cleveland Browns Wednesday, Jan. 24, as their new running backs coach, according to a source. Our view: Staley has been a quality assistant coach for years. Now, he'll get to work in a running back room with the best back in the league (Nick Chubb). [Back to Top](#top) [] 8. DET: Brock Wright placed on IR [Source: DetroitLions.com]() Detroit Lions TE Brock Wright (forearm) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Jan. 24. The team also signed practice squad DT Tyson Alualu to their 53-man roster. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Our view: Wright's injury is why the Lions went out for Zach Ertz. We'll see if Ertz can get up to speed in the offense enough to play as a reserve behind Sam LaPorta. [Back to Top](#top) 🤩 The Senior Bowl will Change EVERYTHING for Dynasty Rookie Drafts! The Senior Bowl has produced major stars like Puka Nacua, Tank Dell, Jayden Reed, and more! These practices could change everything for your dynasty rookie drafts! Jeff Bell, Kevin Coleman, and Christian Williams preview the biggest names to watch for Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Alabama! ​ [[youtube]​]()[[podcast]​]([[spotify]​](=) ​ [] 9. DET: Zach Ertz uncertain to play [Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler]() Detroit Lions TE Zach Ertz is in shape and will practice with the team but his status for the NFC Championship Game remains up in the air, head coach Dan Cambell said on Wednesday, Jan. 24. 'We're going to gauge this and see where he's at,' Campbell said. Our view: Brock Wright is on IR, and that's why the Lions picked up Ertz. He's a seasoned veteran, so getting up to speed enough to be a backup to Sam LaPorta may not be too difficult. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. IND: Two coaches will not return [Source: The Indianapolis Star - Joel A. Erickson](=) Indianapolis Colts defensive line coach Nate Ollie and assistant defensive backs coach Mike Mitchell will not have their contracts renewed this offseason, according to a source. Our view: The Colts want more from their defense in 2024. They were pushing for the postseason, but they were doing that with QB Gardner Minshew under center. With potential franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson returning in 2024, the team will want to take that next step - which is a playoff run. To do that, they want some changes on defense. [Back to Top](#top) [] 11. KC: Rashee Rice takes part in practice [Source: Chiefs.com](=) Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Jan. 24. Our view: That's a good sign for the rookie receiver. A hamstring injury can linger, but if he's fully practicing then he should be good to go against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. LVR: Mike Sullivan to meet with Raiders [Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo]( Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will interview for the Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator position. Sullivan was on the New York Giants' staff when head coach Antonio Pierce was a defensive captain. Our view: It's a world of 'who you know' in the NFL, and the Sullivan/Pierce relationship could get him a gig with the Raiders. We'll see if the Raiders stay with Aidan O'Connell as their starter or if perhaps they are in the market for someone like Russell Wilson (if/when the Broncos release him). [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. PHI: Kliff Kingsbury talks with Philadelphia [Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo]() Former Arizona Cardinals head coach and Southern California offensive analyst Kliff Kingsbury met virtually with the Philadelphia Eagles regarding their offensive coordinator vacancy on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Our view: Kingsbury failed as head coach of the Cardinals but he could still be a good coordinator. We'll see if that happens in the near future as the Eagles need to jumpstart their once powerful offense. [Back to Top](#top) [] 14. LAC: Brandon Brown meeting with Chargers again [Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero]( New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown is interviewing for the Los Angeles Chargers general manager position for the second time Wednesday, Jan. 24. Our view: Anyone the Chargers hire will have to work in concert with their new head coach...which has yet to be announced. Most think Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) is the front-runner for the job. [Back to Top](#top) That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ ​ [[twitter]​]([[facebook]​](=)[[discord]​]([[youtube]​]([[instagram]​]( = Written By Joe Bryant. 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