New York Jets

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) lead the way during "competition" periods of the team's late-season practices. Up to that point, Rodgers have been limited to scout-team work, but he was moving so well on his surgically repaired Achilles that coaches decided to let him cook to close out the year. "It's like watching Picasso paint," tackle Mekhi Becton said after one of the practices. Rodgers was in total command during the sessions, and players said the future Hall of Famer was so into it that it seemed like he was trying to make up for lost time. "[I] proved I can maybe still play a little bit," Rodgers said, grinning. At the very least, it gives the Jets hope that the 40-year-old can play closer to his 2021 MVP level than what he showed in his final season in Green Bay in 2022. The Jets offensive line will certainly need to be better -- they allowed 64 sacks in 2023.

Detroit Lions tight end Anthony Firkser has been signed to the active roster on Saturday. Firkser will join the team with fellow tight end James Mitchell (hand) landing on the injured reserve. The move to add Firkser to the roster could mean that the Lions are preparing to be without Sam LaPorta (knee) for this game. The expectation is that Firkser will serve as the backup to Brock Wright ahead of Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) said at his season-ending press conference on Monday that he'd "like for this to be more than just next year." The 40-year-old lost all of the 2023 season when he tore his Achilles in the season opener, but he made amazing progress during his rehab and probably would have returned as the Jets' starter if not for the fact that they weren't in the playoff race late in the year. Rodger is under contract through the 2025 season, so barring any more injuries, it sounds like he plans to play two more seasons in New York. It remains to be seen how effective he'll be in 2024 coming off a serious injury while playing behind a suspect offensive line, but he will have one of the best receivers in the game to lean on in Garrett Wilson.

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (neck, elbow), who suffered a neck injury in the Week 18 win over the New England Patriots in the regular season finale on Sunday, said he is fine. Wilson also said he doesn't think he needs surgery for an elbow injury that he dealt with all year. The 23-year-old was believed to have suffered a head injury when he took a hard hit in Sunday's contest, but he avoided any kind of serious injury and will have a normal offseason as he heads into his third NFL season. Despite losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles in Week 1, Wilson finished with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. His 168 targets ranked fourth among all wideouts. With more stability under center hopefully in 2024, the sky is the limit for Wilson.

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (thumb) completed 23 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown while adding 38 yards on the ground. He also tossed one interception in an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Taylor missed one series in the first quarter because of a thumb injury but was able to return and torch the Philadelphia secondary. Taylor would have likely topped the 300-yard mark for the second straight week without missed plays. The veteran took advantage of weak defenses in his starts to end the 2023 season and will likely be one of the more stable backup quarterbacks in the NFL again in 2024.