BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today signed third baseman Rafael Devers to a 10-year contract extension that spans the 2024-33 seasons.
Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.
Signed by Boston at 16 years old on August 9, 2013, Devers made his Major League debut in July 2017 at 20 years old and served as the Red Sox’ Opening Day starter at third base in each of the next five seasons (2018-22). The 2033 season would be his 17th with the Red Sox; the only players to appear in at least one game for the Red Sox in 15 or more seasons are Carl Yastrzemski (23), Dwight Evans (19), Ted Williams (19), Tim Wakefield (17), Jim Rice (16), and Jason Varitek (15).
Devers, 26, finished in the top 15 in American League Most Valuable Player voting in 2019 (12th), 2021 (11th), and 2022 (14th). A 2021 Silver Slugger Award winner, he was the AL’s starting third baseman in the 2021 and 2022 All-Star Games. In 689 games for the Red Sox (2017-22), Devers has batted .283 (762-for-2,697) with an .854 OPS, 139 home runs, and 455 RBI. He holds the Red Sox franchise record for most extra-base hits at the age of 25 or younger (333), while his 139 home runs at that age rank second in club history behind only Tony Conigliaro (160).
Since the beginning of 2019, Devers leads the majors in doubles (149) and extra-base hits (264) and leads the AL in hits (591) and total bases (1,078). In that time, he also leads the majors in games played at third base (498) and innings played at the position (4,313.0). He is the youngest player in Red Sox history to record 200 or more hits in a season (201 in 2019 at 22 years old), as well as the youngest to record 50 or more doubles in a season (54 in 2019). Devers holds the franchise’s single-season records for a third baseman in home runs (38), doubles (54), extra-base hits (90), and total bases (359). He joins Ted Williams as the only Red Sox players to record multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI before turning 25 years old.
In 141 games in 2022, Devers led the Red Sox in home runs (27), RBI (88), slugging percentage (.521), OPS (.879), extra-base hits (70), total bases (289), and runs scored (tied, 84), also ranking second in batting average (.295, 164-for-555), on-base percentage (.358), and doubles (42). The Dominican Republic native set a career high in fielding percentage (.964) and led AL third baseman in slugging percentage and OPS. In his final 28 games (beginning September 1), he batted .333 (34-for-102) with a .900 OPS.
A 2018 World Series champion, Devers has hit .303 (27-for-89) with a .955 OPS in 26 career Postseason games, all prior to turning 25 years old. He holds the Major League record for most Postseason RBI at the age of 24 or younger (26) and is tied with Mickey Mantle, Albert Pujols, and Carlos Correa for the most Postseason home runs at that age (eight). Devers is the only player in Major League history with both a grand slam and an inside-the-park home run in the Postseason.
Devers has been named the Red Sox’ winner of the Heart and Hustle Award in each of the last three seasons it was presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (2019, ’21-22). He earned the 2018 Greg Montalbano Minor League Player Award and 2019 Tommy Harper Heart and Hustle Award from the Boston Baseball Writers, and he is the youngest Red Sox player ever to be named AL Player of the Month (22 years old in May 2019).
The following are the NFL transactions for Wednesday, January 11. Transactions will be published each day after they are circulated to NFL clubs. This public version will include waiver requests, assignments via waivers, terminations, free agent signings, reserve list and practice squad additions and deletions, and trades.
RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS
ARIZONA
Cooney, Nolan
P
Syracuse
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Fortunato, Joe
LS
Delaware
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Fry, Elliott
K
South Carolina
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
BUFFALO
Crowder, Jamison
WR
Duke
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
Hyde, Micah
DB
Iowa
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
CINCINNATI
Anderson, Tycen
DB
Toledo
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
CLEVELAND
McCrary, Nate
RB
Saginaw Valley State
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
DALLAS
Hankins, Johnathan
NT
Ohio State
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
DENVER
Jackson, Jordan
DT
Air Force
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
DETROIT
Deese, Derrick
TE
San Jose State
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
HOUSTON
Harris, Demone
DE
Buffalo
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Slater, Rashawn
T
Northwestern
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
MINNESOTA
Brandel, Blake
T
Oregon State
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
NEW ORLEANS
Martin, Koda
G
Syracuse
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Pride, Troy
DB
Notre Dame
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
PITTSBURGH
Fitzpatrick, Dez
WR
Louisville
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Harper, Madre
DB
Southern Illinois
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Robinson, Kenny
DB
West Virginia
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
Wilcox, Chris
DB
Brigham Young
Free Agent Signing Reserve/Future
SEATTLE
Eskridge, D’Wayne
WR
Western Michigan
Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have signed shortstop Carlos Correa to a six-year guaranteed contract through the 2028 season. The deal includes four team options covering the 2029 through 2032 campaigns, each of which can automatically vest based on performance in the previous season.
Correa hit .291 (152-for-522) with 24 doubles, one triple, 22 home runs, 64 RBI, 70 runs scored, 61 walks, a .366 on-base percentage and an .834 OPS in 136 games for the Twins last season. He led all MLB shortstops in OPS (.834), while ranking second among that same group in slugging percentage (.467) and on-base percentage (.366), and third in batting average (.291) and RC/27 (5.84). Correa also hit .310 (79-for-255) with an .880 OPS in 67 home games, the sixth-highest home average in the AL and 10th best in baseball; it was also the eighth-best home average in Target Field history (since 2010).
After the season, Correa was named winner of the Most Valuable Twin Award, the Bob Allison Award for leadership, the Jim Kaat Award as Twins Defensive Player of the Year, the Mike Augustin “Media Good Guy” Award and the Carl R. Pohlad Outstanding Community Service Award, as voted on by the Twin Cities chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Twins Community Fund Board of Directors.
The Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico native was selected first overall by the Astros in the 2012 MLB Draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and has hit .279 (933-for-3346) with 186 doubles, nine triples, 155 home runs, 553 RBI, 508 runs scored, 408 walks, a .357 on-base percentage and an .836 OPS in 888 career major league games. Correa’s 39.5 career WAR, per Baseball Reference, ranks sixth among major league position players since 2015. The 2015 American League Rookie of the Year, Correa is a two-time AL All-Star (2017 as a starter and ’21 as a reserve), a World Series champion (2017) and the winner of the 2021 Rawlings AL Gold Glove at shortstop as well as the 2021 AL Platinum Glove Award, given annually to the best overall fielder in each league. Since 2018, he leads all major league shortstops with 50 defensive runs saved, per Fangraphs.
The 28-year-old has appeared in 79 career Postseason games, batting .272 (82-for-301) with 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 59 RBI, 30 walks, 37 runs scored, a .344 on-base percentage and an .849 OPS. He ranks sixth on baseball’s all-time list in Postseason RBI and tied for seventh in home runs, matching Nelson Cruz and Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated Kyle Garlick for release or assignment.
The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher DARWINZON HERNANDEZ from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations.
Hernandez, 26, went 0-1 with a 21.60 ERA (16 ER/6.2 IP), 14 hits, 17 total runs, four home runs, two hit batters, eight walks, and nine strikeouts in seven games with the Red Sox last season. He also appeared in 23 games (seven starts) for Triple-A Worcester in 2022. The left-hander is 3-4 with a 5.06 ERA (48 ER/85.1 IP) in 91 career MLB games (one start), all with Boston since 2019, including a 3.17 mark (17 ER/48.1 IP) in 55 combined games from 2020-21. A native of Venezuela, he was originally signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2013.
Additionally, infielder LEWIN DÍAZ has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.
The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms with RHP Zach Davies on a 1-year contract with a mutual option for 2024. MLB Bio.
In 2022, made 27 starts in his first season with Arizona, going 2-5 with a 4.09 ERA (61 ER in 134.1 IP)…issued 2 walks or fewer in 22 of his starts…limited left-handed batters to a .222 average.
Is 1 of 11 pitchers with 27+ starts in 5 of the last 7 seasons since 2016.
Ranked second in the NL in wins twice: 2017 (17) & ‘20 (7).
Has gone 58-53 with a 4.14 ERA (444 ER in 966.0 IP) in 182 starts over 8 Major League seasons with the Brewers (2015-19), Padres (’20), Cubs in (’21) and D-backs (’22).
Is a 2011 graduate of Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Ariz.
The D-backs designated RHP J.B. Bukauskas for assignment.
RHP Edwin Uceta, designated on Jan. 5, was claimed by the Tigers.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has invited 19 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz. Among the invitees are seven pitchers, four catchers, four infielders and four outfielders.
Included in the 19 invitees are 10 players who were originally signed or drafted by Kansas City: left-handed pitcher Austin Cox, right-handed pitcher Andrés Núñez, catchers Logan Porter and Luca Tresh, infielders Clay Dungan, Nick Loftin and Tyler Tolbert and outfielders Tyler Gentry, Brewer Hicklen and John Rave.
There are five additional invitees who are returning to the organization in 2023, including right-handed pitchers Yefri Del Rosario and Ryan Weiss, catchers Tyler Cropley and Jakson Reetz and outfielder Dairon Blanco.
The remaining four players are new to the organization and include: right-handed pitchers Brooks Kriske, Mike Mayers and Nick Wittgren and infielder/outfielder Matt Beaty.
LS Ross Matiscik (back), K Riley Patterson (right knee)
Wednesday
LS Ross Matiscik (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Tuesday
WR Jamal Agnew (shoulder), QB Trevor Lawrence (toe), G Brandon Scherff (abdomen)
Wednesday
WR Jamal Agnew (shoulder), QB Trevor Lawrence (toe), WR Kendric Pryor (shoulder), G Brandon Scherff (abdomen)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
K Riley Patterson (right knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at BUFFALO BILLS on Sunday
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Terron Armstead (toe, pec, knee, hip), LB Bradley Chubb (ankle, hand), T Liam Eichenberg (hand), LB Melvin Ingram (not injury related – resting player), T Kendall Lamm (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (thumb), T Brandon Shell (knee, ankle), QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee, right finger), FB Alec Ingold (thumb), LB Jaelan Phillips (toe, wrist), WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle), WR Cedrick Wilson (hip, groin), RB Jeffery Wilson (illness)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Kader Kohou (thumb), T Greg Little (Achilles), QB Skylar Thompson (ankle)
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jordan Phillips (shoulder), S Jordan Poyer (knee, not injury related – resting player), G Rodger Saffold (not injury related – resting player)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Josh Allen (ankle, right elbow), CB Cameron Lewis (forearm)
NEW YORK GIANTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS on Sunday
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Jon Feliciano (back), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), LB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), S Jason Pinnock (shoulder), DT Leonard Williams (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Xavier McKinney (finger)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Cameron Dantzler (ankle, not injury related – personal matter)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brian Asamoah (knee), C Garrett Bradbury (back), S Harrison Smith (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT James Lynch (shoulder)
BALTIMORE RAVENS at CINCINNATI BENGALS on Sunday night
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Calais Campbell (not injury related – resting player), RB Gus Edwards (concussion), LB Justin Houston (not injury related – resting player), QB Lamar Jackson (knee), LS Nick Moore (illness), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (not injury related – resting player), G Ben Powers (not injury related – resting player), T Ronnie Stanley (not injury related – resting player), CB Brandon Stephens (illness)
Seven of the 12 teams in action this weekend are new to the postseason in 2022, having missed the playoffs a year ago: BALTIMORE, JACKSONVILLE, the LOS ANGELES CHARGERS, MIAMI, MINNESOTA, the NEW YORK GIANTS and SEATTLE. Two of those teams – Jacksonville (AFC South) and Minnesota (NFC North) – won their divisions.
Since 1990, at least four teams every season have qualified for the playoffs after failing to make the postseason the year before. Additionally, at least two teams have won their divisions the season after missing the playoffs in 19 of the past 20 years, including 2022.
Each of the 12 teams playing this weekend hope to earn their first of four wins needed to capture the Lombardi Trophy. Winners in the Wild Card round have won the Super Bowl 11 times, including in each of the past two seasons.
The Wild Card round participants to win the Super Bowl:
SEASON
TEAM
SUPER BOWL RESULT
1980
Oakland Raiders
Defeated Philadelphia in Super Bowl XV, 27-10
1997
Denver Broncos
Defeated Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII, 31-24
2000
Baltimore Ravens
Defeated New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, 34-7
2005
Pittsburgh Steelers
Defeated Seattle in Super Bowl XL, 21-10
2006
Indianapolis Colts*
Defeated Chicago in Super Bowl XLI, 29-17
2007
New York Giants
Defeated New England in Super Bowl XLII, 17-14
2010
Green Bay Packers
Defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV, 31-25
2011
New York Giants*
Defeated New England in Super Bowl XLVI, 21-17
2012
Baltimore Ravens*
Defeated San Francisco in Super Bowl XLVII, 34-31
2020
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Defeated Kansas City in Super Bowl LV, 31-9
2021
Los Angeles Rams*
Defeated Cincinnati in Super Bowl LVI, 23-20
*Won division
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
PASSING IN THE PLAYOFFS: A mix of established veterans and emerging stars make up the starting quarterbacks in the 2022 playoff field vying for the Super Bowl LVII title.
Tampa Bay quarterback TOM BRADY enters the 2022 postseason as the league’s all-time playoff leader in games started by a quarterback (47), wins by a starting quarterback (35), passing yards (13,049), touchdown passes (86), Super Bowl titles (seven) and Super Bowl MVPs (five). He is looking to become the first quarterback ever to win multiple Super Bowls with two different franchises.
Brady’s opposing quarterback on Monday night (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC, ESPN2-Manningcast, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes) will be Dallas’ DAK PRESCOTT, who will be making his fifth-career postseason start. In each of his past three starts in the playoffs, Prescott has recorded both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown and can become the sixth quarterback ever to record both a touchdown pass and rushing touchdown in four career postseason games. Brady (five games) and Kansas City’s PATRICK MAHOMES (four), who will be in action next weekend, are among the group Prescott can join.
The players with the most postseason games with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
GAMES
Steve YoungHOF
San Francisco
7
Tom Brady
New England, Tampa Bay
5*
John ElwayHOF
Denver
4
Donovan McNabb
Philadelphia
4
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City
4*
Dak Prescott
Dallas
3*
*Active in 2022 postseason
Prescott can also become the first quarterback in NFL history to record a rushing touchdown in four consecutive postseason games.
In the AFC, Buffalo’s JOSH ALLEN will be making his seventh-career postseason start when the Bills host the Dolphins on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS, Paramount+). In both of his playoff games last season, Allen recorded at least 300 passing yards and four touchdown passes.
Allen can join MATT RYAN as the only players ever with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes in three consecutive postseason games. He can also become the first player in NFL history with at least four touchdown passes in three consecutive playoff games.
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
HEY, ROOKIE: Two rookie quarterbacks have an opportunity to start this weekend: San Francisco’s BROCK PURDY and Miami’s SKYLAR THOMPSON. This would mark the first playoff round since the 2012 Wild Card round (ROBERT GRIFFIN III, ANDREW LUCK, and RUSSELL WILSON) to feature multiple rookie starting quarterbacks.
Each player would be looking to become the first starting rookie quarterback to win a postseason game since Wilsonin 2012.
The most recent rookie starting quarterbacks to win a postseason game:
ROOKIE QB
TEAM
SEASON
ROUND
OPPONENT
FINAL SCORE
Russell Wilson
Seattle
2012
NFC Wild Card
at Washington
SEA 24, WAS 14
T.J. Yates
Houston
2011
AFC Wild Card
vs. Cincinnati
HOU 31, CIN 10
Mark Sanchez
N.Y. Jets
2009
AFC Divisional
at San Diego Chargers
NYJ 17, SD 14
Both Purdy and Thompson were selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and can become the first two rookies selected in the seventh round or later or be undrafted to start a postseason game in the common-draft era. They can also become the fourth and fifth rookie quarterbacks selected outside of the first round to win a playoff game in the common-draft era.
The rookie quarterbacks selected outside of the first round to win a postseason game in the common-draft era:
ROOKIE QB
TEAM
SEASON
ROUND
DRAFT ROUND
Russell Wilson
Seattle
2012
NFC Wild Card
3rd
T.J. Yates
Houston
2011
AFC Wild Card
5th
Shaun King
Tampa Bay
1999
NFC Divisional
2nd
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT (24 years, 310 days old on Saturday) and Jacksonville quarterback TREVOR LAWRENCE (23 years, 100 days old) will each be making their first career postseason starts when the Jaguars host the Chargers on Saturday night (8:15 PM ET, NBC, Peacock, Universo).
Their combined age of 48 years and 45 days will be the sixth-youngest combined age of opposing starting quarterbacks in a playoff game in NFL history.
The youngest combined age of opposing starting quarterbacks in a postseason game in NFL history:
ROUND
GAME
QUARTERBACKS
COMBINED AGE
1985 Divisional
Cleveland at Miami
Bernie Kosar& Dan MarinoHOF
46 years, 152 days
2012 Wild Card
Seattle at Washington
Russell Wilson & Robert Griffin III
47 years, 2 days
1983 Divisional
Seattle at Miami
Dave Krieg & Dan MarinoHOF
47 years, 178 days
2000 Wild Card
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Shaun King & Donovan McNabb
47 years, 252 days
2019 Wild Card
Buffalo at Houston
Josh Allen & Deshaun Watson
47 years, 339 days
2022 Wild Card
L.A. Chargers at Jacksonville
Justin Herbert & Trevor Lawrence
48 years, 45 days
Lawrence was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and with a win on Saturday would become the fifth quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft to win his first career postseason start since 2000.
The quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft to win their first career postseason starts since 2000:
PLAYER (DRAFT YEAR)
TEAM
FIRST POSTSEASON START
Joe Burrow (2020)
Cincinnati
2021 AFC Wild Card vs. Las Vegas
Baker Mayfield (2018)
Cleveland
2020 AFC Wild Card at Pittsburgh
Alex Smith (2005)
San Francisco
2011 NFC Divisional vs. New Orleans
Michael Vick (2000)
Atlanta
2002 NFC Wild Card at Green Bay
The Jaguars won their first AFC South division title since 2017 after finishing with the league’s worst record in 2021. With a win on Saturday, Jacksonville would become the first team in NFL history to win a postseason game the season after finishing with the league’s worst or tied for the worst record.
Los Angeles running back AUSTIN EKELER led the league in scrimmage touchdowns in 2022, totaling 18 touchdowns (13 rushing, five receiving). In 2021, Ekeler tied for the league lead with a career-best 20 touchdowns (12 rushing, eight receiving).
With two touchdowns in the postseason, Ekeler will become the seventh player in NFL history to record at least 20 touchdowns in consecutive seasons, including playoffs, and the first since Pro Football Hall of Famer LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (2005-06).
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
FIRST-YEAR COACHES: For the first time in NFL history, five teams that hired a new head coach prior to the season advanced to the playoffs – Jacksonville (DOUG PEDERSON), Miami (MIKE MCDANIEL), Minnesota KEVIN O’CONNELL), the New York Giants (BRIAN DABOLL) and Tampa Bay (TODD BOWLES).
All five of those coaches will be on the sidelines this weekend, with two facing each other. When Minnesota hosts the New York Giants on Sunday (4:30 PM ET, FOX/FOX Deportes), it will mark the fourth playoff game since 1970 featuring two rookie head coaches.
The playoff games featuring to rookie head coaches since 1970:
ROUND
GAME
COACHES
RESULT
2022 NFC Wild Card
N.Y. Giants at Minnesota
Brian Daboll & Kevin O’Connell
???
2009 AFC Championship
N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis
Rex Ryan & Jim Caldwell
IND 30, NYJ 17
2008 AFC Wild Card
Baltimore at Miami
John Harbaugh & Tony Sparano
BAL 27, MIA 9
2000 NFC Wild Card
St. Louis Rams at New Orleans
Mike Martz & Jim Haslett
NO 31, STL 28
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
STREAKING RECEIVERS: Several wide receivers look to extend active postseason streaks this weekend.
Tampa Bay wide receiver JULIO JONES has recorded at least 50 receiving yards in each of his nine career playoff games, while Miami wide receiver TYREEK HILL has done so in each of his past eight. Jones can become the fourth player ever with at least 50 receiving yards in 10 consecutive postseason games and Hill can become the sixth player to reach the mark in nine consecutive playoff games.
The players with at least 50 receiving yards in the most consecutive postseason games in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
CONSECUTIVE GAMES
Julian Edelman
New England
13 (Jan. 11, 2014 – Feb. 3, 2019)
Gary Clark
Washington
10 (Jan. 10, 1988 – Jan. 9, 1993)
Jerry RiceHOF
San Francisco
10 (Jan. 1, 1989 – Jan. 17, 1993)
Julio Jones
Atlanta, Tennessee
9* (Jan. 8, 2012 – Jan. 11, 2022)
Wes Welker
New England
9 (Jan. 12, 2008 – Jan. 20 – 2013)
Tyreek Hill
Kansas City
8* (Jan. 19, 2020 – Jan. 30 – 2022)
*Active streak
Jones’ teammate MIKE EVANS recorded at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in both of Tampa Bay’s playoff games last season. With another such performance against Dallas on Monday night (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC, ESPN2-Manningcast, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes), Evans will become the fourth player ever with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in three consecutive playoff games, joining LARRY FITZGERALD (four games) and Pro Football Hall of Famers RANDY MOSS (three) and JERRY RICE (three).
Cincinnati wide receivers JA’MARR CHASE and TEE HIGGINS were each crucial in the Bengals’ Super Bowl run last year and look to have the same success in the 2022 postseason.
Chase’s 368 receiving yards in the 2021 playoffs were the most-ever by a rookie in the postseason. With 96 receiving yards against Baltimore on Sunday night (8:15 PM ET, NBC, Peacock, Telemundo), Chase will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer RANDY MOSS (463 receiving yards) for the second-most postseason receiving yards ever by a player in his first two seasons. Only CHARLIE BROWN (643) has more.
The players with the most postseason receiving yards in their first two career seasons in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
RECEIVING YARDS
Charlie Brown
Washington
643
Randy MossHOF
Minnesota
463
T.Y. Hilton
Indianapolis
393
Ja’Marr Chase
Cincinnati
368*
*In second season
Including the playoffs, Chase has totaled 2,869 receiving yards in his career and can become the third player ever with at least 3,000 receiving yards in his first two seasons, including playoffs, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer RANDY MOSS (3,189) and JUSTIN JEFFERSON (3,016).
Higgins finished the 2021 postseason with three consecutive games with at least 95 receiving yards. With 95 receiving yards on Sunday, he will become the fourth player ever with at least 95 receiving yards in four consecutive playoff games.
The players with at least 95 receiving yards in the most consecutive postseason games in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
CONSECUTIVE GAMES
Travis Kelce
Kansas City
6* (Jan. 17, 2021 – Jan. 30, 2022)
Antonio Brown
Pittsburgh
4 (Jan. 3, 2015 – Jan. 15, 2017)
Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona
4 (Jan. 3, 2009 – Feb. 1, 2009)
Tee Higgins
Cincinnati
3* (Jan. 22, 2022 – Feb. 13, 2022)
*Active streak
Minnesota wide receiver JUSTIN JEFFERSON led the NFL with 128 catches and 1,809 receiving yards this season. With 91 receiving yards against the New York Giants on Sunday (4:30 PM ET, FOX/FOX Deportes), Jefferson will become the sixth player in NFL history with at least 1,900 receiving yards in a single season, including playoffs.
The players with at least 1,900 receiving yards in a single season, including playoffs, in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
SEASON
RECEIVING YARDS
Cooper Kupp
L.A. Rams
2021
2,425
Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona
2008
1,977
Jerry RiceHOF
San Francisco
1995
1,965
Calvin JohnsonHOF
Detroit
2012
1,964
Antonio Brown
Pittsburgh
2015
1,953
Justin Jefferson
Minnesota
2022
1,809*
*Entering playoffs
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
PLAYOFF LENNY: In five postseason games with Tampa Bay, running back LEONARD FOURNETTE has totaled 555 scrimmage yards (111 per game) with a touchdown in each game. Going back to the 2017 postseason with Jacksonville, Fournette has scored a touchdown in seven consecutive playoff games.
With a touchdown against Dallas on Monday night (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC, ESPN2-Manningcast, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes), Fournette will become the third running back in NFL history to score a touchdown in eight consecutive postseason games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers THURMAN THOMAS (nine consecutive playoff games) and EMMITT SMITH (eight).
The running backs with the most consecutive postseason games with a touchdown in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
GAMES (DATES)
Thurman ThomasHOF
Buffalo
9 (Jan. 17, 1993 – Jan. 2, 1999)
Emmitt SmithHOF
Dallas
8 (Jan. 23, 1994 – Dec. 28, 1996)
Marcus AllenHOF
L.A. Raiders
7 (Jan. 8, 1983 – Jan. 5, 1986)
Terrell DavisHOF
Denver
7 (Jan. 4, 1997 – Jan. 17, 1999)
Leonard Fournette
Jacksonville, Tampa Bay
7* (Jan. 14, 2018 – Jan. 23, 2022)
John RigginsHOF
Washington
7 (Jan. 15, 1983 – Dec. 30, 1984)
*Active streak
— SUPER WILD CARD WEEKEND —
MINING FOR PLAYOFF GOLD: San Francisco defensive lineman NICK BOSA led the NFL with a career-high 18.5 sacks this season. He became the fourth player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record a sack in 13 games within a season.
With a sack against Seattle on Saturday (4:30 PM ET, FOX, FOX Deportes), Bosa will become the fourth player to record a sack in 14 games in a season, including playoffs.
The players with the most games with a sack in a season since 1982, including the postseason:
PLAYER
TEAM
SEASON
GAMES
Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati
2021
15
Robert Mathis
Indianapolis
2013
14
DeMarcus Ware
Dallas
2008
14
Nick Bosa
San Francisco
2022
13*
*Entering Wild Card
In six career playoff games, Bosa has totaled eight sacks, with at least half a sack in each game. He can join LAMARR WOODLEY as the only player with at least half a sack in each of their first seven career playoff games since 1982.
With two sacks on Saturday, Bosa can become the third player since 1982 with at least 10 sacks within his first seven career playoff games, joining Woodley (11 sacks) and Pro Football Hall of Famer RICHARD DENT (10.5).
The players with the most sacks in their first seven career playoff games since 1982:
PLAYER
TEAM
SACKS
LaMarr Woodley
Pittsburgh
11
Richard DentHOF
Chicago
10.5
Michael StrahanHOF
N.Y. Giants
8.5
Nick Bosa
San Francisco
8*
*In first six playoff games
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY led all running backs with 741 receiving yards this season. In his lone career playoff game in 2017 with Carolina, he recorded 101 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.
With 100 receiving yards on Saturday, McCaffrey would become the third running back ever to record at least 100 receiving yards in multiple postseason games, joining TONY NATHAN (three games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer LENNY MOORE (two).
BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today traded left-handed pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez to the Baltimore Orioles, in exchange for cash considerations.
Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.
Hernandez, 26, was designated for assignment on January 6. The left-hander has made 91 career appearances (one start), all with Boston from 2019-22, posting a 5.06 ERA and 14.03 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (85.1 IP, 48 ER, 133 SO). In 2022, he allowed 16 earned runs over 6.2 innings in seven Major League outings while posting a 5.73 ERA (21 ER/33.0 IP) in 23 appearances (seven starts) with Triple-A Worcester.
BOSTON RED SOX 40-MAN ROSTER (40)
Pitchers (23): Matt Barnes, Brayan Bello, Ryan Brasier, Kutter Crawford, Franklin German, Tanner Houck, Kenley Jansen, Zack Kelly, Chris Martin, Bryan Mata, Wyatt Mills, Chris Murphy, Kaleb Ort, James Paxton, Nick Pivetta, Joely Rodríguez, Chris Sale, John Schreiber, Connor Seabold, Josh Taylor, Brandon Walter, Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski
Catchers (2): Reese McGuire, Connor Wong
Infielders (6): Triston Casas, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, David Hamilton, Trevor Story, Justin Turner
Outfielders (5): Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Rob Refsnyder, Alex Verdugo, Masataka Yoshida
Infielder/Outfielders (4): Christian Arroyo, Kiké Hernández, Ceddanne Rafaela, Enmanuel Valdez
– Competitions that showcase AFC and NFC players’ football and non-football skills to happen Thursday, February 2 and Sunday, February 5 –
– Tickets still available to watch Pro Bowl players compete live in Las Vegas –
The NFL announced today the eight unique skills competitions that Pro Bowl players from the AFC and NFC will compete in during The 2023 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon. Taking place over two days in Las Vegas, the skills challenges will be broadcasted live for the first time on Thursday, February 2, on ESPN from 7:00-8:30 PM ET as an epic made-for-tv event, and the competitions will continue Sunday, February 5, throughout the day, along with the first-ever NFL Flag football games. The AFC team will be led by PEYTON MANNING (AFC head coach), RAY LEWIS (AFC defensive coordinator) and DIANA FLORES (AFC offensive coordinator), while the NFC team will be led by ELI MANNING (NFC head coach), DEMARCUS WARE (NFC defensive coordinator) and VANITA KROUCH (NFC offensive coordinator).
Taking place at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center, the Las Vegas Raiders’ headquarters and practice facility,
on Thursday and Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, The Pro Bowl Games skills competitions will be brought to life by A. Smith & Co. Productions, producers of shows such as American Ninja Warrior, Hell’s Kitchen and The Titan Games.
Sunday’s events from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will be televised from 3:00-6:00 PM ET on ESPN and ABC, and ticketholders will be able to witness all the impressive player feats live, including three epic seven-on-seven Flag football games between the league’s best players, the culmination of The Pro Bowl Games skills events and a major musical performance. Visit probowl.com/tickets to buy tickets, which start as low as $35.
A staple of the annual AFC vs. NFC competition, the NFL’s top players are set to participate in the following new and fan-favorite Pro Bowl skills competitions that showcase their football and non-football skills:
Thursday, February 2
Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball: A multi-round tournament of classic dodgeball featuring four teams of five players that begins with the offenses and defenses from both conferences squaring off and culminates in an AFC vs. NFC showdown. In the first match, the AFC offense will face the AFC defense to determine the AFC winner. In the second game, the NFC offense squares off with the NFC defense to determine the NFC winner. In the finales, the AFC winner and NFC winner meet to determine which conference will earn three points.
Lightning Round: New this year, each conference will select 16 players to compete in a three-part elimination challenge that will leave one player left at the end to earn three points for his conference. In the first event, “Lightning Round – Splash Catch,” teammate pairings from each conference will toss water balloons back and forth from increasing distances. Each tandem that completes all of their tosses advances to the second phase. In part two, “Lightning Round – High Stakes,” advancing players will attempt to catch punts from a JUGS machine to earn a place representing their conference in the final round of the competition. In the final part of the challenge, “Lightning Round – Thrill of the Spill,” the remaining players from each conference will aim at targets attached to a bucket hanging above the head of an opposing conference’s coach. The first team to dump the bucket on the opposing coach wins and earns three points for his conference.
Longest Drive: Four players from each conference will compete in a challenge to drive a golf ball the furthest distance off a tee. Each player will get three swings and the player that drives the furthest within the boundaries on each side of the fairway will win three points for his conference.
Precision Passing presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL 23 Mobile: Each of the conference’s three quarterbacks will battle it out in a one-minute accuracy competition, as they attempt to accumulate points by hitting as many targets as possible. The quarterback with the highest individual score among all participants is the winner and earns three points for his conference. There are a total of 10 targets that are either static or attached to robotic dummies and drones, each worth a different amount, ranging from one to five points. There is also a Long Toss Bucket 60 yards away that is worth 10 points.
Best Catchpresented by Uber Eats (First Round): Two players from each conference will compete in a best catch competition, showing off their creativity, inventiveness and talent. In the first round on Thursday, the players will showcase their best receptions in highlight reels shot at iconic venues around Las Vegas. Fans will vote online to determine their favorite catch by a player in each conference, and the players with the highest votes will compete in the finals on Sunday.
Sunday, February 5
Best Catchpresented by Uber Eats(Finale): On Sunday, the top vote getters from each conference will compete head-to-head, as they perform in front of panel of celebrity judges. The pass-catcher who accumulates the highest score from the judges will be determined the winner.
Gridiron Gauntlet: A side-by-side relay race showcasing strength, speed and agility, six players from each conference will compete to see who finishes first and wins three points for his team. The four-part Gauntlet, each segment 40-yards in length, includes a series of breakaway walls, a section of climbing over walls and under tables, a tire run and a blocking sled carrying a Legend coach across the finish line.
Kick Tac Toe: Each team’s kicker, punter and long snapper compete in a giant Tic-Tac-Toe competition to showcase their respective skills. The first team to complete a connecting line of three squares or hit five squares total will be declared the winner and earn three points for his conference.
Move The Chains: Four teams (two teams from each conference) will compete side by side in a weighted wall pull that will showcase their strength, speed and ingenuity. Each team of five players is responsible for pulling a wall, loaded up with heavy weights, 10-yards as quickly as possible using first-down chains. The winner of the best-of-three playoff will earn three points for their conference.
The Pro Bowl Games skills competitions will have cumulative scoring leading up to the Flag football games on Sunday. Scoring for The Pro Bowl Games works in the following way:
The winning conference of each skill competition earns three points towards their team’s overall score, with 24 total points available across the eight skills events.
The winning conference from each of the first two Flag football games on Sunday will earn six points for their team, for a total of 12 available points.
Points from the skills competitions and first two Flag games will be added together and will be the score at the beginning of the third and final Flag game, which will determine the winning conference for The Pro Bowl Games.
ESPN will also have a star-studded lineup of commentators and on-field reporters who will cover both Thursday’s and Sunday’s events, pursuing fun, spontaneous interactions, interviews and commentary from Pro Bowl players. An announcement around their plans will be issued in the near future.
The 2023 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will be a week-long celebration of AFC vs. NFC competitions featuring a new format that spotlights Flag football. To help program the week-long event, the NFL will work with partners, including ESPN, Peyton Manning and Omaha Productions— which co-created and executive produces the Emmy-Award-winning Monday Night Football with Peyton & Eli alongside ESPN, as well as ESPN+’s critically acclaimed PLACES series in partnership with NFL Films. Peyton and Eli Manning will also be the head coaches for the AFC and NFC teams respectively.
Fans can buy tickets at probowl.com/tickets to see all the action in person on Sunday, February 5, at Allegiant Stadium and catch the NFL’s biggest and brightest stars represent their team, city and conference.
