Defensive end Clelin Ferrell of the Washington Commanders recently expressed his dismay over his alma mater, the Clemson Tigers, suffering an upset loss in the NCAA Tournament's opening round. In a humorous moment during a media interview, Ferrell, who was closely following the game, was shocked to learn that the Tigers, a No. 5 seed, had been defeated by 12th-seeded McNeese State with a final score of 69-67. Ferrell, a two-time national champion and former All-American at Clemson, took a light-hearted jab at the basketball program, emphasizing the university's stronger reputation in football.

Despite the disappointment, Ferrell remains optimistic about the future of Clemson basketball, indicating that the program has been through tough times but better days are ahead. This latest loss marks the continuing struggle for the Tigers, who have yet to reach a Final Four despite multiple NCAA appearances. As Ferrell enters his second season with the Commanders, he reflects on the highs of his collegiate career while supporting the next generation of talent at Clemson.

The Washington Commanders have retained defensive end Clelin Ferrell for the 2025 season, marking a continuation of their trend of one-year deals. Ferrell, who joined the team last March on a $3.75 million contract, managed to contribute despite battling a knee injury throughout the season, finishing with 3.5 sacks over 13 games. He played a significant role within a deep defensive line rotation that included players like Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. However, Fowler will not return, having signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Washington has bolstered its defensive line further with signings of Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Eddie Goldman, and is expected to target additional edge rushing talent in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As the NFL playoffs approach, injury updates are critical for the eight remaining teams. Ravens fans are particularly anxious about the status of wide receiver Zay Flowers, sidelined since a Week 18 knee injury. His absence was felt during Baltimore's recent wild-card victory over the Steelers, and his return is pivotal for the upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Other teams are also managing injuries. The Texans' Robert Woods and the Chiefs' Mecole Hardman are both limited, while the Commanders and Lions face their own challenges, including key players like Bobby Wagner and Jamison Crowder missing practice.

The Eagles are resting several players ahead of their game, with running back Saquon Barkley among those taking a break. Meanwhile, the Bills are monitoring the limited participation of Ray Davis and Alec Anderson. The Ravens are banking on Derrick Henry's performance if Flowers can't return, emphasizing the need for a balanced offensive strategy.

The Washington Commanders are swiftly transitioning from their exhilarating Wild Card victory to prepare for a formidable challenge against the Detroit Lions in the NFL Divisional Round. With less than 24 hours to celebrate their playoff win, the team began practice without four key players: receiver Jamison Crowder, tight end Zach Ertz, defensive end Clelin Ferrell, and outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.

Head Coach Dan Quinn emphasized the importance of a well-rounded game, stating that the team needs to operate cohesively across offense, defense, and special teams to secure success against Detroit. Ertz's veteran rest days have been beneficial, contributing to a notable career resurgence this season. Crowder, who recently returned from a calf injury, has played a pivotal role, especially on special teams.

Since joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019, Maxx Crosby has been a beacon of stability amidst a tumultuous environment characterized by frequent coaching and management changes. Over his six seasons, Crosby has established himself as an elite defensive player, earning All-Pro honors and consistently making the Pro Bowl. With impressive statistics including 59.5 sacks and 105 tackles for loss in just 95 games, he has become synonymous with the Raiders' identity.

However, Crosby's frustration with the organization's instability is palpable. In a recent interview, he expressed empathy for Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who is facing his own challenges with the Cleveland Browns. Crosby lamented the constant turnover, stating that he often finds himself in a situation where promising teammates are replaced or gone altogether. This cycle of change has made it difficult for him to build a cohesive unit on the defensive line.

The Raiders' draft history, particularly the 2019 class, has also contributed to this instability. While players like Josh Jacobs showed promise, transitioning to the Green Bay Packers, others like Clelin Ferrell failed to meet expectations. With the recent drama surrounding Davante Adams and the uncertainty regarding the future of head coach Antonio Pierce, Crosby finds himself at a crossroads. He has openly stated his reluctance to endure another rebuild, yet the Raiders seem to be on that path as they consider drafting a new quarterback.