NFL PLAYER NEWS

Chiefs' Mecole Hardman (pelvis) unlikely to play in Super Bowl
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (pelvis) is unlikely to play in the Super Bowl versus the Philadelphia Eagles, per head coach Andy Reid.
"I think it will be tough for him," Reid said. "I doubt he will make the Super Bowl." Hardman played for the first time since Week 9 in the AFC Championship Game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, but he only logged 15 offensive snaps before aggravating his pelvis injury and leaving. JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) and Kadarius Toney (ankle/hamstring) did not practice again on Thursday, so Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and Skyy Moore could be in line for larger roles in the Super Bowl. Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco also stand to benefit from Hardman's absence.
The Eagles allowed the seventh-fewest FanDuel points per game to wide receivers this season and their pass defense was No. 1 in numberFire's adjusted team rankings. McKinnon averaged 5.1 targets per game without Hardman this season and 3.1 targets when they were both active.
Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa clears concussion protocol
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared the NFL's concussion protocols.
Tagovailoa had been in protocol since suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 16 versus the Green Bay Packers. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Dolphins are confident Tagovailoa will be 100 percent for next season. Tagovailoa led the league in multiple categories in his third season, including yards per attempt (8.9) and passing touchdown rate (6.3%). The No. 5 overall pick from the 2020 draft will celebrate his 25th birthday in March.
Among the 47 quarterbacks with at least 100 drop backs this season, Tua averaged the third-most Passing Net Expected Points per attempt (0.29). He yielded 18.4 FanDuel points per game.

Chiefs' Mecole Hardman (pelvis) idle for Wednesday practice
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (pelvis) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and Kadarius Toney (ankle), and Mecole Hardman (pelvis) were all listed as non-participants for the Chiefs' first Super Bowl practice. Hardman played for the first time since Week 9 in the AFC Championship Game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, but he only was able to log 15 offensive snaps before leaving. At the moment, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and Skyy Moore are the Chiefs' primary receivers as they prepare to battle the Philadelphia Eagles on February 12.
The Eagles allowed the seventh-fewest FanDuel points per game to wide receivers this season and their pass defense was No. 1 in numberFire's adjusted team rankings.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) DNP for Chiefs' first Super Bowl practice
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Smith-Schuster, Kadarius Toney (ankle), and Mecole Hardman (pelvis) were all listed as non-participants for the Chiefs' first Super Bowl practice. Smith-Schuster is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in the AFC Championship Game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. All three wideouts have more than a week to get ready, but as of now, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and Skyy Moore are the Chiefs' top receivers as they prepare to battle the Philadelphia Eagles on February 12.
The Eagles allowed the seventh-fewest FanDuel points per game to wide receivers this season and their pass defense was No. 1 in numberFire's adjusted team rankings.

Kadarius Toney (ankle) sits out Chiefs practice Wednesday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Toney, JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and Mecole Hardman (pelvis) were all listed as non-participants for the Chiefs' first Super Bowl practice. Toney only played four offensive snaps in the AFC Championship Game before leaving with an ankle injury. All three wideouts have more than a week to get ready, but as of now, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and Skyy Moore are the Chiefs' top receivers.
Toney appeared in seven games for the Chiefs during the regular season and caught 14 passes on 17 targets for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed 5 times for 59 yards and a score. The Eagles allowed the seventh-fewest FanDuel points per game to wide receivers this season and their pass defense was No. 1 in numberFire's adjusted team rankings.

Tom Brady announces second retirement
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday morning.
Brady said he is retiring "for good" in a video posted on his personal social media account. The 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl winner leaves as the league's all-time leader in passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). As for the Buccaneers, they are expected to go into rebuild mode with 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask at quarterback.
Brady averaged 16.9 FanDuel points per game last season, and among the 47 quarterbacks with at least 100 drop backs, he ranked 13th in Passing Net Expected Points per attempt.