University of Houston Athletics
Photo by: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Cougars in the NFL: Wild Card Weekend
1/14/2026 1:46:00 PM | Football
Six Cougars advance to the divisional round this weekend
HOUSTON – All six former Cougars on NFL Playoffs rosters advanced to the Divisional Round this weekend with Marcus Jones continuing a dominant season in New England.
AJANI CARTER | HOUSTON TEXANS | W, 30-6, AT PITTSBURGH
TANK DELL | HOUSTON TEXANS | PUP/RESERVED LIST | W, 30-6, AT PITTSBURGH
JOSH JONES | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | FIRST ROUND BYE
MARCUS JONES | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | W, 16-3, VS LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
CASE KEENUM | CHICAGO BEARS | W, 31-27, VS GREEN BAY
ED OLIVER | BUFFALO BILLS | INJURED RESERVE | W, 27-24, AT JACKSONVILLE
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AJANI CARTER | HOUSTON TEXANS | W, 30-6, AT PITTSBURGH
- Carter remained out with a hamstring injury for the wild-card matchup against Pittsburgh
- Carter needs to be activated from the injured reserve this week or will be forced to miss the entire playoff run
TANK DELL | HOUSTON TEXANS | PUP/RESERVED LIST | W, 30-6, AT PITTSBURGH
JOSH JONES | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | FIRST ROUND BYE
- After drawing a first-round bye, Seattle and Jones face San Francisco in the divisional round on Saturday
MARCUS JONES | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | W, 16-3, VS LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
- Started at cornerback for New England, securing the start in his first career playoff game
- Returned two punts for two yards
- Notched six tackles, including a sack, while defending a pass and forcing a fumble
- Forced fumble in the third quarter was the first of his career
- Posted a pass-rush grade of 94.4, the highest in the NFL during the wild card round
- Defensive grade of 78.2 was the sixth best from a cornerback in the wild card round
- New England advances to play Houston in the divisional round on Sunday
CASE KEENUM | CHICAGO BEARS | W, 31-27, VS GREEN BAY
- Inactive
- Bears advance to play the Rams on Sunday
ED OLIVER | BUFFALO BILLS | INJURED RESERVE | W, 27-24, AT JACKSONVILLE
- Despite an initial bicep tear injury and a meniscus setback during rehab, the Bills opened Oliver's 21-day practice window on Tuesday
- Buffalo defeated Jacksonville, 27-24, in the wild card matchup to advance to the divisional round, where the Bills will battle Denver on Saturday
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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