January 8, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) did not practice due to a high-ankle sprain on Thursday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Houston Texans and will be a serious question mark to be ready to play by Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Wild-Card playoff matchup. Before the 26-year-old got hurt in Week 18, he had taken over the RB2 role in Houston over veteran
Nick Chubb. Chubb was a healthy scratch for the regular-season finale. If Jordan cannot play this week, Chubb will almost certainly dress on Monday to provide backfield depth behind rookie
Woody Marks. Jordan only appeared in four games during the regular season in his second year in the NFL, carrying the ball 43 times for 193 yards and no touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
January 8, 2026
Outfielder
Randy Arozarena and the Seattle Mariners avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $15.65 million deal, a source told Francys Romero. It's a raise of more than $5 million for Arozarena as he enters his final year of arbitration eligibility. The 30-year-old made his second All-Star appearance in 2025 and helped carry the Mariners to the playoffs, slashing .238/.334/.426 with a .760 OPS, a career-high 27 home runs, 76 RBI, 95 runs, and 31 stolen bases in 160 regular-season games in his first full year in Seattle. It was a nice bounce-back campaign for the veteran outfielder. For fantasy baseball purposes, the Cuban native is a pretty good bet to provide 20-plus home runs and 20-plus stolen bases as long as he stays healthy. Arozarena has also averaged 75 RBI and 87 runs scored the past five seasons, so he contributes consistently across the board for fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
January 8, 2026
The Cleveland Browns will interview defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for their vacant head-coaching position, according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns have also requested interviews with Ravens OC Todd Monken, Seahawks DC Aden Durde, and Bengals OC Dan Pritcher. Schwartz ran one of the most dominant defenses in the league this year, while Rees took over the team's rookie-oriented offense back in Week 10. The Browns are searching for a new head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski on Monday. Schwartz went 29-51 overall with one playoff appearance as the head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009-13. Since Cleveland hired him as the DC in 2023, he has had a lot of success with the unit. There are some people who believe he'd be better off staying in the coordinator role, with the Browns bringing in another offensive-minded head coach.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore (knee) is good to go for Saturday night's Wild-Card game against the division-rival Green Bay Packers after being removed from the injury report on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Moore finished second on the team with 682 receiving yards and was tied for the team lead with six touchdowns in 17 games during the regular season. The 28-year-old also had five catches for a season-high 97 yards and a touchdown in the big overtime win over the Packers in Week 16. In two games since then, though, Moore has a combined two catches for 18 yards. Moore can break big plays, but his floor is dangerously low, as evidenced by five games in 2025 with either one or zero catches. He profiles as a boom/bust WR2 on Wild-Card weekend in playoff leagues, especially with
Rome Odunze (foot) returning after a five-game absence.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is off the injury report and is set to return to action on Saturday night against the division-rival Green Bay Packers in the Wild-Card round of the postseason, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It will be Odunze's first game action since Week 13 due to a stress fracture in his foot. Despite missing five straight games, the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher finished third on the Bears with 661 receiving yards, and he was tied for the lead with six touchdown grabs. The former first-rounder scored five of his six TDs in the first four weeks of the season before hitting a wall. Odunze's drop in production may have had something to do with his foot injury, but regardless, he enters postseason play as a shaky WR4/flex option in fantasy leagues. In his absence for the last five weeks, rookie WR
Luther Burden III and rookie tight end
Colston Loveland have been the team's go-to receiving options.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 8, 2026
Buffalo Bills kicker
Matt Prater (quadriceps) was seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, and The Buffalo News' Katherine Fitzgerald reports that Prater is "pretty confident" that he'll be ready to go for Sunday's Wild-Card tilt on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 41-year-old veteran placekicker aggravated a right-quad injury in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets. It's the same injury that caused him to miss Weeks 16 and 17. For insurance, the Bills added
Matthew Wright to their practice squad earlier this week. It sounds like Prater is planning to play this weekend, but he could be listed as questionable on the team's final injury report on Friday. Prater was the 24th-ranked kicker in overall fantasy points in 2025, and he'll face a tough matchup if he's active. The Jags allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Buffalo News - Katherine Fitzgerald
January 8, 2026
Buffalo Bills running back
Ty Johnson (ankle) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. Johnson was also listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's walkthrough practice, putting him in danger of missing Sunday's Wild-Card playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old got more run in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the New York Jets, but he suffered an ankle injury that has kept him out of the first two practices this week. Johnson isn't a realistic starting fantasy back when healthy as the RB3 behind
James Cook and
Ray Davis. If he doesn't play this weekend, though, it could open up a bigger complementary role for Davis, who had 21 carries for 151 rushing yards against the Jets, also adding a receiving touchdown.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
January 8, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman/outfielder
Brendan Donovan has been linked to numerous trade discussions this offseason. However, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Seattle Mariners are currently viewed as the "best fit" for the 28-year-old utility man. Given that the Mariners have numerous young prospect hitters like Colt Emreson and
Lazaro Montes, they seemed positioned to offer the Cardinals the best return. Additionally, the Mariners could use an offensive boost in the infield as
Cole Young is currently projected to be the everyday second baseman, while
Ben Williamson shares the hot corner with
Ryan Bliss. Last season, Donovan posted a strong .287/.353/.422 line with 10 home runs and three stolen bases. While he would be moving to a tougher home park for hitters, his counting stats could improve if he bats near the top of the Seattle lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 8, 2026
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore was arrested on Wednesday night in Lakewood, Ohio, on charges of carrying concealed weapons and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, according to police. "We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We are in communication with the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time," the Commanders said in a statement. The 29-year-old defensive back suffered a season-ending ACL injury in November of 2025 and played in only nine games for the Commanders this year as a result. The four-time Pro Bowler won Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2017 with the New Orleans Saints after he was taken 11th overall that year out of Ohio State. Lattimore could be facing a short suspension for his actions to begin the 2026 campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: WKYC - Anna Meyer
January 8, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Joshua Palmer (ankle) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. Palmer played over 80 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets, but he has yet to practice this week and is in danger of missing the Wild-Card tilt this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 26-year-old wideout missed Weeks 13-15 with an ankle injury, but it's unclear if he's dealing with an aggravation of that injury or a new one. Either way, Palmer's status is up in the air for this weekend. He has not been on the fantasy radar all year in his first season in Buffalo, catching just 22 of 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns. If Palmer is inactive against the Jags, it will open more playing time for
Brandin Cooks,
Gabe Davis, and
Tyrell Shavers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
January 8, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder
Oneil Cruz have avoided arbitration and settled on a one-year, $3.3 million contract. After a promising 2024 season in which Cruz held a .259/.324/.449 line with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, the 27-year-old took a significant step back in 2025. Last summer, Cruz saw his batting average drop to .200, and he hit just 20 home runs. However, he did flash even higher speed potential, swiping a career-best 38 bags. While he continued to hit the ball hard, as evident in his 17.9% barrel rate and 56.6% hard-hit rate, he was unable to make consistent contact. Cruz placed in the second percentile in K% (32.0%) and the third percentile in whiff rate (34.0%). While managers in standard leagues may target him for his speed production, they should construct their roster accordingly, as he is projected to remain a low batting average contributor in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 8, 2026
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Jalen Coker got a late start to the 2025 season while recovering from an injury, but he quickly established himself as the WR2 behind rookie first-rounder
Tetairoa McMillan, finishing the regular season with 33 catches on 43 targets for 394 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in 11 games played in his second NFL season. Coker hasn't been flashy by any means and was not a top-50 wideout in terms of half-PPR points per game, but he is rolling into the postseason having scored three times in the last five games. He'll be an interesting low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Wild-Card weekend this Saturday. Coker caught four of six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in the upset win over L.A. on Nov. 30, and the Rams defense allowed the 11th-most half-PPR points per game to opposing receivers during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
According to Ari Alexander of 7News, the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract with left-handed starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo. Luzardo enjoyed an impressive debut season in Philadelphia after spending the first six of his MLB seasons in Oakland and Miami. With the Phillies, Luzardo made a high 32 stats and posted a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. Through 183 2/3 innings of work, Luzardo struck out 216 batters, which marked a career high. However, the 28-year-old generated an above-average 3.36 xERA with a .230 xBA, suggesting his production could take another step forward in 2026. Managers should expect Luzardo to open the season as a key part of the starting rotation with
Zack Wheeler's status in doubt and carry high-end SP3 upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Ari Alexander
January 8, 2026
Carolina Panthers tight end
Tommy Tremble will be the team's top pass-catching tight end going into the playoffs with
Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) on Injured Reserve. With Sanders out in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tremble caught three of his four targets for 38 yards and just his second touchdown of the year. The 25-year-old was the team's third leading receiver in the loss to Tampa. In 17 regular-season games with Carolina in 2025, Tremble caught 27 of his 37 targets for 249 yards and two scores. He'll still be more of a dart throw as a TE streamer in fantasy football playoff leagues when the Panthers take on the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Wild-Card weekend this Saturday. The Rams defense has been in the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing TEs this year, and they've allowed the eighth-fewest total yards (775) to the position.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Relief pitcher
Dennis Santana has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to avoid arbitration. Santana made his debut with the Pirates in 2024 after stints with the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Dodgers. During his first stint in Pittsburgh, the right-hander looked quite comfortable, posting a 2.44 ERA with 0.92 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of work. In 2025, Santana continued to pitch at a high level, turning in his best season as a major-league pitcher, logging 70 1/3 innings with a 2.18 ERA and a stellar 0.70 WHIP. He struck out just 60 hitters but showed above-average command, allowing walks at a 6.3% rate. He tallied 16 saves and appears to remain the primary ninth-inning option in 2026. While his strikeout numbers may remain low, Santana is a safe bet for double-digit saves and high-end ratios in the upcoming season.
--Andy SmithSource: Alex Stumpf
January 8, 2026
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard opened the 2025 season with double-digit carries in his first six games. Since then, he's seen double-digit carries just once in nine games as
Rico Dowdle has pretty much taken over as Carolina's lead back. The 26-year-old has 134 carries for 511 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and only one touchdown, adding 30 receptions for 223 yards and three receiving touchdowns on 39 targets. Fantasy managers probably won't have much confidence in Hubbard as an RB2 going into the Wild-Card playoff matchup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. In the last four games, Hubbard has just 23 carries for 78 yards (3.4 yards per tote) and seven catches for 29 yards. He'll be stuck in a timeshare with Dowdle again this weekend against a Rams defense that allowed just six rushing TDs to RBs during the regular season, the third-fewest in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
The Colorado Rockies and outfielder
Mickey Moniak have agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract to avoid arbitration. The former first overall pick enjoyed a resurgent campaign in Colorado last summer and appears slated for an everyday role once again in 2026. Last summer, through 135 games with the Rockies, Moniak posted a .270/.306/.518 slash line with 20 doubles, 24 home runs, and nine stolen bases. Under the hood, the 26-year-old generated a solid .339 xwOBA with an elite .491 xSLG. However, his value does take a hit in points leagues, given the high 23.9% K% and 28.2% whiff rate he held. Last season, Moniak operated as the primary leadoff man against right-handed pitching but was mostly kept on the bench when facing a southpaw. Moniak is an intriguing late-round pick in five-outfielder formats when looking for a depth option with some power upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Ari Alexander
January 8, 2026
Carolina Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young had a decent showing in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, going 24-for-35 passing for 266 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. It was a nice bounce-back performance after he threw for just 54 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old's 266 passing yards were his third-highest total of the year. He'll get a rematch with the Los Angeles Rams on Wild-Card weekend, after upsetting them in Week 13. Young went 15-for-20 that day for 206 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. Can he repeat the feat this Saturday? It's going to be difficult against a Rams defense that allowed the 10th-fewest points per game, although they were around the middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed per game to QBs. Young averaged only 15.4 fantasy points per game in 2025, placing him as the QB27. His upside isn't great going into Saturday's Wild-Card matchup.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has committed to Baylor following a visit with the program, according to On3Sports. Lagway was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024, rated by many as the top high school QB. However, the Texas native never put it all together as a Gator. Lagway considered Florida State and Virginia as potential destinations after leaving Florida, but he's headed to play for Baylor, where his father played. In 24 career games, Lagway has completed 62% of his passes for 4,179 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. He will now work with Baylor quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, who has coached Geno Smith, Johnny Manziel, Will Grier, and Sawyer Robertson to prolific seasons during his career.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Tank Bigsby showcased his talents in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders with the team resting starter
Saquon Barkley. Bigsby played a season-high 59% of the offensive snaps and had 16 rushing attempts for 75 yards and a touchdown, also adding one catch for a 31-yard gain. Four of the 24-year-old's carries went for at least eight yards to finish with a 4.7 yard-per-carry average. It was a nice showing for the former third-rounder, but he'll go back to being Barkley's backup for Sunday's Wild-Card matchup versus the visiting San Franciscoso 49ers. In his 17 total games with Philly and the Jacksonville Jaguars during the regular season, Bigsby had 63 carries for 356 yards and two touchdowns while adding three catches for 32 yards. With a minor role likely coming against San Fran, Bigsby won't be a realistic starting option for playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk won't be a very popular fantasy option for playoff leagues going into the team's Monday night Wild-Card matchup against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers, even though the Steelers' defense was a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2025 in terms of half-PPR points per game. In the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirk caught just one of two targets for minus-three yards, even with top receiver
Nico Collins getting the day off. However, the Texans did bench starting quarterback
C.J. Stroud after halftime. Still, the 29-year-old Kirk had fewer snaps than both rookie
Jayden Higgins and
Xavier Hutchinson, and he has only 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown on 52 targets all year. Kirk has been on the field plenty for Houston, but he hasn't been targeted much and has basically been sharing slot duties with rookie
Jaylin Noel of late.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal only handled three rushing attempts for 12 yards and caught one pass for a two-yard loss in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the Denver Broncos, despite the team resting rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle). Hampton did not practice on Wednesday and might have aggravated an ankle injury that landed him on Injured Reserve earlier this season. With Hampton's status uncertain for the Wild-Card game on Sunday night against the New England Patriots, the 24-year-old Vidal could become more interesting for fantasy playoff lineups. However, the matchup isn't a great one, with New England allowing the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to opposing RBs in 2025. Still, a big volume increase for Vidal if Hampton is out would put him in the RB2 conversation. Vidal filled in nicely as the Bolts' lead back with Hampton hurt this year, and he posted three 100-yard games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen was the team's leading receiver in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos and he caught seven passes, his most since a season-high 11 grabs back on Oct. 19. However, Allen had just 36 yards on Sunday with backup quarterback
Trey Lance getting the starting nod with the Bolts resting
Justin Herbert. The week prior, the 33-year-old Allen had just one catch for 17 yards in the loss to the Houston Texans. Allen has not scored since Week 7 and hasn't gone over 50 receiving yards in a contest since Week 11 against the Jaguars. He is a trustworthy security blanket for Herbert, the problem is that L.A.'s beat-up offensive line doesn't give Herbert much time to find his receivers. All of the Chargers' wideouts are shaky fantasy options going into the postseason against a Patriots defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest half-PPR points per game to WRs in the last five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Saquon Barkley finished the 2025 season with 1,413 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 317 total attempts. After totaling nearly 2,300 scrimmage yards in 2024, Barkley regressed, dropping from 5.8 yards per carry to 4.1 this season. Despite the Eagles' offensive struggles this season, they are in the playoffs and hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. The 49ers allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs this season, and injuries to their defensive line and linebackers should open up lanes for Barkley. The defending champions relied heavily on their star running back in last year's Super Bowl run, and they are expected to do the same as they chase back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts hopes to lead the Eagles to back-to-back Super Bowl titles this season. Hurts was solid in the regular season, throwing for 3,224 yards, a career-high 25 passing touchdowns, and just six interceptions (the fewest among any full-time starting quarterback in the NFL). The Eagles' offense has regressed under offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, dropping from the seventh-ranked scoring offense in 2024 to 19th this season. While the offense has struggled this season, the Eagles are still hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round, a team that struggled against the pass toward the end of the season. In what could be a high-scoring affair, Hurts is among the top quarterbacks in fantasy this week and could be a great value against the injury-plagued 49ers' defense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have decided to fire head coach Mike McDaniel, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McDaniel was expected to lead the team's general manager search after they fired Chris Grier in the middle of the season. McDaniel became head coach in 2022, leading the Dolphins to back-to-back winning seasons and catapulting their offense to top-5 scoring in both seasons. With McDaniel gone, all signs point to former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. There were rumors that a team with a head coach was all over the idea of targeting Harbaugh, and it appears that team was the Dolphins. McDaniel is expected to have a market as an offensive coordinator, while the Dolphins are completely cleaning house.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
January 8, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed was held without a catch in Week 18's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, playing on just 16% of snaps. Reed dealt with injuries all season, from a foot fracture in training camp to a broken collarbone in Week 2. Reed finished his third season, playing seven games and averaging career lows in every major statistical category. Reed has a chance to right his wrongs in the Wild Card round against the Chicago Bears, but it could be challenging with slot cornerback Kyler Gordon possibly being activated off injured reserve. If the Packers want to win this game against the NFC North champions, they will need to run the ball, which could limit Reed's opportunities in the passing game. The third-year receiver is a low-end WR2 this week and is very risky given his regular-season struggles.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
After letting go of long-time head coach John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens are requesting an interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their head-coaching opening. Flores coached the Miami Dolphins for three seasons, going 24-25 and helping the Dolphins reach just one playoff berth. After being fired after the 2021 season, Flores joined the Vikings as their defensive coordinator a year later. After ranking among the league's worst defensive units in 2022, Flores led them to 13th in 2023, followed by 5th and 7th in 2024 and 2025. With Flores expected to have a market for a head coaching vacancy, the Ravens are looking to swipe one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.
--Nathan HarveySource: Tom Pelissero - NFL Network
January 8, 2026
Following reports that the team would make changes to its coaching staff, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after one season. After being promoted from pass-game coordinator to offensive coordinator last offseason, Grizzard is on the move, opening the door for a new coordinator in Tampa. The Buccaneers' offense regressed significantly last season, dropping from 4th in scoring under Liam Coen to 18th in 2025, and from 3rd in total yards in 2024 to 21st. With Grizzard gone, the Buccaneers will need a new coordinator, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Falcons OC Zac Robinson, former Ravens OC Todd Monken, and Rams pass game specialist Nathan Scheelhaase are among the names to watch for this position.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov (foot) is expected to be in the lineup on Thursday versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Due to a foot injury, Michkov was unavailable for the first time this season on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. Under a new coaching regime, Michkov has taken a step back in 2025-26. He has notched nine goals and 23 points in 40 appearances. The Russian talent has managed just one goal over his last 16 outings. Thursday's matchup is a good spot for Michkov to start turning things around, as the Maple Leafs allow an average of 3.29 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ashlyn Sullivan
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