Alex Smith is making progress

Do you smell that? It's playoff football. It's a time to celebrate. For a few more precious hours, every team in the tournament still has life, still has reason to hope. There are no more guaranteed games, but there's football to be played, and right now is the time to exult in it. No matter who you root for, you can imagine your team finding a way to win, a way to keep playing football, and filling your February with excitement and joy. Right now, there's nothing standing between your team and glory except the vagaries of chance and a well-fought effort this weekend, and hopefully the next. And for those of you who aren't rooting for a team that's made it this far, never fear. 7 of the 14 playoff entrants this year didn't make it into the dance last year. The

The San Francisco 49ers are renewing their longtime rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys when the two sides face off on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round, one season after the former defeated the latter in the 2021 NFC Wildcard round. Both teams have strong offenses and defenses, which means that there will be many impactful players on both sides of the ball. But, for now, let's eye in on the X-Factors for each team that could help determine the outcome of the game. 49ers Offense: Brandon Aiyuk Brandon Aiyuk has enjoyed a breakout

The Philadelphia Eagles await the winner of Sunday's Divisional Round playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles advance to the NFC Championship Game following a 38-7 win on Sunday night over the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Next weekend, Philadelphia will host the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2017 season, a game the Eagles won 38-7 against the Minnesota Vikings. Sunday's 49ers-Cowboys game will be the ninth playoff meeting all-time between the two teams. The 49ers have won the previous two meetings, including a 23-17 victory last year at AT&T Stadium. Sunday's game

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters as the team prepares for its NFC Championship Game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here is everything they had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Opening comments: "Injuries for today. [QB] Jimmy Garoppolo, foot, will not practice. [RB] Christian McCaffrey, calf, won't practice. [WR] Deebo Samuel, ankle, won't practice. [RB] Elijah Mitchell, groin, won't practice. [DL] Charles Omenihu, oblique, will be limited. [CB] Ambry Thomas, ankle, limited. Go ahead." What is Charles's status with the team after the arrest on Monday?