Sports News Roundup: Cardinals claim S Swearinger from Redskins; Patriots, Cowboys, Texans and Seahawks make playoffs

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Patriots, Cowboys, Texans and Seahawks make playoffs

The New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks all punched tickets to the National Football League (NFL) playoffs after a wild Sunday that further shaped the post-season. The Seahawks (9-6) delivered an impressive 38-31 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) in the final game of the evening to ensure they are returning to the playoffs.

NBA notebook: Agent optimistic about Fultz's status

The 76ers don't know when Markelle Fultz might be ready to return to action, but Fultz's agent is optimistic that the second-year guard will play for Philadelphia again this season. Agent Raymond Brothers told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday that Fultz, 20, is seeing improved strength and mobility in his right shoulder.

NFL notebook: Rams' Gurley (knee) in limbo for finale

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said running back Todd Gurley could miss his second straight game with a knee injury Sunday against San Francisco. The Rams were in a similar position last weekend, ultimately deciding to deactivate the three-time Pro Bowl selection just before their 31-9 win Sunday at Arizona. Gurley leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) and total touchdowns (21) but has been dealing with inflammation in his left knee since Week 15.

NFL notebook: Seahawks sign Carroll through 2021 season

Seattle coach Pete Carroll signed a multi-year extension with the club through the 2021 season, the Seahawks announced Monday. The deal reportedly is worth more than $11 million per season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Carroll's current contract was set to expire after the 2019 campaign.

Cardinals claim S Swearinger from Redskins

D.J. Swearinger is heading back to Arizona after being claimed off waivers from the Washington Redskins, the Cardinals announced Tuesday. Swearinger broke the news earlier Monday on social media, posting a photo on Instagram of himself in a Cardinals uniform from when he played for the team in 2015 and 2016.

Golden State's Durant: 'Nobody can recruit me no more'

Kevin Durant had a message for teams that this holiday season are dreaming up their best pitches to lure him in free agency: "Ain't nobody can recruit me no more." That's what he told Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports on the Posted Up podcast. The Golden State star, apparently, wants to see more than just the pretty packaging when he chooses his next team.

NBA roundup: Irving, Celts top Sixers in OT

Kyrie Irving scored 40 points, including two 3-pointers in the final two minutes of overtime, and the Boston Celtics overcame a five-point deficit in the extra session to defeat the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 121-114 on Tuesday. Irving, who added 10 rebounds, sent the game into OT by sinking a difficult jumper with 20.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The guard's performance helped overcome 34 points and 16 rebounds by Philadelphia's Joel Embiid.

LeBron apologizes for Instagram post, reportedly won't be punished

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James apologized on Monday for an Instagram post on Saturday that referenced "Jewish money," and he won't be punished for the post, according to an ESPN report. Per ESPN, the NBA spoke with James about the post and accepted his explanation that he made a mistake.

Soccer: U.S. striker Weah confirms loan from PSG

Timothy Weah will leave French champions Paris St Germain on loan for six months in January, the U.S. striker said on Tuesday. British media reported the 18-year-old was set to join Scottish champions Celtic.

(With inputs from Reuters)