LINEBACKER DONT'A HIGHTOWER

(On if he missed playing alongside Jamie Collins)
"He's my partner in crime, but it's going to be good to have everybody out there. It's been a good week and we're just getting ready to go."

(On if he's anxious for the playoffs)
"This is definitely the ultimate goal when you're at OTAs, so getting down to it, this is what we want to do and this is it. We're just trying to give everything we've got. Everything we've got in the tank we're just trying to empty it out. 

(On if last year's playoff experience helps this team)
"Experience definitely helps, but it's a different year and a different team. In the end it's going to come down to executing the game plan. Again, we've had a pretty good week of practice, we're definitely on those guys, guys are watching extra film, so it's just going to have to come down to execution on Saturday."

(On if they will use last year's loss to Kansas City as motivation)
"I think that's something that you all put out there. Again, that was last year. It is what it is. You go back and look at the film, but it's a new year, a new team, so we're just focused on this game this weekend."

(On Alex Smith)
"He's smart. He's got a great arm, and again, he doesn't make many mistakes in the pass game or the run game. Andy Reid and those guys have a lot of respect for him and obviously we do, too, with him being as competitive as he is. We've just got to be able to contain those guys."

DEFENSIVE BACK DEVIN MCCOURTY

(On what he's seen from Travis Kelce)
"He's a good player. Yards after the catch, he's only behind Gronk (Rob Gronkowski), so I think that speaks for itself. Whatever as a team we think of Gronk, this guy is right there. I think it's like three yards that separates them. He makes tough catches, he gets the ball in his hands, he makes plays, so [he's] definitely one of their best weapons offensively. So we'll have to know where he's at."

(On how going against Rob Gronkowski in practice helps him prepare for Kelce)
"Gronk helps you prepare for anybody in the game, so all season being able to compete against him and get better, to me that always helps and this week especially because you're going against another very talented tight end."

(On how anxious they are to get back out on the field)
"It's great. You can't take these games for granted. You don't know if you're going to be in the postseason every year. Like I always say, I have a brother who plays in the NFL [who has] yet to be in the postseason. He talks to me about it all the time, so that always gives me perspective of preparing and being ready to go and trying to earn the right to come back here and prepare and get ready for next week. So we've got to go out there and earn it on Saturday."

DEFENSIVE END ROB NINKOVICH

(On practicing in the stadium)
"We haven't played at home in a while, so the lighting, the return guys seeing the ball, it's a little bit different than being out on our practice field, so being in the stadium definitely helps with the special teams guys and vision of the football."

(On corralling Alex Smith)
"You have to be smart. You can't obviously be too aggressive and let him step up and run for first downs and you can't just stand there and let him pat the ball. It's definitely a balance that you have to be smart as a unit collectively rushing the quarterback."

(On if he wishes the game was tomorrow instead of waiting another 48 hours)
"When it's time to play I'll be ready to play. I'll take the time right now to get as prepared as I can be to play fast."

(On if he believes in momentum)
"I believe in a one-game season, so we've got to play well the next time we play."

(On if there is much of a difference practicing in the stadium than on the practice field)
"We're not going to be playing a game out on the grass fields. The stadium is where we're going to be playing the game at, so why not go out there and fly around and be comfortable."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN JABAAL SHEARD

(On if there's any anxiety for his first playoff game)
"I'm excited to go out there and play, I mean, just go out there and play another football game and just do my job."

(On the team's mentality and how they've stuck together)
"We're just focused on the game. That's where all our attention has been. We've got a lot to study. It's been a whole season, so we've got to study all that plus a playoff game. So we've got a lot of film to watch, and that's mainly been our focus." 

(On if he feels like he's worked his whole career to get to this point)
"Yeah, definitely, just thinking it could be your last game. You don't want that to happen. It's win or go home, so at this point you have to go out there and play every play like is your last play."