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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Saturday, October 3

Case Keenum Returns to Backup Role for Bears in Week 4

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Chicago Bears veteran quarterback Case Keenum will return to a backup role for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets as Tyson Bagent reclaims the starting job. Keenum started in Week 3 while Bagent was in concussion protocol, engineering a 27-7 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. In that victory, the 38-year-old threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score.

Tyson Bagent Expected to Start at Quarterback for Bears vs. Jets

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Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent is expected to start Sunday against the New York Jets after clearing concussion protocol. Bagent took first-team practice reps all week, getting the nod over Case Keenum while Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The second-year passer went 2-2 as a rookie starter in 2023, completing 65.1% of his passes, and nearly led a fourth-quarter comeback in Week 2.

Joey Porter Jr. Cleared to Make Dallas Cowboys Debut vs. Texans

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Recently acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. carries no injury designation and is on track to make his Dallas Cowboys debut Sunday against the Houston Texans after practicing fully. Executive VP Stephen Jones confirmed Porter is expected to see snaps following his trade from Pittsburgh. Porter brings prototypical man-to-man skills to Christian Parker's secondary as the Cowboys look to bolster their defense in Week 4.

Patrick Mahomes And Chiefs Face Raiders In Battle Of Unbeatens

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has rediscovered his deep-passing groove, ranking high in big-time throws despite fewer attempts. As the Chiefs head to Las Vegas for a clash of 3-0 teams, Mahomes looks to extend his dominant 13-2 career record against the Raiders. With 36 touchdowns to 5 interceptions against them and a 37-8 all-time mark within the AFC West, he aims to maintain a plus-three turnover differential and secure early division control.

Devonta Smith Expected To Miss Multiple Games With Hamstring Injury

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been ruled out for Sunday's NFC matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and is expected to miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury. Insider Jeff McLane reports Smith will likely sit out at least Week 5, though he has not been placed on injured reserve, suggesting a return before Week 8. Amid a lengthy injury report also featuring Dallas Goedert and Zack Baun, fantasy managers should keep Smith stashed.

Brock Bowers Highlighted As Top Anytime TD Bet For Week 4

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been identified as one of the best anytime touchdown bets for Sunday's NFL slate. As the Raiders prepare for a high-stakes divisional matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, Bowers looks to capitalize on his matchup to help his team find the end zone and maintain their unblemished 3-0 record in the early weeks of the 2026 season.

Johnny Hekker Elevated by Minnesota Vikings for Week 4 vs Dolphins

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The Minnesota Vikings have elevated punter Johnny Hekker from the practice squad to handle punting and holding duties against the Miami Dolphins while Brett Thorson deals with a hamstring injury. This is Hekker's first practice squad elevation this year, preserving two remaining options. Last week, Hekker averaged 46.5 yards on eight punts with a 63-yard long, placed two inside the 20, and successfully held for Will Reichard's field goals and extra points.

Patriots Preach Patience Amid Romeo Doubs' Modest 2026 Start

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The New England Patriots are preaching patience regarding wide receiver Romeo Doubs and his modest start to the 2026 season. After the Patriots signed him to a four-year contract in March, Doubs is actively searching for his footing and working to establish production within the New England offensive scheme entering the team's Week 4 matchup.

Caleb Williams Sidelined with Hamstring Injury for Sunday Clash

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The Chicago Bears will walk out once again without quarterback Caleb Williams under center as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Ahead of Sunday's game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field, the Bears weigh starting Case Keenum following his impressive Monday night performance against the Jets, or returning Tyson Bagent to the lineup from concussion protocol as they protect a 2–1 start.

Breece Hall Ruled Out Due to Quad Injury for Jets Against Bears

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The New York Jets enter their Week matchup at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears with a 1–2 record and missing their dynamic running back Breece Hall, who remains sidelined with a quad injury. Without their offensive glue guy, the Jets will lean on Geno Smith and struggle to consistently gain first downs against a jump-started Bears defense that has been tightening its rushing attack under Dennis Allen.

Philadelphia Eagles Elevate Tight End Josiah Deguara for Week 4

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The Philadelphia Eagles elevated tight end Josiah Deguara from the practice squad for their Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. This marks the first elevation for Deguara, a former third-round pick of the Packers signed on Sept. 15. Over six years, he has played 77 games with 12 starts, recording 53 catches for 471 yards and three touchdowns, alongside extensive special teams experience, boosting an Eagles tight end group missing Dallas Goedert alongside Zach Ertz.

Zach Ertz Elevated by Philadelphia Eagles for Week 4 vs. Rams

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The Philadelphia Eagles elevated tight end Zach Ertz for their Week 4 game against the Rams. This is the second of a maximum three elevations for Ertz, who made his 2026 debut last week playing 19 snaps against the Bears. With Dallas Goedert spraining his MCL and ruled out alongside DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown, the Eagles plan to feature Ertz more heavily as a receiving threat after he caught one pass for nine yards in his return from a torn ACL and LCL alongside Josiah Deguara.

Jadarian Price Placed on IR with Chest Injury, Sidelined 4 Weeks

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Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price has been placed on injured reserve due to a chest injury aggravated during practice, forcing him to miss at least the next four games until at least Week 8. The first-round pick rushed 28 times for 119 yards and lost two fumbles through three games. His absence leaves Emanuel Wilson and George Holani to lead the backfield while Zach Charbonnet works his way back from PUP, and Seattle has signed Velus Jones Jr. off the practice squad.

Zach Charbonnet Aims for Return as Seahawks Backfield Shifts

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Following the placement of rookie running back Jadarian Price on injured reserve due to a chest injury, the Seattle Seahawks hope Zach Charbonnet can return when he's eligible to be activated off IR next week. Charbonnet has been recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee. With Price sidelined for at least four games, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani currently top the depth chart, alongside the practice squad signing of Velus Jones Jr.

Mack Hollins Fined $34,441 by NFL for Taunting and Unnecessary Roughness

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New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins was fined a total of $34,441 by the NFL for multiple infractions committed on a single play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hollins was docked $11,941 for taunting safety Eric Murray after a 9-yard reception in the fourth quarter and received an additional $22,500 fine for unnecessary roughness involving his helmet. Despite the penalties, Hollins led the Patriots with six catches for 87 yards in the contest.

Christian Barmore Sidelined With Shoulder Injury for Bills Matchup

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Defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been ruled out for the New England Patriots ahead of their Week 4 clash against the Buffalo Bills. Barmore missed three consecutive practice sessions due to a shoulder injury, leaving a major void in the middle of New England's defense. His absence, alongside fellow starter Christian Gonzalez, compounds defensive challenges for the Patriots as they face the undefeated Bills on the road.

Christian Gonzalez Ruled Out for Patriots AFC East Opener Against Bills

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New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC East opening game against the Buffalo Bills. Gonzalez missed all three practice sessions during the week due to a persistent shoulder injury, dealing a significant blow to the Patriots' secondary alongside fellow key starter Christian Barmore, who was also ruled out for the matchup at Highmark Stadium as New England deals with notable roster attrition.

Xavier Legette Ruled Out and Placed on IR by Carolina Panthers

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee) has been placed on injured reserve and will miss Sunday's Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions plus at least the next three games. Legette was unable to participate in any practice sessions during the week after getting injured on a 55-yard catch in the Panthers' Week 2 win over the Falcons. His absence leaves the offense without his services as Ja'seem Reed is elevated from the practice squad to provide depth.

Easton Stick Elevated to Serve as Backup for Jalon Daniels

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Quarterback Easton Stick has been elevated from the practice squad by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Stick will serve as the primary backup to rookie Jalon Daniels, who is making his first career NFL start in place of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is sidelined for at least three weeks with a dislocated right thumb, creating an opportunity for Stick to provide veteran support from the sidelines.

Caden Fordham Elevated From Practice Squad by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the elevation of rookie linebacker Caden Fordham and quarterback Easton Stick from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Fordham initially signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in May, made the initial 53-man roster, and returned to the practice squad after a brief roster adjustment. This marks his first career elevation to the active game-day roster.