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NFL News

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

Friday, October 2

Baker Mayfield Ruled Out With Dislocated Thumb Ahead of Week 4

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The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare to host the Green Bay Packers at 0-3 without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who suffered a dislocated right thumb in last week's 23-16 loss to Minnesota and faces at least a three-game absence. Mayfield missed all practices this week and has been officially ruled out. His absence leaves undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels in line to make his first career NFL start against Green Bay.

Aaron Donald Ruled Out for Week 4 Matchup Against Eagles

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Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to back soreness. Donald missed practice all week and has recorded four tackles and a 74.8 PFF grade this season. He has yet to play alongside Myles Garrett, who is on injured reserve. Head coach Sean McVay opted to protect the veteran pass rusher, leaving the Rams shorthanded on the defensive line.

Braelon Allen Takes Over as Jets Lead Back With Breece Hall Out

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With Breece Hall ruled out with a quad injury, rookie running back Braelon Allen steps into the lead back role for the New York Jets against the Chicago Bears. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound physical runner, who rushed for 334 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie before an MCL sprain ended his previous season, seeks to prove himself as a workhorse. Allen faces a struggling Bears run defense with Isaiah Davis backing him up.

Breece Hall Ruled Out for Week 4 with Quadriceps Injury

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New York Jets running back Breece Hall has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears due to a quadriceps injury sustained in Week 3 against Detroit. Considered week-to-week, Hall missed practice all week and could miss multiple upcoming games. Hall's absence impacts a Jets ground attack averaging 3.3 yards per carry. In his place, rookie Braelon Allen takes over as the lead running back, backed by Isaiah Davis.

Travis Etienne Placed on Injured Reserve Due to Hamstring Injury

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Travis Etienne aggravated a hamstring injury during the New Orleans Saints' Week 3 loss to the Raiders, and the injury is severe enough for him to require a stint on injured reserve. In Etienne's absence, veteran Alvin Kamara figures to take on RB1 duties starting with Monday's game against the Falcons, while Kendre Miller sees an uptick in backfield snaps alongside CJ Donaldson, Zamir White, and Ulysses Bentley.

Alvin Kamara Set to Take on Larger Role For Saints Sans Etienne

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Alvin Kamara figures to serve as the New Orleans Saints' top running back for as long as Travis Etienne (hamstring) is on injured reserve, starting with Monday's game against the Falcons. Etienne aggravated his hamstring injury during a Week 3 loss to the Raiders. In his absence, Kamara takes on RB1 duties, while Kendre Miller, CJ Donaldson, Zamir White, and Ulysses Bentley see increased backfield work.

Jordan Addison Set To Lead Vikings Receivers With Jefferson Out

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is poised to serve as the team's primary pass catcher in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins due to Justin Jefferson's ankle injury. Addison showed strong chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray last week, connecting for a 41-yard touchdown and finishing with five catches for 90 yards against Tampa Bay. He will command increased target volume alongside Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, and T.J. Hockenson while Jefferson recovers.

Justin Jefferson Ruled Out For Week 4 Due To Left Ankle Sprain

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Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins after missing practice all week with a left ankle sprain. Jefferson suffered the injury on the opening drive of last week's win over Tampa Bay. Although coach Kevin O'Connell noted he is progressing well and expected back next week against New Orleans, his absence leaves Jordan Addison to serve as the primary pass catcher alongside Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson.

Davante Adams Shifts to WR2 Role as Puka Nacua Returns for Rams

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams will shift to the WR2 role for Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles following Puka Nacua's return from injury. Adams posted impressive numbers over the last two weeks in Nacua's absence, catching 15 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns after a quiet Week 1. Even with Nacua back on the field, Adams remains a primary target for quarterback Matthew Stafford, particularly in high-value red-zone situations.

Puka Nacua Returns From Injury To Play In Week 4 Against Eagles

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua practiced fully all week and will return for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles without an injury designation. After missing the last two contests due to a hip and groin issue, head coach Sean McVay noted Nacua looked sharp in practice as the team evaluates his exact workload. His return provides a major offensive weapon alongside Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams as the Rams desperately try to avoid falling to a 1-3 start on the season.

J.J. McCarthy Embraces Shock Trade From Minnesota Vikings to Giants

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Quarterback J.J. McCarthy admitted it was a major shock to be traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants for a fifth-round pick. Speaking after Friday's practice, the 23-year-old expressed excitement for the fresh opportunity. While head coach John Harbaugh and the staff are easing him into the playbook as Jameis Winston's backup while Jaxson Dart is sidelined, McCarthy is eager to work hard and establish himself in the Giants' quarterback room.

Davis Allen Set For Increased Snaps Amid Rams Tight End Injuries

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen is positioned for increased playing time in Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Terrance Ferguson placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and Colby Parkinson listed as questionable after missing all weekly practices with knee and shoulder issues, Allen will team up with Tyler Higbee and rookie Max Klare to cover the tight end position for the Rams.

Tyler Higbee Prepares For Expanded Role Amid Rams Tight End Injuries

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee is in line for an elevated role following the placement of Terrance Ferguson on injured reserve with an ankle injury. With fellow tight end Colby Parkinson listed as questionable due to knee and shoulder issues after missing practice all week, Higbee joins Davis Allen and rookie Max Klare as the healthy options on the active roster to anchor the team's passing attack against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Colby Parkinson Questionable To Play Through Knee And Shoulder Issues

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after missing all practices this week due to knee and shoulder issues. With fellow tight end Terrance Ferguson placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, the Rams face major depth concerns at the position. Active roster options behind Parkinson include Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and rookie Max Klare, who is positioned to make his NFL debut and take on an expanded role.

Terrance Ferguson Placed On Injured Reserve With Ankle Injury

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson was officially placed on injured reserve Friday with an ankle injury sustained during Sunday's loss at Denver. He will miss at least the next four games, making Week 8 the earliest possible return for a player who recorded seven catches for 63 yards and a touchdown this season. With Colby Parkinson also questionable, Davis Allen, Tyler Higbee, and rookie Max Klare remain the healthy tight ends on the active roster for Sunday versus the Eagles.

Max Klare Poised For Expanded Role And First TD Versus Eagles

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Max Klare is positioned for a significant role in Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Colby Parkinson questionable and Terrance Ferguson placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Klare steps in as TE3 in the Rams' 13 personnel. Analysts project he could record his first reception and first NFL touchdown of the 2026 season as Los Angeles navigates key passing attack injuries on the road alongside Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen.

Mike Evans Questionable For Week 4 Against Broncos With Rib Strain

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is officially questionable and a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos due to a rib strain. Coach Kyle Shanahan noted Evans was limited in Friday's practice after missing earlier sessions, but Evans plans to play with extra rib protection. Having previously played through a similar brutal injury, he is expected to serve as a WR3 option in fantasy lineups facing cornerback Patrick Surtain and the Broncos.

Jadarian Price Ruled Out For Week 4 After Chest Injury Setback

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Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers after re-aggravating a chest injury originally sustained in Week 2. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the rookie will miss his first career game, halting a slow start where he gained 119 yards on 28 carries. Emmanuel Wilson and George Holani are expected to lead the Seattle backfield, with Zach Charbonnet still required to sit out four games on the PUP list.

Fernando Mendoza Lands ChatGPT Partnership After AI Comparisons

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Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has signed an endorsement partnership with ChatGPT, leaning into fan jokes comparing his articulate interview style to artificial intelligence. The No. 1 overall pick released a new advertisement focusing on time management and family, adding to a prior GQ feature detailing his use of ChatGPT for team nutrition plans. Mendoza previously took public speaking courses to refine his communication skills.

Christian Gonzalez Ruled Out For Patriots Against Buffalo Bills

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New England Patriots starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC East opener against the Buffalo Bills after missing all three practices this week. Gonzalez sustained the shoulder injury during a hard tackle in last week's loss to Jacksonville. His absence forces coach Mike Vrabel to rely on Charles Woods, Marcus Jones, and Karon Prunty in the secondary as they prepare to face Josh Allen without their top defender and Christian Barmore.