Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New York Jets backup quarterback Cade Klubnik was placed in Tier 5 of recent NFL backup quarterback rankings. Evaluators noted that Klubnik could eventually develop into a mid-tier secondary option over time, but he currently lacks sufficient regular-season snaps to establish a clear ceiling in the event he is unexpectedly thrust into starting game action for the Jets offense later this season.
Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Joe Flacco was highlighted in recent NFL backup rankings as a top-tier option capable of keeping the team afloat if Joe Burrow misses time. Analysis noted that while Flacco lacks mobility, his pocket awareness and passing ability allow him to dissect defenses at all three levels when provided clean protection by his offensive line during regular season action.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert drew viral commentary from broadcaster Tom Brady following an interception in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Brady criticized Herbert's decision on the throw to safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, calling the pass a "meatball sub." Brady later explained on social media that his kids introduced him to the popular term used to describe poor passes.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown and the offense look to recover from their Week 3 loss as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars. To succeed against Jacksonville's eighth-ranked run defense, the Bengals are focused on executing effective rushing plays out of shotgun formations, avoiding costly penalties, and eliminating special teams turnovers that plagued them in their prior defeat.
New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick recorded full participation in Thursday's practice and confirmed he will return for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Fitzpatrick has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury in Week 1 of the season. Head coach Aaron Glenn expressed strong confidence in his return, boosting a Jets secondary seeking to end a 20-game streak without an interception.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell was a limited participant in Thursday's practice for the second straight day due to a left ankle injury. Mitchell remains on track to play Sunday against the Seahawks if he suffers no setbacks Friday. Through three games, Mitchell has rushed 17 times for 85 yards (5.0 YPC) and caught four passes for 10 yards and a touchdown backing up Omarion Hampton.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers made an impressive season debut in Week 3, catching 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown against the Saints to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Coming off a meniscus procedure, Bowers lined up across the formation like a wideout. The Kansas City Chiefs have identified limiting Bowers as a primary defensive key for their Week 4 divisional matchup.
Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby enters Week 4 with 17 pressures, two sacks, and four quarterback hits through three games. Preparing for his 14th career meeting against Patrick Mahomes, Crosby is fueled by his recovery from knee surgery and a failed offseason trade to Baltimore. The undefeated Chiefs have designated controlling Crosby as their top offensive priority for Sunday's AFC West battle.
Cincinnati Bengals safety Bryan Cook was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as he manages an ankle injury. Cook's status, alongside fellow safety Kyle Dugger who missed both sessions with a quadricep issue, is a major focus for the coaching staff over the final two practices of the week as the Bengals prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals right guard Dalton Risner (knee) missed Wednesday's practice and was listed as a nonparticipant on Thursday, working on the rehab field with a knee brace. As a veteran with system familiarity, Risner still has a chance to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars with limited reps if he is cleared. If he cannot go, Jalen Rivers has been handling first-team reps at right guard in practice.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II was a new addition to the team's injury report on Thursday, being listed as a limited participant due to an ankle injury. The Bengals are closely monitoring multiple player health statuses as they prepare to bounce back this Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit Paycor Stadium for a Week 4 matchup amidst a banged-up roster.
New York Giants safety Jevon Holland has been named the NFC's defensive player of the month for September. Holland sealed a 12-7 win over the Titans with an end-zone interception, marking an interception in each of the first three games of the year alongside 12 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Thriving in Dennard Wilson's aggressive scheme, Holland is allowing a career-low 57.8 passer rating as he emerges as a key difference-maker for the Giants' defense.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray faces a downgraded fantasy and operational outlook for Week 4 if star wide receiver Justin Jefferson cannot overcome an ankle sprain. Jefferson has missed consecutive practices this week, making his status unlikely for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. His potential absence leaves the passing game heavily reliant on Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is in line for an elevated role in the passing attack if wide receiver Justin Jefferson is forced to miss Sunday's contest against the Miami Dolphins. Jefferson has missed back-to-back practices due to an ankle injury sustained against Tampa Bay. Hockenson, alongside Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, would absorb the vacated targets to support the Vikings' offense.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison stands as the primary candidate for increased target volume if star receiver Justin Jefferson misses Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Jefferson has sat out consecutive practices with an ankle sprain, leaving the Minnesota offense depleted. Alongside contributions expected from Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson, Addison would carry the burden of the passing attack.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings could see an increased offensive role if teammate Justin Jefferson is unable to overcome an ankle sprain in time for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Jefferson has missed consecutive practices, leaving the Vikings thin at pass catcher. In the event of Jefferson's absence, Jennings, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson would be relied upon heavily in the passing game.
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not participate in Thursday's practice, marking his second straight absence as he nurses an ankle sprain suffered in the first half against Tampa Bay. Jefferson will likely need to test the ankle in Friday's session to play Sunday against Miami. His absence would leave the team thin, putting Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson in increased roles, while dealing a blow to quarterback Kyler Murray's outlook.
The New York Giants have signed linebacker Jihad Ward off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad to add depth at outside linebacker following Brian Burns's season-ending knee injury. Ward was on the field Thursday confirming the move, reuniting with coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, under whom Ward recorded career-highs with 5.0 sacks and 22 quarterback hits for the Titans last season as an experienced and versatile defensive contributor.
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (foot/stinger) was a full participant in Thursday's practice after missing Week 3 against the Chiefs. With De'Von Achane out for the season, Wright and Ollie Gordon are in line for expanded backfield opportunities against the Minnesota Vikings, though it remains undetermined which player will serve as the primary option. Miami also plans to elevate a third running back from the practice squad.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced that running back Travis Etienne has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury aggravated against the Raiders. Etienne, who leads New Orleans with 30 carries and 128 rushing yards, will miss at least the next four games and can return no earlier than November 8 against the Browns. Alvin Kamara is expected to assume the lead role in the backfield alongside Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson during his extended absence.
