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NFL News

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

Thursday, October 1

Jameis Winston Focused on Performance Despite J.J. McCarthy Arrival

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New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston faces lingering media questions regarding his offensive output despite leading the team to a win over the Titans. Winston completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards, emphasizing game management and red-zone execution. Regarding the team's trade acquisition of first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, Winston stated he must play well regardless of who is in the building to maintain his starting position.

Kevin Winston Jr. Added to Titans Injury Report With Shoulder Issue

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Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. was added to the team's injury report on Thursday, participating as a full participant due to a shoulder issue. Winston worked alongside returning teammates as the Titans prepare their roster for Sunday's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Adonai Mitchell Sidelined Again Thursday With Finger Injury

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New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) did not practice Thursday, missing his second consecutive session of the week after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Lions. The 2024 second-round pick is considered week-to-week and is trending toward a second straight absence this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. He will have one final opportunity to participate in practice on Friday to prove his readiness.

Kenyon Sadiq Limited in Practice With Back Injury Ahead of Bears Game

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New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq was limited in practice for the second straight day due to a back injury. Sadiq took a hard landing on a diving catch that resulted in his first career touchdown during Week 3 against the Lions, where he posted 7 receptions for 105 yards. As the Jets prepare to face the Bears, Sadiq's explosive playmaking has become a central element of the passing attack.

Breece Hall Remains Sidelined by Quad Injury Ahead of Week 4

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New York Jets running back Breece Hall did not practice Thursday and is considered week-to-week with a quadriceps injury sustained in Sunday's loss to the Lions. Having missed all week of practice, Hall is unlikely to play against the Bears on Sunday. His continued absence paves the way for Braelon Allen to take on a larger workload in the backfield, with additional change-of-pace opportunities potentially available for Isaiah Davis.

Samson Ebukam Returns to Practice as Limited Participant for Falcons

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Samson Ebukam returned to practice as a limited participant ahead of their Monday night game against the Saints. It marks his first practice session since he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Panthers. The Falcons are preparing for a stretch of consecutive primetime matchups as Ebukam works his way back toward full game readiness.

D'Andre Swift Sidelined From Thursday Practice With Knee Injury

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was added to the injury report and did not participate in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury. Having not appeared on Wednesday's estimated report, Swift likely sustained the issue during practice. His status will be closely monitored ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets; if he is unable to play, Kyle Monangai would step into a featured backfield role.

Caleb Williams Expected to Miss Second Straight Game With Hamstring Strain

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams remained a non-participant at practice Thursday due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. The 2024 first overall pick is expected to miss a second consecutive game Sunday against the Jets, carrying a multi-week recovery timeline. Chicago has yet to announce a starter for Sunday, with Tyson Bagent and Week 3 starter Case Keenum both competing for the role while Williams continues his rehabilitation process.

KhaDarel Hodge Misses Practice Due to Knee Injury Ahead of Week 4

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge missed Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions due to a knee injury, casting uncertainty on his availability for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Hodge's absence compounds injury concerns for the 49ers' wide receiver group, which is already monitoring Mike Evans' questionable status with a rib issue and led the team to elevate Brandin Cooks from the practice squad.

Jordan Watkins Prepares for Active Roster Duty Amid Wide Receiver Inquiries

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins is positioned for potential active duty involvement as the team monitors the rib injury of veteran starter Mike Evans ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. With Evans listed as iffy, Watkins is part of the remaining healthy receiving corps alongside Deebo Samuel and Jacob Cowing that may need to shoulder extra responsibilities.

Jacob Cowing Positioned for Increased Target Share If Mike Evans Sits

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing stands to absorb an increased workload if veteran teammate Mike Evans is unable to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury. With Evans iffy to play and other roster adjustments underway, Cowing joins Deebo Samuel and Jordan Watkins as key healthy options on the active roster who may be called upon to step up.

Chig Okonkwo Nearing Return After Limited Practice Participation

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Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day as he works his way back from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 1 against the Eagles. Okonkwo's steady progress points toward a potential return to game action soon, providing a much-needed boost to the Commanders' offensive depth for their upcoming schedule.

Trent McDuffie Stars in Rams Secondary Ahead of Eagles Matchup

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As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, cornerback Trent McDuffie has emerged as one of the premier secondary players in the NFL. McDuffie and teammate Quentin Lake anchor a stout defensive backfield, with McDuffie standing out as one of only two cornerbacks in the league to be targeted multiple times in man coverage while allowing a 0.0 passer rating on the season for the 1-2 Rams.

Kyle Monangai Positioned for Feature Role Amid D'Andre Swift Injury

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Kyle Monangai continues to play a vital role in the Chicago Bears' offensive scheme. With D'Andre Swift sidelined from practice on Thursday due to a knee injury, Monangai is positioned for a significant boost in touches and snaps against the Jets. Following a strong primetime performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monangai's contributions in both the running game and pass protection remain integral as the team prepares for Sunday.

Jayden Daniels Limited in Practice, Confident in Return from Elbow Injury

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was a limited participant for a second straight practice as he works toward a return from a left elbow dislocation. Daniels plans to wear a protective brace for the rest of the season and expressed no concern about re-injury, stating he does not need immediate surgery. Head coach Dan Quinn noted a chance he could play Sunday against the Colts in London, though Marcus Mariota remains ready to make a second straight start if needed.

Monroe Freeling Limited in Panthers Practice While Navigating Concussion Protocol

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Carolina Panthers right tackle Monroe Freeling was a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol. Freeling will need to receive full clearance before Sunday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions. His return to limited drills coincided with wide receiver Jalen Coker, tight end Darren Waller, and running back Chuba Hubbard also getting back on the field, though Xavier Legette and Damien Lewis remained sidelined.

Caleb Douglas in Danger of Missing Second Straight Game with Ankle Injury

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Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas is in serious jeopardy of missing his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 2. After logging a stellar five-catch, 94-yard debut, Douglas missed Week 3 and was absent from Thursday's practice. While labeled day-to-day by coach Jeff Hafley, his continued absence leaves quarterback Malik Willis without his top separation threat as the team prepares for a Week 4 road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Dallas Goedert Misses Second Straight Practice With Sprained MCL

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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert was not spotted at Thursday's practice, marking his second consecutive absence as he deals with a sprained MCL in his right knee. After sitting out Monday's loss to the Chicago Bears, Goedert faces an uphill battle to return for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. If he remains sidelined, Zach Ertz is positioned to step up as the top pass catcher in an Eagles tight end room where Johnny Mundt paced snaps on Monday.

Brian Burns Confirmed With Torn Meniscus And ACL In Right Knee

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New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns is scheduled for knee surgery after doctors confirmed he tore both his ACL and his meniscus in his right knee during Sunday's 12-7 win over the Titans. The severe injury mirrors the exact same double tear suffered by teammate Malik Nabers late last September. The Giants hope Burns can follow a similar recovery path to return fully healthy for the start of the 2027 NFL season. Meanwhile, New York signed Jihad Ward off the Vikings practice squad.

Kaleb Johnson Emerges As Point Man For Packers Ground Attack

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With Green Bay's rushing offense struggling, recently acquired running back Kaleb Johnson is viewed as the best fit to hammer away between the tackles in a revamped ground game. The 224-pound back has seen his workload increase, logging a career-high eight carries against the Jets and playing 24 snaps against the Falcons. Johnson will face a tough test this week against a stingy Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense allowing just 3.1 yards per rushing attempt on the ground.