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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury. He was listed as a non-participant on the team's initial injury report for the week, joining wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the sidelines. Swift's absence is a key concern for the Bears as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Bengals, impacting the team's offensive preparations.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard's Week 5 field goal attempt in London, which appeared to strike a Skycam cable, continues to be a point of contention. While the NFL officially stated the ball did not hit a wire, labeling it an "optical illusion" and presenting video to owners, Reichard's agent, Jim Ivler, claims a league official initially admitted the ball hit the wire and agreed to remove the miss from Reichard's statistics. Reichard himself stated the league "admitted to it hitting" before reversing course on the statistical change. The NFL declined to comment on these claims, maintaining its official position that the ball did not make contact, drawing criticism for its lack of transparency.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton was sidelined with a right thumb injury and did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Dalton had started in place of Bryce Young, who missed last Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. With Young now a full participant in practice and expected to return, Dalton's absence due to his own injury further clarifies the Panthers' quarterback situation for Week 9.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was previously sidelined due to a turf toe absence, during which Jake Browning stepped in as the starting quarterback for the first three games. This context is relevant as the Bengals now face another potential quarterback change with Joe Flacco dealing with an AC joint sprain.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning is being prepared to step in as the starter for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, should Joe Flacco be unable to play due to an AC joint sprain. Browning previously started the first three games of Joe Burrow's absence this season, losing all three starts with a 64.1% completion rate, 5.6 yards per pass attempt, and throwing five interceptions to four touchdowns. Coach Zac Taylor defended Browning's past struggles, attributing them to broader offensive issues and challenging opponents. Taylor expressed full confidence in Browning to operate at a high level if he takes the field.
Veteran defensive end Clelin Ferrell has returned to the San Francisco 49ers, signing with their practice squad on Wednesday. Ferrell, who spent the 2023 NFL season with the 49ers, expressed comfort returning to a familiar environment. He was previously with the Los Angeles Chargers for part of the 2025 season, appearing in their Week 5 loss where he recorded one quarterback pressure and one assisted tackle across 17 defensive and 8 special teams snaps, before being released on October 15. Coach Kyle Shanahan welcomed Ferrell back, hoping he can contribute quickly amidst injuries to Nick Bosa, Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, Alfred Collins, Sam Okuayinonu, and Jordan Elliott. Ferrell, who recorded 3.5 sacks and 30 total quarterback pressures in 2023 with the 49ers, is ready to provide production and mentorship to young players like Mykel Williams, feeling fresh with only one game played this season.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins' fantasy outlook for Week 9 would sink to WR3 territory if quarterback Jake Browning is forced to start in place of an injured Joe Flacco. Flacco's "50-50" status for Sunday means Higgins' production could be negatively impacted by a potential quarterback change, making him a less reliable fantasy option.
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is expected to remain a must-start fantasy option for Week 9, even if quarterback Jake Browning is forced under center due to Joe Flacco's shoulder injury. While Chase's production might take a slight hit with Browning, his elite talent keeps him in the top tier of receivers, making him a crucial asset for fantasy managers.
Fifth-round selection Oronde Gadsden II is emerging as a promising talent for the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie tight end is already demonstrating the potential to continue the franchise's strong tradition of impactful players at the position, hinting at a bright future with the team and suggesting he could be a significant contributor in the coming seasons.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was featured in the Week 9 NFL QB Power Rankings, which evaluated all starting signal-callers after the first eight weeks of the 2025 season. The rankings specifically posed the question of how far Williams had fallen, indicating a potential decline in his perceived performance or standing among NFL quarterbacks. This assessment reflects his play through the initial part of the season.
New England Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte has forged an explosive and trusting connection with quarterback Drake Maye, a chemistry cultivated since their 2024 training camp and scout team days. Boutte is having a torrid first half of the 2025 season, ranking second among 77 qualifying receivers with 18.7 yards per catch and first in catch rate over expected (25.9). He boasts 195 yards and five touchdowns on 30 targets, leading the NFL in EPA per target (1.04). His 85.7% catch percentage on deep targets (minimum five targets) is the league's best, and he's second in yards per route run on deep targets (24.9) behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Notable touchdowns include a 40-yarder against the Texans, 39-yard deep-ball TDs against the Browns and Titans, two scores versus the Saints, and a tight-window TD against the Dolphins. The duo faces a tough test against the Falcons' top-ranked deep-ball defense this weekend.
The Dallas Cowboys have opened the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, signaling his return from injured reserve. The 25-year-old suffered a back injury in late August, leading to his placement on IR. Winfrey, a 2022 fourth-round pick by the Browns, played 13 games as a rookie but was cut in 2023 following a second off-field incident. He made one appearance for the Jets in 2023 and has not played a regular-season game since. His return offers potential help for a Cowboys defense that, despite ranking No. 2 in points and yards, is No. 31 in points and yards allowed. Dallas will play Arizona on Monday night before their Week 10 bye.
Former NFL offensive lineman Terron Armstead is set to contribute to a Week 9 NFL preview show. He will be offering his expert analysis on what to expect in the trenches during the upcoming game between the Broncos and the Texans.
The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson to their practice squad on Wednesday, addressing their depth concerns following Antonio Gibson's season-ending injury. Johnson, a six-year veteran, previously played for the Cleveland Browns (534 rushing yards in 2021) and Jacksonville Jaguars, with recent practice squad stints with the Ravens and Cardinals. He now stands as the second-most experienced ball-carrier in the Patriots' backfield. With Rhamondre Stevenson missing Wednesday's practice due to a toe injury, Johnson's addition could lead to an elevation to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, as the team actively seeks to fortify its running back corps.
The Philadelphia Eagles' recent acquisition of veteran slot cornerback Michael Carter from the Jets is poised to significantly impact Cooper DeJean's role, potentially allowing him to transition to a full-time outside cornerback position. Head coach Vic Fangio had previously highlighted DeJean's versatility, calling him "a damn good nickel" and capable of playing safety, but noted the challenge of finding a replacement for his slot reps. With Carter now filling the inside corner role, the Eagles can address their ongoing search for a second outside cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell, a need since the departures of Isaiah Rodgers and Darius Slay.
Isaiah Williams, who spent the offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals before being cut and later signed by the New York Jets in September, was named the AFC special teams player of the week. His standout performance in the Jets' 39-38 comeback win over his former team included returning five kickoffs for 132 yards and three punts for 38 yards. Williams' 26.4-yard average on kickoff returns was the highest by an AFC player with at least four returns, and his 21-yard punt return was the longest in the league for the week. Williams, an Illinois alum, has been the Jets' primary punt and kickoff returner since joining the active roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin earned the NFC special teams player of the week award for his flawless performance in Week 8 against the Saints. McLaughlin successfully converted all three of his field goal attempts in the final two quarters, with all three kicks coming from beyond 50 yards. This impressive outing brings his season total to 8-of-8 on kicks from 50-plus yards. While this marks his first NFC honor, McLaughlin previously won the AFC version of the award during the 2022 season. He also played at Illinois.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Emeka Egbuka has been selected for the 2025 NFL midseason All-Rookie Team, marking him as a breakout star who has made a major impact halfway through the current season. His contributions have been noteworthy among his rookie class.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks was honored as the AFC defensive player of the week for his pivotal role in the Dolphins' Week 8 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Brooks recorded 10 tackles, a sack, and three tackles for losses, anchoring a defense that held the Falcons to just 213 yards and stifled Bijan Robinson. His outstanding effort contributed significantly to the 34-10 win. Brooks now leads the league with 85 tackles and 53 solo tackles on the season, marking his first time receiving this prestigious award.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was named the AFC offensive player of the week for the second time in his career after a monumental performance that helped end the Bills' two-game losing streak. Cook rushed 19 times for a career-high 216 yards and two touchdowns in Buffalo's dominant 40-9 win. His outing included a 64-yard touchdown run, the second-longest of his career. Having signed an extension before the season, Cook now boasts 126 carries for 753 yards and seven touchdowns on the year, solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon.
