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NFL News

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

Wednesday, September 30

Joey Porter Jr. Traded to Cowboys by Steelers for Future Draft Picks

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. Porter entered the final year of his rookie deal at a contract impasse and was sidelined with a back injury, having yet to play in 2026. Over his first three seasons since being drafted 32nd overall in 2023, he recorded 165 combined tackles, three interceptions, and 31 passes defended in 41 total starts, bolstering the Cowboys' secondary.

Brock Purdy Dominates as Early-Season MVP Frontrunner and Leader

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Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady publicly endorsed Brock Purdy as a tier-one quarterback as the 49ers start 3-0. Purdy leads the NFL with a 133.1 passer rating and nine touchdowns, completing 60 of 83 passes for 789 yards while remaining un-sacked through three games. He earned further praise as an MVP frontrunner, beating opponents with his mind, elite anticipation, and exceptional decision-making amidst San Francisco's ongoing injury struggles.

Marcus Mariota Voted FedEx Air Player of the Week After Clutch Display

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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was voted FedEx Air Player of the Week after leading a 33-31 win over Seattle with 183 yards and three touchdowns. Subbing for the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota also iced the game with a clutch fourth-quarter third-down run, earning the full trust of his teammates as he prepares to start against Indianapolis.

Christian McCaffrey Rests During Wednesday Practice Session

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey did not practice on Wednesday, receiving a routine non-injury rest day to start the week. The team continues to manage his early-season workload, though he remains a locked-in RB1 option after producing 116 total yards and a touchdown in Week 3.

Michael Penix Jr. Powers Atlanta Falcons Into NFC South Lead

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Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. energized the Atlanta Falcons' offense with 256 passing yards and a touchdown in a 35-14 Week 3 victory over the Green Bay Packers. His return under center sparked a balanced attack alongside running back Bijan Robinson, pulling Atlanta into a tie for first place in the NFC South ahead of a crucial Week 4 game against New Orleans.

Bijan Robinson Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week After 213 Yards

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson won NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rumbling for 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries in a 35-14 win over Green Bay. Registering 467 total yards through three weeks to lead the NFL, Robinson anchors Atlanta's offense as a generational talent with exceptional yards-after-contact metrics.

Ty Okada Remains Sidelined for Seahawks With Hamstring

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Seattle Seahawks safety Ty Okada remained sidelined for Wednesday's practice due to a persistent hamstring injury that has kept him out since the start of the regular season. As fellow safety Julian Love works his way back from a calf strain, Okada's continued absence leaves the Seahawks' safety depth tested heading into their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers as the team monitors the rest of the injury report.

Julian Love Returns to Limited Practice Ahead of Week 4

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Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant after missing Sunday's loss to the Commanders due to a calf strain sustained in practice the prior week. Love has recorded two interceptions in two games this season. It remains unclear whether he will be cleared to play against the Los Angeles Chargers, but his return to the field provides a promising sign for the Seahawks defense as preparations continue.

Puka Nacua Expected to Return for Rams Against Eagles

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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expects wide receiver Puka Nacua to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two games with a hip and groin injury. Nacua was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice following a strong workout. After a stellar 2025 season with 129 catches and 1,715 yards, his return bolsters an offense that has relied on Davante Adams during his absence.

Kyler Murray and Vikings Offense Seek Early Rhythm

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is working to establish chemistry and timing within the offense after missing the first two games due to a concussion. In his first full start against Tampa Bay, Murray navigated a struggling offense that ranks 32nd in total yards despite a 4th-ranking in red-zone efficiency. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and Murray aim to refine passing rapport with receivers as they prepare for upcoming defensive matchups.

Fernando Mendoza Ready When Called Upon Behind Cousins

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Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to serve as the backup behind veteran starter Kirk Cousins for the undefeated Las Vegas Raiders. While Cousins commands the offense during a 3-0 start and a seven-game personal win streak, head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Mendoza is ready to step in whenever called upon. The team remains strictly focused on week-to-week preparations while managing the quarterback hierarchy.

Kirk Cousins Leads Raiders With Seven-Game Win Streak

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins holds the NFL's longest active starting win streak at seven games as he anchors the offense ahead of rookie Fernando Mendoza. Off to a 3-0 start, Cousins has thrown nine touchdown passes against three interceptions with a 107.2 passer rating. Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized week-to-week performance as Cousins seeks to make history by winning four consecutive games for two different teams in a single streak.

Jaxson Dart Undergoes Successful Left Knee Surgery After Injury

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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart underwent successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus, MCL, and PCL in his left knee following an injury in Week 2 against the Rams. The procedure went as expected with no surprises, leaving his recovery timeline at four to six months. Dart remains sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 regular season, while Jameis Winston and newly acquired J.J. McCarthy handle quarterback duties for the team moving forward.

KhaDarel Hodge Misses Practice Session With Knee Injury

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge was held out of Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. His absence compounds a growing list of injuries at the wide receiver position for the team, which also includes Mike Evans. Head coach Kyle Shanahan highlighted the team's relief in having Dante Pettis available while praising Brandin Cooks for quickly grasping the offensive playbook amid the depth concerns.

Mike Evans Sits Out Wednesday Practice With Rib Injury

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans sat out Wednesday's practice due to a strained rib sustained from a hit by Budda Baker during Sunday's win. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Evans is considered day-to-day and may practice later in the week. On-field participation on Thursday or Friday will determine his availability for Week 4 against the Broncos, though his status for the upcoming matchup remains uncertain.

Keaton Mitchell Limited at Practice With Ankle Injury

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice while dealing with an ankle injury and wearing a walking boot on his left foot. Despite the boot, Mitchell expressed optimism about his condition. Having two more practice opportunities ahead of Sunday's game against Seattle, he is currently on track to play, with Kimani Vidal serving as the primary backup in the backfield.

Jovaughn Gwyn Suffers Fractured Fibula, Out 2-3 Months

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Baltimore Ravens starting center Jovaughn Gwyn sustained a fractured fibula in Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys and is expected to miss two to three months following surgery. Gwyn, who won the starting job in training camp, will likely be placed on injured reserve. With backup Ethan Pocic also out long-term with a knee injury, rookie right guard Vega Ioane is expected to move over to center.

Jihad Ward Signed by Giants Off Vikings Practice Squad

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The New York Giants signed veteran edge rusher Jihad Ward off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad to add defensive depth following Brian Burns' season-ending torn ACL. Ward, an 11-year veteran who previously played for New York in 2022 and 2023 under coordinator Dennard Wilson, recorded five sacks with Tennessee last season. To make room on the roster, the Giants terminated the contract of veteran defensive tackle Josh Tupou.

Tyler Higbee Steps Up as Rams' Top Tight End Option

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee stands to take on a prominent role as the team's top tight end with both Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson sidelined for Wednesday's practice due to injuries. Ferguson is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, while Parkinson's status is also uncertain. Despite stepping into the primary role, Higbee's overall fantasy and offensive outlook may be limited.

Colby Parkinson Misses Wednesday Practice With Injuries

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson was sidelined for Wednesday's practice while dealing with knee and shoulder injuries. Parkinson's absence, alongside fellow tight end Terrance Ferguson, leaves Tyler Higbee as the team's top option at tight end. Parkinson's availability for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles remains in question as the Rams manage multiple personnel concerns heading into Week 4.