Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains the clear No. 1 candidate in the NFL MVP race entering Week 4, seeing his odds improve from +500 to +260 despite throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions against the Chargers. A competitive field is closing fast behind him, featuring standout performances from quarterbacks like Brock Purdy alongside emerging contenders at running back, wide receiver, and defense.
Former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson shared insights on CBS regarding Justin Herbert's early-season struggles with the Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson emphasized that Herbert appears uncomfortable and lacks confidence operating within new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's complex, high-tempo system. Wilson noted that adapting to McDaniel's motion-heavy, quick-release scheme will take time as the 0-3 Chargers face mounting pressure.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is struggling through an 0-3 start, recording 627 passing yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 59.1% completion rate. Head coach Jim Harbaugh publicly urged Herbert to 'be better,' while former QB Russell Wilson noted Herbert looks uncomfortable adjusting to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's complex, quick-timing scheme. The Chargers face a crucial stretch as Herbert aims to turn the offense around.
The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round draft pick after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. While head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Jameis Winston remains the starter, McCarthy—who will wear No. 18 with tight end Isaiah Likely retaining No. 9—is competing with Jake Haener for the backup spot. Selected 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy went 6-4 in 2025, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Chicago Bears veteran Case Keenum delivered a stellar performance in his first start in 1,009 days, leading a 27-7 primetime win over the Eagles. Filling in for injured Caleb Williams and concussed Tyson Bagent, Keenum completed 24-of-34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. His success highlights the critical roster value of maintaining a trusted third quarterback on game day.
Tennessee Titans sophomore quarterback Cam Ward is struggling significantly, leaving 14 points on the board through red-zone errors and failing to capitalize on an elite offensive line ranked No. 3 in pass protection by PFF. Despite the front five allowing just 16 pressures and five sacks, Ward's inaccurate passes, poor footwork, and costly interceptions are holding back the offense and raising long-term franchise questions.
Washington Commanders guard Sam Cosmi has been ruled out and did not travel with the team to London on Tuesday night ahead of their Week 4 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. Cosmi's absence leaves a significant void on the offensive line as the team prepares for the international matchup.
Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross has been officially ruled out and did not travel with the team to London on Tuesday night. Cross will miss the squad's upcoming Week 4 international matchup against the Indianapolis Colts as the team manages vital roster adjustments for the overseas contest.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey revealed he is playing through a broken wrist sustained in Week 3, logging limited practice participation on Monday and Tuesday while wearing a brace. The eight-time Pro Bowler hopes to suit up against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday if he can adequately protect the injury without letting down a shorthanded secondary after playing every defensive snap so far.
Trade speculation surrounds Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. as teams like the Lions, Giants, and Cowboys inquire about his availability. While seeking a contract extension in the final year of his rookie deal, Porter practiced in full on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's game against Cleveland, featuring on the injury report for rest as internal conversations continue regarding roster upgrades.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle missed his second consecutive practice on Tuesday due to a toe injury, placing his availability in serious doubt for Thursday's Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. With Dowdle trending toward being inactive once more, teammate Jaylen Warren is expected to handle a primary workhorse role after totaling 176 yards on 20 touches in Week 3.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is believed to be fine despite being spotted wearing a walking boot on his right foot following Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Initial concern arose after Waddle was seen in the boot, but reports indicate he is not dealing with a serious injury setback. Waddle's official practice participation status will be clarified when Denver returns to the practice field on Wednesday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to their practice squad following a Tuesday workout. The move comes as starter Baker Mayfield is sidelined for at least three weeks with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start Sunday against the Packers, with Easton Stick expected to serve as backup. Rypien previously worked with Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson with the Rams in 2023.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson addressed the slow start by rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, noting that the complexities of playing slot and route nuances require patience and time on task. Watson stressed taking what the defense gives rather than forcing explosive plays. Despite a quiet outing against Carolina where the receiving corps managed just four catches for 50 yards, Boston leads all rookies with 195 receiving yards.
The Houston Texans signed running back Dare Ogunbowale off the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad on Tuesday. Ogunbowale, 32, previously spent four seasons with the Texans, appearing in 63 games while accumulating 295 rushing yards and three total touchdowns on 91 carries across 730 offensive snaps and 1,058 special teams snaps. He did not appear in a regular season game for the Raiders during the 2026 campaign.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is facing early-season struggles following a two-year retirement, ranking 79th out of 91 qualifying players with a 4.8% pressure rate. Through three games, Donald has recorded just two pressures on 42 pass rush snaps and three stops on 22 run defense snaps. With the Rams defense missing key contributors and lacking in-house upgrades, Donald and the unit must elevate their performance to turn around a tough 1-2 start.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is expected to serve as the team's workhorse for Thursday night's matchup against the Cleveland Browns while teammate Rico Dowdle remains sidelined with a toe injury. Warren dominated backfield duties this past weekend, commanding a 90% snap rate along with 20 carries and 4 targets, positioning him as a strong fantasy option inside the top-12 running backs for Week 4 rankings.
Free agent guard Kevin Zeitler visited the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday as the team seeks solutions for their struggling offensive line. Zeitler, a Pro Bowler in 2023 with Baltimore and a Milwaukee native, has made 213 career NFL starts and spent the last two years with Detroit and Tennessee. The Packers face roster constraints due to recent guarantees made to Laken Tomlinson, but retain two open practice squad spots to potentially facilitate a deal.
Following the release of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and placing Brian Burns on injured reserve, the New York Giants signed wide receiver Charlie Jones off the practice squad to their 53-man roster. Jones played in 33 games for the Bengals over the last three seasons, recording three touchdowns as a returner—one on a punt return and two on kickoff returns—while contributing in a limited capacity on offense.
New York Giants star edge rusher Brian Burns has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL, a devastating blow confirmed by head coach John Harbaugh. Burns, who recorded 16.5 sacks last season, served as the emotional heartbeat of the defense. The Giants officially placed him on injured reserve while signing wide receivers Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones from the practice squad following Odell Beckham Jr.'s release.
