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

Tuesday, September 29

Torricelli Simpkins III: Torricelli Simpkins Signed to Carolina Panthers 53-Man Roster

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The Carolina Panthers signed guard Torricelli Simpkins off their practice squad to the 53-man roster to provide immediate offensive line depth while Damien Lewis is sidelined with an elbow UCL injury. Simpkins signed with Carolina ahead of the regular season after playing 15 games and starting twice for the Saints last year. In corresponding moves, the Panthers waived linebacker Maema Njongmeta and made other practice squad additions and releases.

Damien Lewis Sidelined With Elbow UCL Injury for Coming Weeks

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Carolina Panthers left guard Damien Lewis will miss Sunday's game due to a UCL elbow injury and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, per Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. However, he could miss just a single game because the Panthers have a Week 5 bye. Head coach Dave Canales noted imaging is being conducted, factoring the upcoming bye week into his return-to-play timeline. The Panthers signed G Torricelli Simpkins off the practice squad for depth.

Austin Ekeler Officially Re-Signs With Washington Commanders

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Running back Austin Ekeler has officially re-signed with the Washington Commanders on a 53-man roster deal after receiving interest from the Carolina Panthers for a practice squad spot. Ekeler suffered an Achilles tendon injury in Week 2 of last season that ended his year and threatened his career. The deal had been in the works before Rachaad White dealt with a shoulder issue on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Commanders placed LB Leo Chenal and OLB Marvin Jones Jr. on injured lists.

Andy Dalton Throws Costly Interception During Jalen Hurts Concussion Check

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Eagles backup quarterback Andy Dalton threw a costly red-zone interception during Monday night's 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears while starter Jalen Hurts was temporarily sidelined for a mandatory concussion evaluation. The turnover wiped out a prime scoring opportunity when the Eagles were trailing 7-0. Hurts expressed frustration that his clearance protocol wasn't expedited faster, as he felt fine and was forced to watch from the sidelines as the drive stalled without points.

Jalen Hurts Addresses Concussion Protocol Frustration After Loss

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Jalen Hurts finished 16-of-25 for 153 yards, an interception, and a rushing TD in a 27-7 loss to Chicago. Hurts briefly exited for a concussion check after a hit from D'Marco Jackson, expressing frustration that the protocol wasn't expedited since he felt fine. While backup Andy Dalton threw an interception on the ensuing play, coach Nick Sirianni expressed remorse for an emotional sideline outburst, and Hurts took responsibility for the offense's struggles.

Jason Sanders Signed to New York Jets Active Roster

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The New York Jets signed kicker Jason Sanders to the active roster after he served as a practice squad elevation for each of the first three games. Sanders leads the team with 20 points, connecting on 5-of-6 field goal attempts, including makes from 52, 51, 33, 32, and 42 yards. In corresponding roster moves, the Jets waived kicker Blake Grupe and cornerback Jordan Clark while adding offensive linemen Nick Dawkins and Jimmy Morrissey to the practice squad.

Blake Grupe Waived by New York Jets in Roster Shakeup

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The New York Jets waived kicker Blake Grupe and cornerback Jordan Clark on Tuesday. Grupe spent the summer in Indianapolis before being claimed off waivers by the Jets on August 31. In corresponding roster moves, the Jets officially signed kicker Jason Sanders to the active roster after he served as a practice squad elevation for the first three games, and added offensive linemen Nick Dawkins and Jimmy Morrissey to the practice squad.

Christian Watson ACL Recovery Highlighted by Packers Staff

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL on January 5, 2025, and was cleared by the medical staff for practice on October 6, 2025—exactly 275 days from his injury. Watson's established recovery timeline serves as a historical baseline for the Packers' medical staff, frequently contrasted with teammate Micah Parsons as the organization navigates long-term rehabilitation schedules for key roster players.

Tucker Kraft ACL Recovery Serves As Benchmark For Packers

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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft tore his ACL on November 2, 2025, and was cleared by the medical staff for practice on July 31, 2026—taking 272 days from his injury. His successful and structured recovery timeline, along with Christian Watson's 275-day recovery, has been highlighted by analysts to contrast with pass rusher Micah Parsons, whose current ACL rehabilitation is lagging significantly behind the pace set by his teammates in Green Bay.

Micah Parsons Recovery Timeline Lags Behind Previous Packers ACLs

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Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons' ACL recovery is taking longer than previous team injuries, sitting at 289 days since his December 15, 2025 injury. Unlike Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft who cleared around 272-275 days, head coach Matt LaFleur stated Parsons hasn't been cleared by medical staff and won't practice in Week 4. Having experienced no setbacks, Parsons is unlikely to return until at least Week 6 as he awaits clearance to begin individual drills.

Kenny Moore II Promoted to Philadelphia Eagles Active Roster

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Following a rough defensive performance against the Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles are promoting veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster. Amid outside interest from other teams, Moore chose Philadelphia to secure a defensive role. Bringing a veteran mindset, Moore is expected to contribute at nickel and safety, potentially shifting Cooper DeJean to safety, ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Greg Van Roten Placed on Injured Reserve With Thigh Injury

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The New England Patriots placed veteran guard Greg Van Roten on injured reserve due to a thigh injury sustained in Week 3 against Jacksonville. Van Roten, 36, had started at right guard following Mike Onwenu's broken ankle, playing 64 snaps before exiting. His absence severely depletes the Patriots' offensive trenches, forcing trade acquisition Walter Rouse or Ben Brown into replacement roles as the infrastructure around quarterback Drake Maye takes another hit.

Mike Vrabel Urges Drake Maye to Relax Amid Early Season Struggles

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New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed quarterback Drake Maye's early struggles after a 1-2 start, urging him to stop forcing plays. Maye has six interceptions and a fumble, leading to a benching in a 35-6 loss to Jacksonville. The Patriots rank last in offensive points per game at 9.7 and placed guard Greg Van Roten on IR. Maye also faced questions regarding a lingering shoulder injury, stating he plays 100% when in uniform as they prepare for the Bills.

Patrick Mahomes Shines in Film Review of Win Against Miami Dolphins

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Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 24 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, registering a 119.8 passer rating without being sacked in a dominant win over Miami. Mahomes played with ultimate confidence, utilizing misdirection, play action, and masterful shoulder fakes to manipulate zone coverage and open up key targets like Travis Kelce, Tyquan Thornton, Noah Gray, and Rashee Rice as the Chiefs prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Cody White Promoted to Las Vegas Raiders 53-Man Roster

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Raiders receiver Cody White has been signed to Las Vegas’ 53-man roster after exhausting his practice squad elevations. White has three receptions this year, with all three going for touchdowns over the last two weeks, while also contributing heavily on special teams. The 27-year-old was with head coach Klint Kubiak last season. As a corresponding roster move to clear space, the Raiders placed receiver Jack Bech on injured reserve due to a fractured forearm.

Jack Bech Placed on Injured Reserve After Fracturing Forearm

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Second-year wide receiver Jack Bech was placed on injured reserve by the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering a fractured forearm during Sunday’s victory over the Saints. Bech, a second-round pick last season, recorded five catches for 48 yards this year, making this injury a significant setback for his development. To fill his roster spot, the Raiders promoted touchdown machine Cody White from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster following his three consecutive games with a touchdown.

Jackson Slater Placed on Injured Reserve by Tennessee Titans

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The Tennessee Titans placed offensive guard Jackson Slater on injured reserve after he suffered an injury during the team's Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Slater had stepped in following an ankle injury to starting right guard Fernando Carmona. With both guards now sidelined on injured reserve, the Titans are elevating depth options like Atonio Mafi and Garrett Dellinger to fill active roles ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Fernando Carmona Placed on Injured Reserve With Multi-Week Ankle Injury

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The Tennessee Titans placed rookie right guard Fernando Carmona on injured reserve after he sustained a multi-week ankle injury on the first play of their Week 3 loss to the Giants. Having previously won the starting job in training camp, Carmona will be sidelined alongside fellow guard Jackson Slater, prompting the Titans to turn to Atonio Mafi or Garrett Dellinger to step into the starting role while signing Dellinger to the 53-man roster ahead of facing the Ravens.

Michael Penix Jr. Unquestioned Starter Ahead of Week 4 for Falcons

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Michael Penix Jr. enters Week 4 as the Atlanta Falcons' unquestioned starting quarterback with a 14-week runway to prove he is the franchise leader. Overcoming an ACL tear, Penix sparked life into the offense and ignited fan hope by leading an explosive weapon group during an upset win over Green Bay. He operates alongside backup Tua Tagovailoa, who handles sideline duties while recovering from an oblique injury following a dominant offensive showing.

Josh Wallace Records Interception and Pass Breakups for Rams

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Josh Wallace made a significant defensive impact during the Los Angeles Rams' 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos, recording three tackles, two pass breakups, and his first interception of the season. The former Michigan standout highlighted one of the top defensive performances of the week by returning his intercepted pass 26 yards, showcasing active playmaking ability in the Rams' secondary.