Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (knee/concussion) is active for Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons after logging three limited practices and passing the concussion protocol. Hargrave's availability provides crucial depth for the team's three-man defensive interior as Green Bay manages various injury absences across their active roster for their Week 3 matchup.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray stated he recovered "pretty quickly" from his Week 1 concussion and that being placed in protocol was just part of the process. Murray's return provides a fresh opportunity for wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings to get their passing game on track. Head coach Kevin O'Connell remains fully committed to generating big downfield plays to unlock the team's explosive offensive potential.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown revealed he was hit with four separate fines totaling nearly $60,000 for touchdown celebrations against Buffalo where he mimicked smoking. St. Brown noted each fine is over $14,000 and confirmed he is appealing the discipline. On the field, he poses a massive threat to the New York Jets secondary as analysts project him to exploit coverage vulnerabilities at Ford Field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. remained sidelined with a groin injury, marking his second consecutive missed practice ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Bain suffered the injury during last week's loss to Cleveland. Meanwhile, teammates Josiah Trotter and Anthony Nelson returned to practice, and quarterback Baker Mayfield practiced through an illness as final injury reports approach.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Teddye Buchanan is set to make his 2026 debut against the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Buchanan was listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday after recovering from a torn ACL suffered last December that ended his rookie breakout. Expected to play by coaching reports, his return provides a major boost to the middle of Baltimore's defense alongside star linebacker Roquan Smith.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike has progressed to full practice participation this week as he works back from a neck injury that sidelined him since Week 2 of the 2025 season. Madubuike stated on Thursday that he feels like he is in the ballpark to play against the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro this weekend, though a final decision on his active game-day status is still forthcoming from the coaching staff.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers practiced for a second straight day, remaining limited but increasing his chances of making his season debut Sunday against New Orleans. Bowers missed the first two games recovering from a September 8 meniscus trim of his left knee. Now participating fully in practice portions, the standout first-round pick is expected to be a significant part of the game plan playing alongside quarterback Kirk Cousins for the first time.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was among several players punished by the NFL with fines for on-field celebrations during Week 2 action, specifically involving 'the people's elbow.' Higgins and teammate Ja'Marr Chase voiced plans to appeal the league-mandated financial penalties while calling for the NFLPA to strongly advocate for players' financial rights in light of the recent wave of strict celebration crackdowns across the league.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow assessed his performance as average despite deep-ball touchdowns, while the team aims to lean less on him due to a surging new defense featuring Dexter Lawrence. Through two games, Cincinnati ranks eighth in scoring defense, lowering Burrow's burden and injury risk. Burrow prepares to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, cautioning against overconfidence despite a 2-0 start and a formidable division rivalry history.
Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater, who was limited on Wednesday due to a groin injury, upgraded to full practice participation on Thursday. His return alongside safety Derwin James provides a significant boost as the Chargers prepare for Sunday's game in Buffalo. Slater's progression is positive news for an offensive line currently managing multiple injuries and roster adjustments ahead of the matchup.
The Washington Commanders prepare for a Week 3 home opener against the Seattle Seahawks without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who suffered a left elbow dislocation during a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Marcus Mariota is now running the offense, utilizing his veteran experience to guide the team. The Commanders face formidable defensive challenges as they seek their first win before heading to London for Week 4.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young returned to full participation in Thursday's practice, showcasing good health regarding his calf injury after being limited on Wednesday as the team prepares to host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Caesars Superdome. Young's full participation comes as a welcome sign for the Saints' defensive line, which saw several players limited or missing from Thursday's session due to injuries and illnesses.
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James returned to full practice participation on Thursday after missing Wednesday due to rest and a finger injury. James plans to play in Sunday's game in Buffalo while wearing a cast to protect his finger. His return to full status is a key addition for the Chargers defense alongside other roster updates as they prepare for the upcoming road matchup against the Bills.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was among multiple players penalized by the NFL for celebrations during Week 2. Expressing frustration over the disciplinary action alongside teammate Tee Higgins, Chase announced his intention to appeal the fine and publicly called for the NFLPA to step up and aggressively fight for players' money amid the league's mounting crackdown on on-field demonstrations.
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday as he deals with a sore ankle. While fellow running back Tony Pollard returned to the field in limited fashion, Spears was not seen during the open portion of practice. His official status and availability for Sunday's upcoming home game against the New York Giants will become clearer when the final injury report is released following Friday's session.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) was absent from the start of Thursday's practice, Joe Buscaglia reports. Moore suffered an AC joint sprain during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Lions and was a limited participant on Wednesday, though he reportedly felt great in a non-contact jersey before being listed as a non-participant on Thursday. The rest of the week's practice sessions will provide crucial clarity on whether Moore can suit up for Sunday's upcoming game.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Trent Brown (knee/wrist) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out the previous day's session. While Brown made a welcome return to the field, teammate M.J. Stewart went the opposite direction with a knee injury, and defensive figures like Jadeveon Clowney and Nico Collins remained sidelined as the Texans prepare for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones was present for the open portion of Thursday's practice, trending upward after missing Wednesday's session due to a knee injury. Jones took on a massive workload in Jordan Mason's absence during Week 2 with 23 carries but emerged with minor physical wear. Though not a complete lock to play in Week 3, his current trajectory is encouraging, with DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne backing him up.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers missed practice for the second consecutive day due to a hamstring injury aggravated during the season-opening win over the Colts. Although he worked out on a side field prior to session, he sat out Week 2 against the Saints and is in major danger of missing Sunday's game against the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, with the team traveling to Brazil without clarity on his game-day availability.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (ankle) did not participate in Thursday's practice session, joining teammate DJ Moore on the sidelines. Coleman's absence compounds injury concerns for the Bills' receiving corps ahead of their upcoming matchup. Reporters confirmed neither receiver was present on the field for the start of individual drills, leaving the team's offensive depth temporarily under watch as the week's injury report develops.
