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NFL News

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

Wednesday, September 23

Michael Penix Jr. Cleared to Start for Atlanta Falcons on Thursday

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Michael Penix Jr. fully participated in practice Wednesday and carries no injury designation, setting him up to start for the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night against Green Bay. Sidelined since November with a torn ACL, Penix takes the helm of an offense featuring a tumultuous quarterback room. The elite deep passer returns to lead an offense looking for stability amidst early-season struggles and a unique mix of developmental options and backups under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Kenneth Walker III Dominates as Explosive Running Back for Chiefs

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III has made an explosive impact after signing a three-year, $45M deal, totaling 369 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 56 touches through two games. Leading the NFL with 29 forced missed tackles and 290 rushing yards, Walker's dynamic downhill running has anchored a 2-0 start. While benefiting from lighter boxes alongside Patrick Mahomes, his high touch pace raises durability concerns that may require rookie Emmett Johnson's help.

Nicholas Singleton Emerges as Backfield Option Amid Injuries

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Tennessee Titans rookie running back Nicholas Singleton would be the best bet for touches in the Tennessee backfield if injured starters Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears miss Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Both Pollard and Spears were sidelined from Wednesday's practice due to ankle soreness, making the rookie an important player to monitor and worth stashing in deep fantasy leagues.

Tyjae Spears Sits Out Wednesday Practice With Sore Ankle

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Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears missed Wednesday's practice session due to a sore ankle, alongside backfield teammate Tony Pollard. Spears serves as an explosive change-of-pace option, having logged 53 rushing yards on 10 carries and four catches for 41 yards through the first two games. He must upgrade his practice status before the weekend matchup against the New York Giants to maintain his role.

Tony Pollard Misses Wednesday Practice Due to Ankle Soreness

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Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard did not participate in Wednesday's practice session due to ankle soreness, described by head coach Robert Saleh as general soreness. Pollard has operated as the primary option out of the Tennessee backfield through the first two games, accumulating 99 rushing yards on 21 carries and two receptions. His practice status will be monitored closely ahead of the upcoming weekend contest against the Giants.

Chris Bell Limited in Wednesday Practice Due to Knee Injury

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Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. It remains unclear if the restriction is related to the torn ACL he suffered last December. Through two games, the rookie third-rounder has tallied one catch for 25 yards and a 48% route rate. He will look to prove his health before Sunday's game against the Chiefs, potentially seeing increased opportunity.

Caleb Douglas Sidelined From Wednesday Practice With Ankle Injury

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Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas was sidelined for Wednesday's practice after sustaining an ankle injury late in a 35-13 loss to San Francisco. Head coach Jeff Hafley remained non-committal regarding availability for Week 3 against Kansas City. Douglas may need to practice by week's end to suit up after tallying 113 receiving yards on seven catches through his first two career games.

Matthew Stafford Adjusts Without Puka Nacua Ahead of Broncos

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Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams offense adjusted without star wide receiver Puka Nacua during a Monday night win, leaning on veteran Davante Adams and tight end Terrance Ferguson. As the Rams prepare for Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos, Stafford's primary target remains sidelined due to a lingering groin and hip injury, forcing the team to continue navigating their offensive game plan cautiously while awaiting Nacua's eventual return to the practice field.

Puka Nacua Dealing With Lingering Groin Injury Ahead of Broncos

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua missed Wednesday's walk-through as he continues battling a lingering groin and hip injury that kept him out of Monday's win over the Giants. Head coach Sean McVay noted the team is exercising caution with the All-Pro receiver to prevent a September issue from becoming an October problem, describing it as potentially 'pre-hernia' with rest as the best remedy. Nacua's status remains officially questionable for Sunday's upcoming matchup against Denver.

Nico Collins Misses Wednesday Practice Due to Hamstring Injury

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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was absent from Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury suffered during practice last week. Insider Aaron Wilson reported that Collins was expected to miss two games with his injury. Having already sat out Week 3 preparations, Collins is considered in danger of missing multiple games and fantasy owners should not count on him in lineups as he needs late-week participation to play.

Caleb Williams Week-to-Week With Right Hamstring Injury

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is week-to-week and missed Wednesday's practice due to a right hamstring injury sustained late in a 9-3 loss to the Vikings. Facing an 81.8% blitz rate, Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards with an interception and 42 rushing yards. With backup Tyson Bagent in concussion protocol, head coach Ben Johnson prepares for Monday night's upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jadarian Price Returns to Limited Practice Despite Chest Injury

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Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday despite a chest and shoulder concern from the Week 2 win over Arizona. Having taken control of the backfield with 104 rushing yards at 4.5 yards per carry, he is on track to ramp up his workload for Sunday's visit to Washington. The chest injury adds minor risk, but he handled 13 of 20 RB carries before exiting last week and remains a solid fantasy starter.

Zach Bako-Bewele Ruled Out for Week 3 With Knee Injury

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Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele did not participate in practice Wednesday, September 23, due to a knee injury and has been officially ruled out for Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. The absence further impacts depth along the Packers offensive line alongside fellow lineman Aaron Banks.

Aaron Banks Ruled Out for Thursday Night With Knee and Toe Injuries

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Green Bay Packers left guard Aaron Banks has been officially ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons after failing to participate in Wednesday's practice. Banks sustained knee and toe injuries during the second quarter of last Sunday's win over the Jets. Offensive lineman Donovan Jennings and other backups are expected to step into increased roles to help anchor the depleted Packers offensive line.

Jameis Winston Vows to Excel as New York Giants Starter

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Jameis Winston assumes the starting quarterback role for the New York Giants following a season-ending knee injury to Jaxson Dart. Winston, who completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception after stepping in during a 28-6 loss to the Rams, expressed full confidence in his ability to execute with precision. Head coach John Harbaugh noted that Winston's strong passing abilities provide a clear foundation as the team prepares to face the Titans.

Justin Herbert Addresses Chargers Leadership Amid 0-2 Start

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Justin Herbert was uncharacteristically fiery when asked about increased vocal leadership on the Chargers amid the team's 0-2 start, stating the team is not panicked or worried. Herbert faced a difficult outing in a 26-14 loss to the Raiders, getting intercepted twice by rookie Hezekiah Masses. Under Mike McDaniel's system, Herbert was pressured on 54.8% of dropbacks, posting a sub-60% completion rate and a 71.6 passer rating before facing Buffalo.

Keon Coleman Misses Wednesday Practice Due to Ankle Injury

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury sustained ahead of the Week 3 home game against the Chargers. Coleman had one catch for one yard in Week 1, and six catches for 63 yards on six targets in Week 2. He will need to return to the practice field in the coming days to prove his availability for Sunday's contest.

DJ Moore Participates in Practice Wearing Red Non-Contact Jersey

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore made a move toward returning by participating in Wednesday's practice on a limited basis in a red non-contact jersey. Moore exited the Week 2 win over Detroit early due to an AC joint sprain after logging 23 snaps and one carry for minus-1 yard. He reported feeling great afterward. In Week 1, he posted five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against Houston, providing an encouraging sign for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

Robert Saleh Reveals 49ers Nearly Drafted Cam Skattebo

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Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh revealed the San Francisco 49ers heavily considered drafting New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo in the 2025 NFL Draft before he was selected at No. 105. Skattebo has quickly emerged as a physically imposing running back for New York, bouncing back from a rookie ankle injury to rush for 117 yards and a touchdown through his first two games of the 2026 season.

Lamar Jackson Prepares for Dual-Threat Test Against Cowboys in Rio

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is preparing to challenge the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium amid heavy defensive pressure that has targeted over 41% of his dropbacks through two weeks. Jackson stated he is unconcerned with ongoing criticisms regarding the stadium's field conditions, while the Cowboys defense works on disciplined containment strategies to limit his elite dual-threat playmaking ability during Sunday's international matchup.