Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Carolina Panthers pass rusher Jaelan Phillips missed Wednesday's practice due to a back injury. Head coach Dave Canales stated that Phillips is considered day-to-day heading into the team's Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The team is managing multiple injuries across the roster as they prepare for Sunday's game.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following a dominant 34-3 victory featuring nine tackles, two interceptions—including a pick-six—two tackles for loss, and one sack. However, Lloyd missed Wednesday's practice due to a calf injury. Head coach Dave Canales states that Lloyd is considered day-to-day heading into the team's Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ongoing ankle issue that also slowed him last week. Despite the injury, Coker successfully played through it and registered eight catches in a win over the Falcons. Managing his reps may be standard practice until he reaches 100 percent, but his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns is not in question.
The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran defensive tackle Naquan Jones off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad to bolster an interior line hit by rookie James Thompson Jr.'s high-ankle sprain and C.J. West going to injured reserve. Jones, who played 177 snaps in 2025 with Houston and the Chargers, joins a thin 49ers defensive tackle room looking to provide immediate depth against the run.
In a surprising reversal, Las Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar will not be placed on injured reserve despite undergoing surgery on his left forearm Monday after suffering an injury in Sunday's game. The team previously indicated he would be sidelined on IR, but head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed he will avoid the designation as the team continues to manage roster adjustments.
The Seattle Seahawks placed starting right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve due to knee and hip injuries, sidelining him for at least the next four games. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted the injury is not season-ending and expects a relatively short recovery. Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens split snaps in his absence and will continue to compete for starting duties.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' early-season performances draw attention as observers evaluate the offense heading into Week 3. Mahomes noted that opponents are heavily respecting the run game led by Kenneth Walker III, allowing the offense to effectively leverage play-action passes and efficient throws to keep defenses guessing and maintain offensive success.
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol following Sunday's game against the Vikings, keeping him out of team facilities and Wednesday's practices. With starter Caleb Williams also dealing with a hamstring injury, head coach Ben Johnson has left the starting quarterback position undecided for Monday night's game against Philadelphia, leaving veteran Case Keenum to take first-team reps.
Seattle Seahawks safety Rodney Thomas II has been signed directly from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster, while Anthony Bradford was placed on IR. After filling in impressively for the injured Ty Okada over the first two weeks—including tipping a crucial deep ball that led to a game-changing interception in a win over the Patriots—Thomas exhausts his standard elevations and secures a permanent spot on the roster.
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason remains on injured reserve due to a thumb injury sustained prior to Week 2. With Aaron Jones also dealing with a knee issue, the Vikings backfield depth is heavily tested, relying on DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne for upcoming matchups.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Cody White helped seal a 26-14 road victory over the Chargers by catching an 11-yard touchdown pass on third-and-five late in the fourth quarter. Utilizing a brilliant play-design by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak that mirrored a run look from Week 1 against Miami, White sold a block before breaking wide open to the corner for the game-clinching score.
The Philadelphia Eagles re-signed franchise legend Zach Ertz to address tight end depth with Dallas Goedert expected to miss time due to a knee injury. Ertz logged 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 before a torn ACL. Bringing strong chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts, Ertz enters the active roster aiming to contribute immediately in the Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has put together a dominant start through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season, leading the league with an 80.4% completion rate. Fully healthy after battling past nagging injuries, Purdy's mobility has returned as he drives the San Francisco offense effectively, complemented by strong performances from Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is moving from the practice squad to the active roster in Los Angeles, as announced by head coach Jim Harbaugh. Valdes-Scantling signed with the Chargers last week after being released by the Cowboys in August. The veteran wideout brings prior experience from the Steelers, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, and other franchises to help bolster the receiving corps.
Minnesota Vikings running back DeeJay Dallas is positioned for an expanded role as Aaron Jones deals with a knee injury and Jordan Mason remains sidelined on injured reserve. Dallas out-snapped rookie Demond Claiborne 8 to 2 against Chicago, contributing both on the ground and through the passing game as Minnesota prepares for Tampa Bay.
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne stands to factor into the backfield rotation alongside DeeJay Dallas as Aaron Jones deals with a knee injury and Jordan Mason remains on injured reserve. Claiborne logged two pass-route snaps in Week 2 against Chicago and continues working to secure a more prominent role.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle T.J. Sanders underwent an appendectomy Tuesday night, adding to a frustrating start to the season that previously included a knee injury and an illness. Coach Joe Brady announced Sanders is out indefinitely, leaving his return timeline unclear. In response, the Bills signed defensive lineman Austin Johnson to their practice squad.
Geno Smith remains firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, who added former second-round pick Will Levis to the practice squad as additional depth and an insurance policy. With rookie Cade Klubnik backing up Smith, head coach Aaron Glenn noted the team brought in Levis to evaluate his potential and provide competitive practice reps.
The New York Jets signed former second-round pick Will Levis to their practice squad as an insurance policy behind starting quarterback Geno Smith. Head coach Aaron Glenn explained that the team views Levis as a developmental prospect who will get reps against the defense. After stints with the Titans, Levis was released following camp and now joins New York to potentially revitalize his professional career.
The Detroit Lions promoted center Seth McLaughlin from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, filling their final roster spot. McLaughlin is expected to serve as the team's primary backup center while Cade Mays remains on injured reserve with a broken wrist. McLaughlin was elevated in Week 2 but did not play. He spent the 2025 season on the Bengals' practice squad and is awaiting his NFL regular-season debut.
