George Pickens Eyed as Contract-Year Player to Watch in 2026
George Pickens has plenty riding on the 2026 campaign as a high-profile contract-year player, facing crucial performance benchmarks and evaluation as he anchors his standing in the league.
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NFL News
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Wednesday, September 23
Kyler Murray Has Plenty Riding on 2026 Contract-Year Campaign
Kyler Murray has plenty riding on the 2026 NFL season as a prominent contract-year player to watch, alongside other notable stars navigating pivotal financial and performance benchmarks across the league.
Baker Mayfield Secured Contract Extension Ahead of 2026 Season
Baker Mayfield secured a contract extension ahead of the season, locking in his status with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as part of a group of notable 2026 contract-year players and established starters navigating the new league year.
Jonathan Taylor Secured Extension Ahead of 2026 NFL Season
Jonathan Taylor secured a contract extension ahead of the 2026 NFL season, joining Baker Mayfield among players locked into new deals. As part of the Indianapolis Colts' offensive core, Taylor enters the 2026 campaign with high expectations as the team manages roster shifts following injuries to receiving weapons like Alec Pierce.
Andrei Iosivas Bound for IR With Torn Thumb Ligament
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas is heading to injured reserve after suffering a torn ligament in his thumb, requiring surgery. Head coach Zac Taylor stated that Iosivas is expected to miss four to six weeks before returning. Iosivas had played over half of the team's offensive snaps through the first two games, and his absence opens rotational opportunities for receivers Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young.
Deshaun Watson Ready for Support in Browns Home Opener
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson stated Wednesday that he is ready for fan support ahead of Sunday's home opener against the Carolina Panthers. Coming off a 23-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, Watson aims to move past preseason boos and build positive momentum. The team is focused on securing another victory before hosting the Steelers on a short week.
Mike McCarthy Expresses Faith in DK Metcalf After Slow Start
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in star wide receiver DK Metcalf despite a sluggish start to the 2026 season. Metcalf has recorded eight receptions for 67 yards and no touchdowns through two games, including a four-catch, 27-yard performance with two drops in Sunday's loss to New England. McCarthy praised Metcalf's professionalism, and the team remains focused on unlocking his big-play potential moving forward.
Zay Flowers Sidelined from Wednesday Practice With Hamstring Injury
Baltimore Ravens star wide receiver Zay Flowers did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury. Although head coach Jesse Minter previously expressed optimism about Flowers playing in Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Cowboys in Brazil, opening the week as a spectator casts uncertainty on his availability. If he misses a second straight game, Rashod Bateman will step into the No. 1 receiver role.
Nick Cross Ruled Out for Week 3 After Surgery for Internal Injury
Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross has been officially ruled out for Week 3 after undergoing surgery in Dallas for an internal injury suffered during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Cross remains back home recovering, adding to a mounting list of injuries and sidelined starters for the Commanders as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks.
New Orleans Saints Sign Veteran Long Snapper Cal Adomitis
The New Orleans Saints signed veteran long snapper Cal Adomitis to their active roster following the departure of Scott Daly to the Chicago Bears. Adomitis, who has previous experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins, steps in to stabilize the position after starter Zach Wood sustained a calf injury.
Scott Daly Signed Off Saints Practice Squad by Chicago Bears
Long snapper Scott Daly's brief stint with the New Orleans Saints has ended after the Chicago Bears signed him directly off the Saints' practice squad. Daly had been brought in following a calf injury to Zach Wood and appeared in Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens before heading to Chicago to join the Bears' active roster.
Dohnte Meyers Positioned for More Snaps While Iosivas Recovers
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers stands to gain playing time following the placement of Andrei Iosivas on injured reserve due to a torn thumb ligament. As the Bengals adjust their receiving corps, Meyers and Colbie Young will battle for rotational snaps behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins during Iosivas's multi-week absence.
Colbie Young Eyes Expanded Snaps Following Iosivas Injury
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young could see increased opportunities following the news that teammate Andrei Iosivas is heading to injured reserve with a torn thumb ligament. With Iosivas expected to miss several weeks, Young and fellow wideout Dohnte Meyers are positioned to compete for elevated snaps in the offense behind starters Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Arian Smith Out for Season With Torn ACL After Week 2 Loss
New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday's overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. Placed on injured reserve earlier in the week, Smith's season-ending injury leaves the Jets shorthanded with only three healthy wide receivers remaining on the 53-man roster as they navigate early-season depth concerns.
First-Round Pick David Bailey Dealing With Elbow Issue
New York Jets first-round pick David Bailey is dealing with an elbow issue following Sunday's overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, head coach Aaron Glenn shared encouraging news on Wednesday, indicating that Bailey is expected to be fine. Bailey was able to participate in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion as the Jets prepare for their upcoming schedule.
Josh Palmer Shreds Secondaries as Bills Secret Superstar
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer has emerged as a vital weapon in head coach Joe Brady's offense, excelling in vertical concepts like the Dagger route. Benefiting from increased deep-passing opportunities, Palmer has recorded multiple deep catches and touchdowns early in the 2026 season. Signed to a three-year deal before 2025, Palmer continues to punish opposing secondaries alongside quarterback Josh Allen.
Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson Shines as Chiefs Left Tackle
Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson has emerged as a reliable starter while filling in for the injured Josh Simmons. Following solid performances against Denver and Indianapolis, Benson allowed no sacks across significant pass-blocking snaps while displaying physical prowess in the run game. Head coach Andy Reid praised general manager Brett Veach and the coaching staff for identifying and developing the former Indiana standout.
Hezekiah Masses Earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week Honors
Las Vegas Raiders rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after a stellar performance in a 26-14 victory over the Chargers. Masses intercepted Justin Herbert twice, becoming the first Raiders rookie with a two-interception game since 1979. The fifth-round pick also contributed five tackles and a tackle for loss, earning the prestigious weekly conference honor as a key contributor to Las Vegas's 2-0 start to the season.
Amarius Mims Shines as Star Offensive Tackle for Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims continued his stellar play, allowing just one pressure in a 20-6 road victory over the Houston Texans. Exhibiting elite athleticism, power, and size against elite pass rushers, Mims has allowed only one pressure all season, placing him among the league's top-performing offensive linemen and cementing his status as an emerging standout protector for the Bengals.
Isaiah Rodgers Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Minnesota Vikings contributor Isaiah Rodgers earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition for his clutch play in a 9-3 defensive battle against the Chicago Bears. With the Vikings leading 6-3 in the fourth quarter, Rodgers blocked Cairo Santos's 23-yard field goal attempt to preserve Minnesota's lead and ultimately secure the low-scoring divisional victory on the road.