Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed punter Johnny Hekker to their practice squad. This move comes after rookie punter Brett Thorson, who won the preseason punting battle against Hekker, suffered a hamstring injury. Hekker is prepared to take over both punter and holder duties if Thorson misses any time.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley suffered a neck stinger, missing the first half of Sunday's game before returning with a neck roll. This bodes well for his Week 3 availability, though his snap count may be reduced. Tank Bigsby and Jordan Shipley could see increased usage in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner is emerging as a key defensive piece in his sixth season, taking on a bigger role without Demario Davis. In a 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Werner recorded a team-high 11 total tackles (8 solo), a sack, three pressures, a tackle for loss, and a defensive stop, earning a 79.6 pass-rush grade from PFF. He is consistently around the football and showing capability for increased responsibility.
Following the placement of Charlie Kolar and David Njoku on injured reserve, Oronde Gadsden II is now one of only two active tight ends for the Los Angeles Chargers, alongside newly signed Hayden Rucci. He is seen as a significant beneficiary of the team's recent injury woes at the position.
The Los Angeles Chargers have announced the release of wide receiver Gary Jennings. This roster move was made as the team adjusted its depth, notably signing tight end Hayden Rucci to the active roster.
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku has been placed on injured reserve this week. The team subsequently signed Hayden Rucci to the active roster to address the depleted tight end position.
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed former Dolphins and 49ers tight end Hayden Rucci to their active roster. This move comes after Charlie Kolar and David Njoku were placed on injured reserve, leaving Rucci and Oronde Gadsden II as the only two tight ends on the roster. Rucci, 6'5", 247 lbs, played four career games in 2025 with the Dolphins, primarily as a run blocker.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has emphatically silenced any early-season doubts by putting up dominant performances through the first two weeks. Simmons leads the entire NFL in pass-rush wins with 19 and boasts a 37% pass-rush win rate, anchoring the Titans' defensive front and proving his superstar status under the new coaching scheme.
Running back Austin Ekeler is scheduled for a workout with the Carolina Panthers as the team addresses significant backfield depth concerns. The potential roster move comes directly in the wake of news that running back Jonathon Brooks is headed to injured reserve to undergo core muscle surgery, sidelining him for at least six weeks following a groin injury sustained during Sunday's game.
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is proving to be an under-the-radar steal for the Philadelphia Eagles, emerging as a reliable WR2 option alongside DeVonta Smith. Wicks has caught 7 of 10 targets for 147 yards, with all catches resulting in first downs or touchdowns, earning the complete trust of quarterback Jalen Hurts in high-pressure third-and-long situations.
Chicago Bears center Garrett Bradbury faced a difficult outing during the team's messy 9-3 weather-impacted loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Dealing with slick conditions at Soldier Field that complicated snap execution and footing, Bradbury and the interior offensive line look to bounce back as the team prepares for an upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Running back Rachaad White is emerging as a vital component for the Washington Commanders' offense under Marcus Mariota. After a quiet opener, White showed his value against the Dallas Cowboys by contributing strongly in the running game, catching passes out of the backfield, and delivering in pass protection as the team adjusts following injuries to key playmakers.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox is delivering exceptional value as a blocking savant alongside Jackson Hawes, paving the way for running back James Cook's explosive runs. Knox has utilized stellar reach blocks, space execution, and snatch-trap techniques against elite edge defenders and linebackers to help the Bills excel in 13 personnel usage and maintain one of the most productive rushing attacks in the NFL through the first two weeks.
Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes has emerged as an elite blocker alongside teammate Dawson Knox, powering a ground game that features running back James Cook with seven runs of 10-plus yards. Hawes has displayed exceptional technical skill and physicality, registering zero pressures allowed on 10 pass-blocking snaps while executing crucial reach blocks and second-level seals against top-tier defenders to help anchor Buffalo's efficient offensive attack.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt's dominant early-season performance is evaluated among 32 NFL surprise trends and stats through Week 2. Analysts examine whether his impactful metrics and sustained defensive excellence carry long-term staying power or represent early-season variance as the Steelers progress through the 2026 NFL campaign.
Miami Dolphins rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor sought advice from San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams following the team's 35-13 Week 2 loss. The 21-year-old first-round pick out of Alabama spoke with Williams to discuss moving past early mistakes and learning how to push forward in the NFL. The Dolphins are navigating a youth movement and focusing on avoiding blowouts as they prepare for upcoming matchups in their rebuilding 2026 season.
San Francisco 49ers veteran left tackle Trent Williams offered words of encouragement and advice to Miami Dolphins rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor following the 49ers' 35-13 victory. The 38-year-old, 12-time Pro Bowler shared his perspective on moving past early-game mistakes and handling the rigorous learning curve of facing elite NFL competition during their post-game conversation at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Jordan Stout put together a strong performance for the New York Giants during their difficult 28-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Amidst a rough night for the Giants that included a blowout loss and a significant knee injury to starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, Stout's solid showing stood out as one of the few silver linings for the team as they begin preparations to face the Tennessee Titans.
Jevon Holland delivered a strong performance during a tough outing for the New York Giants in their 28-6 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. While the Giants struggled mightily across both sides of the ball and lost starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to a knee injury in the first quarter, Holland was highlighted as one of the few bright spots with a solid individual night on the field as the team looks to rebound against the Tennessee Titans.
Craig Woodson suffered a shoulder injury during the New England Patriots' Week 2 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was unable to finish the game. Along with fellow safety Dell Pettus, who hurt his ankle, Woodson's injury prompted the team to host free agents Darren Hall and Malik Spencer for tryouts on Tuesday. Head coach Mike Vrabel's defense relies on depth as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their next scheduled game.
