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NFL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

Jayden Reed Undergoes Tests for Neck Injury With Season in Doubt

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed returned to Green Bay after spending Sunday night in a New Jersey hospital following a neck injury sustained against the Jets. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed it is "too soon" to know if Reed will miss the remainder of the 2026 season or when he can return. The starting slot receiver, who signed a three-year, $50.25 million extension this offseason, is unlikely to play Thursday against Atlanta.

Jahdae Barron Sees Playing Time Drop Dramatically

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Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron has seen his role shrink significantly early in his second season, logging just two snaps last week and six total on the year. The former first-round pick averaged 20 snaps per game as a rookie and never played fewer than 10 snaps in any contest last season. His sudden drop in playing time raises long-term questions despite Denver's depth in the secondary.

Sam Darnold Expected to Return to Practice Ahead of Week 3 Matchup

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to return to practice Wednesday after missing most of the first two games with a glute injury sustained in the season opener. Coach Mike Macdonald stated Darnold was ahead of schedule in his recovery, taking a key step toward potential Week 3 availability against Washington. Backup Drew Lock has filled in capably during a 2-0 start, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 2 win over Arizona.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rico Dowdle Day-to-Day Following Toe Injury Tests

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle is considered day-to-day after medical testing on a toe injury sustained Sunday checked out relatively okay. Dowdle was carted off in the second half of a 20-3 loss to the Patriots but avoided severe damage. He finished the game with seven carries for 22 yards and two catches for 22 yards. His practice participation will determine his availability for the upcoming Week 3 divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tom Brady Praises Josh Allen as Bills QB Takes Over Top Spot on QB Mountain

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Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady praised Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen for eliminating negative plays, noting that his decision-making and maturity have elevated his game to an MVP level. Allen has led Buffalo to a 2-0 start with 582 passing yards, 92 rushing yards, and nine total touchdowns without throwing an interception. Nick Wright's quarterback rankings have also elevated Allen to the number one spot entering Week 3 of the NFL season.

Brandin Cooks Signed to 49ers Practice Squad Amid Injury Crisis

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The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad to reinforce a heavily depleted receiving corps. Entering his 13th NFL season, Cooks needs just 189 yards to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. He joins the team as they manage injuries to Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson, Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and De'Zhaun Stribling. Cooks will get conditioned before potentially being activated to the main roster to provide crucial depth.

Odell Beckham Jr. Reacts as Jaxson Dart Faces Long-Term Injury

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Odell Beckham Jr. was on the field for only three offensive snaps in the Giants' Monday night game against the Rams, remaining targeted zero times through two games. His limited involvement raises questions about his roster spot, especially with starting QB Jaxson Dart facing potential season-ending knee surgery. Beckham shared an emotional response on social media to the severe injury update regarding his teammate.

Miami Dolphins Hold Kicker Tryouts Amidst Riley Patterson's Early Struggles

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Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson is under scrutiny after missing field goal attempts in consecutive games to start the season against the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Following head coach Jeff Hafley's public expression of frustration, the Dolphins brought in free-agent kickers Chris Freeman, Tanner Brown, and Lucas Havrisik for tryouts on Tuesday. While no immediate replacement has been signed, Patterson faces mounting pressure to convert his kicks moving forward.

Rookie Edge Cashius Howell Making Major Impact for Cincinnati Bengals Defense

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Cincinnati Bengals second-round draft pick Cashius Howell is quickly standing out as a high-impact rookie edge rusher. After a strong preseason highlighted by his signature spin move, Howell recorded six pressures against the Houston Texans while playing starter-level snaps. Though he has not yet been credited with an official sack, his relentless explosiveness and deep pass-rush repertoire have caused constant backfield disruption and drawn high praise early in the season.

New York Giants Reportedly Considering Re-signing QB Brandon Allen for Depth

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Following a severe knee injury to starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston moving into the starting role, the New York Giants are in the market for a third quarterback and could re-sign Brandon Allen, per NFL Media's Mike Garafolo. Allen, 34, has spent five of the past six seasons with Giants quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan and backed up Tennessee last season. The Giants also currently have Jake Haener on the practice squad as they evaluate their options.

Mike Onwenu Placed on Injured Reserve After Sustaining Broken Right Ankle

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The New England Patriots officially placed starting right guard Mike Onwenu on injured reserve after he sustained a broken right ankle during Sunday's 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Onwenu will be sidelined short-term at minimum, with a return this season uncertain. Greg Van Roten replaced him on the line, while the Patriots promoted punter Mitch Wishnowsky and signed tight end Tanner Conner to the practice squad in corresponding roster moves.

Mason Taylor Week-to-Week With Thumb Injury for Jets

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New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor is week-to-week with a thumb injury sustained in an overtime loss to Green Bay and is expected to miss Sunday's Week 3 matchup against Detroit. Taylor exited after playing two-thirds of offensive snaps, and his practice availability is unlikely this week. His absence clears the path for first-round rookie Kenyon Sadiq to see expanded playing time alongside tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods.

Terrance Ferguson Emerges as Key Target in Rams Victory

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson emerged as a key offensive weapon in Monday night's 28-6 victory over the New York Giants. Capitalizing on the absence of Puka Nacua, Ferguson hauled in six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown on nine targets from Matthew Stafford, playing 36 snaps. Deployed inline, in the slot, and in motion, he ran routes on over 70 percent of snaps and secured a 31 percent target share to solidify his growing role.

Brett Thorson Set to Miss Time With Hamstring Injury

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Minnesota Vikings punter Brett Thorson is set to miss some time with a hamstring injury. To address his absence, the team has added veteran punter Johnny Hekker to the practice squad. Thorson's recovery timeline will dictate when he returns to active duties for the Vikings, who also made additional roster adjustments by signing running back Jaret Patterson while releasing receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Phillips from the practice squad.

Minnesota Vikings Sign Veteran Punter Johnny Hekker to Squad

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The Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran punter Johnny Hekker to their practice squad as punter Brett Thorson is set to miss time with a hamstring injury. Hekker, 35, spent the offseason with Minnesota and played the 2025 season with Tennessee, averaging 46.8 yards per punt. A four-time AP first-team All-Pro, Hekker has appeared in 229 career games for the Rams, Panthers, and Titans while also completing 15-of-26 career passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.

Kevin Byard Highlights Patriots' Dominant Defensive Start

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Patriots veteran safety Kevin Byard credited defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr's aggressiveness and trust in players for New England's dominant defensive start. Byard highlighted cornerback Christian Gonzalez's rare ability to lock down opposing top receivers like JSN and DK Metcalf, allowing the defense to shift coverages. Feeding off head coach Mike Vrabel's physical identity, Byard expressed confidence that the defense can lead the team to wins while the offense finds its rhythm.

Nakobe Dean Shines with Standout Performance in Raiders Week 2 Victory

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Linebacker Nakobe Dean put together an exceptional all-around performance in the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 2 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, highlighted by a game-clinching forced fumble. Through two games, Dean ranks high among linebackers with nine defensive stops and has showcased elite instincts as a run defender and off-ball blitzer. His high football IQ and physical play have provided an immediate defensive spark for the Raiders.

Russell Wilson Reacts to Devastating Jaxson Dart Injury News

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Former New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson expressed dismay on CBS Sports' 'Set, Hut!' upon learning that QB Jaxson Dart faces a potential season-ending knee injury. Wilson, who started three games for Big Blue in 2025 before transitioning to broadcasting, highlighted the Giants' lack of depth behind Dart. Wilson noted he received an offer from the Jets this offseason before choosing his current analyst role with CBS.

DeWayne Carter Making Strong Rotational Impact for Buffalo Bills Defense

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After nearly being cut following the preseason, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is making a quality impact as a rotational player for the Buffalo Bills. Capitalizing on opportunities created by injuries to Zane Durant and Ed Oliver, Carter has appeared on 34% of defensive snaps through two games. He has recorded two stops, multiple quarterback pressures, and ranks second among NFL defensive tackles in ESPN's run stop win rate after an offseason body transformation.

Zach Bako-Bewele Sidelined for Season with Torn Patellar Tendon

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Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele confirmed he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season with a full tear of his patellar tendon in his right knee, the same knee he partially tore last year. Sustained during Sunday's win over the Jets, the injury requires surgery and a grueling 8- to 12-month recovery. Second-year pro Anthony Belton is expected to step into the starting right tackle role as the struggling Packers attempt to navigate a massive loss on their offensive line.