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NFL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

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.

Joe Burrow Confirms Hit From Texans Actually Popped Rib Back Into Place

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow confirmed that a heavy hit from Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during Sunday's game literally popped his rib back into place. Initially listed on the injury report with a back issue, Burrow told teammates on the sideline and media members that his condition actually felt better afterward following the unusual chiropractic impact. The Bengals elevated quarterback Josh Johnson for Sunday's game amid the injury concerns.

Matthew Stafford Throws Four Touchdowns in Rams Victory

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford bounced back with 327 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in a 28-6 victory over the Giants. Stafford reached 427 career touchdowns, moving to sixth in NFL history and second in Rams history. His wife Kelly celebrated the dominant win on Instagram with the caption 'We are so back' after Stafford blew a kiss to his family following L.A.'s return to the win column.

Kenneth Walker III Rises in Updated Week 2 Rest-of-Season Rankings

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Running back Kenneth Walker III saw an upward movement in the updated rest-of-season player rankings released following Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. The analytical rankings aim to assist managers with free agent acquisitions and comprehensive roster evaluations. Walker's stock climbed following strong early-season indicators, highlighting his growing impact and importance for fantasy and team outlooks moving forward.

Drake Maye Featured in Latest Rest-of-Season NFL Fantasy Rankings

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye appeared in the latest rest-of-season player rankings following the conclusion of Week 2 action. The comprehensive evaluations are designed to guide fantasy managers and teams through quick free agent pickups and major roster overhauls as the regular season progresses. Maye's positioning reflects ongoing assessments of his value and performance trajectory in the early stages of the 2026 NFL campaign.

Avonte Maddox Placed on Season-Ending Injured Reserve by Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions placed defensive back Avonte Maddox on season-ending injured reserve due to a foot injury that requires surgery. In corresponding roster transactions, the Lions also cut linebacker Joe Bachie and signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald off the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. Maddox's absence leaves a significant void in Detroit's defensive secondary as they restructure their personnel entering the crucial early weeks of the regular season.

Bishop Fitzgerald Signed to Detroit Lions Roster from Steelers Practice Squad

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The Detroit Lions signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald off the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad on Tuesday. Fitzgerald originally entered the league as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Titans this spring before joining Pittsburgh. He totaled five interceptions last season at USC and also played collegiately at Coffeyville Community College and North Carolina State, providing new secondary depth for Detroit following roster adjustments.

Anthony Belton Limited at Packers Practice Due to Elbow Injury

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Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Anthony Belton was added to the injury report as a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice due to an elbow injury. Belton's injury creates additional concern for Green Bay's offensive line following the loss of starter Zach Bako-Bewele to a season-ending knee injury. With left guard Aaron Banks also missing practice due to a toe issue, Belton's status is critical for Thursday's game.

Aaron Banks Misses Packers Practice with Toe Injury

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Green Bay Packers left guard Aaron Banks was a non-participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice due to a toe injury. Banks' absence adds further strain to Green Bay's offensive line following right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele's season-ending patellar tendon injury. With backup Donovan Jennings and tackle Anthony Belton also limited by injuries, the Packers face significant line depth questions ahead of Thursday's game against Atlanta.

Michael Penix Jr. Set to Make 2026 Debut vs. Packers

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his 2026 starting debut on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. After being cleared from a knee injury, Penix takes over an 0-2 Falcons team that struggled offensively in a Week 2 loss to Carolina behind backups Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Penix returns to action as Atlanta looks to revitalize its offense despite losing cornerback A.J. Terrell to injured reserve.

Gabe Hall Released from Eagles Practice Squad

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The Philadelphia Eagles officially released defensive tackle Gabe Hall from their practice squad. The decision comes as a surprise after Hall put together several strong moments during training camp and the preseason as a viable depth option. However, Philadelphia needed to open practice squad spots as they prepare to sign veterans Zach Ertz and Kenny Moore II, alongside losing cornerback Robert Longerbeam to the Atlanta Falcons.

Cal Adomitis Signed by Saints Off Dolphins Practice Squad

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The New Orleans Saints are signing long snapper Cal Adomitis off the Miami Dolphins' practice squad after losing Scott Daly to the Chicago Bears. Adomitis, 28, has played in 58 career games, including nine for Philadelphia last season and 49 games with Cincinnati from 2022 to 2024. The move provides necessary specialist depth for New Orleans while starting long snapper Zach Wood continues to deal with an ongoing calf injury.

Scott Daly Signed Off Saints Practice Squad by Chicago Bears

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The Chicago Bears signed veteran long snapper Scott Daly off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad to replace rookie Beau Gardner after a shaky start that included a blocked field goal. Daly, who previously snapped for Chicago in 2024 and 2025, has now spent time with four organizations during the 2026 calendar year. His departure prompted New Orleans to add long snapping depth, as Saints starter Zach Wood currently deals with a calf injury.