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NFL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

Hayden Rucci Signed by Chargers Off Jaguars Practice Squad

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Tight end Hayden Rucci has been signed off the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad by the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers were left with only one healthy tight end after David Njoku and Charlie Kolar suffered injuries on Sunday and were placed on injured reserve on Monday. Rucci, an undrafted player out of Wisconsin in 2024, has spent time with the Dolphins, Lions, 49ers, and Jaguars. To make roster room, Los Angeles released Gary Jennings.

Tua Tagovailoa Returns to Full Practice as Falcons Backup

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Tua Tagovailoa was listed as a full participant in Tuesday's practice for the first time since suffering an oblique injury prior to Week 1. Although he will not start Thursday against the Green Bay Packers, Tagovailoa is positioned to serve as the backup quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr., who was cleared to make his 2026 starting debut. Tagovailoa missed Atlanta's first two games while recovering, but now pushes Cooper Rush down the depth chart.

Dak Prescott Becomes Dallas Cowboys All-Time Leader in Passing TDs

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made franchise history during a 37-20 win over Washington, tossing his 249th career touchdown pass to surpass Tony Romo for first place on the team's all-time list. Prescott delivered an elite performance, completing 26-of-31 passes for 279 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions for a 143.8 passer rating. Achieving the milestone in 141 games, Prescott solidified his status as the undisputed leader and face of the franchise.

Hezekiah Masses Emerges As Unsung Hero in Raiders' 2-0 Start

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Las Vegas Raiders rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses is drawing praise as a key unsung hero in the team's surprising 2-0 start under new head coach Klint Kubiak. A 2026 fifth-round draft pick, Masses has significantly outperformed his draft slot, highlighted by a standout performance where he intercepted Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice. His opportunistic play in the secondary has helped propel the rebuilt Raiders defense and elevate the team in early NFL Power Rankings.

Blake Corum Pressuring Kyren Williams For Larger Role in Rams Backfield

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Blake Corum continues to see significant touches for the Rams, logging 12 carries and averaging 6.0 yards per carry with an 18-yard long. While Kyren Williams remains the lead back, Corum's explosion, tackle-breaking ability, and zero career fumbles make him a strong candidate for a larger early-down and screen-game role. Corum recorded 79 rushing yards and 13 receiving yards in Monday's win over the Giants, showcasing his viability as a high-upside fantasy flex option.

Maxx Crosby Defends Caleb Williams Over Hamstring Injury Reaction

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Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby came to the defense of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, validating his emotional reaction after suffering a hamstring strain. Crosby stated on his podcast that pulling a hamstring for the first time 'will freak you the f*** out' and make players imagine the worst. Crosby voiced full support for Williams, who is currently week-to-week, expressing confidence that the young quarterback will successfully bounce back from the setback.

Case Keenum in Line to Start Monday Night Against Eagles

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Chicago Bears veteran quarterback Case Keenum is in line to start Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With starting quarterback Caleb Williams week-to-week with a hamstring strain and backup Tyson Bagent entering concussion protocol, Keenum stands as the only healthy quarterback currently on the active roster. The 38-year-old veteran last appeared in regular-season action during the 2023 campaign with the Houston Texans and brings extensive starting experience to a depleted offense.

Brandon Cisse Listed With 'Teeth' Injury After Wisdom Teeth Removal

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Packers rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse was listed as a limited participant on the injury report with a 'teeth' designation after having his wisdom teeth removed on Monday. Despite the unusual procedure and typical multi-day recovery requiring soft foods and pain medication, Cisse expects to have no issues playing against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. His surprisingly quick turnaround ahead of the short week remains worth monitoring closely.

Omarion Hampton Shines with 115 Yards Despite Fumble Woes

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Los Angeles Chargers second-year running back Omarion Hampton continues to be a bright spot on offense while battling ball-security issues. Hampton tallied 115 yards of total offense (94 rushing, 21 receiving) and his second touchdown of the season against the Raiders. However, he also lost a crucial fourth-quarter fumble for the second consecutive week. Despite the turnovers, his strong rushing pace places him on track for 1,164 yards as the team's featured workhorse.

Kenny Moore II Joins Philadelphia Eagles on Practice Squad Deal

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The Philadelphia Eagles are adding veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, initially placing him on the practice squad. Moore, 31, spent his entire nine-year career with the Indianapolis Colts, recording 649 tackles, 68 passes defensed, 21 interceptions, and 11.5 sacks. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio plans to utilize his extensive experience and versatility at safety and nickel cornerback to bolster a secondary dealing with injuries.

Aaron Donald Returns in Dominating Fashion for Los Angeles Rams

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Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald returned to the NFL after a two-year hiatus, playing 33 snaps in a Monday night win over the Giants. Despite limited stats featuring three tackles, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback pressure, Donald dominated with a staggering 27.8% pass-rush win rate and a 70.3 PFF grade. Operating largely against interior double teams, Donald immediately proved he remains one of the league's elite interior disrupters.

Bailey Zappe Released from New York Jets Practice Squad

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New York Jets quarterback Bailey Zappe has been released from the team's practice squad. His departure clears room for the Jets to sign former Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Will Levis to the practice squad. Zappe's brief stint with New York ends as the team adjusts its quarterback depth behind the scenes, welcoming Levis while continuing to evaluate their roster options heading further into the regular season schedule.

Aidan Hutchinson Claims Position-Leading Pass-Rush Grade

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Detroit Lions star edge defender Aidan Hutchinson boasts a position-leading 91.1 pass-rush grade through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season. Hutchinson continues to terrorize opposing offensive lines, anchoring the Lions' pass rush near the top of PFF's edge defender rankings. His dominant disruption off the edge places him firmly among the league's elite defensive talents alongside top-graded players like Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig.

Nick Herbig Ranks Second in PFF Edge Defender Grades Through Week 2

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Pittsburgh Steelers edge defender Nick Herbig ranks second behind teammate T.J. Watt in Pro Football Focus's NFL edge defender ratings through the first two weeks of the season. Herbig's strong early performance highlights a formidable Pittsburgh pass-rush unit. Alongside Watt's 91.3 overall grade, Herbig has established himself as an impactful presence on the defensive front as the Steelers navigate early-season matchups and prepare for upcoming challenges on their schedule.

T.J. Watt Leads NFL Edge Defender Rankings Through Week 2

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Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt leads Pro Football Focus's NFL edge defender rankings through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, earning a stellar 91.3 overall grade. Watt continues to anchor the Pittsburgh defensive front as one of the league's premier pass-rush threats. Teammate Nick Herbig ranks second on the list, while Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson holds a position-leading 91.1 pass-rush grade to round out the top tier of edge defenders.

Dexter Lawrence Dominates as NFL's Highest-Graded Interior Lineman

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is making an elite impact, earning a position-leading 91.0 PFF overall grade through two games. Acquired from the Giants, Lawrence anchors Cincinnati's turnaround defense, boasting eight pressures and a 15.0% pass-rush win rate despite facing double teams on 79.4% of snaps. His interior presence has transformed the Bengals' run defense, limiting opponents like Bucky Irving and David Montgomery while dramatically improving the unit's overall efficiency.

Brock Purdy Sets NFL Record in Dominant Rout of Dolphins

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a historic performance in a 35-13 rout of the Miami Dolphins, completing 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 30 yards and another score. He became the first player in NFL history to complete at least 90 percent of his passes, throw for 285-plus yards, and score a rushing touchdown in a single game. Purdy currently leads the NFL, completing an 80.4% rate of his throws this season.

Will Levis Signs With New York Jets Practice Squad

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Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis has signed with the New York Jets practice squad. Levis was waived by the Titans last month following three seasons in Nashville where he made 21 starts. In 2024, he totaled 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while missing the entire 2025 season with a shoulder injury. As a subsequent move, the Jets released quarterback Bailey Zappe, adding Levis to a quarterback room that includes Geno Smith and Cade Klubnik.

CeeDee Lamb Carves Up Commanders Secondary for Two Scores

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb bounced back from a quiet season opener by shredding the Washington Commanders secondary for eight receptions, 153 yards, and two touchdowns in Week 2. After dealing with injuries last year that allowed George Pickens to command targets, a fully healthy Lamb proved he is back to elite form under quarterback Dak Prescott, cementing his status at the top of fantasy football rankings heading into a matchup against Baltimore.

Puka Nacua Week 3 Status Questionable With Soft-Tissue Injury

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua's status for Week 3 against the Denver Broncos remains uncertain after he sat out Monday's win over the Giants due to a hip and groin injury. Coach Sean McVay expressed hope for his return but emphasized caution with the soft-tissue issue. Nacua's absence opened the door for Davante Adams to dominate with 195 yards and two touchdowns, leaving fantasy managers monitoring practice reports closely this week.