AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

Aaron Donald Returns in Dominating Fashion for Los Angeles Rams

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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.

Davante Adams Explodes for 195 Yards and Two TDs Against Giants

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams delivered a stellar performance in a 28-6 win over the Giants, catching nine passes for 175 to 195 yards and two touchdowns. With Puka Nacua sidelined by a groin injury, quarterback Matthew Stafford heavily relied on Adams, who scored on deep receptions of 31 and 64 yards. The dominant outing marked Adams's 47th career 100-yard game and pushed him into the NFL's top 25 all-time receiving yards list, surpassing Art Monk.

Patrick Mahomes Dominates With 382 Yards in Thrilling Overtime Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes returned to prime form in Week 2, throwing for 382 yards and three touchdowns on 32-of-47 passing in a 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts. After an opening-week recovery from last season's ACL injury, Mahomes utilized play-action layups, pocket mobility, and deep connections with Tyquon Thornton to orchestrate a massive offensive performance and seal the game on a final possession drive.

Zach Ertz Returns to Philadelphia Eagles on Practice Squad Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is thrilled to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles, signing with the practice squad following a multi-year absence. Ertz, who spent over eight stellar seasons in Philadelphia, returns as tight end depth with Dallas Goedert sidelined due to an MCL sprain and other backups on injured reserve. The deal positions the former star to potentially contribute on the active roster quickly as the team navigates significant injuries at the position.

Zach Harrison Signed to Active Roster as Falcons Shuffle Defense

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Atlanta Falcons signed defensive lineman Zach Harrison to their active 53-man roster from the practice squad following cornerback A.J. Terrell's placement on injured reserve. Harrison showed promise as the team's best interior pass rusher in 2025 before a major injury derailed his campaign and limited his training camp availability. The Falcons hope a fully healthy Harrison can provide an immediate boost to their defensive line rotation moving forward.

Joey Porter Jr. Faces Trade Speculation Amid Early Season Drama

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. finds his name circulating in trade rumors and mock trade scenarios ahead of the November 10 deadline. The disgruntled defensive standout reportedly rejected a contract extension offer worth $27 million per year earlier. As the Steelers evaluate sweeping offensive line changes and locker room dynamics, trade discussions continue to swirl around the talented young cornerback's long-term future in Pittsburgh.

Tyree Wilson Prepares to Face Former Raiders Team in Week 3

AutoDraft Pro AI

Defensive end Tyree Wilson and the New Orleans Saints prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders, the team that drafted him seventh overall in 2023 before trading him on Day 3 of the 2026 draft for a fifth-round pick. Wilson struggled to make an impact as a rotational player in Las Vegas, tallying 12 career sacks over three seasons. His slow start has continued in New Orleans, where he played only special teams snaps and saw no defensive action in Week 2.

DK Metcalf Faces Heavy Criticism Following Slow Start in Pittsburgh

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is enduring a difficult start to the 2026 season, catching just eight passes for 67 yards through two games while battling costly drops. The early-season struggles prompted former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell to publicly question his lucrative contract on social media. Metcalf will need to quickly turn his performance around to quiet rising frustrations from both fans and franchise legends alike.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Faces Slow Start and Shrinking Target Share

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is enduring a tough start to his third season, recording just one catch for 33 yards and four total targets through two games while playing 77 percent of offensive snaps. Head coach Mike LaFleur defended the young star, noting the lack of targets stems from a tough matchup and offensive struggles rather than effort. Harrison aims to bounce back against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

Deone Walker Makes Significant Leap, Doubles Pressure Rate for Bills

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills DT Deone Walker is a high-level disruptor in his second year, with 7 pressures in 53 pass-rush snaps (17.9% rate), double his 2025 mark. He's showing improved leverage and length utilization, a significant development from his scouting report. Walker also shed 10 pounds, enhancing his conditioning and late-game energy. He's now compared to a "heavier DeForest Buckner."

Marcus Mariota to Start Week 3 for Commanders After Daniels' Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota will start Week 3 vs. Seahawks following Jayden Daniels' elbow injury. Mariota, who started 8 games last season for Daniels, completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a 20-yard TD in relief vs. Dallas. Coach Dan Quinn wants Mariota to "be him" and utilize the full playbook, despite his past "gun-slinging ways" (10 TDs, 7 INTs, 6 fumbles in 11 games last year).