Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Monday, September 21

Xavier Worthy Leads Chiefs Wide Receivers in Snaps in Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs speedy third-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy led all wide receivers in snaps with 69 during Sunday's 33-30 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts, ahead of Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton. Worthy hauled in five catches for 25 yards while being utilized to stretch the defense horizontally and vertically, while also contributing heavily with 22 run-blocking snaps in the team's offensive game plan.

Zay Flowers Has Good Shot to Play in Week 3 Against Cowboys

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has a good shot to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 after missing the previous game with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Jesse Minter. Flowers logged a limited practice on Friday and is expected to return to full participation as preparation begins, aiming to replicate his explosive Week 1 pace of 5 catches for 150 yards and a score.

Andre Jones Jr. Signed off Bills Practice Squad by Dolphins

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Miami Dolphins signed linebacker Andre Jones Jr. off the Buffalo Bills' practice squad to bolster their special teams unit under coordinator Chris Tabor. Tabor previously coached Jones in Buffalo last season, where the undrafted linebacker appeared in three games and recorded five total tackles. Jones has logged 294 special teams snaps since entering the NFL in 2023.

Marcus Mariota Set to Start Week 3 Following Jayden Daniels Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to start Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks while Jayden Daniels evaluates a dislocated left elbow. Mariota directed the offense in the second half of a 37-20 loss to the Cowboys, finishing 11-of-16 for 111 yards and a touchdown. Given Daniels' previous history with the same injury, Mariota could face an extended run as the starter for the Commanders.

Nick Cross Hospitalized With Internal Injury After Sunday Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Commanders defensive back Nick Cross stayed overnight in a Dallas hospital to be evaluated for an internal injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. Head coach Dan Quinn announced that Cross has since been discharged and is traveling back to Washington, D.C. Cross has started both games for the Commanders this season, recording 11 total tackles.

Rookie Kahlil Benson Shines Protecting Patrick Mahomes' Blindside

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson has played every snap over the first two games, filling in admirably for the injured Josh Simmons without allowing a sack. Displaying effortless power and dominant run-blocking traits praised by coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Andy Heck, Benson has quickly won over the coaching staff and significantly bolstered the Chiefs' ground game during their 2-0 start.

Patrick Mahomes Throws for 382 Yards in Overtime Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes bounced back in vintage fashion during a 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts, shredding the defense with 382 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 68% of his passes. Mahomes executed a clutch late-game drive after Colts coach Shane Steichen opted to kick a game-tying field goal in overtime, setting up the game-winning kick as time expired to seal the thrilling road victory.

Michael Pittman Dealing with New Foot Injury Ahead of Week 3

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman is dealing with a new foot injury that head coach Mike McCarthy stated is unrelated to the foot issue he dealt with during training camp and the preseason. After sitting out Sunday's game at New England, Pittman's status for Week 3 against the Bengals remains up in the air. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard operated as the team's Nos. 2 and 3 receivers in his absence.

Jerry Jeudy Role Diminishes in Cleveland Browns Offense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy saw his role diminish in Week 2, playing only 59% of offensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which ranked third among team receivers. Jeudy failed to record a catch on his lone target, slipping coming out of his break, though he did contribute a key block on a touchdown play.

Denzel Boston Emerges as Cleveland Browns Leading Wide Receiver

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston played 93% of offensive snaps in Week 2, leading the team with 5 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Emerging as a primary target for Deshaun Watson, Boston earned high marks from Pro Football Focus for his big-target radius and breakaway score, solidifying his growing role in the offense.

Craig Woodson Ruled Out With Shoulder Injury Against Steelers

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson suffered a left shoulder injury in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers while tackling running back Rico Dowdle. Woodson left the game and was later seen wearing a sling in the locker room. His absence, alongside Dell Pettus's injury, places heavy pressure on New England's safety depth moving forward.

Dell Pettus Suffers Ankle Injury During Week 2 Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots safety Dell Pettus suffered an ankle injury during second-quarter punt coverage in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With fellow safety Craig Woodson also sidelined by a shoulder injury, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel noted the team's depth will be tested, with veteran practice squad players and reserves stepping up to fill the void.

Kyler Murray Clears Concussion Protocol and Will Start Week 3

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has cleared the concussion protocol and is expected to start Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Murray suffered a concussion on a hit during Week 1 against the Packers and missed the Week 2 win over Chicago, where Carson Wentz filled in. His return brings the Vikings' offense back to full strength after starting the season 2-0.

Drake Maye Faces Early Season Interception Struggles for Patriots

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is facing early regression in 2026, throwing his fourth interception through two games in a 20-3 victory over the Steelers. Despite the win, Maye has struggled with situational awareness and arm arrogance, frequently facing high pressure rates above 43% while coach Mike Vrabel and coordinator Josh McDaniels work to rein in his play.

Justin Herbert and Chargers Offense Struggle in Week 2 Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and the offense struggled in a 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, dropping the team to 0-2 under coordinator Mike McDaniel. Through two games, Herbert has thrown for 401 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions while facing pressure on over 43% of his dropbacks. The offense was plagued by protection issues and fumbles, raising early concerns.

Nakobe Dean Delivers Clutch Fourth-Quarter Forced Fumble

AutoDraft Pro AI

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean starred in a 26-14 Week 2 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, tying for the team lead with 16 tackles. Dean made his biggest impact in the fourth quarter, delivering a clutch hit on running back Omarion Hampton to force a fumble and turnover. The crucial takeaway halted a Chargers drive and directly led to a game-sealing Raiders touchdown.

Carson Wentz Returns to Backup Role After Filling in for Murray

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz returned the starting reins to Kyler Murray after filling in during Murray's two-game absence due to a concussion. Wentz guided the Vikings to a 2-0 start, completing 20 pass attempts while relying heavily on running back Aaron Jones in the latest victory over the Chicago Bears. Wentz now seamlessly transitions back to the primary backup role for Week 3.

Jonathan Taylor Dominates With Two Touchdowns and 132 Total Yards

AutoDraft Pro AI

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor put together a stellar performance, finishing Sunday night with 24 carries for 92 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding four receptions on as many targets for 40 receiving yards. Responsible for two of the Colts' three touchdowns in a high-powered output, Taylor delivered a massive 29.2 PPR point performance to anchor his status as an elite fantasy option.

Jadarian Price Avoids Serious Injury With Shoulder Issue

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday's win over Arizona rather than a chest issue, but head coach Mike Macdonald stated it is intact and nothing serious after X-rays returned negative. Price ran 13 times for 52 yards before exiting. While he may not miss extended time, his status for Week 3 against Washington remains uncertain, with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani serving as alternatives behind him.

DK Metcalf Stifled and Facing Production Questions in Pittsburgh

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was limited to four catches for 27 yards and two drops in a 20-3 loss to New England, continuing a multi-game slump. Matched against Christian Gonzalez for 34 snaps, he managed three catches for 11 yards. Coach Mike McCarthy noted execution and confidence issues. Acquired via trade and signed to a massive contract, Metcalf has been held to 55 yards or fewer in 12 of his last 13 games as Pittsburgh struggles.