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NFL News

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

Wednesday

Isaiah Likely Fuels New York Giants' Passing Game Success

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New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has emerged as a standout free-agent acquisition, leading all tight ends with 19 receiving first downs and tying for a leaguewide high with four receiving touchdowns through five weeks. Likely credited open communication with quarterback Jameis Winston and coaches for fueling the team's second-half offensive push. His performance has provided a vital spark for the 3-1-1 Giants' passing attack, drawing preseason bold predictions.

Renardo Green Intercepts Sam Darnold Twice In 49ers Victory

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green put on a defensive clinic in a 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks, limiting Sam Darnold to just two completions on five targets with zero yards, two interceptions, and a pass breakup. Coming off a rocky start to his career, Green executed a brilliant film-study-backed sequence to bait Darnold into an interception on an Elijah Arroyo route, helping the 5-0 49ers maintain their dominant DVOA sweepstakes run.

Bucky Irving Runs Wild With Career-Day In Buccaneers Win

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving exploded for a career-high 165 rushing yards on 21 carries in a 24-16 Thursday night win over the Dallas Cowboys. Irving gained 120 yards after contact, forced 11 missed tackles, and busted a 72-yard run in the third quarter. Playing in relief of injured backup Jalon Daniels—who started for Baker Mayfield—Irving provided the vital offensive spark to help lift the winless Buccaneers into the victory column.

Jordan Battle Logs Two Interceptions In Bengals' Win

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Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle put on a masterclass in film study during the team's 31-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Battle correctly identified quarterback Malik Willis' pre-throw tells, converting them into two crucial interceptions—including one off a deflection by Boye Mafe. In addition to his two picks, the fourth-year safety nearly recorded a sack, hurried Willis, and helped guide the 3-2 Bengals back into the win column with a comprehensive defensive display.

Elijah Ponder Emerges As Dominant Pass-Rusher For Patriots

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New England Patriots edge rusher Elijah Ponder is breaking out in his second NFL season. The undrafted product out of Cal Poly has recorded 5 sacks and 18 pressures in just 125 pass-rushing snaps, including a stellar two-sack, five-pressure performance in a 45-17 thrashing of the Las Vegas Raiders. Ponder admitted to being more in his head as a rookie, but his sophomore growth is fully on display as he establishes himself as a disruptive force on the Patriots' defense.

Malik Harrison Signed to New York Giants 53-Man Roster

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The New York Giants signed veteran linebacker Malik Harrison to their 53-man roster, filling the vacancy created when defensive lineman Chauncey Golston was placed on injured reserve. Harrison, in his seventh NFL season, brings extensive experience at inside and outside linebacker alongside strong special teams contributions. He had previously been elevated from the practice squad for the maximum allowable three games to begin the year.

Joe Burrow Playing Elite Football as Bengals Hit Bye Week

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is drawing high praise from analysts, with some calling him the best quarterback in football as the team enters its bye week with a 3-2 record. Following a 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins, Burrow boasts 1,361 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Observers note his elite accuracy and pocket presence, comparing his decision-making favorably to legendary signal-callers.

Matthew Judon Participates in Workout with New York Jets

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Free agent pass rusher Matthew Judon worked out with the New York Jets on Wednesday as he attempts to catch on with a new team. The 34-year-old veteran was recently cut from the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad after playing just one game for them this season. A former Pro Bowler with the Ravens and Patriots, Judon has worked to regain his dominant form following a torn bicep injury suffered during the 2023 campaign.

Jameis Winston and Giants Look to Open Up Passing Offense

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Following a 27-27 tie with the Commanders, discussions around the New York Giants center on whether to let quarterback Jameis Winston operate a more pass-heavy, up-tempo offense. Winston found success in the second half by feeding playmakers Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely. Holding a 3-1-1 record, the Giants are leaning on Winston's growing chemistry with his targets as they prepare to host the New Orleans Saints in Week 6.

Shemar Turner Activated From PUP List by Chicago Bears

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The Chicago Bears provided some positive roster news by officially activating defensive end Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Turner's return provides a welcome boost to the defensive line as he prepares to rejoin the active lineup and looks to excel. This addition offers some relief for a Bears squad dealing with recent defensive adjustments and personnel changes following their latest outings.

Tuesday

Jared Goff Rises in QB Rankings as Lions Offense Dominates

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff climbed to the second row of Nick Wright's quarterback hierarchy for Week 6, powered by an offense scoring more points than any other team in the league. Operating one of the most efficient offenses ever seen without turning the ball over, Goff has been fantastic and pushed his team forward as a dominant force. Coach Dan Campbell also praised running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a key block in pass protection that gave Goff time to throw a fourth-down touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta.

Sam LaPorta Proving Indispensable to Detroit Lions Offense

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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is proving indispensable to the team's offense, with contributions this season deemed more palpable than any playmaker except Jahmyr Gibbs. He leads all pass catchers with at least two contested targets in contested catch rate (83.3%) and ranks second in yards after catch per reception (5.3) and yards per reception (11.7). LaPorta recently hauled in a crucial fourth-down touchdown pass from Jared Goff, aided by a key block from teammate Jahmyr Gibbs.

Jahmyr Gibbs Shines With 207 All-Purpose Yards and Key Blocks

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a standout performance, accumulating 207 all-purpose yards and scoring two touchdowns, setting the NFL record for most touchdowns before turning 25. Coach Dan Campbell highlighted Gibbs' unselfishness after reviewing film, specifically praising a crucial block in pass protection on a fourth-and-1 touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta. Gibbs leads the NFL with 747 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns, proving his value both with and without the ball.

James Cook Faces Carries Warning From Coach Joe Brady Over Fumbles

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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook ranks third in rushing with 532 yards through five games and 40 career touchdowns, but head coach Joe Brady has threatened potential consequences and reduced carries due to ongoing ball-security issues. Cook lost two fumbles in a Week 5 overtime win against the Rams, bringing his season total to four fumbles. While Cook remains entrenched as RB1, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson stand ready on the depth chart should his turnovers continue.

Jayden Daniels Faces Criticism After Overtime Blunder Results in Tie

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels faces severe criticism following an overtime clock management blunder that resulted in a 27-27 tie with the NY Giants. With 50 seconds remaining and no timeouts, Daniels wasted crucial seconds before taking a late sack at the 24-yard line with eight seconds left, preventing a game-winning field goal attempt. Both Daniels and coach Dan Quinn accepted responsibility, but Green Bay edge rusher Micah Parsons claimed the error 'probably cost' Quinn his job.

Bradley Chubb Involved in Post-Game Altercation with Alaric Jackson

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Buffalo Bills defensive end Bradley Chubb was involved in a post-game altercation following a 37-34 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. After a verbal exchange, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson struck Chubb in the face. Chubb stated it was an emotional game and he let Jackson swing while teammates held him back. Chubb was not injured during the incident and is focused on preparing for the next week's matchup.

Alaric Jackson Expected to Appeal Two-Game Suspension

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Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson is expected to appeal his two-game suspension without pay issued by the NFL for punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face following a 37-34 overtime loss. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged the appeal plans and stressed that Jackson must consistently make better decisions, noting that missing a player of his caliber is a major blow to the 2-3 Rams. This marks Jackson's second suspension in recent seasons.

Sean McVay Explains Harrison Mevis Release After Kicking Struggles

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The Los Angeles Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis following a poor start to the 2026 season, including a costly performance in a Week 5 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills where he missed a 48-year field goal in overtime that was blocked by Greg Rousseau, alongside another miss. Mevis converted only 5 of 9 field goals this year. Head coach Sean McVay praised Mevis for his stability last season but noted the unit needed better production, signing Blake Grupe off the Jets practice squad as his replacement.

Jaylen Watson Shines With 89.9 PFF Grade in Return vs. Bills

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Jaylen Watson posted a stellar 89.9 PFF grade in his return for the Los Angeles Rams against the Buffalo Bills, earning the team's highest defensive mark. Watson and teammate Trent McDuffie provided sticky coverage that limited Buffalo's wide receivers to just 30 yards on three receptions. The strong performance validated Watson's vital importance to the Rams' defensive secondary as they fought hard in the narrow overtime defeat.

Puka Nacua Earns Top PFF Marks After 17-Catch Performance

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Puka Nacua earned an elite 85.3 PFF grade for the Los Angeles Rams after recording a career-high 17 catches on 24 targets for 138 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss to the Bills. Nacua emphasized the need for the 2-3 Rams to reset and look inward to define their identity. He did heavy damage against soft zones and screen plays, catching a pass against seven different defenders as LA's offense heavily featured the standout receiver.