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NFL News

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

Saturday, September 19

Jahmyr Gibbs Fined $23,027 by NFL for Helmet Infraction in Week 1

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs received a $23,027 fine from the NFL for an impermissible use of the helmet violation during his 1-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints. The unpenalized collision occurred when Gibbs lowered his helmet into the chest area of cornerback Quincy Riley. The league enacted this safety rule in 2023 to curb dangerous helmet-to-helmet and forcible hits involving ball carriers.

DK Metcalf Under Pressure to Bounce Back Against New England Patriots

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf looks to bounce back in Week 2 after a rough season opener where he caught just 4 of 10 targets for 40 yards and faced crowd boos following a key drop and two penalties. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers defended Metcalf, attributing several missed connections to uncalled pass interference, and committed to keeping him heavily involved as the team visits the New England Patriots for an important early test.

Aaron Rodgers Expresses Full Confidence in DK Metcalf for Week 2

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed firm confidence in receiver DK Metcalf following a frustrating Week 1 performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown while noting uncalled pass interference and drops impacted the passing game. Despite Metcalf facing fan boos, Rodgers emphasized he plans to keep targeting him heavily in their upcoming Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots.

T.J. Watt and Steelers Defense Prepare for Patriots Clash

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Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt delivered a game-winning defensive score in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons and now prepares to face quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in Week 2. Alongside defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's new schemes, Watt's defensive pressure aims to flummox the Patriots offense in Foxboro. Additionally, Watt will serve as a color analyst for CBS on select broadcasts.

Drake Maye and Patriots Brace for T.J. Watt and Steelers Defense

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye prepares to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, looking to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles when the defense forced five turnovers in a 21-14 loss. Maye will contend with first-year defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's schemes and star linebacker T.J. Watt. The defending AFC champions enter the matchup as five-point favorites seeking a strong home performance at Gillette Stadium.

Atlanta Falcons Need to Unleash Rookie Zachariah Branch in Week 2

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Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch is looking for increased involvement in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers after being held without a target in his debut. Despite limited passing game production with Cooper Rush at quarterback, Branch's blazing speed and run-after-catch abilities make him an ideal weapon for short passes, jet sweeps, and screen plays to help spark an offense that failed to reach the red zone last week.

De'Zhaun Stribling Placed on Injured Reserve After Deltoid Ankle Surgery

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has been officially placed on injured reserve following successful surgery for a deltoid sprain of his left ankle. Stribling suffered the injury during the team's Week 1 win against the Rams. Expected to miss roughly 10 weeks, he leaves a receiving corps featuring Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and KhaDarel Hodge to shoulder the load in his absence.

Christian Haynes Projected for First NFL Start Filling in for Bradford

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Third-year guard Christian Haynes is expected to make his first career NFL start for the Seattle Seahawks against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Haynes will step into the starting right guard role after Anthony Bradford was officially ruled out due to a knee and hip injury. Haynes, drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, will look to anchor the offensive line in his expanded opportunity.

Anthony Bradford Ruled Out for Cardinals Game with Knee and Hip Injury

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Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford has been officially ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after being limited in practice with a knee and hip injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald announced that third-year guard Christian Haynes will step in to fill his role up front. This marks the first game Bradford has missed since the 2024 season, breaking a consistent streak of starts for the offensive lineman.

Kyler Murray Ruled Out for Vikings Against Bears Due to Concussion

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been officially declared out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears as he has not yet fully cleared the concussion protocol. Murray sustained the head injury during the team's season opener following a hit from Lukas Van Ness. With Max Brosmer also left off the active roster, Carson Wentz will start under center with J.J. McCarthy serving as the backup.

Carson Wentz Set to Start for Vikings as Kyler Murray Remains Out

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz will start Sunday's NFC North clash against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Wentz takes the reins of the offense as teammate Kyler Murray remains sidelined while continuing to clear the concussion protocol. The Vikings enter the matchup with just two active quarterbacks on the roster, with J.J. McCarthy serving as the primary backup behind Wentz for the upcoming divisional contest.

Lukas Van Ness Clears Concussion Protocol Ahead of Packers-Jets Game

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Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness has been removed from the injury report after clearing the concussion protocol and is set to play against the New York Jets. Van Ness was also fined $17,911 by the NFL for a hit to the head of Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz during Week 1, a play in which he was not penalized on the field.

Kyle Juszczyk Fined $20,033 by NFL for Helmet Violation During Block

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San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $20,033 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness resulting from an illegal use of the helmet during a block on the team's first play of the second half. The league's strict enforcement of helmet rules also saw teammate Jake Tonges penalized for a separate leg whip block on the same game day, compounding a costly weekend of disciplinary fines for the 49ers.

Eddy Pineiro Expected to Play for 49ers After Recovering From Illness

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro is expected to be available for Sunday's home opener against the Miami Dolphins after recovering from an illness that kept him out of practice all week. Although the 49ers worked out veteran kickers Greg Joseph and Younghoe Koo on Saturday as a precaution, they ultimately did not sign either player, signaling complete confidence in Pineiro's readiness to return to kicking duties.

Jake Tonges Fined $9,266 for Leg Whip Resulting in Torn MCL and IR Stint

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges was fined $9,266 by the NFL for an unpenalized leg whip block on Rams defensive end Myles Garrett. Tonges suffered a torn MCL on the play, requiring season-ending surgery. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the devastating injury ends his campaign prematurely. The discipline compounds a tough week for the 49ers, alongside teammate Kyle Juszczyk's separate helmet violation fine.

Kyle Van Noy Elevated From Practice Squad Ahead of Bears Matchup

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The Minnesota Vikings have elevated outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and wide receiver Dillon Bell from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their NFC North clash with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Van Noy logged 25 defensive snaps last week and is expected to play a key reserve role as he continues getting re-acclimated to defensive coordinator Brian Flores' defensive scheme.

Dillon Bell Elevated from Practice Squad to Bolster Vikings Roster

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The Minnesota Vikings have elevated wide receiver Dillon Bell and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy from the practice squad to the main roster ahead of their NFC North matchup against the Chicago Bears. Bell steps up to provide vital wide receiver depth while Jauan Jennings remains in Minnesota due to a family issue. Bell previously showed promising flashes during the preseason and will look to contribute on game day.

Maximus Pulley Temporarily Elevated for Titans Matchup

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The Philadelphia Eagles temporarily elevated safety Maximus Pulley from the practice squad to provide defensive depth for their road game against the Tennessee Titans. Starting safety Andrew Mukuba is questionable with a knee injury, prompting the emergency promotion. If Mukuba cannot play, Cooper DeJean and Marcus Epps are expected to start at safety, with Michael Carter II shifting roles. Pulley is primarily slated for special teams duty as an undrafted rookie developmental backup.

Devon Witherspoon Fined $11,941 for Post-Whistle Infraction

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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon received the team's first fine of the 2026 NFL season, getting docked $11,941 for post-whistle taunting directed at Mack Hollins during Josh Jobe's game-winning interception against the New England Patriots. The infraction did not draw a penalty flag during the live play or impact the game's outcome. Witherspoon's fine marks a rare disciplinary action for Seattle's secondary unit as they progress through the early regular season.

Deonte Banks Questionable for Monday Night Clash Against Rams

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New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to a calf injury. Banks participated on a limited basis Thursday but missed practices Friday and Saturday. He recorded four tackles and two passes defensed in Week 1 against Dallas. The Giants also placed cornerback Paulson Adebo on injured reserve and signed Nikko Reed while adding Jaden Robinson to the practice squad for depth.