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.

Friday, September 18

Christian McCaffrey May See Increased Workload In Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey could absorb an increased workload in Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Rookie backup running back Kaelon Black is listed as questionable after suffering a groin injury that limited him during Thursday and Friday practice sessions. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed cautious optimism regarding Black's status, but any absence or limitation for the rookie would leave Jordan James and McCaffrey to handle backfield touches.

Jordan James In Line For Backup RB Duties If Kaelon Black Sits

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James is positioned to serve as the team's primary reserve back behind starter Christian McCaffrey for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins. Rookie tailback Kaelon Black is listed as questionable with a groin injury that limited him in practice on Thursday and Friday. If Black is unable to play or remains restricted, James would absorb the No. 2 running back reps and provide backfield depth for San Francisco's offense.

Kaelon Black Questionable For Week 2 Due To Groin Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins after being limited in practice Thursday and Friday with a groin injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted he has a "questionable amount of optimism" regarding Black's availability. If Black is inactive or limited, Jordan James will serve as the primary reserve tailback behind Christian McCaffrey, which could also lead to additional touches for Deebo Samuel.

Marvin Mims Jr. Ruled Out For Week 2 Matchup Against Jaguars

AutoDraft Pro AI

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after failing to practice all week due to a foot injury. Mims was unable to recover in time for the road contest, leaving Denver down a key playmaker in their receiving corps and return game. The Broncos will need to adjust their offensive game plan and special teams duties without Mims as they seek their first victory of the 2026 regular season.

RJ Harvey Listed As Questionable For Week 2 With Hamstring Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after logging limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday due to a hamstring injury. Harvey had missed Wednesday's session entirely. The lingering issue adds risk to a player who entered the weekend as a fringe fantasy starter. If Harvey is sidelined on Sunday, J.K. Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman would absorb additional work in Denver's backfield.

Kyler Murray Ruled Out For Week 2 In Concussion Protocol

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears due to a concussion sustained in Week 1 against Green Bay. Despite practicing all week, Murray must still be cleared by an independent neurologist. Head coach Kevin O'Connell fully anticipates Murray clearing protocol next week for a Week 3 return. Carson Wentz will start against Chicago.

Brock Bowers Listed As Doubtful For Raiders In Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bowers returned to practice Friday for the first time since undergoing a meniscus trim 10 days ago, participating in stretch and warm-up drills with a knee sleeve. Head coach Klint Kubiak plans to evaluate him during pregame warmups, but the team targets a Week 3 return against the Saints. Michael Mayer is expected to start at tight end if Bowers is sidelined.

Zay Flowers Doubtful For Week 2 Due To Hamstring Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints after aggravating a left hamstring injury. Flowers missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a very limited participant on Friday. His expected absence leaves Baltimore thin at receiver, forcing Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, and LaJohntay Wester into larger roles while tight end Mark Andrews could see an increased target share in the passing game.

Joe Burrow Questionable But Confirmed Ready To Start In Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (back) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is confirmed good to go for Sunday's road game against the Houston Texans. Although officially listed as questionable on the injury report, head coach Zac Taylor assured reporters that Burrow will start. Burrow was limited earlier in the week due to back tightness suffered during Week 1, but his full workout on Friday removed any remaining doubt about his availability for Week 2.

Fred Warner Feels Like Himself with No Residual Effects Following Ankle Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner stated he "felt like himself" and experienced "no residual effects" following his return to action in Week 1 against the Rams. The appearance marked Warner's first game action since fracturing his ankle in Week 6 of last season, noting it had been a long time since he felt true football soreness. After dealing with a day of grogginess from the team's 8,000-mile flight back from Melbourne, Australia, Warner declared he is fully ready to rock for Week 2.

George Kittle Cleared for Week 2, Reports Zero Setbacks After Achilles Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries no injury designation for Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins after practicing fully on Friday. Returning from January Achilles surgery, Kittle reported zero setbacks or stepbacks and expressed full confidence in his health following an 11-hour sleep on the return flight from Melbourne. He previously noted setting pride aside for the 49ers' "Dash Bros" motion scheme, which generated blocking advantages on 65.6% of plays.

Deone Walker Dominates Interior Defensive Line For Buffalo Bills

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker has delivered a dominant start to his second NFL season. The 6'7", 330-pound interior lineman has generated nine quarterback pressures on 59 pass-rush snaps through Week 2—a 15.9% pressure rate—alongside seven tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a sack across 95 defensive snaps. The 22-year-old former fourth-round pick has been borderline unblockable in Buffalo's impressive early wins, earning high praise for his impact.

DJ Moore Avoids Serious Injury, Status Uncertain For Week 3

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder during Thursday's 41-31 win over the Lions. While the injury is not considered serious and he avoids extended absence, his availability for Week 3 against the Chargers remains uncertain despite extra rest. Moore landed hard after diving for a pass in the second quarter. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer could see increased snaps if he is sidelined.

Dak Prescott Primed For Bounce-Back Performance Against Commanders

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks to rebound in Week 2's division matchup against the Washington Commanders following an opening week loss to the Giants. Prescott historically excels at home after a loss, and Washington's secondary remains susceptible to big plays. He will look to connect with pass-catchers CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and tight end Jake Ferguson to propel the offense as 4.5-point favorites.

Nico Collins Ruled Out Against Bengals With Hamstring Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain during Wednesday's practice. Collins, who caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, did not practice Thursday or Friday. His absence leaves a void in Houston's offense, shifting receiving duties to Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, and Dalton Schultz.

J.J. McCarthy Stuns Vikings Staff With Reported Immaturity Issues

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has reportedly stunned team staff due to immaturity, accuracy issues, and slow decision-making. Reports highlighted an instance where McCarthy defied coaches by celebrating a touchdown five yards early during a game against Dallas. After missing his 2024 rookie year with a torn meniscus, McCarthy was demoted to third-string prior to the 2026 season following Minnesota's signing of Kyler Murray.

Khalil Mack Ready For AFC West Battle Against Former Team In Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack aims to bounce back from a quiet Week 1 performance when the team faces the Las Vegas Raiders. Mack, who historically excels against his former franchise with 13 career sacks in 10 games against the Raiders, will team up with Tuli Tuipulotu to pressure Las Vegas offensive tackles. The Chargers defense is eager to prove their season-opening struggles were a fluke.

Tuli Tuipulotu And Chargers Pass Rush Seek Bounce-Back Against Raiders

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and teammate Khalil Mack look to rebound against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 after being rendered relatively ineffective by the Cardinals. Tuipulotu registered five tackles and two quarterback hits in the opener. The formidable pass-rush duo will test Raiders offensive tackles Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze through one-on-one matchups and coordinated stunts designed to pressure the quarterback.

Justin Herbert And Chargers Offense Seeking Bounce-Back In Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and the offense look to rebound in Week 2 against the Raiders after a disappointing season-opening loss to Arizona. Coordinator Mike McDaniel faces scrutiny following an underwhelming offensive debut that lacked a dynamic run game or explosive passing attack. Herbert and the unit must execute at a baseline level to avoid falling to an early 0-2 deficit before a difficult upcoming slate of games.

Brian Thomas Cleared For Week 2 Action After Limited Practice

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas has been cleared for Sunday's game at Denver without an injury designation. Thomas was listed as a limited practice participant all week due to a shoulder injury picked up in Week 1 against Cleveland, where he caught three passes for 40 yards in the opening quarter before playing just eight offensive snaps in the second half of a blowout victory.