Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Thursday, September 17

John Franklin-Myers Seeks Bounce-Back Performance Against Eagles in Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers is looking for a major rebound against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 after struggling in the team's season-opening loss to the New York Jets. Signed to a three-year, $63 million deal, Franklin-Myers missed significant training camp time with soreness and recorded just three tackles and one pressure against New York. The Titans need their high-priced lineman to exploit a depleted Eagles interior and dominate upfront.

Edgerrin Cooper Makes Crucial Sack in Packers' Week 1 Defensive Effort

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper delivered a high-impact defensive play during Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, exploding through the A-gap on a simulated pressure to sack Carson Wentz for a six-yard loss. Cooper's disruptive pressure showcased the effectiveness of the Packers' defensive scheme, though late penalties ultimately kept Minnesota's game-winning drive alive. Cooper remains a key piece in Green Bay's front seven moving forward.

Tyler Shough Seeks Consistency After Stellar Second-Half Debut for Saints

AutoDraft Pro AI

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough looks to build on an impressive second-half performance as the team prepares to face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Following a 21-0 deficit against Detroit, Shough engineered a furious comeback, finishing the game with 410 passing yards and three touchdowns on 35-of-56 passing, alongside two interceptions and a fumble. The Saints will need Shough to maintain that explosive level of play from the opening whistle to pull off the Week 2 upset.

C.J. Stroud Facing Pass-Catcher Shortage for Houston Texans' Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud may be forced to operate with a depleted receiving corps in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With top target Nico Collins in jeopardy due to a hamstring injury and rookie Jayden Higgins out with a torn ACL, Stroud must rely heavily on Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel, who combined for just six catches in Houston's Week 1 opening loss to Buffalo.

Bryce Young Carries 4-1 Record vs. Falcons Into Carolina Panthers' Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young brings a strong track record into Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Week 2, holding a 4-1 career record against the Atlanta Falcons. Young's previous success in Atlanta serves as a promising indicator for Carolina's offense as the divisional rivals prepare for a crucial early-season matchup, giving the Panthers confidence under center on the road.

Jonathan Taylor Highlighted as Top Week 2 Anytime Touchdown Prediction

AutoDraft Pro AI

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been projected as one of the top anytime touchdown scorers for Week 2 by NFL analyst Mike Clay. Taylor remains a focal point of the Colts' offensive attack, expected to handle high-volume red-zone usage as Indianapolis looks to maximize scoring opportunities and secure a critical victory in their upcoming regular-season contest.

Deshaun Watson Facing Bench Pressure Ahead of Cleveland Browns' Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces mounting scrutiny heading into Week 2, with emerging storylines suggesting a potential benching if offensive struggles persist. As Cleveland looks to stabilize its offense, Watson's performance will be under a heavy spotlight to see if the veteran signal-caller can maintain his starting role and reverse course after a challenging start to the 2026 regular season campaign.

Sam Cosmi Defends Commanders Offensive Line Performance After Week 1

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi pushed back forcefully against critics following the team's Week 1 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cosmi urged skeptics to watch the tape before judging the unit's play. Despite Washington's offensive line being ranked at the bottom of the league, Cosmi personally impressed in pass protection during the opener, allowing a pressure rate of just 2.4% on the day.

Patrick Ricard Praises Francis Mauigoa After Strong Giants Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants fullback Patrick Ricard has praised rookie offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa following an impressive debut in a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Mauigoa did not permit a single pressure on 36 pass blocks. Ricard noted that seeing the rookie run to the ball and finish blocks sets a physical tone for the entire offense, embodying the hungry and humble mindset instilled by head coach John Harbaugh as the Giants prepare for the Rams.

Mack Hollins Set for Expanded Role Following A.J. Brown Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins is poised for a significant uptick in snaps after star teammate A.J. Brown landed on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. Hollins, who sits in the front row next to quarterback Drake Maye in meetings, built strong on-field chemistry last season by catching 70 percent of passes thrown his way. After leading the team in receiving during the opener, Hollins embraces his expanded workload as the Patriots navigate upcoming weeks without Brown.

Drake Maye and Mack Hollins Forge Strong Chemistry for New England Patriots

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will rely heavily on veteran receiver Mack Hollins following A.J. Brown's placement on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. Maye completed 70 percent of his passes in Hollins' direction last season, establishing a reliable connection in the intermediate area of the field. With Brown sidelined for at least four games, Maye is expected to lean even more on his trusted teammate as the Patriots prepare for upcoming matchups.

Dawson Knox Chases Franchise Receiving Milestones for Buffalo Bills

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox is closing in on franchise milestones as the team prepares to host the Detroit Lions. Knox recorded one catch for seven yards in Week 1, bringing his career total to 230 receptions. Two more catches will move him past Cole Beasley into 15th place on Buffalo's all-time receptions list. Meanwhile, he remains at 27 career touchdown receptions, chasing Stevie Johnson and Jerry Butler in the team record books.

Khalil Shakir Chases Franchise Records Ahead of Bills' Thursday Night Clash

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is eyeing franchise history as the team hosts the Detroit Lions for the first game at the new Highmark Stadium. After catching four passes in Week 1 to bring his career total to 201, Shakir needs four more receptions to move past Robert Woods and Jay Riemersma into 17th place on Buffalo's all-time list. His reliable production continues to be a key element of the Bills' high-powered offense.

Peter Woods Ranks Among Top NFL Rookies Following Impressive Week 1 Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs player Peter Woods has made an immediate impact, landing in the top three of the 2026 NFL rookie rankings following a strong debut in Week 1. Woods joins Washington wide receiver Antonio Williams and Cleveland Browns' Austin Barber at the top of the league's earliest list of standout first-year performers.

Austin Barber Named Among Highest-Graded Rookies After Week 1

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Austin Barber has earned recognition among the NFL's highest-graded first-year players following a strong debut in Week 1. The 2026 rookie rankings highlight his impressive opening performance, placing him in the top tier of rookies across the league alongside Washington's Antonio Williams and Kansas City's Peter Woods as he begins his professional career with the Browns.

Jake Tonges Out for Season Following Severe Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges is out for the season after suffering a severe medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury along with additional structural issues. Tonges was unable to walk off the field under his own power during San Francisco's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the extent of the injury, ending the tight end's 2025-2026 campaign prematurely.

Omarion Hampton Featured in Crucial Week 2 Start or Sit Recommendations

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is spotlighted as a significant fantasy decision for Week 2 matchups. As managers navigate difficult early-season roster choices, Hampton's projected backfield role places him among key players to evaluate. Fantasy managers should factor in projected game script and defensive matchup strength when deciding whether to start or sit Hampton in Week 2 lineups.

Jordan Addison Highlighted as Key Start or Sit Decision in Week 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is featured in key fantasy football analysis heading into Week 2. Analysts are closely evaluating Addison for challenging roster decisions, considering start or sit options based on early-season usage and favorable target projections. Fantasy managers should carefully weigh Addison's potential role against his opponent before locking in their final Week 2 starting lineups.

Wednesday, September 16

Landon Dickerson Expected to Miss Time as Eagles Evaluate Line Options

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Landon Dickerson is sidelined with an injury, forcing the team to work through options to replace him for at least the next month. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and coach Nick Sirianni have kept their exact lineup plans under wraps, but second-year backup Drew Kendall is expected to step into a starting role along the interior offensive line as the Eagles prepare to face the Tennessee Titans.

Drew Kendall Prepares for Likely Opportunity Filling in for Landon Dickerson

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles backup interior lineman Drew Kendall is positioned as the next man up to replace the injured Landon Dickerson against the Tennessee Titans. Kendall has been cross-training at both center and guard under new offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Entering his second season after being drafted out of Boston College in the fifth round, Kendall expressed confidence as he prepares to block Titans All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Sunday.