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

Wednesday, September 16

Malik Willis Practicing Fully Despite Dealing With Toe Injury

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was listed on Wednesday's official practice report while dealing with an apparent toe injury. Despite the ailment, Willis was able to participate fully in practice as the team prepares for its Week 2 road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. His full participation signals that the injury is unlikely to affect his availability or role moving into the upcoming game.

Chop Robinson Enters Concussion Protocol Following Week 1 Loss

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Miami Dolphins pass rusher Chop Robinson was placed in concussion protocol following Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Robinson was officially listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as Miami prepares for a Week 2 matchup on the road against the San Francisco 49ers. It remains unclear whether Robinson began experiencing concussion symptoms during or after Sunday's contest or during Wednesday's practice session.

Baker Mayfield Prepares to Face Browns as Zampese Criticizes Cleveland

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield prepares to face his former team, the Cleveland Browns, in Week 2. Buccaneers assistant Ken Zampese, who coached Mayfield in 2018, criticized Cleveland on Wednesday for trading him away after a successful run. Mayfield maintained a calm demeanor entering the matchup as Tampa Bay looks to build offensive momentum following their season opener, where assistant trolling and Michigan college gear also made headlines.

Ladd McConkey Sits Out Practice With Rib Injury Following Big Hit

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey did not practice Wednesday after sustaining a rib injury from a heavy hit in the second half of Week 1's loss to Arizona. Head coach Jim Harbaugh labeled McConkey day-to-day. His availability for Sunday's divisional game against the Las Vegas Raiders remains uncertain, and the Chargers' offense struggled significantly to move the ball after his departure in the previous game.

Derrick Henry Pursues Historical Rushing Record as Emmitt Smith Endorses Him

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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry continues his pursuit of the NFL career rushing record after opening his age-32 season with 144 yards and three touchdowns against Indianapolis. Sitting at No. 10 all-time with 13,162 yards, Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith endorsed Henry to break his all-time mark of 18,355 yards, citing his stamina and size. Former tackle Terron Armstead also argued that Henry deserves serious consideration as the greatest running back in NFL history.

C.J. Stroud Responds to Body Language Critique From Andrew Johnson

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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the high road when asked about comments made Wednesday by former Texans great Andrew Johnson, who publicly questioned the young quarterback's body language. Stroud handled the critique calmly as the Texans prepare for upcoming games and navigate early-season storylines surrounding team leadership and performance.

Travis Kelce Named Among Victims in Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was identified in court as one of at least 64 victims in a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme operated by Siddarth Jawahar. Jawahar pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to 11 years in prison plus $31.35 million in restitution. Kelce was listed as an investor in a Swiftarc fund managed by the defendant, though little specific detail about Kelce's involvement was mentioned in court records beyond his victim status.

Jalen Carter Misses Wednesday Practice Due to Wrist Injury

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter missed Wednesday's practice due to a wrist injury ahead of Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio previously addressed Carter's conditioning following the opener, noting it wasn't terrible despite heavy late-game reps. Carter missed only six snaps in the Week 1 win over Washington, but his current availability for Sunday remains uncertain as the team manages the newly reported injury.

George Kittle Limited Wednesday While Managing Achilles Recovery

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team continues to manage his workload following Achilles surgery. Returning just nine months after tearing his right Achilles, Kittle played 30 of 65 offensive snaps and caught two of five targets for 12 yards in Week 1 against the Rams in Australia. While San Francisco plans to limit his practice reps, Kittle's status for Sunday is not in question.

D'Andre Swift Limited Wednesday With Ankle and Knee Injuries

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice while managing ankle and knee injuries. Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-37 victory over Carolina, Swift's limited status indicates the injuries are minor. However, with rookie backup Kyle Monangai also dealing with a hamstring issue, Roschon Johnson could see extra snaps if Swift is hindered against Minnesota.

Kyle Monangai Limited in Wednesday Practice With Hamstring Issue

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Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring issue. Monangai is coming off a stellar NFL debut in Chicago's 59-37 win over Carolina, where he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries while averaging 8.4 yards after contact. Both Monangai and starting back D'Andre Swift were limited to start the week, leaving their practice status to be monitored closely ahead of Week 2.

Ben Sinnott Expected to See Larger Role Amid Chig Okonkwo Injury

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Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott stands to receive additional targets and playing time in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Primary tight end Chig Okonkwo missed Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury and is uncertain to play. Sinnott and fellow tight end John Bates will step into expanded offensive roles if Okonkwo is ruled out, potentially absorbing more pass-catching opportunities in Washington's aerial attack against Dallas.

John Bates Positioned for More Snaps With Chig Okonkwo Injured

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Washington Commanders tight end John Bates is in line for an expanded role in Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys. Starter Chig Okonkwo was held out of Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury sustained late in Week 1, making him a long shot to play. Bates, alongside second-year tight end Ben Sinnott, will be relied upon for increased target share and blocking duties in Washington's offense should Okonkwo remain sidelined.

Chig Okonkwo Misses Wednesday Practice With Hamstring Injury

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Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo did not participate in Wednesday's practice after sustaining a hamstring injury late in Week 1's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Okonkwo's status for Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys appears doubtful, as he will need to return to practice later in the week to earn medical clearance. If Okonkwo is unable to play, tight ends John Bates and Ben Sinnott stand to see expanded offensive roles against Dallas.

T.J. Watt Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week After Dominant Debut

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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two sacks, three tackles for loss, and a game-clinching pick-six in a 20-13 victory over Atlanta. Watt achieved the performance on just 38 snaps (63 percent), fully endorsing the managed rotation strategy implemented by linebackers coach C.J. Ah You. The award marks Watt's ninth career Player of the Week honor, tying him for the most in NFL history alongside Lawrence Taylor.

Jadeveon Clowney Sidelined Wednesday With Knee Injury

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Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney sat out Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. Clowney was a standout performer in Houston's Week 1 opener against the Buffalo Bills, recording one sack and two quarterback hits. Head coach DeMeco Ryans indicated to reporters that the missed practice is temporary and he expects Clowney to return to the field on Thursday ahead of Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

J.K. Dobbins Positioned for Increased Workload in Week 2

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Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins could see a boosted workload in Sunday's home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars following news that teammate RJ Harvey missed Wednesday's estimated practice with a hamstring injury. Dobbins is slated to head the Denver backfield alongside rookie Jonah Coleman on a short week following Monday night's loss to Kansas City. Dobbins' usage will be key as the Broncos look to establish their rushing attack in Week 2.

Jonah Coleman Could See Expanded Reps If RJ Harvey Is Out

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Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman could be in line for an expanded offensive workload in Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coleman's potential bump in snaps comes as fellow back RJ Harvey was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report due to a hamstring injury. Coleman would team up with veteran J.K. Dobbins to handle Denver's backfield duties if Harvey is unable to gain medical clearance.

RJ Harvey Misses Estimated Practice Due to Hamstring Injury

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Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report due to a hamstring injury following Monday night's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Harvey, who recorded three carries for 18 yards, four catches for 23 yards, and returned four kickoffs in Week 1, is being monitored closely on a short week. His potential absence for Sunday's game against Jacksonville could lead to an expanded workload for J.K. Dobbins and Jonah Coleman.

Alvin Kamara Returns to Full Practice and Expected to Play Week 2

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara returned to full participation in Wednesday's practice after managing a knee injury that kept him out of the season opener. Head coach Kellen Moore expressed optimism about his availability, noting Kamara probably could have played last week and that the team feels good about his chances to suit up against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Kamara's return adds an explosive dimension to New Orleans' backfield alongside Travis Etienne.