Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Thursday, September 10

Jakobi Meyers Expected to Play Through Thumb Injury in Week 1

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is expected to be available for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Although Meyers was a limited participant in Thursday's practice while managing a thumb injury, his outlook remains positive. The team is counting on his veteran experience to provide a reliable target for the passing attack as they prepare to face a challenging Cleveland defense in their season opener.

Cooper Rush Poised to Start Week 1 After Tagovailoa Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Falcons backup quarterback Cooper Rush took all first-team offensive reps during Thursday's practice, positioning him to start Sunday's opener against the Steelers. The shift in the depth chart follows an oblique injury sustained by starter Tua Tagovailoa during the same session. With Tagovailoa's status in doubt and Michael Penix Jr. currently inactive, Rush has emerged as the primary option to lead the Atlanta offense in the season opener.

Alfred Collins Placed on Season-Ending Injured Reserve

AutoDraft Pro AI

The San Francisco 49ers have placed defensive lineman Alfred Collins on the season-ending Injured Reserve. The move was announced alongside other roster changes as the team prepares for their Week 1 game against the Rams.

49ers Elevate Ogbo Okoronkwo from Practice Squad

AutoDraft Pro AI

The San Francisco 49ers have elevated Ogbo Okoronkwo from the practice squad to the active roster. The move comes as part of a series of roster adjustments made by the team in advance of their Week 1 matchup against the Rams.

Zay Flowers Cleared for Opener After Full Practice Participation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was a full participant in Thursday's practice, marking a significant recovery from the hamstring issue that landed him on the team's initial 2026 injury report. After being monitored closely by the coaching staff, his return to full activity indicates he is on track to suit up for the season opener. Flowers remains a vital piece of the Baltimore offense as they prepare for the start of the regular season campaign.

Josh Simmons Likely to Miss Monday Night Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons missed practice on Thursday, and head coach Andy Reid indicated earlier in the week that there is a good chance he will be sidelined for Monday night's game against the Broncos. His absence from Thursday's session suggests he is not yet ready to return to the lineup.

Mitch Wishnowsky Reverts to Patriots' Practice Squad

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mitch Wishnowsky has reverted to the New England Patriots' practice squad after serving as a standard elevation for the team's season opener at Lumen Field.

Lan Larison Reverts to Patriots' Practice Squad

AutoDraft Pro AI

Lan Larison has reverted to the New England Patriots' practice squad following the season opener. Larison had served as a standard elevation for the team at Lumen Field.

Tom Kennedy Signed to Lions' 53-Man Active Roster

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Tom Kennedy to their active 53-man roster, filling the final available spot on the team. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Kennedy will have a role in Sunday's game against the Saints. Known for his reliability and experience moving between the practice squad and active roster, Kennedy's addition ensures the Lions have a full complement of players as they finalize their depth chart for the 2026 season opener.

Alec Pierce Upgraded to Full Participant in Thursday's Practice

AutoDraft Pro AI

Colts receiver Alec Pierce was a full participant at Thursday's practice, marking a significant improvement after being limited earlier in the week with a heel injury. While he remained limited during the early portion of the week, the upgrade to full status suggests he is trending toward being available for the Colts' upcoming game. His return to full health provides a boost to the Indianapolis receiving corps as they finalize their preparations for the regular season.

Longtime Commanders Punter Tress Way Announces Retirement After 2026 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Longtime Washington Commanders punter Tress Way indicated that the 2026 NFL season will likely be his final year in the league. Way, coming off his third Pro Bowl season, has been a cornerstone of the franchise's special teams units for over a decade, providing consistent performance through numerous coaching changes. His potential departure signals the end of an era for Washington, forcing the organization to begin planning for a future without the veteran specialist.

Teven Jenkins Sidelined from Practice with Back Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Browns guard Teven Jenkins was unable to participate in Thursday's practice due to a back injury. His absence raises concerns about the stability of Cleveland's offensive line heading into Sunday's season opener in Jacksonville. The team may be forced to make a change to their planned starting unit if Jenkins is unable to recover in time. His status for the remainder of the week will be critical to watch as the Browns finalize their depth chart for Week 1.

Rome Odunze Limited in Practice Again Due to Lingering Calf Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he continues to manage a calf injury. This marks the second consecutive day of limited activity for the high-profile draft pick as Chicago prepares for its season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Odunze's status for Sunday remains a key point of concern for the Bears' offense, which is looking to provide new quarterback Caleb Williams with his full complement of receiving weapons.

Michael Penix Jr. Inactive for Falcons' Season Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is slated to be inactive for the Atlanta Falcons' Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This roster decision becomes particularly noteworthy as starter Tua Tagovailoa is currently battling a back injury that jeopardizes his availability. With Penix unavailable, the Falcons are expected to lean on veteran Cooper Rush to handle quarterback duties should Tagovailoa be unable to suit up for the start of the 2026 season.

Jordan Love Praised for Pre-Snap Growth by Matt LaFleur

AutoDraft Pro AI

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently highlighted Jordan Love's development, specifically praising his pre-snap quarterback abilities this offseason. While the comments drew a sharp and dismissive response from former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they underscore the organization's confidence in Love as he enters the 2026 season. Love's growth in reading defenses at the line of scrimmage is viewed as a key factor in Green Bay's offensive strategy following his first full year.

Jaxson Dart Gains Support From Giants Coach John Harbaugh

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has become a central focus for head coach John Harbaugh, who expressed deep intrigue in coaching the young signal-caller. Harbaugh noted that he likes what he has seen from Dart so far, suggesting that their professional connection could be a vital component in fixing the Giants' offensive struggles. The "obsession" with Dart's development highlights the high stakes for the quarterback as he looks to establish himself in New York.

Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson Likely to Start at Left Tackle

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to start undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson at left tackle for their season opener against the Broncos. Benson, a former member of Indiana's national championship team, faces the daunting task of protecting Patrick Mahomes in the quarterback's first game back from a major knee injury. The decision to start a rookie in such a critical role highlights both Benson's rapid development and the Chiefs' current situation along the offensive line.

Jordyn Brooks Identified as Key Threat by Raiders Offense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks is a primary focus for the Las Vegas Raiders' scouting department ahead of their Week 1 matchup. Recognized as the league's best tackler in 2025, Brooks remains the centerpiece of a Dolphins defense that the Raiders must neutralize to find success. Las Vegas is reportedly developing a specific game plan to account for Brooks' range and efficiency, acknowledging his ability to disrupt both the running and passing games.

Aaron Donald to Miss Week 1 Return Due to Quick Turnaround

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald will not make his highly anticipated return in Week 1, as he is not traveling with the team for their game in Australia. Head coach Sean McVay explained the decision by stating that the timing would have been a "really quick turnaround" for the veteran defender. While fans were eager to see Donald back on the field, the Rams are opting for a cautious approach to his reintegration, delaying his 2026 season debut for at least another week.

Caleb Williams Faces High Expectations in Debut Against Panthers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters the 2026 season under immense local pressure, with some comparing his potential impact to Michael Jordan. Williams leads the reigning NFC North champions into a high-profile Week 1 duel against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Following Drake Maye's rocky debut, analysts are urging perspective for Bears fans, noting that even top prospects like Williams will face significant ups and downs during their rookie campaigns.