Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
De'Zhaun Stribling, who has been managing a shoulder injury, was spotted in full uniform during Monday's practice session in Melbourne, Australia. His participation in full gear is a positive development for the 49ers as they finalize their preparations for the upcoming season opener. Stribling continues to work through his recovery process under the team's medical staff supervision.
Dallas Cowboys starting left guard Tyler Smith will undergo surgery for a thumb ligament issue, sidelining him for 4-6 weeks. Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the All-Pro lineman will be placed on injured reserve. T.J. Bass is expected to start at left guard in Smith's absence for the Week 1 matchup against the Giants.
The Cleveland Browns are prioritizing the professional development of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, with veteran Joel Bitonio providing technical feedback. While initial expectations placed Sanders as the QB2 for the upcoming game against Jacksonville, recent reports indicate head coach Todd Monken is considering an alternative plan for the quarterback rotation. The team continues to monitor his progress as they finalize their roster strategy for the start of the season.
After a two-year hiatus, 35-year-old defensive lineman Aaron Donald reports feeling better than expected as the Rams prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the 49ers. While his official status remains day-to-day according to DC Chris Shula, and Donald has been coy regarding his specific availability for the opener, he has expressed satisfaction with his physical recovery. Analysts continue to monitor his potential impact as he readies for his return to the field.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer designated RB Javonte Williams as a "bellcow" on Monday. Schottenheimer noted that while other players will certainly see action, Williams is the type of back whose effectiveness scales with his workload. The team expects his performance to improve as he receives more carries, signaling a significant role for him in the Dallas offensive scheme heading into the season.
As the Chargers prepare for their season opener against the Cardinals, Omarion Hampton is established as the team's lead running back. With teammate Keaton Mitchell returning to practice this week following an undisclosed injury, Hampton is expected to maintain his primary role in the backfield, with Mitchell slated to provide a change-of-pace option behind him.
Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell returned to practice on Monday after missing the previous six sessions due to an undisclosed injury. Mitchell is seemingly on track to play in this weekend's season opener against the Cardinals. While the team will issue an official practice report on Wednesday, he is expected to serve in a change-of-pace role behind lead back Omarion Hampton for the upcoming contest.
Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur is optimistic that rookie RB Jeremiyah Love will be available for Sunday's opener against the Chargers. Love, the No. 3 overall pick, has been managing a high-ankle sprain sustained August 13. LaFleur confirmed Monday that Love was moving around well at practice, stating he feels good about his chances to play. The team will provide a clearer status following Wednesday's practice report as he continues to trend toward returning to action.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is on the active roster and expected to play in Thursday's season opener against the 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed no changes to his status, and reports indicate there is a strong possibility Nacua will not face suspension or discipline for the remainder of the 2026 season. Nacua has acknowledged the situation, stating he understands the potential consequences of his offseason actions as he focuses on the primetime matchup.
Titans linebacker Cedric Gray has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol following a UTV accident over the weekend. Gray sustained a concussion and other minor injuries, casting significant doubt on his availability for the team's Week 1 opener against the Jets. The Titans are monitoring his recovery as he progresses through the league's mandatory protocol steps. His status remains uncertain as he focuses on his health following the off-field incident.
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is expected to be available for Sunday's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Pierce, who has been managing an ankle injury following offseason surgery, is on track to suit up for the contest. The team anticipates he will be good to go for the start of the regular season, providing a boost to the receiving corps as they prepare for the matchup.
Newcomer linebacker Zaire Franklin has been named a team captain for the Green Bay Packers for the 2026 season. Franklin joins four repeat captains from the 2025 season and has quickly established himself as a leader within the organization since joining the team. His selection as captain reflects his rapid integration and the respect he has earned from the coaching staff and his teammates.
Derrick Henry has voiced his desire to reach the Super Bowl, stating he is tired of watching the championship game on television. Reflecting on his career, Henry noted that he has played in only one AFC Championship Game, which resulted in a 35-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2019 season. He remains focused on his current goals with the Baltimore Ravens as he pursues his first championship appearance.
Justin Herbert enters the 2026 season as a top-five ranked quarterback for Week 1 fantasy football and remains the centerpiece of the Chargers' offense. As the team prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals, Herbert is expected to be a high-impact performer. The team is focused on integrating young talent around him to support a playoff run. Additionally, Herbert was involved in a minor scare during Monday's practice, though no injuries were reported following the incident.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada did not participate in Monday's practice session, marking another absence for the defensive back.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori remained limited during the team's practice session on Monday as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.
Browns head coach Todd Monken indicated that rookie quarterback Taylen Green could see playing time in Week 1. The team is considering a specific package of plays designed to utilize Green's athleticism alongside starter Deshaun Watson. This potential usage is part of the team's strategy to diversify their offensive attack against the Jaguars, with reports suggesting he may serve as a backup and see a few snaps.
Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice due to general soreness and has been working with trainers for nearly a week. Coach Dave Canales is monitoring his status for Sunday's opener against the Bears but remains hopeful he will be ready. Meanwhile, teammate Chuba Hubbard is trending as the healthier option in the backfield, with Canales noting that Hubbard looks fast and strong heading into the season.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase returned to the practice field on Monday. Chase has been managing a knee injury, and his participation in the session serves as a critical indicator of his availability for upcoming games. The team has expressed no concern regarding his status for Week 1, and his return to practice marks a positive step in his recovery process as the season approaches.
Tee Higgins, who has been dealing with a heel injury, was back on the field and in uniform for Monday's practice session. His presence at practice is a positive development as the Bengals prepare for their upcoming Week 1 schedule. The team has shown no concern regarding his availability for the season opener, and his outlook remains positive as he moves closer to game day.
