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NFL News

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

Monday, September 7

Nick Bosa Confirmed to Return for Week 1 Opener Against Rams

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Re-elected as a 2026 team captain, Nick Bosa is officially confirmed to play in the season opener against the Rams in Australia. Head coach Raheem Morris stated, 'He’s going. We’re not hiding that.' This marks Bosa's return to the field following an ACL tear sustained on Sept. 21, 2025, which required surgery. Despite a cautious approach to his practice workload and missing some recent sessions, the team has cleared the defensive star for game action.

Giants Release Long-Tenured Wide Receiver Darius Slayton

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The New York Giants have released wide receiver Darius Slayton after seven seasons, ending his tenure as the team's longest-serving player. Slayton, who was signed through 2027, was on the roster bubble, and his release does not provide immediate cap relief. Although he initially survived the final round of roster cuts, he was let go just days before the season opener. Slayton, a 2019 fifth-round pick, is already drawing interest from potential suitors as he looks toward his next opportunity.

Darius Slay Mentioned in Giants Personnel Reports

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Darius Slay has been referenced in recent reports regarding New York Giants roster moves. While the primary focus of these reports has been the release of wide receiver Darius Slayton, Slay's name has appeared in the context of the team's ongoing personnel adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. The organization continues to evaluate its roster depth and strategic direction as the regular season approaches.

George Kittle Cleared for Season Opener After Practice Participation

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George Kittle has been named a 2026 team captain for the 49ers. After participating in practice on Monday, Kittle traveled to Australia and was spotted in full uniform for Tuesday's practice session in Melbourne. While Kittle has been managing an Achilles issue, Klay Kubiak expressed confidence in his physical condition. All signs indicate the tight end is trending toward availability for Thursday's season opener against the Rams.

Christian McCaffrey Returns to Practice Ahead of Week 1 Opener

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Running back Christian McCaffrey, recently re-elected as a 49ers team captain for the 2026 season, was spotted in full uniform for the team's practice session on Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia. This follows reports that he had missed practice during the opening week of the season due to an undisclosed issue. McCaffrey remains a key leader in the eight-man group elected by the team as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.

De'Zhaun Stribling Returns to Practice in Full Uniform

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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.

Cowboys' Tyler Smith Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Out 4-6 Weeks

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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.

Browns Evaluate Shedeur Sanders' Development and QB Rotation

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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.

Aaron Donald Feeling Good Ahead of Rams Season Opener

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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.

Javonte Williams Labeled Bellcow by Cowboys Staff

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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.

Omarion Hampton Set for Lead Back Role

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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.

Keaton Mitchell Returns to Practice Ahead of Opener

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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.

Jeremiyah Love Trending Toward Availability for Week 1

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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.

Puka Nacua Cleared for Opener; Faces No Immediate Suspension

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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.

Cedric Gray Enters Concussion Protocol Following UTV Accident

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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.

Alec Pierce Expected to Play in Week 1 Against Ravens

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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.

Zaire Franklin Named Team Captain for 2026 Season

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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 Expresses Urgency for Super Bowl Success

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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 Poised for High-Impact Week 1 Performance

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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.

Ty Okada Misses Practice Again on Monday

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Seahawks safety Ty Okada did not participate in Monday's practice session, marking another absence for the defensive back.