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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans addressed his recent health status, confirming that the quad and groin injuries that caused him to miss training camp time were not significant. Evans stated that he would not have been sidelined had the team been participating in regular-season practices, downplaying concerns about his availability for the start of the year.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy provided an update on the team's right tackle competition during Monday's press conference, noting that Dylan Cook is currently trending to start at the position for the Week 1 opener.
The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback for the Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tagovailoa beat out Michael Penix Jr. for the role. He ranked fifth among qualifying quarterbacks in perfectly accurate throw rate in 2025. This start marks a significant return to Pittsburgh, the site of his final start with the Miami Dolphins.
Bears running back Kyle Monangai returned to practice on Monday for the first time since suffering a right knee hyperextension on August 16. Although he was wearing a protective sleeve on the knee, he appeared to be moving well during the session. His return is a positive sign for his availability for the team's Week 1 preparations.
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently evaluating the skill set and tape of newly acquired cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. to determine his role and impact within the team's defensive roster.
Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze did not participate in Monday's practice session due to a leg injury. His status remains a point of concern for the team as they prepare for their upcoming schedule. The absence was confirmed alongside other injury updates from the Chicago practice field.
Bears running back D'Andre Swift returned to the practice field on Monday. Swift had been sidelined recently while managing an abdomen injury. His return to action is a positive development for the Chicago offense as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been selected as a team captain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season. He is one of six veterans chosen by teammates to lead the team this year.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been named a team captain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season. Mayfield was selected by his teammates as part of a six-man leadership group to guide the team throughout the upcoming year.
Nose tackle Vita Vea has been selected as a team captain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season. Vea earned the honor through a vote by his teammates and will wear the captain’s “C” on his jersey this year.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone has been named a team captain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season. He was chosen alongside five other veterans following a vote by his teammates to lead the roster this year.
Tackle Tristan Wirfs has been selected as one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' six team captains for the 2026 season. The leadership group was determined by a vote from his teammates, reflecting his veteran status and importance to the squad as they head into the new campaign.
Browns head coach Todd Monken has named quarterback Deshaun Watson as a team captain for the Week 1 opener against the Jaguars. While Watson remains the starter, Monken has left the door open for rookie quarterback Taylen Green to see playing time, noting that the team may utilize a specific package of plays to leverage Green's athleticism during the game.
The Miami Dolphins have officially named their team captains for the 2026 season. Quarterback Malik Willis is among the six players selected to lead the team, highlighting the organization's continued emphasis on youth within their leadership structure.
As the Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 season, quarterback Josh Allen is the focal point of a team looking to contend under first-year coach Joe Brady. With a healthier and deeper roster, expectations for the offense are high. Despite early betting odds favoring the Texans in the Week 1 matchup, the team is focused on how the new coaching dynamic can elevate Allen's performance to championship levels.
As the Rams prepare for their Week 1 game against the 49ers, focus is on how Myles Garrett will perform against Brock Purdy. Analysts are questioning if Garrett will be able to fill the stat sheet against the 49ers' offensive approach.
As the Dolphins head into Week 1, fan focus remains on the team's offensive line and secondary. High expectations are placed on Jonah Savaiinaea to deliver a significant impact for the team this season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy has been named a team captain for the 49ers, maintaining the leadership group from the 2025 season. As he prepares for the Week 1 opener against the Rams, analysts highlight the unique challenge he poses to opposing defenses, noting that his play style forces teams like the Rams to adjust their defensive approach despite the presence of elite pass rushers.
Michael Penix Jr. will serve as the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a competitive preseason, Penix was passed over for the starting role in favor of Tua Tagovailoa. Penix, who is working his way back from an ACL tear, is currently inactive for the game. He noted he is getting closer to 100% health but emphasized that the team deserves his full capability before he returns to the field.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell highlighted the importance of DJ Wonnum to the team's defensive front, specifically noting that Wonnum is considered an ideal complement to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The team expects this pairing to bolster their defensive pressure throughout the season.
