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

Thursday, September 3

Giants Sign Veteran Linebacker Malik Harrison to Practice Squad

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The New York Giants have signed veteran linebacker Malik Harrison to their practice squad. A 2020 third-round pick out of Ohio State, Harrison reunites with head coach John Harbaugh, bringing his experience from the Baltimore Ravens to the Giants' defensive depth. The organization intends to integrate him into the system to solidify defensive rotations and provide a reliable, experienced option for potential elevation to the active roster throughout the season.

Cleveland Browns Add Defensive End Sam Williams to Roster

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The Cleveland Browns have added defensive end Sam Williams to their roster. The team is currently evaluating his background and potential impact as he integrates into the defensive unit for the upcoming season.

Hunter Luepke Receives Equity Stake from Von Miller for Jersey Number

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Dallas Cowboys fullback Hunter Luepke has received equity in Von Miller's poultry business, Greener Pastures Chicken, in exchange for relinquishing the No. 40 jersey to the veteran pass rusher. The unique deal provides Luepke with a long-term business asset as Miller takes over the number he wore during his high school and college career.

Alec Pierce Returns to Full Practice Participation

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Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was a full participant in Thursday's practice, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. This return to full activity, confirmed by beat reporter Nathan Brown, is the strongest indication yet that Pierce will be available for the team's Week 1 opener against the Ravens. Pierce is currently playing under a new four-year, $114 million contract.

Contract Negotiations Stall for Bengals' DJ Turner II

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Contract discussions between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive back DJ Turner II appear to have hit a stalemate. Reports suggest that the team and one of its most promising young talents are not currently close to reaching a long-term agreement. The situation may be trending toward familiar territory for the Bengals, who have historically navigated difficult negotiations with key roster pieces.

Cade Klubnik Named Backup Quarterback for Jets

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The New York Jets have officially named rookie Cade Klubnik as their backup quarterback for the upcoming week. Despite this promotion, the team continues to explore the broader quarterback market, as evidenced by their recent workout of Will Levis following his release from the Titans. Klubnik's role as the primary backup remains the current status for the Jets' roster.

Nnamdi Madubuike Returns to Team Drills at Practice

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Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike participated in team drills during Thursday's practice, signaling a positive turn in his recovery from a neck injury sustained last season. While head coach Jesse Minter previously expressed optimism that Madubuike would not miss significant time, his full participation on Thursday suggests he may be on track to avoid missing any games at all to start the regular season.

Kayshon Boutte Addresses Trade to Texans and Recent Inactive Comments

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Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is integrating into the Houston Texans' offensive scheme following his trade from the New England Patriots last month. Boutte recently addressed Mike Vrabel's "inactive" comments, taking them in stride despite having ranked first or tied for first in receiving touchdowns among Patriots wideouts over the past two seasons. During that span, he also ranked second in receiving yards for New England, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory.

Zay Flowers Returns to Practice, On Track for Regular Season Opener

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Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers returned to practice on Thursday after missing two weeks with an undisclosed lower-body injury. His return comes 10 days ahead of the regular-season opener, providing a significant boost to Baltimore's offensive rotation. Team insiders previously expected Flowers to be available for the start of the season, and his participation in practice reaffirms his availability as the team finalizes preparations for their upcoming 2026 schedule.

Stetson Bennett Named Rams' No. 2 Quarterback Behind Matthew Stafford

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The Los Angeles Rams have officially listed Stetson Bennett as the No. 2 quarterback on their latest depth chart. Bennett has successfully secured the primary backup role, beating out 2026 first-round pick Ty Simpson, who is currently listed as the No. 3 option. This designation confirms Bennett's standing in the rotation as the team prepares for the upcoming season, positioning him as the immediate replacement should the veteran starter be unavailable for any reason.

Trey Smith Targets Another 17-Game Season as Chiefs' Right Guard

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Chiefs right guard Trey Smith has set a primary goal of maintaining his high availability by playing all 17 regular-season games again this year. Smith has been a model of consistency for Kansas City's offensive line, starting 67 out of a possible 68 regular-season games during the first four years of his career. His durability remains a cornerstone for the Chiefs' front five as they look to protect Patrick Mahomes and maintain their offensive efficiency in the upcoming season.

Colson Yankoff Vying for Role in Commanders' Roster Reconstruction

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Colson Yankoff is among the undrafted free agents whose performance is being evaluated as a potential catalyst for the Washington Commanders' roster overhaul. GM Adam Peters is looking for success stories like Yankoff's to help speed up the team's transition and improve overall roster quality. As the Commanders continue their rebuilding phase, the impact of these UDFAs will be critical in determining how quickly the team can return to a competitive state in the NFC East.

Ricky Barber's Performance Noted in Commanders' UDFA Evaluation

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Ricky Barber is currently part of a group of undrafted free agents whose success may influence the speed of the Washington Commanders' roster reconstruction. As GM Adam Peters evaluates the team's trajectory, Barber’s development is a factor in how quickly the front office moves to overhaul the existing depth chart. The Commanders are looking for these young players to provide a spark and prove they belong in the long-term plans of the organization's new competitive era.

Tyler Owens' Early Success Could Accelerate Commanders' Roster Shift

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Undrafted free agent Tyler Owens is making a strong impression with the Washington Commanders, potentially speeding up the team's planned roster overhaul. Under the leadership of GM Adam Peters, Owens is part of a group of UDFAs whose performance is being closely monitored for its impact on the team's long-term trajectory. His ability to contribute early could lead to a faster transition as the Commanders look to modernize their roster with young, hungry talent this season.

Drew Stevens Among UDFAs Impacting Commanders' Roster Overhaul

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Drew Stevens is one of several undrafted free agents (UDFAs) whose early success is potentially accelerating the Washington Commanders' roster overhaul under GM Adam Peters. Alongside other notable rookies, Stevens is competing to prove that his presence can alter the team's trajectory. The success of these undrafted players is a key storyline in Washington as the front office looks to find high-value contributors to speed up the rebuilding process and improve roster depth.

Concerns Raised Over Francis Mauigoa's Long-Term Health After Draft

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New York Giants top-10 draft pick Francis Mauigoa is facing public scrutiny regarding his long-term health prospects. Former Giants Super Bowl champion Raul Allegre labeled the selection a "tremendous risk," specifically citing concerns about Mauigoa's durability. As a high-stakes investment for the Giants' offensive line, Mauigoa will be under intense observation to see if he can overcome these health concerns and provide the stability the team expects from a top choice.

Arvell Reese's Draft Selection Questioned by Former Giants Champion

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Former Giants Super Bowl champion Raul Allegre has raised questions regarding the team's decision to select Arvell Reese in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Allegre expressed that he would have preferred another defender over Reese, casting doubt on the pick's immediate value. This critique adds a layer of scrutiny to the rookie's upcoming season as he attempts to prove his worth and justify his high draft position amidst skepticism from prominent former members of the organization.

Cam Skattebo Considered Retirement After Gruesome Ankle Injury

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Giants running back Cam Skattebo revealed he 'definitely' considered retirement following a severe injury in Week 8 of his rookie season, which included an open fracture of his right ankle and a dislocated fibula. Speaking on the 'Up & Adams Show,' Skattebo opened up about the mental toll of his recovery process and his relationship with John Harbaugh while working to return to the field.

TreVeyon Henderson Sidelined at Patriots Practice

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Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined with an ankle injury and did not participate in Thursday's practice. Henderson was absent as the team continued its preparations for their upcoming matchup against Seattle. His status remains a point of concern for the New England offense as the team monitors his recovery progress.

Caleb Williams Praised for Execution and Growth

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As quarterback Caleb Williams enters his third NFL campaign, coach Ben Johnson has lauded his development and approach. Johnson noted that Williams is executing at a much higher clip than at any point in his career, emphasizing that the quarterback's growth is expected to continue. The coaching staff believes Williams is poised to elevate the performance of everyone around him as the team prepares for the upcoming season.