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NFL News

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

Tuesday, September 1

Rachaad White Slated for Passing-Down Role in Washington

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As the Washington Commanders finalize their backfield rotation, Rachaad White is expected to handle passing-down responsibilities. He will complement lead ball carrier Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has returned to practice following a groin injury. The team's distribution of labor in the backfield is becoming clearer as they prepare for the Week 1 opener.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Practice Following Groin Injury

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Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has returned to the practice field after missing time with a groin injury. He is now on track to be ready for the Week 1 opener. The team expects him to serve as the lead ball carrier, with Rachaad White handling passing-down duties. Croskey-Merritt's recovery marks a positive development for the Washington backfield as they finalize their game plan for the start of the season.

Zay Flowers Trending Toward Full Return for Week 1 Opener

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Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is expected to be 'good to go' for the September 13 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. After being sidelined for over a week with a lower-body injury, Flowers is slated to participate in full practice capacity starting next week. His progress is being monitored closely, but he remains a key target in fantasy drafts, with expectations that he will be at full strength for the start of the regular season.

Caleb Williams Leads Bears Into New Era of Stability

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Caleb Williams is set to anchor the Chicago Bears' offense, with the organization and fanbase pinning their hopes on him to provide the high-level, consistent quarterback play the franchise has long lacked. As the team prepares for the season, GM Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson remain optimistic about Williams' progress and the roster's versatility, viewing his arrival as a critical turning point for the team's ability to defend their NFC North title.

Odell Beckham Jr. Reclaims Iconic No. 13 Jersey with Giants

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Odell Beckham Jr. has officially reclaimed his signature No. 13 jersey with the New York Giants, the number he wore during his initial stint with the team from 2014-18. The jersey was relinquished by Jalin Hyatt, who is currently on the practice squad. Beckham, who secured a spot on the team's 53-man roster, is set to debut the number in Week 1, marking a return to the look he famously wore during his breakout performances, including his iconic moments against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ashton Jeanty Progresses in Recovery from Ankle Injury

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Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is in a "good spot" regarding his recovery from an ankle sprain suffered on Aug. 23, according to GM John Spytek. While his Week 1 status remains uncertain, Jeanty was observed working with trainers off to the side at Tuesday's practice, marking his first appearance on the field since the injury. The team believes he could return quicker than expected, though no firm timeline has been provided for his full participation in practice sessions.

Panthers Place Brady Christensen on Injured Reserve

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The Carolina Panthers have officially placed offensive lineman Brady Christensen on the injured reserve list, the team announced on Tuesday. No further details regarding the nature or severity of the injury were provided in the announcement.

Nick Bosa Targets Week 1 Return Following Knee Injury

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Nick Bosa is managing a knee injury but remains on track for a return to full practice participation this Wednesday. After working on the side during Monday and Tuesday sessions, the 49ers are optimistic about his availability for the season opener. While his status for the Week 1 game against the Rams remains a focal point for the team, he is currently considered less likely than teammate George Kittle to be active for the upcoming matchup.

George Kittle Nears Potential Week 1 Return After Achilles Injury

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Following an Achilles tear in last season's playoffs, 49ers tight end George Kittle is progressing toward a potential return for the Week 1 opener against the Rams. Kittle participated in team drills on Monday and plans to continue his ramp-up Tuesday. The team is expected to make a final decision on his availability after gathering more information this week. Reports suggest Kittle is currently more likely to play in the opener than teammate Nick Bosa.

Joe Milton III Clears Waivers and Becomes Free Agent

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Quarterback Joe Milton III has officially cleared waivers and is now a free agent after being waived by the Dallas Cowboys. Despite initially securing a spot on the team's 53-man roster, he was released shortly after. While the Cowboys have expressed interest in potentially signing him to their practice squad, Milton is currently exploring other professional opportunities to continue his career. His next team remains a question mark as he evaluates his options.

Malik Nabers Returns to Practice During ACL Recovery

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New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers is working his way back from a torn ACL. After initially being absent from the media-accessible portion of Tuesday's practice, he later participated in uniform. Nabers stated he is "getting there" in his recovery, but his availability for the Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain as the team closely monitors his progress and transitions him back to full activity.

MarShawn Lloyd Sees Surge in Fantasy Football ADP

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Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd has emerged as one of the biggest risers in Average Draft Position (ADP) on Yahoo as of September 1. His rising stock comes as fantasy managers adjust their draft strategies following news regarding the Packers' backfield, specifically the status of Josh Jacobs. Analysts are currently evaluating Lloyd's potential role and value within the team's offensive rotation for the upcoming season.

Josh Jacobs Expected to Play Despite Groin Injury

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Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed that running back Josh Jacobs is expected to play this season despite managing a groin injury. The team is monitoring his recovery and his status regarding an ongoing criminal case, for which they have not yet reviewed video evidence. Amid these developments, fantasy managers are evaluating his draft value as the Packers adjust their backfield depth following his placement on the Commissioner's Exempt list.

Buccaneers Claim Cornerback Kevin Knowles Off Waivers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have claimed cornerback Kevin Knowles off waivers, according to the official NFL personnel notice released on Tuesday. Knowles, who was previously associated with the Kansas City Chiefs, will now join the Buccaneers' roster as the team continues to finalize its defensive depth ahead of the regular season.

Aaron Donald Ends Retirement; Eyes Week 2 or 3 Debut

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Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald has officially returned to the Rams. While he missed a recent practice for a planned absence, the team is integrating him into the roster and evaluating his contract status. His return has drawn significant attention, including a 'startled' reaction from 49ers GM John Lynch. Donald is expected to make his season debut in Week 2 or 3, missing the opener against San Francisco, as his Week 1 status remains uncertain.

Saints Claim CB Decamerion Richardson Off Waivers

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The New Orleans Saints have claimed cornerback Decamerion Richardson off waivers. The transaction was confirmed via the NFL's official personnel notice.

Isiah Pacheco Placed on IR with Back and MCL Injuries

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The Lions have placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least the first four games of the season. Pacheco is dealing with a persistent back issue from training camp as well as a new MCL sprain. The 27-year-old, who signed a one-year, $1.81 million deal this offseason, is eligible to return for the Week 5 matchup against Arizona. The team has adjusted its roster to account for his extended absence.

Texans Set Week 1 Deadline for C.J. Stroud Extension

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The Houston Texans have established a firm Week 1 deadline for contract extension negotiations with quarterback C.J. Stroud. General manager Nick Caserio confirmed that if a deal is not reached by this cutoff, the organization will cease all discussions until the upcoming offseason. This strategy is intended to avoid contract distractions during the regular season, mirroring approaches used by other NFL franchises.

Dolphins Add Clelin Ferrell to Practice Squad

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The Miami Dolphins have signed Clelin Ferrell to their practice squad. The move was part of a series of roster adjustments on Tuesday that also included the release of quarterback Mark Gronowski.

Isaiah Williams Ahead of Omar Cooper Jr. on Depth Chart

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Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams maintained a position ahead of Omar Cooper Jr. on the depth chart during a competitive training camp. While Cooper showed late momentum, Williams remained a focal point of the team's receiver evaluation throughout the summer.