Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The potential comeback of Aaron Donald to the Los Angeles Rams roster creates uncertainty for defensive standouts like Braden Fiske. While Donald's return could provide veteran leadership and defensive support, it may also lead to a decrease in playing time for Fiske as the team adjusts its defensive rotation to accommodate the star's presence.
As the New England Patriots prepare for their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, September 9, questions persist regarding the team's decision not to play quarterback Drake Maye during the preseason. Analysts are debating whether the lack of live game reps will impact his readiness for the Week 1 matchup in Seattle.
The New York Jets have released quarterback Bailey Zappe as the team begins its roster cutdown process. The organization is working to reach the mandatory 53-player limit by the 6:00 pm Eastern deadline on Sunday. Zappe's departure is part of the team's initial moves to finalize the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
As the New England Patriots approach the final roster cutdown deadline, rookie Gabe Jacas is drawing attention for his ongoing development. While the team faces broader concerns regarding defensive depth, Jacas remains a focal point of the coaching staff's evaluation during this critical transition period. His progress is being monitored closely as the organization finalizes its personnel decisions for the upcoming season.
Lions kicker Jake Bates struggled during Saturday's preseason finale, missing two extra-point attempts. Despite the performance lapse, head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in the kicker, indicating no immediate concern regarding his status. The missed kicks serve as a notable setback for Bates as he looks to solidify his role within the Lions' special teams unit heading into the regular season.
Zach Wilson continues his tenure with the New Orleans Saints as the team narrows its quarterback room. Following the release of Hunter Dekkers on Saturday, Wilson remains on the roster alongside Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. The team has signaled its intent to keep Rattler despite outside trade interest, leaving Wilson to compete for his standing behind Shough as the Saints finalize their 2026 roster.
Tyler Shough currently sits atop the Saints' quarterback depth chart following the team's decision to waive Hunter Dekkers. The roster move leaves Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Zach Wilson as the remaining signal-callers on the team. While the Saints have received trade inquiries regarding Rattler, the team has committed to keeping him, maintaining the current hierarchy with Shough leading the group.
The Saints have opted to keep Spencer Rattler on the roster despite receiving trade interest from other teams. The decision follows the team's move to waive fourth-string quarterback Hunter Dekkers on Saturday. Rattler remains in the quarterback room alongside Zach Wilson, with both players currently positioned behind Tyler Shough on the depth chart as the team finalizes its roster composition.
The Miami Dolphins have traded 23-year-old quarterback Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick. Finalized on August 29, the move provides the Jaguars with depth behind Trevor Lawrence following an underwhelming training camp for Ewers in Miami. Ewers, who appeared in four games last season and completed 66.3% of his passes, now joins Jacksonville as they finalize their 53-man roster. He is expected to relocate to Jacksonville for the upcoming season.
Carnell Tate failed to record a reception in the Tennessee Titans' 24-15 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Tate was targeted once during the contest as the Titans closed out their preseason schedule. The performance marks the conclusion of his preseason action as the team prepares for the final roster cut-down period.
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade involving multiple draft picks. Pittsburgh is sending the 2023 first-round pick and a fourth-rounder to Dallas in exchange for a future third- and sixth-round selection. The Steelers moved on from Jones after three seasons, having declined his fifth-year option and drafted Max Ihenachor. Dallas adds Jones to bolster their offensive tackle depth as they head into the new season.
Brian Robinson is facing increased competition for the No. 2 running back spot on the Atlanta Falcons' depth chart. Reports from The Athletic's Josh Kendall suggest that Tyler Goodson is pushing for the backup role, creating a potential shift in the team's backfield hierarchy. Robinson's status as the primary handcuff is under scrutiny as the Falcons evaluate their roster ahead of the regular season.
According to The Athletic's Josh Kendall, running back Tyler Goodson is gaining momentum and could be pushing Brian Robinson for the No. 2 spot on the Atlanta Falcons' depth chart. Goodson's recent performance and buzz in camp have created competition for the backup running back position behind the starter, potentially impacting the handcuff value for fantasy managers monitoring the Falcons' backfield rotation.
Los Angeles Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson earned top marks for his performance during the 2026 NFL preseason Week 3. Simpson's play was highlighted alongside Ravens undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano as the league's standout rookie quarterbacks. The high-drafted signal-caller continues to demonstrate his potential as the preseason schedule wraps up.
Baltimore Ravens undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano earned high marks for his performance during the 2026 NFL preseason Week 3 action. Fagnano, along with Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson, was recognized for his standout play as the preseason concludes. The undrafted signal-caller is drawing positive attention for his development and execution during the final exhibition games.
Tyson Bagent delivered a nearly flawless performance in the Chicago Bears' preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. Bagent's efficient play helped secure a victory for the Bears as they closed out their preseason schedule. The quarterback's performance in the finale has drawn praise for his execution and command of the offense.
Running back Damon Bankston has been released by the New York Giants. Known for his speed, Bankston recorded a 4.43-second 40-yard dash during his tenure. Following his departure from the Giants, the Green Bay Packers are reportedly interested in taking a second look at the running back as they evaluate their roster options.
As part of the New York Giants' efforts to reduce their roster to the mandatory 53-player limit, the team has released wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. This move, confirmed on August 29, is one of eight roster cuts made by the organization as they finalize their squad for the upcoming season. Hodgins, who was a former key piece of the Giants' offense, is now off the roster as the team trims down to the required personnel count.
The Buffalo Bills have released wide receiver and returner Mecole Hardman as part of their mandatory roster cutdown from 90 to 53 players. The move, confirmed by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, leaves the three-time Super Bowl champion available on the open market as teams finalize their personnel decisions for the 2026 season. Hardman, who had joined the team to provide a veteran presence, is now free to sign with any club as the league prepares for Week 1.
The New York Jets are releasing defensive tackle Mazi Smith, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes as the team makes final adjustments to their roster ahead of the league's 53-man deadline.
