Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Rachaad White will not participate in Friday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. The running back is currently dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for the contest. Further analysis on his status and recovery timeline can be found via RotoWire.
The Miami Dolphins have confirmed that Malik Willis will not participate in the team's final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Willis is among a group of starters being held out of the contest as the coaching staff prioritizes health ahead of the regular season.
Mike Washington Jr. is gaining significant fantasy momentum following an ankle injury to teammate Ashton Jeanty, which has sparked speculation regarding a potential shift in the Raiders' backfield hierarchy. Washington has impressed throughout the preseason, culminating in a strong performance during the team's finale. While head coach Klint Kubiak continues to evaluate his roster, Washington's efficient play has positioned him as a riser in fantasy draft boards.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is unavailable for Friday's preseason game in Baltimore. The running back is currently managing a lower-body injury that has prevented him from suiting up for the matchup. Additional details regarding his injury status and outlook are available on RotoWire.
Kirk Cousins has performed efficiently throughout the preseason, leading scoring drives in all three appearances. Despite his strong play, head coach Klint Kubiak has yet to officially name a starter, stating, "I still don’t think we need to name anybody." While the team has not made an official announcement, Cousins is widely considered the favorite to open the season as the starting quarterback for the Raiders.
Byron Murphy is highlighted as a defensive standout entering the 2026 season. He is included among a group of rising stars poised to make a significant impact and potentially contend for first-team All-Pro honors this year.
Jared Verse is recognized as a key defensive player to watch for the 2026 season. He is among a group of rising stars projected to potentially earn first-team All-Pro honors, signaling a high-impact trajectory for his upcoming campaign.
Byron Murphy II is identified as one of the rising defensive stars entering the 2026 season. Along with other young talents, he is considered a top candidate to make the leap to first-team All-Pro honors this year, reflecting high expectations for his performance on the defensive front.
Emeka Egbuka is currently sidelined with a toe injury. While he is traveling with the team to Jacksonville for the final preseason game, he is not expected to play. According to Greg Auman of Fox Sports, the primary goal is to ensure Egbuka is fully healthy for the regular-season opener. It would be surprising to see him return to practice next week, as the organization remains focused on his recovery for the Week 1 matchup.
Rams head coach Sean McVay clarified that the recent trade for Tutu Atwell is unrelated to the potential suspension of Puka Nacua. The team is actively managing its receiving depth as the regular season approaches. While Nacua's status remains a point of interest for the organization, a majority of Rams fans are reportedly not worried about his recent absence from practice.
Myles Garrett is preparing for his debut with the Los Angeles Rams, with expectations set high as his performance is being measured against the 10 highest-graded team debuts in PFF history. Despite missing some practice time, which has drawn attention from the fanbase, the general sentiment among Rams supporters remains unconcerned regarding his status as the 2026 season approaches.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is reportedly open to naming Aidan O'Connell as the team's primary backup quarterback. This potential roster move would place O'Connell ahead of rookie Fernando Mendoza, who may be relegated to the third-string position as the team finalizes its quarterback room for the upcoming regular season.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza remains in contention for the Raiders' quarterback roster as head coach Klint Kubiak finalizes depth chart decisions. While initially viewed as a candidate for the primary role alongside Kirk Cousins, recent reports suggest Mendoza may begin his rookie campaign as the team's third-string quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell. Mendoza recorded two interceptions during the preseason, and the team continues to evaluate his development.
With starting running back Josh Jacobs facing legal challenges and questions regarding his recent performance, analysts are highlighting Pierre Strong as a player to watch during the Packers' preseason finale. Strong's role and development are under increased scrutiny as the team evaluates its depth at the running back position in light of the uncertainty surrounding Jacobs.
Jalon Daniels will start tonight's preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Daniels is expected to play the first half and potentially into the third quarter. This appearance serves as a critical opportunity for the quarterback to demonstrate his capabilities and secure the team's No. 2 signal-caller position.
Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the Raiders are counting on Ashton Jeanty for the Week 1 opener despite an ankle injury that has impacted his fantasy draft stock. While Kubiak previously envisioned Jeanty as a workhorse back in May, the injury and the impressive preseason performance of teammate Mike Washington Jr. have led to speculation regarding a potential shift in backfield usage. The team continues to monitor his recovery as his status remains a focal point.
The New England Patriots have traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans. Despite leading all Patriots wide receivers in touchdowns last season, Boutte did not fit into New England's plans, with Mike Vrabel noting he likely would have been an inactive player on game days. The move to Houston offers Boutte a fresh opportunity to secure a roster role. Fan reaction in New England remains split regarding the decision to move on from the receiver.
There is positive news for the Tennessee Titans regarding Wan'Dale Robinson. Following Thursday's joint practice with the Bears, reports from Ian Rapoport indicate that Robinson is not believed to have sustained a concussion. This update provides relief for the team as they monitor his status following the practice session.
Rookie wide receiver CJ Daniels has impressed during the preseason, effectively earning himself a spot on the Los Angeles Rams' roster. Daniels stood out during Thursday's action, contributing to a strong overall performance by the team's younger players as they concluded their preseason schedule.
Ty Simpson concluded a stellar preseason with the Los Angeles Rams, notably starting the preseason finale and leaving a positive impression on evaluators. While head coach Sean McVay clarified that the decision to start Simpson—coupled with Stetson Bennett's absence—does not officially confirm the No. 2 quarterback role, Simpson's performance is viewed as a significant positive development for the team's roster depth.
