Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been officially ranked as the No. 7 player on the Top 100 list for 2026, highlighting his breakout performance and status as one of the league's most dangerous playmakers. Amidst the team's recent roster moves, coach Sean McVay addressed rumors regarding a possible suspension for Nacua, stating that the team's acquisition of Tutu Atwell was unrelated to any potential player unavailability.
Kirk Cousins completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers, leading the first-team offense to two field goals. Coach Klint Kubiak has not yet named a regular-season starter, though utilization patterns suggest Cousins is the frontrunner for the Week 1 job over rookie Fernando Mendoza. The coaching staff continues to evaluate the depth chart following the final exhibition game.
Ty Simpson delivered a strong performance in the Rams' 20-18 preseason win over the Chargers, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown with 10 rushing yards. Despite his efficiency and a career-best throw, he is expected to serve as the team's No. 3 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett. Simpson started the preseason finale while Bennett did not dress, signaling the conclusion of the backup competition as the Rams finalize their 53-man roster.
Justin Herbert played two drives in the Chargers' 20-18 preseason loss to the Rams, completing 2-of-3 passes for 74 yards and a 65-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnston. He also rushed once for no gain and lost a fumble. Beyond his on-field production, Herbert remains a high-value fantasy asset, with analysts highlighting his strong PFF grades and consensus ADP as indicators of his potential for the 2026 season.
Stetson Bennett has officially won the Rams' backup quarterback job behind Matthew Stafford. Following a preseason-long competition with Ty Simpson, the coaching staff evaluated the duo during the final preseason game against the Chargers. Although Bennett did not dress for the finale, the team has settled on him as the primary backup for the upcoming regular season, effectively concluding the competition for the second-string role.
Matthew Stafford has been named one of the Top 100 players of 2026, with projections placing him in the top five. As the Rams conclude their preseason, the focus remains on the depth chart behind him, with the team confirming Stetson Bennett as the primary backup over Ty Simpson following their final exhibition game against the Chargers.
Quentin Johnston was on the receiving end of a 65-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert during the Chargers' 20-18 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The play served as a highlight in an otherwise competitive exhibition game as the Chargers evaluated their roster depth.
Dillon Gabriel delivered his best performance of the preseason in a highly efficient finale against the Patriots, recording three touchdowns to bolster his case for a roster spot. Initially considered an afterthought, Gabriel significantly improved his standing. Coach Todd Monken remains noncommittal on whether the team will carry four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, leaving Gabriel's immediate future with the Browns subject to final evaluation.
Eddy Pineiro concluded the San Francisco 49ers' preseason schedule with a perfect performance in the team's 18-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. His accuracy in the finale served as a highlight for the 49ers as they transition into final roster preparations. Pineiro's performance was noted as a positive takeaway from the exhibition schedule, solidifying his standing as the team heads into the regular season.
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady has officially given Maxwell Hairston a vote of confidence, naming him the team’s starting cornerback opposite the CB1. This designation confirms Hairston's role in the Buffalo secondary as the team finalizes its defensive personnel heading into the regular season.
Deshaun Watson remains under heavy media scrutiny regarding his massive contract and long-term future with the Cleveland Browns. Analysts have labeled his deal among the worst in the NFL, and recent roster decisions have fueled speculation about his status. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick added to the pressure, publicly stating he does not expect Watson to find success with the team this season. Watson was recently seen interacting with fans before the preseason finale.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard is under medical evaluation for a head injury sustained during the team's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Prior to the injury, the coaching staff had been emphasizing growth and consistency as he competed for his position. Following the loss to Buffalo, reports indicated that Howard failed to impress during his time on the field, adding further uncertainty to his status as the team moves toward final roster decisions.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar faced significant pressure during the team's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. The coaching staff had been seeking improved execution and consistency from the young signal-caller as he competed for his role within the offense. Following the loss to Buffalo, reports indicated that Allar failed to impress, leaving his standing within the quarterback room under evaluation as the team prepares for the regular season.
Kayshon Boutte was traded to the Houston Texans on Monday. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel provided new insight into the organization's decision to move the player, marking a significant roster change for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Kaelon Black rushed four times for 28 yards in the 49ers' 18-12 preseason victory over the Raiders on Thursday. He failed to bring in his only target during the contest. The performance concludes his preseason work as the team evaluates its depth.
Fernando Mendoza concluded his preseason with a shaky performance against the 49ers, finishing the exhibition period with one touchdown and two interceptions. Despite his struggles in relief of Kirk Cousins, coach Klint Kubiak has not yet named a Week 1 starter, confirming that Mendoza remains in the mix for the job alongside the veteran. The Raiders finished the preseason with a 1-2 record and are currently finalizing roster decisions following this final evaluation.
Negotiations between the Patriots and Christian Gonzalez remain stalled, with the sides not close to a long-term deal. Gonzalez has expressed frustration regarding the pace of talks, a sentiment coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged by stating players are free to feel how they feel. As the extension remains unresolved, trade rumors have begun to circulate, with the Cowboys and Giants mentioned as potential landing spots should the situation fail to reach a resolution.
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers saw his first snaps of the preseason during the team's final exhibition game against the 49ers. Bowers secured his only target for six yards in the 18-12 loss. This appearance marked his initial action of the preseason as the team looks to finalize its roster ahead of the regular season.
Taylen Green made his NFL preseason debut against the New England Patriots, showcasing an electric scramble and leading a touchdown drive. The former Arkansas standout's performance was a highlight of the Browns' final exhibition game, as he and Dillon Gabriel both demonstrated their strengths to the coaching staff. The team is now evaluating whether Green has done enough to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Raiders rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford suffered an injury during the team's final preseason game. The severity of the injury was underscored by the fact that he had to be carted off the sideline, raising concerns for the young pass-rusher as the team prepares to make final roster cuts.
