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

Tuesday, August 25

Josh Downs Sidelined at Tuesday Practice with Injury

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs did not participate in Tuesday's practice session. He is currently being held out due to an unspecified injury. Further updates regarding his status and potential return to the field are expected as the team monitors his condition.

Deshaun Watson Named Browns Starter; Will Sit Preseason Finale

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The Cleveland Browns have officially named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Despite ongoing public debate regarding the team's roster choices, Watson remains the focal point of the offensive strategy. It has been confirmed that he will not participate in the team's preseason finale against the Patriots on Thursday, as the team looks to keep him healthy for the regular season opener.

Joey Porter Jr. Faces Public Criticism Amid Contract Holdout

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. remains the subject of ongoing scrutiny due to his contract holdout with the team. The situation has drawn public criticism from Asante Samuel Sr. The contract saga continues to be a notable storyline for the Steelers as they navigate their roster preparations for the upcoming season.

Joe Milton III Making Strong Case for Backup QB Role

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III is demonstrating significant improvement in his command of the position. Following two strong preseason outings, Milton is strengthening his case for the No. 2 quarterback job. While the backup battle remains officially unsettled, his performance has shown he is more than just a big arm, providing the coaching staff with a difficult decision as the preseason concludes.

Athan Kaliakmanis Showing Growth in Commanders Preseason

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Washington Commanders rookie Athan Kaliakmanis is trending upward after a solid showing against the Detroit Lions. Along with fellow rookies Kaytron Allen and Antonio Williams, Kaliakmanis was identified in a team film session as a player who flashed potential, demonstrating his development as the team moves through the final stages of the preseason.

Kaytron Allen Impresses in Recent Film Session

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Washington Commanders rookie Kaytron Allen is highlighted as one of three rookies on the rise following his performance against the Detroit Lions. Coaches and analysts noted that Allen, alongside teammates Antonio Williams and Athan Kaliakmanis, showed significant promise during the recent film session, bolstering his case for a larger role in the offense.

Antonio Williams Among Rising Commanders Rookies

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Washington Commanders rookie Antonio Williams is gaining attention following a strong performance against the Detroit Lions. Along with fellow draft picks Athan Kaliakmanis and Kaytron Allen, Williams flashed potential during the team's recent film session, signaling his growth and rising status within the Commanders' offensive rotation.

Justin Herbert to Start Preseason Finale Against Rams

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Justin Herbert is set to start in the Los Angeles Chargers' preseason finale against the Rams, providing him a shot at redemption. Beyond his on-field status, analysts have highlighted Herbert as a high-value quarterback target in 2026 fantasy football drafts. Utilizing PFF grades, experts suggest that managers can find significant value by targeting Herbert in the middle-to-later rounds of 10-team PPR drafts, allowing for balanced roster construction.

Riley Leonard Competes for Colts Backup Role

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Riley Leonard is currently involved in the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback competition, vying for a position on the depth chart. As the team assesses its options behind starter Daniel Jones, Leonard's performance in practice and preseason activities is being monitored to determine his role within the organization's quarterback hierarchy.

Daniel Jones Remains Colts Starting Quarterback

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Daniel Jones continues to hold the starting quarterback position for the Indianapolis Colts. As the team evaluates its depth chart and the development of younger players like Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, Jones remains the focal point of the Colts' offensive leadership.

Anthony Richardson Focused on Colts Development

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Despite a turbulent stretch involving benching, injuries, and trade rumors, Anthony Richardson remains with the Indianapolis Colts. The young quarterback is currently focused on overcoming recent adversity and continuing his professional development within the organization. Reports also suggest ongoing competition for roster positioning, as the team evaluates its quarterback depth behind starter Daniel Jones.

Germie Bernard to Wear Guardian Cap All Season

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard has committed to wearing a Guardian Cap on his helmet for the duration of the 2026 season. This decision follows recent studies highlighting the long-term risks of head trauma in the NFL, reflecting a growing trend among players prioritizing safety measures to mitigate potential injury concerns.

Cowboys Urged to Manage Javonte Williams' Workload

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Analysts are advising the Dallas Cowboys to exercise caution regarding running back Javonte Williams' workload for the 2026 season. The recommendation emphasizes the need for strategic management of his touches to maintain his health and productivity throughout the campaign, ensuring he remains a viable asset for the team's offensive scheme.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Drops on Giants Unofficial Depth Chart

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New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has unofficially dropped to the second team following a pair of miscues. The adjustment in the depth chart reflects the team's current evaluation of his performance during the preseason, as he looks to regain his standing within the rotation.

Jacob Thomas Among Top-Graded Preseason Rookies

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Minnesota Vikings safety Jacob Thomas has been recognized as one of the highest-graded rookies through the first two weeks of the 2026 preseason. His performance has earned him a spot among the top 15 rookies according to PFF, highlighting his rapid adjustment to the professional level and his potential impact on the Vikings' defense.

Thomas Harper Nearing Return from Injury

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Detroit Lions safety Thomas Harper is expected to return to action soon, according to recent injury updates from the team. While the Lions are managing several health issues, including the indefinite absence of Damone Clark, Harper's recovery is progressing well, and he is not expected to be sidelined for much longer.

Cam Skattebo Listed as Starting Running Back on Depth Chart

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Cam Skattebo is currently listed as the starting running back on the New York Giants' unofficial depth chart for the preseason finale against the Jets, according to ESPN.com.

Alec Pierce Set for Practice Return Following Ankle Surgery

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Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is expected to return to practice this week after being sidelined all offseason following surgery on his ankle and heel. While head coach Shane Steichen expressed optimism regarding his progress, his status for the Week 1 opener remains uncertain. The team continues to monitor his recovery closely as they prepare for upcoming activities.

Nick Folk Mentioned in Jets Kicking Competition Context

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Nick Folk was referenced in reports regarding the New York Jets' training camp competition to find a new kicker, which ultimately resulted in the team selecting Jason Sanders and waiving Cade York.

Jets Waive Cade York Following Kicking Competition

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The New York Jets have waived place kicker Cade York after he lost the team's kicking competition to veteran Jason Sanders. With York's departure, the Jets have finalized their kicking situation, leaving Sanders as the only kicker on the roster.