Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jonathon Brooks made an impact in Friday's 34-17 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The running back carried the ball five times, totaling 18 yards and finding the end zone for a touchdown. Brooks is looking to secure his standing in the Panthers' backfield rotation as the team moves toward final roster decisions.
Bryce Young remains a focal point for the Panthers as the preseason concludes. In Friday's 34-17 win over the Jaguars, Young completed five of six passes for 49 yards and orchestrated a scoring drive. Beyond his 11 snaps in the game, Young continues to be a central topic in team roster discussions. His development and role are being closely monitored by the coaching staff as the organization moves toward final roster cuts.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is developing a strong professional connection with head coach Shane Steichen. Recent reports highlight an interesting anecdote regarding the 'football brain bond' between the two, noting that the quarterback and head coach have shown great initial rapport as they work together in the Indianapolis system.
Rico Dowdle saw significant work in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets on Friday, rushing five times for 18 yards and adding a two-yard reception on his only target. Dowdle, who was in uniform and available for the contest, split carries with Jaylen Warren throughout the first half. The performance serves as a key opportunity for the running back to showcase his readiness during the ongoing training camp period.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton is set to be out of action for a period of time due to an injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the absence on Friday but did not disclose the specific nature of the issue or a return timeline. Horton's status remains uncertain as the Seahawks continue their preseason preparations, leaving a gap in the receiving corps as the team evaluates its depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren started in Friday's 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets, rushing five times for 17 yards. His participation was part of the team's ongoing roster evaluation during the final stages of the preseason. Warren split backfield duties with Rico Dowdle throughout the first half, providing a key look for the coaching staff as they determine the rotation for the upcoming regular season.
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught his only target for 10 yards during Friday's 17-0 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game marked Wilson's first action of the preseason alongside quarterback Geno Smith. The performance was part of a productive first-half showing for the Jets' starters, who gained valuable confidence as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that 32-year-old wide receiver Tyreek Hill is not expected to sign with an NFL team before the regular season begins. Hill is currently sidelined while recovering from a knee injury, and his return to play remains on hold. Teams continue to monitor his status, but no immediate contract or return to the field is anticipated in the coming days.
Public sentiment regarding a contract extension for Puka Nacua is mixed among Los Angeles Rams fans. Recent polling indicates that nearly 40% of the fanbase supports signing the receiver to an extension before the start of the upcoming season, while a significant portion of the fanbase prefers that the organization wait until next year to finalize a new deal.
Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald showcased his leg strength by successfully converting a 61-yard field goal during the team's recent preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The impressive kick was a highlight of the matchup, which also featured 11 snaps from starting quarterback Bryce Young as the team continues its late-preseason roster evaluations.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed did not suit up for Friday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos. The decision was confirmed by Mike Spofford of the Packers' official team site. Reed's absence is part of the team's broader strategy for managing player health and evaluation during the preseason schedule.
Jordan van den Berg has emerged as a fan favorite for the Chicago Bears this preseason. For the second consecutive week, he has been identified by the fanbase as the player they are most excited to watch during the team's preseason games. The growing interest in van den Berg highlights his performance during training camp and early exhibition play.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs did not participate in Friday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos due to a groin injury. The update was provided by Mike Spofford of the Packers' official website. Jacobs' status remains a point of interest as the team manages his health ahead of the regular season.
The wisdom of Myles Garrett was brought to the forefront by Houston Texans star Will Anderson Jr. regarding the development of young defensive talent. Anderson noted that the advice provided by Garrett serves as a blueprint for young players, such as those on the Los Angeles Rams, to effectively utilize their natural resources and maximize their impact on the field.
Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. recently highlighted the importance of young defensive players maximizing their natural resources. Drawing on advice he received from Myles Garrett, Anderson emphasized that emerging talents, specifically those on the Los Angeles Rams, should fully leverage their physical gifts and professional opportunities to reach their potential.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is facing three charges related to a June domestic incident in Georgia. The 26-year-old was arrested in connection with an alleged family violence incident. The Ravens have confirmed they are aware of the situation and have notified the NFL. The league has officially confirmed that the case is currently under review. As this remains a pending legal matter, the team has declined to provide further comment.
New York Jets first-round rookie Omar Cooper Jr. is seeing increased involvement in the team's offensive scheme. His performance during Friday's preseason action was noted as a significant fantasy football takeaway, as the Jets look to integrate the young playmaker into their rotation following a 2025 season where the team notably struggled to generate interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
New England Patriots edge defender Elijah Ponder is entering his second NFL season with high expectations regarding his physical profile. Scouting reports highlight Ponder as an explosive athlete on the edge, and the team is closely monitoring his development as he looks to carve out a larger role in the Patriots' defensive front during the 2026 campaign.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold showed chemistry with teammate JSN during the team's joint practice session with the Tennessee Titans on Friday. The practice served as a key preparation step ahead of the two teams' upcoming Sunday night matchup on FOX. Darnold continues to work through the offensive rotation as the Seahawks finalize their game plan.
Brock Purdy is gaining traction as a top-tier value option for 2026 fantasy football drafts, with analysis suggesting he consistently outperforms his draft cost. In recent exhibition action against the Chargers, Purdy demonstrated chemistry with rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, completing three passes to the receiver. Off the field, Purdy's wife, Jenna, recently shared a video highlighting the family's time together before the start of the 49ers' upcoming season.
