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NFL News

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

Thursday, August 20

Justin Herbert Sees Limited Action in Preseason Loss

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Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert saw limited action in Thursday's 41-17 preseason loss to the 49ers, playing just three snaps. He completed one of two passes for nine yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Despite the minimal usage, Herbert remains a high-priority fantasy football draft target for 2026, with analysts highlighting his strong PFF performance grades and usage data as indicators of his top-tier potential for the upcoming season.

Brock Purdy Leads 49ers Offense in Preseason Win

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to lead the team's offensive unit during the preseason. In the 41-17 win over the Chargers, Purdy completed four of six passes for 29 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and added one rush for three yards. He has been working closely with rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who has emerged as a standout performer during the team's preseason efforts.

Omarion Hampton Sees Limited Action Against 49ers

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Omarion Hampton made a cameo appearance in the Chargers' 41-17 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday night. The running back recorded one carry for minus-1 yard and was not targeted in the passing game. Hampton is currently working to secure his standing within the team's running back rotation as the Chargers continue their preseason evaluations.

George Kittle Trending Toward Week 1 Return vs. Rams

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49ers tight end George Kittle is trending toward a return for the Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Australia. Following a positive check-up with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Wednesday regarding his January Achilles surgery, Kittle remains ahead of schedule in his recovery. Reports confirm he has a legitimate chance to play in the season opener, providing a significant boost to the San Francisco offense as they finalize preparations for the regular season.

Fernando Mendoza Struggles in Second Preseason Outing

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Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza faced a challenging second preseason outing in a 22-20 win over the Texans, highlighted by an opening-series pick-six. He completed 8-of-15 passes for 86 yards, took a sack, and was hit four times while leading the offense to only three points. Despite the turnover and a play where he chased an opponent 50 yards, the coaching staff continues to monitor the first overall pick's development as he adjusts to the NFL in a necessary learning process.

Woody Marks Finds Paydirt in Preseason Loss

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Woody Marks contributed to the Houston Texans' offense in Thursday's 22-20 preseason loss to the Raiders. Marks rushed four times for 37 yards and a touchdown while also catching his only target for six yards. The performance highlights his involvement in the team's backfield rotation as they evaluate depth during the preseason.

C.J. Stroud Leads Touchdown Drive in Preseason Action

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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud saw action during Thursday's 22-20 preseason loss to the Raiders, completing four of six passes for 27 yards. Stroud successfully led the Texans on a touchdown drive during his single series of play, as confirmed by head coach DeMeco Ryans. This brief appearance was part of the team's ongoing evaluation of their starters during the preseason schedule as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.

Gardner Minshew Named Starter for Saturday's Preseason Game

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The Arizona Cardinals have announced that Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback for Saturday's preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This marks the third different starting quarterback the Cardinals have utilized in as many preseason games as the team continues to evaluate its signal-caller depth. The team is currently determining how many starters will see action against Dallas.

Keenan Allen Joins Colts to Bolster Receiving Corps

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The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to address depth concerns and provide a reliable presence for their passing attack. Allen made his debut as the team concluded their final training camp session at Grand Park, which marked the end of an eight-summer era at the facility. The addition is viewed as a strategic move to solidify the Colts' offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.

Joey Porter Jr. Linked to Potential Trade Interest

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is currently the subject of trade interest from other teams. The 26-year-old defensive back is seeking a contract extension this offseason, adding a layer of complexity to his status with the organization as the preseason progresses.

Chigozie Anusiem Carted Off With Leg Injury

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Raiders cornerback Chigozie Anusiem suffered a significant leg injury during the third quarter of Thursday night's preseason game against the Houston Texans. The injury required him to be carted off the field, marking a concerning development for the Raiders' secondary depth.

Tre Tucker Emerges as Raiders' No. 1 Receiver

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Following the conclusion of Week 2 of the NFL preseason, insights into the Raiders' offensive hierarchy have solidified. Tre Tucker has been identified as the team's No. 1 receiver. This development provides a significant takeaway for fantasy football managers as the preseason progresses and the Raiders continue to evaluate their offensive personnel ahead of the regular season.

Quentin Johnston Out for Preseason Game vs. 49ers

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Quentin Johnston is not in uniform for Thursday night's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers wide receiver is currently dealing with a lower-body injury. His absence from the contest marks a temporary setback in his preseason participation as the team continues its evaluation of the roster.

Christian McCaffrey Sits Out Preseason Matchup vs. Chargers

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Christian McCaffrey will not participate in Thursday night's preseason game against the Chargers due to an undisclosed issue. As a central topic in fantasy football, his status remains a focal point for analysts following recent league-wide injury news. With McCaffrey sidelined, the 49ers are utilizing other roster members to handle the backfield rotation during this preseason contest.

Malik Willis Addresses Dolphins' Performance Against Giants

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Following a rough outing for the Miami Dolphins against the New York Giants, Malik Willis offered perspective on the team's performance. Willis expressed confidence that the Dolphins will show improvement once they begin game planning for specific opponents during the regular season, urging fans not to panic over the preseason results.

Joe Burrow to Sit Out Remainder of Preseason

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Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Joe Burrow will be rested for the preseason game against the Bears to prioritize health following a recent joint practice scuffle. It is expected that Burrow will not see any further action until the regular season begins. Burrow has expressed a clear mandate for the 2026 season, focusing on manifesting a Super Bowl run for the Bengals while instilling a sense of urgency and intensity throughout the team's championship aspirations.

Mansoor Delane Tested in 1-on-1 Drills Against Allen

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Chiefs first-round defensive back Mansoor Delane was challenged during recent training camp 1-on-1 drills. Video footage captured Delane being beaten by teammate and offensive standout Cyrus Allen. The interaction highlights the competitive nature of the Chiefs' camp as the team continues to evaluate their defensive secondary and depth pieces ahead of the 2026 season.

Cyrus Allen Emerging as Chiefs Offensive Standout

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Cyrus Allen is gaining recognition as a 'secret superstar' on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 roster, viewed as a key depth piece and potential contributor. His camp surge is gaining fantasy relevance, highlighted by a successful rep against first-round defensive back Mansoor Delane during 1-on-1 drills. As the team looks to establish a new dynasty, Allen is positioning himself to play a meaningful role in the team's success throughout the upcoming season.

Kaleb Johnson Facing Potential Roster Cut

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Kaleb Johnson is reportedly in danger of being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the start of the 2026 regular season. According to analysis from The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, Johnson's roster spot is currently at risk as the team narrows down its personnel. Further updates on his status and team depth chart implications are expected as the preseason concludes.

Mike Evans Makes Bizarre Fashion Statement at Scrimmage

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans went viral for a bizarre fashion statement made before the team's recent scrimmage against the Los Angeles Chargers. While the focus remains on his on-field integration with the 49ers, the wideout's pre-practice appearance drew significant attention on social media.