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NFL News

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

Friday, August 14

Josh Allen Claims No. 1 Spot in 2026 Fantasy QB Rankings

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Josh Allen holds the top spot in PFF's 2026 fantasy football quarterback rankings. As the consensus No. 1 option in a deep pool of 64 ranked players, Allen remains the primary target for fantasy managers heading into the 2026 draft season. His consistent production and high ceiling keep him at the forefront of the position.

Thursday, August 13

Kirk Cousins Confirmed as Raiders' Starting QB

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Kirk Cousins has been officially named the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback for the season opener. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the role is "Cousins' job to lose" following the team's 27-14 preseason loss to the Cardinals. While rookie Fernando Mendoza is pushing for development reps, Cousins remains the primary signal-caller and will continue to work with the first-string offense.

Fernando Mendoza Shows Promise in Preseason Debut

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Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza completed 10-of-16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against Arizona. Despite a 27-14 loss, Mendoza displayed playmaking ability and resilience. While self-critical, stating he "let his teammates down," Coach Klint Kubiak praised his performance. Mendoza continues to compete for backup reps, though Kirk Cousins remains the confirmed starter for the upcoming season.

Kurtis Rourke Hospitalized Following Rib Injury

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49ers third-string quarterback Kurtis Rourke was hospitalized after sustaining a rib injury in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. Rourke struggled to breathe, prompting medical staff to conduct tests to rule out serious complications. Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Rourke appeared to be okay, but his status remains a point of concern for the 49ers' upcoming exhibition schedule.

Darius Cooper Turning Heads During Second Eagles Training Camp

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Darius Cooper is enjoying a standout second training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles. His performance has been highly impressive, drawing significant notice and praise from his teammates. Cooper's development during this camp cycle marks a notable step forward in his career, as he continues to build momentum and establish himself as a key contributor within the Eagles' roster.

Markel Bell Impresses Coaching Staff at Eagles Training Camp

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Markel Bell has been identified as one of the top performers at Philadelphia Eagles training camp. His consistent play and development have caught the attention of observers, earning him recognition among the team's most improved players this summer. Bell's performance in camp highlights his potential impact as he works to secure his standing on the roster.

Quez Watkins Exceeds Expectations During Eagles Training Camp

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Quez Watkins has emerged as a standout performer during the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp. His development and on-field contributions have drawn significant praise, positioning him as one of the top players who have exceeded initial expectations throughout the summer sessions. Watkins continues to demonstrate growth as he competes for a prominent role within the team's offensive rotation.

Drake Maye Rests During Preseason Tie Against Colts

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Patriots quarterback Drake Maye did not play in Thursday's 13-13 preseason tie against the Colts. Prior to the game, the focus for Maye had been on building chemistry with newly acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown. The team is prioritizing the development of their rapport to maximize the effectiveness of the passing attack as they integrate Brown into the offensive scheme for the upcoming season.

MarShawn Lloyd Returns to Action in Preseason Opener

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After navigating two injury-plagued seasons, MarShawn Lloyd returned to the field for the Packers' preseason opener against the Steelers. Lloyd earned the start and carried the ball four times for 13 yards in the 28-9 loss. This appearance served as a crucial opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate his capabilities and determine his role within the team's offensive scheme following his extended absence.

Matthew Golden Sees Preseason Action in Packers Opener

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Packers rookie Matthew Golden saw significant usage during the team's preseason opener against the Steelers, including deployment in 12 personnel packages. Despite the increased opportunity to develop his role within the offense for the 2026 season, Golden failed to record a target in the 28-9 loss. The coaching staff continues to evaluate his development as he adjusts to the professional level.

Jayden Reed Records 19 Yards in Preseason Loss to Steelers

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Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed saw the field during Thursday's 28-9 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reed was targeted twice during the contest, successfully bringing in one reception for 19 yards. The appearance served as an early opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the receiving corps during the opening week of the 2026 preseason.

Christian Watson Held Without a Catch in Preseason Opener

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Packers wide receiver Christian Watson made a cameo appearance in Thursday's 28-9 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson was targeted once during the game but failed to bring in the reception. The outing was a limited evaluation for Watson as the Packers look to integrate their offensive weapons during the early stages of the preseason schedule.

Jordan Love Sees Limited Action in Preseason Opener Against Steelers

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Packers quarterback Jordan Love played one series in Thursday's 28-9 preseason loss to the Steelers, completing three of five passes for 18 yards and leading the team to a field goal. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Love is focused on improving the team's ability to finish games, motivated by the memory of the Packers' inability to hold a large lead in their playoff loss to the Bears. The team opted to limit his playing time during the opening contest.

Wan'Dale Robinson Records Two Catches in Titans Debut

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Wan'Dale Robinson made his debut for the Tennessee Titans in their 19-13 preseason victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. Robinson was active in the passing game, bringing in two of his four targets for a total of 19 yards. The performance provides the coaching staff with initial data on his role within the Titans' offensive scheme during the preseason evaluation period.

Gunnar Helm Productive on Single Target in Titans Win

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Gunnar Helm contributed to the Tennessee Titans' 19-13 preseason win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. Helm was efficient with his limited opportunities, bringing in his only target of the game for a 16-yard gain. The productive outing serves as a positive indicator for his development and roster depth as the Titans continue their preseason evaluation process.

Marques Sigle Dealing With Oblique Injury

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Marques Sigle has been sidelined with an oblique injury. The injury update comes following the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, a game that saw several players sustain health setbacks, including Kurtis Rourke and Nate Hobbs. The team is currently evaluating the severity of Sigle's injury and his potential timeline for returning to practice and game action.

Nate Hobbs Sustains Groin Injury in Preseason Opener

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During the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, Nate Hobbs was forced to exit the game after pulling his groin. The injury occurred during a contest where the team was already managing limited roster depth, with only two of the four rostered quarterbacks dressed. Hobbs' status will be monitored as the team assesses the impact of the injury on his availability for the remainder of the preseason.

Jerry Jones Defends Micah Parsons Trade as Dynasty-Building Move

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to defend the trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers, drawing parallels to the historic 1989 Herschel Walker deal that fueled the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty. Despite the high-profile nature of the transaction, Jones maintains he has zero regrets regarding the decision to move the star player to Green Bay last year. The owner remains steadfast in his justification of the trade, viewing it as a strategic long-term maneuver for the organization.

Cam Ward Evaluated Following Uneven Preseason Opener

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Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward completed five of 12 targets for 57 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, adding one rush for two yards in a 19-13 win over the 49ers. Despite a tough debut, Ward remains a fantasy breakout candidate for 2026. He has shown significant upside in PFF grades and advanced metrics, having completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his rookie evaluation period.

Will Howard Debuts in Steelers Preseason Win

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Steelers quarterback Will Howard made his debut in the 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Working alongside Drew Allar, Howard served as a focal point for coach Mike McCarthy's new offensive system. The game provided a vital opportunity for Howard to demonstrate his growth and compete for standing within the team's quarterback depth chart.