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

Thursday, October 8

Terry McLaurin Misses Second Straight Practice With Hamstring Injury

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin officially did not participate in Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury, marking his second consecutive absence of the week. Having also missed the team's Week 4 loss in London, McLaurin is in serious danger of missing this weekend's game against the Giants, leaving just one final practice opportunity to return to drills before a final ruling.

Stefon Diggs Sidelined Second Consecutive Day With Hamstring Injury

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs sat out of practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a hamstring injury. Having missed Wednesday and Thursday sessions alongside fellow wideout Terry McLaurin, Diggs faces a tight window to prove his fitness. Both receivers are in serious danger of missing Sunday's game against the New York Giants, testing Washington's depth.

Mike Brown Promoted To New England Patriots 53-Man Active Roster

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The New England Patriots promoted safety Mike Brown to their 53-man roster on Thursday after the veteran served back-to-back standard practice squad elevations. Brown has logged heavy snaps on special teams across matchups against Jacksonville and Buffalo, serving as a core-four contributor and personal protector. The move preserves remaining elevations while adding long-term kicking game experience as the team prepares to face the Raiders.

Minkah Fitzpatrick Elevates Jets Defense After Injury Return

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Minkah Fitzpatrick returned from a groin injury that limited him after Week 1, playing all 89 defensive snaps in a 23-12 loss to Chicago. He recorded the Jets' first interception since 2024 and tallied a career-high 16 tackles, becoming the first safety with at least 10 tackles and one pass defended in a half since 2019. His versatility and leadership immediately elevate the entire New York defense.

Joey Porter Jr. Ruled Out For Thursday Night Due To Severe Virus

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Newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was ruled out late for Thursday's game against Tampa Bay after arriving at the stadium very sick and vomiting from a severe viral illness. Sent home before inactives were finalized, his absence forced DaRon Bland outside and shifted safety responsibilities, keeping him from building on his 25-snap debut following his trade from Pittsburgh.

Carnell Tate Limited In Practice After Tweaking Back During Drills

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Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate was limited in Thursday's practice after tweaking his back during individual drills. ESPN's Turron Davenport observed Tate spending time with head trainer Matt Gregg following the incident, coming off a breakout performance with nine catches for 145 yards in Week 4. A return to full participation Friday would help him avoid an injury designation against the Texans.

Washington Commanders Abruptly Release Rookie Running Back Kaytron Allen

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The Washington Commanders waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen to clear roster space for returning injured players like Jeremy McNichols. A sixth-round draft pick out of Penn State, Allen appeared in four games, rushing 12 times for 41 yards. If he clears waivers, Washington could re-sign him to the practice squad, otherwise ending his brief stint in a crowded backfield featuring Austin Ekeler.

Chris Olave Limited In Practice As Foot Injury Added To Report

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was limited in Thursday's practice, with a foot injury officially added to his designation alongside rest and knee notes. Although he limped off late in Monday's loss to Atlanta, head coach Kellen Moore previously downplayed any injury. His status for Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings remains on track pending the final injury report.

Jordan Addison Returns To Limited Practice With Hamstring Soreness

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after being sidelined Wednesday with hamstring soreness. Addison played 75 of 78 offensive snaps against the Dolphins last Sunday. With Justin Jefferson also resuming on-field work, the Vikings' top two receivers appear on track to play Sunday against New Orleans, pending Friday's final injury report activity levels and designations.

Justin Jefferson Logs Second Capped Practice Recovering From Ankle

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson logged his second straight limited practice Thursday as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in Week 3 that sidelined him last week. Jefferson expressed excitement about playing alongside new teammate Odell Beckham Jr. and wants to play this weekend in his native Louisiana against New Orleans, though his final status remains a team decision depending on Friday's final injury report.

Elijah Moore Ready To Help Fill Void In Depleted Eagles Receiving Corps

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Elijah Moore is poised for a significant workload as a wave of injuries hits the team's wide receiver group. With DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, and Dontayvion Wicks sidelined by hamstring and ankle injuries, Moore will be relied upon alongside fellow reserves Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, and Britain Covey for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Darius Cooper Projected For Depth Duty As Eagles Recoil From Injuries

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper provides necessary depth as the team's receiving corps faces a wave of injuries. With DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, and Dontayvion Wicks all dealing with hamstring issues, Cooper is expected to step up alongside Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, and Britain Covey to fill out the receiver rotation for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Britain Covey Positioned For Expanded Role In Banged-Up Eagles Offense

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey is positioned for an expanded role in the offensive game plan as injuries decimate the team's receiving corps. With DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, and Dontayvion Wicks all sidelined or limited due to hamstring and ankle injuries, Covey joins healthy options like Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, and Elijah Moore heading into Sunday's game against Jacksonville.

Makai Lemon Expected To Step Up Amid Eagles Receiver Injuries

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon stands to see increased offensive opportunities as the team deals with mounting injuries to their receiving corps. With starters like DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, and newly sidelined Dontayvion Wicks battling hamstring and ankle issues, Lemon is among the healthy reserve options alongside Darius Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Britain Covey ahead of Sunday's game.

Dontayvion Wicks Added To Injury Report With New Hamstring Injury

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was added to the injury report and limited at Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury picked up during the session. Wicks joins a banged-up receiving corps alongside DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown. If they cannot play, the Eagles will rely on healthy options like Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Britain Covey, and Elijah Moore for Sunday's game.

DeVonta Smith Sidelined At Practice With Hamstring Injury

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith was a non-participant at Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury, though he was seen running on a side field. The injury has already sidelined him for one game and prevented Wednesday practice. His status for Week 5 against Jacksonville will be clarified by Friday's injury report, though he is trending toward a second straight absence for the team.

Christian Benford Returns To Practice For Bills Ahead Of Monday Game

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Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday due to an ankle injury. His return provides a positive development for a depleted Bills secondary that ran out of cornerbacks and was forced to use safety Damar Hamlin at nickel last week. Benford will look to increase his participation ahead of Monday night's showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.

DJ Moore's Status Uncertain For Week 5 After Aggravating Shoulder Injury

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore's shoulder injury status for Week 5 is uncertain after he aggravated the AC joint issue in Week 4 against the Patriots. He missed practice Thursday and his 92-game ironman streak is on the line, though head coach Joe Brady indicated Moore will play if he says he is able. Moore has two more chances to prove his health ahead of Monday's game against the Rams.

Joe Burrow Insists Bengals Will Stick With Under-Center Offense

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Following a 22-17 loss to the Jaguars dropping Cincinnati to 2-2, quarterback Joe Burrow stated the team will continue working on their under-center offense despite abandoning it late in Sunday's game. Burrow noted the scheme's high value and the need for execution improvement, coming off a 428-yard passing performance where he lost Ja'Marr Chase to injury early. He also ranks top-five in yards and completion percentage.

Rueben Bain Jr. Returns To Lineup For Buccaneers Against Cowboys

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is set to return to the lineup for Thursday night's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after missing the past couple of weeks with a groin injury. His return provides a boost to the Buccaneers' defense as they seek to overcome an 0-4 start while missing quarterback Baker Mayfield, who continues recovering from a dislocated right thumb.