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NFL News

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

Thursday, October 8

Michael Pittman Jr. Out Multiple Weeks With Aggravated Foot Injury

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was downgraded to a did-not-participate status on Thursday and will miss multiple weeks after aggravating a foot injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the multi-week absence, with the team evaluating possible injured reserve placement. Pittman was spotted using a scooter at practice, and his absence creates expanded opportunities for teammates like Germie Bernard and D.K. Metcalf.

Rico Dowdle Limited in Practice With Toe Injury, Status Uncertain

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle was a limited participant in Thursday's practice for the second consecutive day as he deals with a dislocated toe on his right foot. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated that Dowdle's status for Sunday's game against the Colts remains up in the air. If he plays, he is expected to serve as Option 1B behind Jaylen Warren, who has excelled during Dowdle's two-game absence.

Austin Ekeler Steps Up Following Kaytron Allen's Release

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Austin Ekeler remains a key fixture in the Washington Commanders' backfield following the team's decision to release rookie running back Kaytron Allen. With Allen waived after averaging 3.4 yards per carry, Ekeler anchors the active backfield alongside Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt as Washington prepares for a crucial divisional matchup against the New York Giants.

Jonathan Taylor Fully Participates in Colts Practice Ahead of Week 5

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Having received at least 20 carries in each of the last three games, Taylor remains one of the top producing running backs in the NFL this season. He is expected to handle another heavy workload and serve as a locked-in RB1 option for fantasy managers in Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ashton Dulin Sidelined From Colts Practice With Hamstring Injury

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin was absent from practice for a second straight day on Thursday due to a hamstring injury. He has not practiced at all during the week, casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team's receiving corps faces potential depth concerns if he is unable to suit up.

Arden Key Misses Second Consecutive Practice Due to Hamstring Injury

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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key sat out of practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday while dealing with a hamstring injury. Having not participated all week, his availability for Sunday's upcoming game is in serious jeopardy. The Colts' defense is monitoring his progress closely as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers without several key contributors.

Undersized Lineman Willie Lampkin Set for First NFL Start for Eagles

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Following Lane Johnson's retirement and Cam Jurgens' trade, undersized offensive lineman Willie Lampkin is taking first-team reps at left guard and is poised to make the first start of his career Sunday against the Jaguars in London. Despite measuring under 5-foot-11 and 279 pounds coming out of North Carolina, Lampkin has consistently impressed coaches with dominant preseason performances since arriving in Philadelphia.

Cam Jurgens Traded to Ravens After Missing Practice in Concussion Protocol

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Newly acquired Baltimore Ravens center Cam Jurgens missed practice Thursday as he remains in concussion protocol following his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Baltimore sent a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Jurgens is expected to transition back to his natural center position to anchor the Ravens' blocking scheme once cleared.

Lane Johnson Announces Retirement, Shuffling Eagles Offensive Line

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Future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles scrambling to adjust their offensive line and blocking schemes. His departure, combined with the trade of Cam Jurgens, has triggered major structural changes on the offense. Undrafted standout Willie Lampkin is now projected to step into a starting role for the team's upcoming game against the Jaguars in London.

Tyleik Williams Returns to Practice for Lions After Foot Injury Scare

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Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams returned to practice on Thursday in a limited capacity after missing Wednesday's session due to a foot injury sustained late in Week 4. Although Williams exited Carolina in a walking boot for precautionary reasons, his return to the field puts him on track to potentially play against Arizona on Sunday, pending a Friday practice evaluation and medical clearance.

Keith Cooper Jr. Released by Miami Dolphins on Thursday

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The Miami Dolphins released defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. on Thursday as part of roster adjustments made by rookie general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. To fill the open spot on the practice squad, the Dolphins signed EDGE Amari Gainer, who previously spent time with the organization last month. Cooper's release comes as Miami prepares to host the Cincinnati Bengals for their upcoming Sunday matchup at Hard Rock Stadium.

Miami Dolphins Sign EDGE Amari Gainer to Practice Squad

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The Miami Dolphins signed EDGE Amari Gainer to their practice squad on Thursday. Gainer previously spent time with the Dolphins' practice squad last month and has prior experience with the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots. To make room for Gainer on the roster, Miami released defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. as the team prepares to welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Hard Rock Stadium.

Drake Maye and Patriots Face Raiders Pass Rush in Week 5

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye enters Week 5 facing a stiff test against the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive line, led by pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Maye has experienced statistical regression in 2026, completing 62.4% of his passes for 854 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions while facing increased pressure. However, he is coming off a strong performance against the Buffalo Bills where he threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns.

Maxx Crosby and Raiders Pass Rush Prepare for Week 5 Matchup

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As the Las Vegas Raiders head into a crucial Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots, pass rusher Maxx Crosby remains a central focus. Crosby has logged 25 pressures through four games, putting him on pace for a career-high 106 pressures while ranking ninth with a 19.8% pass-rush win rate. The Raiders' defense will aim to disrupt Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who has faced heavy pressure this season, as Las Vegas looks to bounce back from a loss.

Emari Demercado Waived by Dallas Cowboys

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The Dallas Cowboys have waived running back Emari Demercado. Demercado was a healthy scratch for the Cowboys' last two games. His departure reduces the team's depth at the running back position behind Javonte Williams and Tyler Goodson. The Cowboys activated Tyler Smith from short-term IR in a corresponding move.

Xavier McKinney Aims to Capitalize on Turnovers Against Bears

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Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney presents a significant threat to opposing quarterbacks, particularly Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears. McKinney, a ball-hawking safety, has a history of making impactful plays, including interceptions. While he had a down year last season, he remains one of the few players on the depleted Packers team capable of generating big plays. Bagent must exercise extreme caution when throwing downfield to avoid giving the Packers' offense extra opportunities.

Tyson Bagent Starts for Bears, Focused on Execution Over Credit

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Tyson Bagent will start at QB for the Bears vs. Packers, replacing injured Caleb Williams. He previously led the Bears to a 23-12 win, completing 25/34 passes for 268 yards and an interception. Bagent is unconcerned with official starter credit, focusing on execution and victory. He demonstrated comfort and quick decision-making, though pressure exposed some vulnerabilities. He needs to be careful throwing downfield to avoid turnovers against ball-hawking safety Xavier McKinney.

Arvell Reese Named NFL Rookie of the Week for Stellar Performance

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New York Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese has been named NFL Rookie of the Week for his Week 4 performance against the Arizona Cardinals. He recorded nine solo tackles, three passes defensed, one tackle for loss, and his first career interception, contributing to a 36-24 victory. Reese leads the NFL with 26 solo tackles and earned a 90.5 PFF defensive grade, the highest among rookies. He also had an 87.4 coverage grade, making pivotal plays that fueled turnovers.

Steelers Open Practice Window for Safety DeShon Elliott

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have designated safety DeShon Elliott for return from injured reserve. Elliott was placed on IR on August 30, missing most of last season with knee and hamstring injuries. He recorded 38 tackles, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble in five games last season. The Steelers have 21 days to activate him.

Odell Beckham Jr. Joins Vikings Practice Squad, Excited to Play with Jefferson

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Odell Beckham Jr. has joined the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, expressing excitement about playing with teammate Justin Jefferson. Both players share an LSU background. Beckham was released by the Giants after one target in three games. He previously played for the Dolphins and Ravens, and helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021.