NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 11:20 PM ET

Training Camp Brawls

The NFL cracked down hard on joint practice chaos this week, handing down $500,000 fines to both the Cowboys and Saints after multiple fights erupted during their Tuesday session. The Giants and Dolphins weren't far behind, with multiple players ejected from Thursday's workout after throwing punches and engaging in physical altercations. Saquon Barkley made his disdain for these sessions known, telling reporters he "hates" back-to-back joint practices because they inevitably lead to skirmishes, adding that "one day is good" to keep things controlled.

Quarterback Battles

Browns quarterbacks took center stage this week as Deshaun Watson delivered a "must-see" throw in practice against the Bills, intensifying the competition with Shedeur Sanders. Sanders, unfazed by the looming starting QB decision, said he's not feeling pressure ahead of Thursday's joint practice. Across the league, Joe Burrow is done waiting, declaring his focus is solely on capturing a Super Bowl after years of deep playoff runs that fell short. Meanwhile, the Patriots are embracing a new identity in 2026, with the team feeling like "the hunted" rather than the hunters after an eventful offseason of roster turnover.

Injury Updates

A rash of concerning injuries emerged from joint practices this week. Jayden Higgins, the Texans' second-year wideout, tore his ACL during practice with the Raiders and will miss the entire season. Tyler Warren, the Colts' star tight end, suffered a groin injury in joint practice and did not return to action. Sam LaPorta remains day-to-day with a hip injury, leaving his status for the Lions' Week 1 opener in serious doubt. On the defensive side, Jer'Zhan Newton underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, while Cole Van Lanen was activated from the PUP list as he continues his recovery from a knee injury that ended Jacksonville's playoff run last season.

Fantasy Football Insights

Fantasy football enthusiasts received valuable guidance from Eric Karabell, who broke down his running back rankings into clear tiers to help identify where value drops off throughout drafts. Karabell also released his wide receiver tiers, providing comprehensive breakdowns for fantasy managers looking to build balanced rosters. Six players are generating serious "drumbeat" buzz heading into the season, with Blake Corum and Trey Benson among those who could turn into league winners if they hit their ceilings.

Free Agency Moves

Vita Vea made his intentions crystal clear, stating his end goal was never a trade away from Tampa Bay and that he wants to be "a Buc for life" after signing his contract extension. In Seattle, Trevon Diggs is returning to key action, planning to sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks after his release from the Cowboys. The 49ers are reuniting with familiar faces, bringing back Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw in key roles, with questions about how Greenlaw will slot in at linebacker and whether Samuel can return as a rushing threat.

Rookie Spotlight

Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza is proving that preparation breeds opportunity, with his studious notebook habit serving as his biggest asset as he gets ready for his first taste of NFL action. The Steelers are giving their young quarterbacks valuable experience, naming Will Howard as their starter against the Jets while Drew Allar will follow as the backup. A.J. Brown continues to show maturity beyond his years, expressing nothing but "love" for the Eagles and former teammate Jalen Hurts after their joint practice sessions.

The Lions remain confident despite a 2025 slump that saw them invest $1 billion in contract extensions and completely rebuild their offensive line. With Dan Campbell at the helm and support from coaching legends like Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur, Detroit believes their championship window remains wide open. As the league moves closer to the regular season, QB uncertainty looms over 16 teams heading into 2027, with projections showing both likely and unlikely scenarios for franchises searching for their next franchise quarterback. Multiple signees have been granted a fifth year of eligibility, including former Ole Miss starters who signed with NFL teams this summer but secured temporary restraining orders to extend their college careers.