NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 17, 2026, 7:29 AM ET

NFL Week 2 Quarterback Carousel

The Seahawks have ruled out quarterback Sam Darnold for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, though he avoided injured reserve despite the injury concern. In Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. is described as close to a return but his Week 2 status remains genuinely uncertain. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski added to the ambiguity by saying he is not ruling anybody out when it comes to his quarterback situation, which has been complicated by injuries to Cooper Rush and Tua Tagovailoa. Three teams are dealing with quarterback injuries heading into the weekend, with the Rams and Chargers also off to rough starts that have raised early-season concerns across the league.

Injury Report and Roster Moves

The Bengals received encouraging news as Joe Burrow said he is dealing with back tightness but expects to play against the Texans, calling it ridiculous to sit out with the issue. The Vikings placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve after he underwent thumb surgery, sidelining him for at least four weeks. San Francisco took a double hit: receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to miss about 10 weeks following ankle surgery, while tight end Tonges is out for the entire season. The Saints are optimistic that Alvin Kamara will return for Week, with coach Kellen Moore saying the running back practiced in full and is in a great place. Kansas City rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, who aggravated a shoulder injury after recording his first interception, is on track to play against the Colts. The Jets, meanwhile, are adding depth with rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick both expected to miss time, prompting the team to sign several players including wide receiver Shepard.

Legal and Off-Field Developments

Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was formally charged with two misdemeanor drunk driving counts and allegedly blew .224 on a breath test, a figure nearly three times the legal limit. In the Josh Jacobs case, attorneys for his former girlfriend have filed a motion seeking to have evidence permanently sealed. The transfer of shares from New York Giants co-owners Steve, Laurie and Jonathan Tisch to Tisch Blodgett has been completed, finalizing a significant change in the franchise's ownership structure.

Around the League: Signings and Cuts

The Ravens released kicker Jake Moody from the practice squad after Tyler Loop's strong opening performance, signaling a shift in their kicking plans. The Chargers, depleted at receiver after their loss to the Cardinals, are signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad as a source confirmed the move. The Panthers waived receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. and signed linebacker Tyrel Dodson from the practice squad in a pair of roster moves aimed at reshaping their depth chart.

Baker Mayfield and the Browns Connection

Buccaneers assistant coach Ken Zampese, who coached Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, said the Browns had their quarterback in Mayfield and mucked it up by trading him away. Mayfield himself made headlines off the field by wearing a Michigan tank top after losing a bet with coach Todd Bowles, a playful wager that came after Michigan stunned Oklahoma, Mayfield's alma mater.

Player Voices and Social Impact

Kyrie Irving offered to pay Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's $11,941 fine for wearing a tribute to a slain Palestinian girl during a game. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the high road when asked about body language criticism from former Texans great Andre Johnson, declining to escalate the war of words. Emmitt Smith acknowledged that Ravens running back Derrick Henry has the stamina to break his all-time NFL rushing record.

Coaching and Scheme

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is preparing for Brian Flores' Vikings defense, with coach Ben Johnson calling it a mental war when you face that unit. Johnson's pithy motto "No block, no rock" has taken hold in Chicago, with the simple philosophy fueling the team's early success by emphasizing that even the little guys are getting a hat on a hat.

Power Rankings and Early Season Trends

Through one week of games, the power rankings show the Bills, Seahawks and Ravens rising with some surprises, while a standout newcomer caught the eye of poll voters. Four offenses erupted in Week, with Chicago, Baltimore, Buffalo and Jacksonville among 10 teams that scored 30-plus points. The Broncos are off to another slow start, now 4-8 in September under Sean Payton after Monday's loss to the Chiefs, and the early-season schedule doesn't get easier in Denver. Week 1 delivered touchdowns galore and a bettor-friendly trifecta on opening Sunday, with a variety of players finding the end zone.

Fantasy and Matchup Analysis

For Week, the matchup rankings suggest Dak Prescott and Terry McLaurin are poised to rebound based on favorable defensive draws. Eight notable Week 1 performances are broken down in Facts vs. Feelings, separating genuine trends from statistical noise heading into the second week.

Week 2 Storylines and Projections

Seven things to watch in Week 2 include whether the Titans can score any points against the Eagles and whether Ben Johnson can solve Brian Flores' defense, with one analyst suggesting Houston's offense could be decent. Dak Prescott needs four touchdowns to pass Tony Romo in the Cowboys record book, and those who caught passes from him over the years shared their stories ahead of the milestone. Looking further ahead, ESPN's Football Power Index projects the 2027 draft order for Round, identifying which teams could be picking early. And with the playoff picture in mind, updated Super Bowl LXI odds and postseason chances show how the 14-team bracket could line up.