NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:43 PM ET
Player Suspensions and Off-Field Issues
The NFL has seen several player suspensions in recent days. Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis espn.com will miss the first three games of the season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Similarly, Commanders defensive end/linebacker Dorance Armstrong espn.com has been suspended without pay for the season opener for violating the personal conduct policy. Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. espn.com faces an eight-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. In other news, former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck espn.com is participating in research to help detect CTE in living individuals. CBS Sports has stated there is "no timetable" for the future of analyst Tony Romo espn.com following his arrest.
Preseason Standouts and Team News
Preseason action has provided some notable performances. Steelers rookie quarterbacks Drew Allar espn.com and Will Howard impressed in a 28-9 victory over the Packers. Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza espn.com threw for 97 yards and a touchdown in his debut. The Browns will start Deshaun Watson espn.com at quarterback for their preseason opener. The Bills are set to have Josh Allen espn.com and other healthy starters play in their new stadium. The Chicago Bears espn.com will not change their name if they relocate to Indiana. The Panthers have signed veteran tight end Darren Waller espn.com to a one-year deal.
League Initiatives and Player Development
The NFL is to future talent and player development. Scouts will be keeping a close eye on 12 colleges espn.com that are stacked with NFL draft talent for the 2027 draft. In fantasy football, Matt Bowen has released his QB tiers espn.com for the upcoming season. Mike Clay also offers strategy tips for various fantasy league types espn.com. Rookie players are making significant purchases with their first NFL paychecks, including Jeremiyah Love espn.com and Drew Allar.
Team Dynamics and Training Camp Updates
Training camps are revealing insights into team dynamics. Coach Klint Kubiak has brought a sense of urgency and a "no nonsense" approach to his first training camp with the Raiders espn.com. In Washington, Dan Quinn espn.com is re-energizing the team with a focus on competition and culture. Eagles training camp saw a scuffle between defensive tackle Moro Ojomo espn.com and offensive tackle Fred Johnson. The Falcons' training camp updates include notes on quarterbacks and potential breakouts, with Tagovailoa espn.com reportedly coming on strong.
Player Milestones and League Events
Player milestones and league events are also making headlines. The jersey worn by Joe Montana espn.com in Super Bowl XXIV sold for a record $1.5 million. The Jonas Brothers espn.com will perform at the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams. Travis Kelce spoke about his wedding with Taylor Swift, calling it the "best night of my life." Travis Kelce espn.com also stated that he believes he can still "play at a high level" in what could be his final NFL season.
Injuries and Roster Moves
Several teams are dealing with injuries and making roster adjustments. Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson espn.com is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka espn.com sustained a minor toe injury during a joint practice. Bears safety Coby Bryant espn.com underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss four to six months. 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall espn.com is facing a nine-month recovery after knee surgery. Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed optimism regarding an injury to starting CB Nate Wiggins espn.com. Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck will miss Thursday night's game against the Raiders due to a rib injury espn.com.
Broadcasting and Media
ESPN analyst Troy Aikman espn.com will have some limitations on his "Monday Night Football" broadcasts due to his consulting role with the Dolphins. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya espn.com won the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota.
Team Strategies and Player Contracts
The Cowboys may be revisiting their strategy for locking up star players, as seen with Quinnen Williams' espn.com contract extension. Jerry Jones compared the Micah Parsons espn.com deal to the Herschel Walker trade. Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon espn.com is focusing on practice amid ongoing contract extension talks.
Miscellaneous Notes
LSU's DJ Pickett stated he will not change his jersey number from No. 5, despite pushback from Jayden Daniels espn.com. Ben Johnson has set an ambitious goal for the Bears espn.com to become the highest-scoring offense ever. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix espn.com will not play in the team's preseason opener as he continues to recover from ankle surgeries. A California judge ruled against the Rams espn.com in an arbitration case involving wrongful termination.