NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 2, 2026, 2:07 PM ET
Browns Take AFC North Lead
Deshaun Watson put the espn.com Browns atop the AFC North at 3-1 after directing his third straight winning drive in a 27-24 victory over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Cleveland stunned espn.com Pittsburgh to take the division lead, adding to the Steelers’ historic five-year futility in primetime. The win came at a cost, as Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham left espn.com the game with a knee injury and is now expected to espn.com miss a few weeks with an MCL and ankle sprain. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy regretted espn.com an angry exchange with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the frustrating loss.
Injury Report and Roster Moves
The Packers placed wide receiver Jayden Reed on injured reserve; he will undergo espn.com season-ending neck surgery. The Saints put running back Travis Etienne on IR, sidelining espn.com him for at least four games. The Jets ruled out espn.com running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor, and left guard Cole Parham for their game against the Bears. The Falcons signed defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to a four-year, $78 million contract extension with $46.5M guaranteed espn.com.
Quarterback Updates and Concerns
There have been eight QB injuries through three weeks of the NFL season, up from the norm, as quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders, Jayden Daniels, and Baker Mayfield have gone down espn.com. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels said espn.com he has no concerns about reinjuring his elbow, noting that’s what the brace is for. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye again said espn.com his shoulder is not to blame for the sputtering offense. Bears coach Ben Johnson said espn.com he knows the “direction” the team will go at quarterback but remained mum on the starter for Week.
Trade Deadline and Roster Shakeups
The Steelers traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, ending espn.com the cornerback saga. Our insiders dive into espn.com Porter’s fit in Dallas and his potential for a contract extension. The Giants released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., with coach John Harbaugh explaining espn.com it “just wasn’t working for us.” An early look at espn.com the NFL trade deadline identifies 10 candidates to move, five teams to watch, and five predictions.
Coaching and Officiating Controversies
Rams head coach Sean McVay says espn.com the NFL admitted the defensive pass interference call against the Rams in their game against the Broncos was wrong. Despite controversial pass interference calls, NFL coaches are split espn.com on making them reviewable. Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel blamed espn.com himself for the team’s offensive woes.
Player Performances and Analysis
Jaguars cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter only cares espn.com about winning, not “other stuff,” according to coordinator Liam Coen. Jeff Van Note, a six-time Pro Bowl center who spent all 18 seasons of his NFL career with the Falcons, died espn.com at. Tony Romo will not return espn.com as an NFL game analyst for CBS Sports after his arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Minkah Fitzpatrick is ready to espn.com rejoin the Jets and help stop a 20-game interception drought. The Tennessee Titans and Derrick Henry are on different paths espn.com since his departure. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are looking for espn.com their first home win since before Thanksgiving as they host the Titans. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have rediscovered espn.com the deep ball, completing eight of 14 attempts on passes of 20-plus air yards.
Fantasy Football and Draft Insights
Fantasy experts identify espn.com three hot starters to believe in and one player who will break out in Week. Matt Bowen discusses espn.com eight players to acquire ASAP, including DJ Moore and Jared Goff. The Playbook offers espn.com Shadow Reports, lineup locks, and projected scores for Week. Jordan Reid unveils espn.com his debut rankings for the 2027 NFL draft class, with Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith at No. 1.
Week 4 Preview and Uniforms
Our guide to espn.com every NFL Week 4 game includes matchup previews, predictions, picks, and nuggets. Week 4 buzz espn.com includes a QB panic meter, trade intel, and what we’re hearing on the 3-0 Raiders. The Browns’ “Alpha Dawg” combination and the Giants’ “Legacy” look top espn.com the NFL Week 4 uniform selections. Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin showed off espn.com a 12-year build of a Minecraft city.