NFL Football 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 2, 2026, 2:07 PM ET
Thursday Night Football
The Cleveland Browns took control espn.com of the AFC North with a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Deshaun Watson led the Browns espn.com to a 3-1 start by directing his third straight winning drive, while Steelers coach Mike McCarthy expressed regret espn.com for an angry exchange with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the frustrating loss.
Injury Report
Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham is expected to miss espn.com several weeks after suffering MCL and ankle sprains. The New Orleans Saints placed running back espn.com Travis Etienne on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games. The New York Jets ruled out espn.com running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor, and left guard Jordan Parham for Sunday's game against the Bears. Minkah Fitzpatrick, however, is ready to rejoin espn.com the Jets after a groin injury, aiming to end his 20-game interception drought.
Coaching and Personnel Moves
Tony Romo will not return espn.com as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports following his arrest, the network announced. The New York Giants released espn.com wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., with coach John Harbaugh explaining "it just wasn't working for us." Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel took the blame espn.com for the team's offensive struggles. In a notable trade, the Dallas Cowboys acquired espn.com cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Steelers, a move that analysts are examining for its fit and contract implications.
Player Perspectives
Jaguars cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter emphasized espn.com he only cares about winning, not "other stuff," according to assistant coach Liam Coen. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels said espn.com he is not worried about reinjuring his elbow, noting that his brace provides protection. Former Falcons center Jeff Van Note, a six-time Pro Bowler, died at age 80 espn.com. Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin revealed espn.com a 12-year Minecraft city-building project.
Week 4 Preview and Analysis
Our comprehensive guide espn.com to every NFL Week 4 game includes matchup previews, predictions, picks, and nuggets, featuring Trevor Lawrence vs. Joe Burrow and New England's bounce-back attempt. The latest buzz espn.com around the league includes QB panic meter readings, trade intel, and what we're hearing about the 3-0 Raiders. NFL coaches remain split on making espn.com pass interference calls reviewable, despite controversial calls this season. An early look espn.com at the trade deadline highlights 10 candidates to move, five teams to watch, and five predictions, including whether the Cardinals might deal Marvin Harrison Jr. or Josh Sweat.
Fantasy and Trends
Fantasy football analysts identify espn.com three hot starters to believe in and one player who will break out in Week, suggesting a slow-starting quarterback could finally deliver. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have rediscovered the deep ball espn.com, completing eight of 14 attempts on passes of 20-plus yards, and could improve further. The Tennessee Titans and running back Derrick Henry are on different paths espn.com since Henry's departure, with his career trending upward while the Titans struggle.