NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
Injury Report & Inactives
The NFL’s Week 4 injury report is headlined by a series of significant absences. Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson espn.com is a surprise inactive due to personal reasons. The Rams will be without defensive tackle Aaron Donald espn.com but expect receiver Puka Nacua to play, with the team not intending to limit his workload. The Bears placed left tackle Braxton Jones espn.com on injured reserve, with Theo Benedet set to start. The Seahawks placed running back Jadarian Price espn.com on IR with a chest injury. The Saints have ruled out linebacker Kaden Elliss espn.com and edge rusher Carl Granderson. The Colts will be without veteran receiver Keenan Allen espn.com for their London game due to a groin injury. The Commanders’ Terry McLaurin espn.com will not play against the Colts. The Panthers placed first-round pick Xavier Legette espn.com on IR. Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon espn.com is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury. A full inactives watch espn.com also lists DeVonta Smith and others as out or questionable.
Quarterback Shakeups
The quarterback landscape is shifting dramatically. Baker Mayfield is expected to miss three to six weeks espn.com with a dislocated thumb, depending on when he can grip the football. The Commanders, after Marcus Mariota left Sunday’s game with a knee injury, will turn to seventh-round rookie Kaliakmanis espn.com at quarterback. The Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent espn.com against the Jets.
Game Previews & Predictions
A comprehensive guide espn.com to every Week 4 game includes matchups like Trevor Lawrence vs. Joe Burrow. A separate set of 15 predictions espn.com highlights potential touchdowns for Lamar Jackson and Jameson Williams, plus a Cowboys upset. For Sunday Night Football, detailed betting analysis espn.com is available for the Lions-Panthers game.
Team & Player News
Commanders owner Josh Harris covered a $50,000 tab espn.com for approximately 3,000 fans at a London bar. The Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks espn.com. The 49ers have suspended owner Jed York espn.com for six games and fined him $500,000 for a personal conduct violation. The Patriots are preaching patience espn.com with receiver Romeo Doubs’ modest start to 2026. A feature on Jets rookie tight end Sadiq espn.com describes him as “uncoverable” and a necessity. ESPN has named all-time rosters espn.com for 23 teams with multiple Super Bowls, with 13 players making more than one roster. A list of the 10 biggest upsets espn.com in Super Bowl history is also available.
Fantasy & Betting Insights
For fantasy managers, three hot starters espn.com to believe in are highlighted, along with a player expected to break out in Week.