NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 19, 2026, 10:01 PM ET

Injury Report: Wide Receiver Room Takes Heavy Hits

The New York Jets placed rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. on injured reserve with a sprained ankle, robbing the team of one of its three first-round picks from April's draft. The Jets rookie had been expected to play a significant role in the offense before the setback. In Los Angeles, the Rams listed Puka Nacua as questionable for Monday night's game against the Giants after the star receiver missed practice for the second consecutive day. The Ravens downgraded Pro Bowl wideout Zay Flowers to out for Sunday's matchup with the Saints, dealing a significant blow to Baltimore's passing attack. Earlier in the week, Flowers had been listed as doubtful after missing practice time, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike was also ruled out. Houston ruled star receiver Nico Collins out for Sunday's game against Cincinnati due to a hamstring injury, leaving the Texans without their most productive pass catcher. Pittsburgh will be without wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. against the Patriots because of a foot injury, the Steelers confirmed ahead of their Week 2 contest.

Quarterback Carousel: Vikings Turn to Wentz, Bengals Get Burrow Back

The Minnesota Vikings will start Carson Wentz at quarterback Sunday against the Chicago Bears while Kyler Murray continues to recover from injury, giving the veteran signal-caller an opportunity to steady the offense. Cincinnati received encouraging news as Joe Burrow was a full participant at Friday's practice and is good to go against the Texans, while rookie Shemar Stewart is set to make his debut for the Bengals. In Los Angeles, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald said Friday that "the plan" is to play Monday night against the Giants, a welcome return for a defense seeking to establish its identity under new coordinator Chris Shula. The Raiders saw tight end Brock Bowers return to practice, though he remains doubtful to play against the Chargers, with the rookie standout unlikely to suit up.

Bills Break In New Home With Statement Win

Buffalo opened Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions, as Josh Allen accounted for five touchdowns and the Bills moved to 2-0 in their new home. The long week following the game gives extra recovery time for defensive lineman Ed Oliver (hip) and wide receiver Elijah Moore, both of whom left with injuries during the win. The result marked an impressive performance for a Buffalo team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Steelers' Secondary Future in Doubt

The future of Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh remains uncertain after a contract standoff, raising questions about whether the cornerback has played his last game for the team he grew up around. The Steelers' No. 1 cornerback situation is one of several storylines worth monitoring as the season unfolds.

Coaching Pressure and Defensive Questions

Kevin O'Connell has enjoyed tremendous regular-season success with the Vikings, but the 2026 season could define his legacy in Minnesota if the team fails to make a deep playoff run. In Dallas, the Cowboys' defense is focusing on communication after an inauspicious Week 1 loss to the Giants under new coordinator Chris Shula, with the unit searching for a simple fix before facing the Commanders.

Commanders' Special Teamer Goes Viral

Washington special teamer Tyler Owens became an overnight sensation after a dominant performance against the Eagles that J.J. Watt called "legitimately one of the greatest" special teams plays he had ever seen, drawing national attention to the unheralded contributor. Owens' emergence provides a spark for a Commanders team looking to build momentum.

NFL Adjusts Videoboard Rules After Coach's Post

The NFL modified what can be shown on videoboards during field goal and extra point attempts after a former coach's viral social media post highlighted a competitive loophole, prompting the league to act on the matter.

49ers Fraud Case Expands

The FBI has identified 35 additional women who say they were defrauded by Daejon — a man associated with the 49ers organization — expanding the scope of an ongoing investigation into the case that has shocked the football community.

Backup Quarterbacks Under the Microscope

With injuries already testing depth across the league, a ranking of all 32 backup quarterbacks examined which teams can truly rely on their QB2s, including Mac Jones and other notable reserves who could be called upon. The analysis underscores the importance of quarterback depth in a season already marked by attrition at the position.

Week 2 Preview: 15 Games on Deck

With 15 games remaining on the Week 2 slate, storylines abound from Minnesota versus Chicago to Trevor Lawrence against Bo Nix, and the full preview breaks down A separate set of 15 predictions for Week 2 covers upset picks, fantasy sleepers, and projected stat lines, including whether Ashton Jeanty will pile up scrimmage yards and whether the Bengals could upset the Texans.

Fantasy Football: Week 2 Advice and Sleepers

Fantasy managers received a surprising recommendation that Malik Willis could emerge as a top-10 fantasy quarterback this season, part of a Dolphins outlook that also examines De'Von Achane and other Miami options. Week 2 lineup advice includes unwavering confidence in Colston Loveland, concern for Kyle Pitts, and streaming quarterback options, with vital insights to help make tough start-sit decisions.

Giants' Skattebo Reclaims Feature Role

Cam Skattebo has reclaimed his role as the Giants' feature back after a tough injury recovery, dominating touches just as he did before the setback and giving New York a bruising presence in the backfield. His return provides a significant boost to a Giants offense looking to establish consistency.