NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 12:28 AM ET

Commanders Controversy & Rebuild

The Washington Commanders’ offseason took an unexpected turn when star quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed anger over LSU allowing cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his No. 5 jersey. Daniels informed LSU it can no longer use his name, image and likeness and said he felt “profoundly disrespected,” according to a cease-and-desist letter. Meanwhile, head coach Dan Quinn is trying to re-energize a team that went 5-12 last season. After a long winter of introspection, Quinn spent the offseason sharpening the roster’s edge with spelling bees, basketball shootouts and other bonding exercises, as detailed in a profile on Dan Quinn.

Roster Moves & Contracts

Several veteran moves shook up the NFC. The Panthers added a proven pass-catching threat, agreeing to a one-year deal with former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers brought back linebacker Elandon Roberts on a one-year contract. Roberts, who played for the team in 2023 and 2024, returns to bolster the defense. The Cowboys may have found their formula again after Quinnen Williams signed a three-year, $105.9 million extension with the Jets. That deal could influence Dallas’ strategy; the implications for the Cowboys are analyzed in a piece on Quinnen Williams’ extension.

Quarterback Buzz & Preseason Decisions

Aaron Rodgers has expressed disappointment that the Steelers’ preseason opener against the Packers won’t be played in Green Bay, and he acknowledged that a post-retirement return to Lambeau Field “has to be an invite.” Rodgers shared his thoughts on the Lambeau return possibility. In Chicago, first-year Bears coach Ben Johnson is aiming high—he wants his offense to be “the highest-scoring offense ever.” Johnson’s bold goal tops even a Super Bowl win, as he outlined in an interview on Bears scoring record. Cleveland will start Deshaun Watson in its preseason opener Saturday, with Shedeur Sanders getting the nod in the second preseason game. The Browns have named Watson the starter. Over in Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy said the decision to name Kyler Murray the winner of the Vikings’ quarterback competition was “out of my control.” McCarthy spoke about the QB decision and his desire to stay. Denver is taking a cautious approach with Bo Nix: the Broncos will sit him for the preseason opener as he continues recovery from ankle surgeries. The team expects him to play in the final two warmups, per the update on Nix. A deep dive into the 2026 season examines why this year is critical for Bo Nix and the Broncos' future.

Training Camp Buzz & Injury Updates

Injuries are already piling up. The Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limped off during a joint practice with the Jets and didn’t return; a source said the Egbuka injury is minor toe soreness. Bears safety Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss four to six months, coach Ben Johnson announced. Bryant will be sidelined well into the regular season. Rams stars Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett both missed practice—Nacua with groin soreness and Garrett with knee swelling. The joint practice saw Nacua exit early. The Ravens got good news on cornerback Nate Wiggins, who injured his leg in practice but head coach Jesse Minter said “I think there’s optimism,” according to the Wiggins injury report. On the positive side, Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is “ready to rock” and will play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Bills, per coach Dave Canales. Brooks is set to debut. Elsewhere, Eagles Jalen Hurts is drawing rave reviews for his increased speed; defensive tackle Jalen Carter said Hurts looks “like a movie” when he runs. Hurts’ speed has been a camp highlight. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce believes he can still “play at a high level” in what could be his final season, and he wants to be more accountable as a leader. Kelce spoke about his mindset.

Fantasy & Draft Season

As fantasy football managers prepare for drafts, ESPN’s Mike Clay offers a guide for nontraditional leagues in his Playbook, Part. Clay’s fantasy tips cover scoring variations and roster setups. The comprehensive Draft Guide includes rankings, mock drafts and analysis—your one-stop shop. Check out the full fantasy draft guide for 2026. Cameron Wolfe ’s training camp notebook highlights buzz from Ohio, including more volume for Chase Brown and Denzel Boston turning heads. Fantasy football buzz also covers the Browns and Bengals. Rookies receiving their first checks have spent on exotic pets, family houses and Lego sets. Rookies’ spending is a fun look at early splurges.

Off-Field News & Entertainment

The NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia will feature the Jonas Brothers as part of the entertainment lineup. Jonas Brothers will perform at the 49ers-Rams contest. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the Republican primary in Minnesota and will compete for an open U.S. Senate seat. Tafoya advances to the general election. Ex-QB Matt Hasselbeck joined a research effort to find CTE in living people; he spent two days undergoing scans and tests. The Hasselbeck CTE research aims to help future players. CBS Sports president David Berson said there is “no timetable” on the future of analyst Tony Romo after his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. Romo’s arrest leaves his broadcasting role uncertain.

Camp Notes Around the League

From the Falcons camp, Tua Tagovailoa is coming on strong while rookie Penix remains sidelined. Falcons camp updates continue. The comprehensive training camp notebook from multiple reporters covers updates on Josh Downs, Denzel Boston, Jalen Hurts and more. Training camp buzz includes the 49ers, Bengals, Bills, Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Seahawks and Steelers. Finally, the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo held its first public event—the “Return of the Blue & Red night” with fans in attendance. See inside the new Highmark Stadium as Bills practice and fans take it in.