NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:42 AM ET

Quarterback Battles & Preseason Plans

The Browns will start Deshaun Watson in their preseason opener Saturday in Chicago, while Shedeur Sanders gets the nod for the second exhibition game at home against Buffalo. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ quarterback competition has officially tilted: J.J. McCarthy acknowledged the decision to name Kyler Murray the winner was “out of my control.” In Denver, Bo Nix will sit out the preseason opener Friday as he recovers from two ankle surgeries, but the team expects him to play in the final two warmup games. A deeper look at Nix’s trajectory reveals just how critical the 2026 season is for both the quarterback and the franchise. Over in Chicago, Ben Johnson has set an audacious goal: make the Bears the “highest-scoring offense ever” – surpassing even his Super Bowl ambitions. Aaron Rodgers expressed disappointment that the Steelers’ preseason opener against the Packers isn’t at Lambeau Field, and he discussed a possible post-retirement return to be honored there.

Roster Moves & Free Agency

The Panthers bolstered their tight end room by signing veteran Darren Waller to a one-year deal. Pittsburgh is bringing back linebacker Elandon Roberts on a one-year contract after he played for the Steelers in 2023 and 2024. Elsewhere, Panthers coach Dave Canales confirmed that running back Jonathon Brooks is “ready to rock” and will suit up Saturday against the Bills. A former Pro Bowl tight end returning to the league adds depth to a Carolina offense still searching for consistency.

Training Camp Notebook

Dan Quinn is re-energizing Washington with spelling bees, basketball shootouts, and coaching changes after a 5-12 season – part of a culture overhaul detailed in a feature on Quinn. The Falcons are seeing Tua Tagovailoa come on strong at camp, while Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined. The latest training camp buzz includes updates on Josh Downs, Denzel Boston, Jalen Hurts, and more from an 11-stop tour covering the 49ers, Bengals, Bills, Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Seahawks, and Steelers. Emeka Egbuka limped off during a joint practice with the Jets and did not return; the Buccaneers are calling it a minor toe injury. Meanwhile, Chiefs star Travis Kelce insists he can still perform at a high level in what could be his final season, aiming to be more accountable as a leader.

Fantasy Football & Draft Guide

For fantasy managers, Mike Clay offers a comprehensive guide to winning in nontraditional leagues. The fantasy draft guide includes rankings, projections, and analysis for the 2026 season. According to the latest buzz, Chase Brown could see increased volume, and Denzel Boston is turning heads in camp.

Around the League

Away from the gridiron, former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the GOP Senate primary in Minnesota and will compete for an open U.S. Senate seat. Ex-QB Matt Hasselbeck is joining a quest to find CTE in living players, undergoing scans and tests to assess collision-related brain damage. The Jonas Brothers will perform at the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, a 49ers-Rams matchup. Off-field news also includes a legal dispute: Jayden Daniels sent LSU a cease-and-desist after the school allowed cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his No. 5 jersey, saying he felt “profoundly disrespected.” Finally, a lighthearted look at how NFL rookies like Jeremiyah Love, Drew Allar, and Carnell Tate spent their first pro paychecks includes exotic pets, family houses, and Lego.