NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 16, 2026, 3:46 AM ET

Preseason Football

The NFL preseason kicked into high gear this week with several notable performances and developments across the league. Rams QB Simpson starred in his debut, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs. Browns QB Watson also impressed in his first action since the 2024 season, going 11-of-15 for 126 yards and leading two scoring drives, though it wasn't enough in a 34-10 loss. Ja'Kobi Lane continued his strong preseason showing by scoring a touchdown, keeping his momentum rolling from training camp. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa expressed frustration after the Falcons' preseason loss to the Broncos, where he went 3-of-5 for 22 yards across two series. Jaxson Dart said he was puzzled after being checked for a concussion during the Giants' preseason game against the Vikings. Geno Smith is day-to-day with an ankle injury and will miss the preseason opener against the Buccaneers. Jeremiyah Love, the Cardinals' rookie running back, will miss a week due to a sore ankle suffered against the Raiders. Jamal Adams was carted off during his preseason debut with the Vikings, though the severity of the injury remains unclear.

Coaching Moves

Antwaan Randle El took over playcalling duties for the second half of the Bears' preseason opener against the Browns, sparking a 24-0 run that helped secure a 34-10 victory. His leadership on the sideline proved pivotal as Chicago dominated the final two quarters. Todd Monken praised Watson's performance, calling his first-half work "awesome" and highlighting the quarterback's poise under center. Mike Macdonald revealed that overwhelmingly positive reviews played a role in the Seahawks' decision to sign Terrion Arnold despite pending felony charges. Mike LaFleur confirmed that rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will miss a week to recover from his ankle injury.

Contract News

Devon Witherspoon and the Seahawks agreed to a four-year extension worth $132 million, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league. The deal solidifies Seattle's secondary for years to come. Keeanu Benton signed a four-year, $72 million extension with the Steelers, becoming the highest-paid defensive tackle in franchise history. Terrion Arnold also inked a deal with the Seahawks, though his contract comes amid ongoing legal concerns. DeMarcus Lawrence confirmed that the 2026 season will be his last, bringing his 13-year career to a close with the Seahawks. James Pearce Jr. received an eight-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy following his arrest.

Broadcast Updates

Troy Aikman will face some restrictions heading into Monday Night Football broadcasts, similar to those imposed on Fox's Tom Brady, according to recent reports. The limitations stem from his consulting work with the Dolphins. Eric Karabell released his "Do Draft" list, highlighting undervalued players like Derrick Henry and Patrick Mahomes who could outperform their draft positions. Matt Bowen provided fantasy football QB tiers for the upcoming season, offering guidance for draft preparation. NFL Network reported on Keeanu Benton's significant extension, which sets a new benchmark for defensive tackles league-wide. Yahoo Sports first broke the story of DeMarcus Lawrence's planned retirement after the 2026 season. Adam Schefter confirmed the details of Devon Witherspoon's record-breaking contract extension.

Personal Highlights

Travis Kelce shared his first public comments about his wedding to Taylor Swift, calling it the best night of his life during an appearance at Madison Square Garden. His heartfelt remarks offered a rare glimpse into his personal joy amid the football spotlight. Troy Aikman continues to navigate his dual role as broadcaster and consultant, with new restrictions affecting his MNF preparations. Solak handed out training camp superlatives, recognizing standout performers and awarding "most likely to succeed with a new offense" among others. The Mets joined the growing list of teams poking fun at Jayden Daniels over his jersey number dispute with LSU, adding fuel to the ongoing rivalry narrative.

Injury Updates

Several key players dealt with injuries during the opening week of preseason action. Geno Smith is day-to-day with an ankle injury, while Jeremiyah Love will be sidelined for a week. Jamal Adams left his Vikings debut on a cart, raising concerns about his availability. Jaxson Dart underwent concussion protocol checks during the Giants' game, though he was cleared to return. These injuries add uncertainty to roster competitions across the league as teams finalize their preparations for the regular season.