NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 4:36 PM ET

Injury Updates

Saquon Barkley expressed his disdain for back-to-back joint practices, stating he prefers one-day sessions to avoid the skirmishes that frequently erupt during extended team workouts. The Eagles running back made these comments following joint sessions with the Patriots, where physical confrontations are common. Multiple players were ejected from Thursday's joint practice between the Dolphins and Giants after throwing punches and engaging in physical altercations during a fight-filled workout. Jayden Higgins will miss the entire season after suffering a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders, according to sources who spoke with NFL Network. Tyler Warren sustained a groin injury in Wednesday's joint practice and did not return to action. Alvin Kamara is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month due to a sprained MCL, a source confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jer'Zhan Newton underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn pectoral muscle, a source verified. Sam LaPorta's status for Detroit's regular-season opener remains unclear after the star tight end suffered a hip injury. Cole Van Lanen has been activated from the PUP list as he continues his recovery from a knee injury that forced him to miss Jacksonville's playoff loss last season.

Quarterback Developments

The Steelers announced that Will Howard will start against the Jets on Friday, with 2026 fourth-round pick Drew Allar following as the backup. Fernando Mendoza's meticulous notebook habits have fueled his rise through the ranks, showcasing his lifelong dedication to learning football at the highest level. With a starting quarterback decision looming, Shedeur Sanders stated he is not feeling pressure ahead of joint practice with the Bills and his upcoming start. ESPN's analysis of the 2027 quarterback market identifies 16 NFL teams facing varying degrees of uncertainty at the position, projecting both likely and unlikely scenarios for each franchise. The Patriots are entering a new era as a team facing increased expectations, with roster turnover and a more challenging schedule ahead. Ben Johnson has built a system that extends far beyond quarterback Caleb Williams, creating a balanced attack that can succeed regardless of which signal-caller takes the field.

Free Agency Moves

Trevon Diggs plans to sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday. Diggs cited former teammates and the team's culture as key factors in his decision to join Seattle. The 49ers have reunited with Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw in free agency, bringing back key contributors who helped shape the franchise's recent success. Samuel and Greenlaw are returning in crucial roles, with questions surrounding how Greenlaw will slot in at linebacker and whether Samuel can resume his dual-threat capabilities as both a receiver and rusher. A.J. Brown expressed nothing but "love" for the Eagles organization and his former teammate Jalen Hurts following the teams' joint practice sessions.

Draft Analysis

Eric Karabell has released his running back rankings broken into comprehensive tiers, helping fantasy managers identify where value drops off throughout the draft process. His analysis provides crucial insights for those building their fantasy rosters this season. Karabell has also published his full wide receiver breakdown for the 2026 season, organizing players into tiers that highlight draft value and positional depth. Six fantasy players are generating significant buzz heading into the season, with Herbert, Judkins, and Corum leading the charge as potential league winners according to fantasy analyst Liz Loza. Colston Loveland is emerging as a fantasy star, making a name for himself both on and off the field with his consistent production and community involvement.

Preseason Insights

Terence Steele is seeking consistency from right tackle during training camp, as the coaching staff evaluates the offensive line's performance ahead of the regular season. Quarterback evaluations remain a focal point, with position battles intensifying across the league. Potential breakout candidates are drawing attention from scouts and analysts alike. The Patriots are experiencing a cultural shift under new leadership, with the team embracing the identity of being "hunted" rather than the hunters. This mentality change stems from an eventful offseason filled with significant roster turnover and strategic adjustments to compete in a more challenging AFC East.

Contract and Financial News

Vita Vea has signed his contract extension with the Buccaneers, making it clear that his end goal was never a trade away from Tampa Bay. The defensive tackle expressed his desire to be "a Buc for life," committing his long-term future to the organization. The Detroit Lions have invested over $1 billion in contract extensions this offseason while simultaneously rebuilding their offensive line, signaling their belief that the championship window remains open despite a disappointing 2025 campaign. The team's leadership is confident enough that they expect to see competitors like Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur at SoFi Stadium this season. Former Ole Miss starters Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Wydett Williams, all of whom signed with NFL teams this summer, were granted a temporary restraining order allowing them an additional fifth year of eligibility.

Historical Perspective

ESPN has launched its countdown to Super Bowl LXI by ranking the best NFL teams that fell just short of reaching the big game, including the 2023 Ravens among the historic near misses. These 16 teams represent some of the most memorable seasons where excellence wasn't quite enough to secure ultimate victory. The analysis reveals patterns in how close teams have come to championship glory and what ultimately prevented them from crossing the finish line.

Player Spotlights

Cole Van Lanen's journey back from a devastating knee injury that ended Jacksonville's playoff run last season demonstrates resilience and determination. His activation from the PUP list marks a significant milestone in his recovery process. Tyler Warren's emergence as a cornerstone tight end for the Colts has been overshadowed by his recent injury setback, but his impact on the team's offensive scheme remains substantial. Sam LaPorta's hip injury creates uncertainty for the Lions' opening game, potentially affecting their offensive strategy and formation packages.

Coaching and Strategy

Ben Johnson's offensive system in Chicago has evolved beyond simple quarterback dependence, creating a multifaceted attack that can adapt to different personnel and game situations. While Caleb Williams will always be the face of the franchise, the underlying structure provides stability and efficiency throughout the roster. The Bears' approach demonstrates how modern NFL offenses must balance star power with systemic excellence to achieve sustained success.

As teams enter the final stretch of preseason preparations, joint practices continue to serve as both evaluation periods and potential sources of conflict. The balance between competitive intensity and player safety remains a priority for league officials and team executives. With injuries mounting and roster decisions pending, the next week will prove crucial for teams finalizing their Opening Day configurations. The quarterback competitions across multiple franchises will reach decisive moments, while fantasy managers finalize their draft strategies based on the latest tier rankings and player projections. The NFL's landscape continues shifting rapidly, with free agency moves, injury updates, and coaching philosophies all contributing to what promises to be another compelling season.