NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 9:36 PM ET

Injury Updates

The Texans received devastating news as wide receiver Jayden Higgins will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Colts saw their star tight end Tyler Warren exit practice with a groin injury that leaves his availability uncertain. The Jaguars provided some positive momentum by activating offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen from the PUC list as he continues his return from a knee injury that cost him Jacksonville's playoff loss last season. The Commanders announced that defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, sidelining him indefinitely. Adding to the injury concerns, the Lions remain unsure whether star tight end Sam LaPorta will suit up for Week 1 after sustaining a hip injury that casts doubt over his season opener participation.

Joint Practice Fallout

Multiple fights erupted during joint practices across the league, drawing significant disciplinary action from the NFL. The Cowboys and Saints were each fined $500,000 after multiple brawls broke out between the two teams during Tuesday's joint session. Similarly, players were ejected from the Dolphins-Giants joint practice after a fight-filled workout saw multiple participants pulled for throwing punches or engaging in overly physical altercations. Adding to the chaos, Eagles star Saquon Barkley openly expressed his disdain for joint practices, stating he hates back-to-back days of such sessions and believes "one day is good" to avoid the skirmishes that regularly occur during these workouts.

Training Camp Battles

At Browns training camp, Deshaun Watson delivered a must-see throw in practice that further intensified the quarterback competition alongside Shedeur Sanders. Speaking of Sanders, he remains unfazed by the pressure surrounding the Browns' starting quarterback decision as he prepares for joint practice with the Bills and his upcoming start. The Cowboys continue to seek consistency from right tackle Terence Steele while evaluating various position battles throughout camp. Across the league, the Patriots are embracing a new identity as "the team being hunted," with much roster turnover and a focus on establishing their culture amid a more challenging schedule this season.

Draft Prospects and Roster Moves

The Steelers announced that Russell Wilson will hand over the starting reins to second-year quarterback Will Howard for Friday's preseason matchup against the Jets, with 2026 fourth-round pick Drew Allar slated to follow as backup. In a significant addition to their secondary, former Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks, bringing veteran experience to the team's defensive backfield. The Patriots' A.J. Brown expressed nothing but "love" for the Eagles and his former teammate Jalen Hurts following the two teams' joint practice sessions, highlighting the personal connections that persist beyond team changes.

Fantasy Football Insights

Eric Karabell released his comprehensive running back rankings, breaking down his selections into detailed tiers to help fantasy managers identify where value drops off throughout the draft process. Following suit, Karabell also provided his full fantasy breakdown of wide receiver rankings organized by tiers, offering crucial guidance for draft preparation. Six players are generating significant buzz heading into fantasy drafts, with Liz Loza identifying key names like Herbert, Judkins, and Corum who could eventually turn into league winners if their momentum carries forward.

Player Development and Milestones

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to impress with his studious approach to the game, relying on his extensive notebook habits that showcase his commitment to being a lifelong learner when it comes to football. His preparation suggests he'll be ready for Thursday's preseason game at Houston, where his attention to detail could prove invaluable. Meanwhile, the 49ers are welcoming back familiar faces in Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw, whose return brings veteran leadership and key roles to the team's second stints in free agency. Questions remain about how Greenlaw will slot in at linebacker and whether Samuel can reestablish himself as a rushing threat.

Contract Commitments

Vita Vea has made it clear that his end goal was never a trade away from Tampa Bay, as he signed his contract extension while professing his desire to be "a Buc for life." His commitment provides stability to the Buccaneers' defensive line as they look to build on their foundation. The Lions, despite facing questions about their championship window after a 2025 slump, continue to invest heavily with $1 billion in contract extensions and a rebuilt offensive line, signaling their belief that they'll see competitors like Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur at SoFi Stadium this season.

With 16 NFL teams facing quarterback uncertainty for 2027, the landscape continues to evolve as teams evaluate both likely and long-shot scenarios for their franchise signal-callers. The NFL draft class of 2026 saw multiple signees granted a fifth year of eligibility, including former Ole Miss starters Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Wydett Williams, all of whom signed with NFL teams this summer and were granted temporary restraining orders to extend their collegiate careers. As training camps continue across the league, the focus remains on player development, team chemistry, and positioning for the upcoming preseason games that will provide the first real test of each organization's offseason moves.

The Bengals' Joe Burrow, tired of waiting for championship success, has explicitly targeted a Super Bowl after years of deep playoff runs that ultimately fell short of ultimate glory. The team has improved their defense following a third straight year of missing the playoffs, raising questions about whether their enhancements will finally be enough to break through the barrier that has defined their recent tenure. With joint practices continuing to shape team dynamics and individual performances, the next several weeks will prove crucial in determining which teams enter the regular season with genuine championship aspirations.