NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 8:47 AM ET

NFL Football

Roster Moves & Injuries

The New York Giants are trading offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round pick, sources confirmed. The Giants' receiving corps took a hit Tuesday when Calvin Austin III suffered a "serious" right knee injury while running a route at practice; the 27-year-old, who signed after four seasons in Pittsburgh, was carted off the field. Meanwhile, Washington is adding veteran tackle D.J. Humphries to shore up the line after Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps on Aug. 5.

The Seattle Seahawks placed rookie safety Bud Clark and offensive lineman Mason Richman on season-ending injured reserve after both were hurt in Sunday's preseason game against the Titans, as reported. Patrick Mahomes said he feels "great" and expects to start Week, having progressed steadily through summer practices. Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase downplayed an injury scare, saying he's "fine" after appearing to tweak his left knee at practice. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak offered little detail on Ashton Jeanty's injury, only saying the second-year back is "on the mend".

Quarterback Situations

The Browns have named Deshaun Watson their QB1, but the 30-year-old faces enormous pressure to finally answer Cleveland's long-running quarterback question. Panthers coach Dave Canales reiterated Carolina's commitment to Bryce Young for the 2026 season but deferred any talk of a long-term extension, saying that decision belongs to the front office. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, called his contract negotiations "frustrating" as the Sept. 9 opener approaches, though he remains focused on the season.

For Bo Nix, the key to a Year 3 breakout in Denver may be slowing down his dropbacks and progressions; the Broncos believe his mobility has masked footwork issues that, once corrected, could unlock more big plays. Bears coach Ben Johnson said the left tackle competition remains "a hot spot" with just 19 days until the season opener at Carolina, as the team still searches for a Week 1 starter.

Training Camp & Team News

Jets camp wrapped with kicker Sanders winning the kicking competition, while Sadiq suffered a setback; coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Geno Smith head into the season with high-end promise from rookie linebacker David Bailey and others. The Jets also provided updates on injuries and position battles as camp concluded. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and the team reflected on undrafted rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete's viral postgame speech; Pete, a member of the Navajo Nation, said the fan reaction during the game against the Cardinals was overwhelming.

Ravens defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, has brought a competitive drive and player connection that the team believes can elevate Baltimore to a championship level; players say he "pumps belief" into the locker room. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said owner Jed York's recent arrest for attempting to engage in prostitution has "no effect" on the team's on-field goals.

NFL Nation & Projections

Our NFL Nation reporters are projecting every team's 53-man roster, one week from the cut-down deadline at 6 p.m. ET Sunday, with full forecasts for all 32 teams. The second iteration of the NFL's Rivalries uniform series was unveiled, featuring eight new teams from the AFC South and NFC North.

Fantasy Football

The annual Fantasy Football Marathon mock draft concluded with a 10-team format in which running backs dominated, with 13 of the first 20 picks, while most managers waited on quarterbacks. ESPN's Fantasy Football Hall of Fame inducted its first two players, celebrating the best since 1995. For deeper leagues, several late-round rookies could emerge as steals in 2026 and beyond.

Season Outlook

Bill Barnwell's annual list identifies the five NFL teams most likely to improve, with the Chiefs leading the way; the Giants and Jets could rebound from awful 2025 records, while the Lions and Ravens are poised for bounce-backs. Conversely, Barnwell also projects five teams that will take a step back, questioning whether the Bears are overhyped, if the Panthers and Jaguars overachieved, and whether the Broncos and Patriots will fall short of expectations.

Around the League

The sports world paid tribute to Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter from the Volunteer State who died Tuesday at age; her impact resonated across the sporting community. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye granted a Make-A-Wish at Gillette Stadium on Friday for Skylar, a 16-year-old from Massachusetts diagnosed with a brain tumor, completing a baking-themed wish. A new study published Tuesday by the British Medical Journal found that at least 25% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE, according to the research.