NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 29, 2026, 8:05 AM ET

Preseason Injuries & Roster Updates

The final weekend of NFL preseason brought a flurry of injury news. Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. exited Friday's preseason finale with a right foot bruise, though coach Sean Payton said it is not considered serious. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will also miss Minnesota's preseason finale against Denver due to an ankle issue, but a source told ESPN the team does not view it as a long-term problem. The Ravens will monitor the kicker spot after Tyler Loop missed two field goals of 51 and 58 yards, drawing boos at M&T Bank Stadium.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he "fully anticipates" Josh Jacobs being on the roster despite the running back facing two misdemeanor charges. Meanwhile, Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau will undergo surgery on a fractured forearm, and Jets rookie running back Chip Trayanum was hospitalized with a neck injury but is expected to be "just fine," per coach Aaron Glenn.

Quarterback Futures & Front Office

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht expressed that he is "very optimistic" about Baker Mayfield staying beyond 2026, despite the QB feeling "disrespected" by the team's recent contract extension offer. In a unique betting twist, Polymarket US withdrew its planned market on Patrick Mahomes's return to the field, a decision made after NFL guidance deemed such markets should be prohibited.

League-Wide Previews & Projections

to the regular season, Ben Solak ranked all 32 teams by watchability, excitement and intrigue, with the Chicago Bears leading the pack. Our analysts also picked the best bets on win totals for over/under projections. For fantasy players, Adam Schefter released his cheat sheet with favorite picks and sleepers, while a draft-slot strategy guide for Rounds 1-2 in 10-team leagues is available here.

Rookie Watch & Draft Preview

An in-depth progress report breaks down how all 257 draft picks are faring, including early returns on players like Fernando Mendoza, Sonny Styles, Ja'Kobi Lane and Cashius Howell — the full breakdown is here. Jordan Reid published his 2027 mock draft projecting quarterbacks go 1-2-3, highlighted by a blockbuster Browns trade. For those focused on HBCU talent, Reid also released his annual watch list of 10 prospects who could draw 2027 NFL interest, including two signal-callers.

Family Reunion & Off-Field Drama

The LaFleur brothers are the league's newest head coach siblings, with a combined journey covered in a feature that culminates in a Friday night Lambeau Field reunion. On the legal side, federal authorities charged Daejon Love and Taylor Jamie Chan with defrauding more than two dozen women to the tune of over $1 million by posing as a 49ers player—a scheme outlined in the federal charges.