NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 4, 2026, 2:04 PM ET
Injury Report & Inactives
The NFL’s Week 4 injury report is headlined by a series of significant absences. Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is a surprise inactive due to personal reasons. The Rams will be without defensive tackle Aaron Donald but expect receiver Puka Nacua to play, with the team not intending to limit his workload. The Bears placed left tackle Braxton Jones on injured reserve, with Theo Benedet set to start. The Seahawks placed running back Jadarian Price on IR with a chest injury. The Saints have ruled out linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rusher Carl Granderson. The Colts will be without veteran receiver Keenan Allen for their London game due to a groin injury. The Commanders’ Terry McLaurin will not play against the Colts. The Panthers placed first-round pick Xavier Legette on IR. Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury. A full inactives watch also lists DeVonta Smith and others as out or questionable.
Quarterback Shakeups
The quarterback landscape is shifting dramatically. Baker Mayfield is expected to miss three to six weeks with a dislocated thumb, depending on when he can grip the football. The Commanders, after Marcus Mariota left Sunday’s game with a knee injury, will turn to seventh-round rookie Kaliakmanis at quarterback. The Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent against the Jets.
Game Previews & Predictions
A comprehensive guide to every Week 4 game includes matchups like Trevor Lawrence vs. Joe Burrow. A separate set of 15 predictions highlights potential touchdowns for Lamar Jackson and Jameson Williams, plus a Cowboys upset. For Sunday Night Football, detailed betting analysis is available for the Lions-Panthers game.
Team & Player News
Commanders owner Josh Harris covered a $50,000 tab for approximately 3,000 fans at a London bar. The Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks. The 49ers have suspended owner Jed York for six games and fined him $500,000 for a personal conduct violation. The Patriots are preaching patience with receiver Romeo Doubs’ modest start to 2026. A feature on Jets rookie tight end Sadiq describes him as “uncoverable” and a necessity. ESPN has named all-time rosters for 23 teams with multiple Super Bowls, with 13 players making more than one roster. A list of the 10 biggest upsets in Super Bowl history is also available.
Fantasy & Betting Insights
For fantasy managers, three hot starters to believe in are highlighted, along with a player expected to break out in Week.