NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 11:10 PM ET
Injuries and Roster Moves
Josh Jacobs spoke publicly for the first time since his May arrest, apologizing to the Packers for the situation he created. Texans receiver Tank Dell says he is ready to be tackled when he returns Sunday. Bears running back Kyle Monangai is out Thursday against New England with a toe and thumb injury, while Panthers linebacker Trevis Phillips is set to miss the Buccaneers game with a hamstring injury. The Patriots lost both starting guards, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown, as their offensive line woes deepen. Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon and is out for the season.
Quarterbacks
The Giants plan to start J.J. McCarthy against Houston this week, weighing him against veteran Jameis Winston in a difficult choice for coach John Harbaugh. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said he addressed a fourth-down throwaway with Jayden Daniels. Field Yates's early 2027 mock draft projects three quarterbacks in the top.
Releases, Signings and Discipline
The Giants are releasing running back Najee Harris after a two-yard start. The Titans abruptly released defensive tackle Jordan Elliott over an undisclosed incident at the facility, and coach Robert Saleh defended his character, saying the gun incident was not a criminal act. The Rams are signing kicker Brandon McManus, their third kicker in three weeks. The Steelers brought back veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling amid receiver injuries. Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. was suspended one game for spitting in the Raiders game.
League Business
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomes an investigation into Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' medical care, and defended the presence of the Giants' Steve Tisch and the 49ers' Jed York at the fall meeting. U2 will headline the first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show. Former Cowboys defensive back Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowler, died at 86. Former NFL defensive lineman Allen Bailey was found dead at, prompting tributes from the Chiefs.
Power Rankings and Outlook
ESPN's Week 7 power rankings lay out each team's biggest offensive issue. The Rams have fallen to 2-4 after high preseason expectations. The Colts' case for keeping coach Shane Steichen is complicated by GM Chris Ballard's departure. Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy is thriving in an expanded role. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis asked for patience with a young roster. Lions linebacker Aidan Branch's return is expected to transform the Detroit defense, and tight end Sam LaPorta says he will pursue a deal elsewhere if Detroit does not extend him. Jalon Daniels swapped jerseys with his idol Aaron Rodgers after Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime win.
Coming Up
Dell returns Sunday for Houston's first game since December 2024. The Bears and Patriots play Thursday night. U2 headlines the Thanksgiving Eve halftime show.