NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 22, 2026, 4:40 AM ET
Coaching & Front Office
Nick Sirianni was fined $250,000 for conduct toward officials, a source said, one of three coaches penalized. Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the presence of the Giants' Steve Tisch and the 49ers' Jed York at the league's fall meeting. In Indianapolis, the case for keeping Shane Steichen is being weighed now that GM Chris Ballard is gone.
Quarterbacks
The Giants will start J.J. McCarthy over Jameis Winston this weekend against the Texans, and John Harbaugh's options were laid out in a side-by-side look at both players. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said he addressed a fourth-down throwaway with Jayden Daniels. Goodell also welcomed an investigation into the medical care Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received.
Injuries & Roster Moves
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon that ends his season. Patriots starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown are both out against the Bears. The Panthers expect to be without linebacker Jaelan Phillips, per Dave Canales, for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. The Rams signed kicker Brandon McManus, their third kicker in three weeks. The Steelers brought back Marquez Valdes-Scantling amid receiver injuries, and the Bears ruled out running back Kyle Monangai for Thursday's game against New England.
Discipline & Off-Field
The Titans released Jordan Elliott abruptly over an undisclosed facility incident, and coach Robert Saleh defended him, saying the gun episode was not a criminal act. Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. was suspended one game for spitting in the Raiders game. Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper said there were no excuses for his arrests. Giants running back Najee Harris was released days after a two-yard start.
Fantasy & Lineups
Josh Jacobs' return raises the question of whether he should be started in Week 7 lineups. Jacobs himself apologized to the Packers for the situation his arrest created. Tight end Sam LaPorta said he will "go get paid somewhere else" if the Lions don't offer a deal.
Power Rankings & Analysis
ESPN's Week 7 power rankings rank all 32 teams with each team's biggest offensive issue. Among the week's broader takes, Colts coach Shane Steichen's future and Eagles trade candidates were discussed. Trade and contract buzz around the Seahawks' Sam Darnold and the Commanders' Vita Vea also surfaced. Field Yates projected next year's top 10 picks, with three quarterbacks going early. Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy is thriving in an expanded role. Texans receiver Tank Dell said he is ready to be tackled in his first game since December 2024.
Tributes & Milestones
Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive back on the Cowboys' Doomsday Defense, died at 86. The Chiefs mourned Allen Bailey, a former player found dead at. Jalon Daniels swapped jerseys with his idol Aaron Rodgers after Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime win. The Saints' Mickey Loomis asked for patience with his young team.
Lions & Rams
The Lions hope Brian Branch's return will transform their defense, with center Cade Mays also back for Sunday. The Rams, at 2-4, have fallen short of high expectations.
Coming Up
The Bears and Patriots meet Thursday night, and U2 will headline the first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show.