NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 19, 2026, 11:45 PM ET

Legal Developments

Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit against the NFL escalated significantly this week after court filings revealed his lawyers served subpoenas to all 25 NFL teams and filed more than 1,000 discovery requests, signaling an aggressive push for internal documents related to hiring practices across the league. Meanwhile, the NFL is cooperating with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier after receiving a subpoena, with commissioner Roger Goodell confirming the league's willingness to engage with the investigation. In a separate legal matter, former Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer has lost his grievance against the team regarding the remainder of his contract after his 2021 firing, a decision that saves Jacksonville approximately $30 million. The league also confirmed it is defending its expanded streaming platform lineup amid criticism from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department.

Player Discipline and Transactions

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faces an immediate 30-day jail sentence after testing positive for marijuana in violation of his probation terms, a dramatic development that came after he underwent cleanup surgery on his right knee last week — procedures performed before he knew of his upcoming sentencing. In Cleveland, the 30-year-old Deshaun Watson is competing with rookie Shedeur Sanders for the starting quarterback job in 2026, with the organization giving him another opportunity despite his troubled tenure. Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman called his third NFL season "make or break" as he looks to establish himself in Buffalo's offense.

Quarterback Carousel

Aaron Rodgers took the practice field with his Steelers teammates at OTAs on Monday after signing his one-year contract, drawing reactions from Pittsburgh's locker room with one player admitting he was "a little shocked" by the four-time MVP's arrival. The move creates a quarterback conundrum for the Steelers, who now have four signal-callers on the roster heading into what could determine whether the Rodgers-led offense can succeed in Pittsburgh after failing to meet expectations in 2025. In Arizona, the Cardinals opened OTAs without veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who remains in a holdout as new coach Mike LaFleur indicated discussions with the veteran remain at an impasse. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is now a limited participant in practice following ACL surgery in November, with the goal remaining to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

Injury Updates

Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton recently underwent neck surgery, coach Dave Canales confirmed Monday, though the team has not provided a timeline for his return. Panthers coach Dave Canales confirmed Monday that defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton recently underwent neck surgery. In New Orleans, coach Kellen Moore said the team is "getting there" regarding Alvin Kamara's status, with the 30-year-old running back and the organization allowing the offseason process to play out.

Schedule and International Expansion

NFL owners approved playing up to 10 international games per season starting in 2027, a significant expansion that will also eliminate the ability for teams to protect opponents from international scheduling. Minneapolis is expected to be awarded the 2028 NFL draft on Tuesday, with U.S. Bank Stadium serving as a "foundational piece" of the event. With the 2026 schedule now released, analysts identified the Lions and Eagles among the teams most benefiting from the league's slate, while examining the potential pitfalls of nine bye weeks and whether "Bye-maggedon" will impact any contenders.

Roster Movement and Rookie Outlook

The Chargers' offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is among several notable head coaching and general manager candidates participating in the NFL's revamped accelerator program, even featuring a current head coach from 2025. Analysts projected which rookies will make the biggest statistical impact in 2026, examining potential leaders in rushing yards, touchdowns, and sacks across the league. Meanwhile, perfect team fits were identified for 14 remaining free agents, including veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

Around the League

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL's reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, posted a video to Instagram showing how his trophy was mislabeled in what he called a "disrespectful" gaffe. Kid Cudi rolled through Bengals practice fresh off a concert in Cincinnati to catch Joe Burrow and the team as they ramp up preparation. Ravens coach John Harbaugh lighthearted referenced his firing by Baltimore as an example of resilience in a speech. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady added modeling to his résumé Saturday, walking the catwalk at the Gucci Resort 2027 collection fashion show in New York. Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication according to medical examiner records. And in Denver, rookie running back's pass protection could be his ticket to breaking into the rotation, according to analysts examining why that skill may matter more than his accomplished college rushing.