NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:48 PM ET

Quarterback Battles & Preseason Debuts

Andy Reid acknowledged Friday that Patrick Mahomes will likely not play in the preseason opener despite participating in every part of training camp. Carson Beck completed 15 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, posting a 125.4 quarterback rating in the Cardinals' 33-30 loss to the Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. Beck made his debut Thursday night after leading Miami to the College Football Playoff final last season. Slovis found Bryson Green for a late touchdown pass in the Hall of Fame Game.

Dart sparked a dustup at Giants practice Tuesday by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress coach John Harbaugh. Vikings weigh Murray vs McCarthy for the starting quarterback job, with Murray currently favored in the competition. Watson and Sanders spent seven practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques in the Browns' quarterback battle. Falcons UDFA quarterback Jack Strand has earned praise for his arm strength while working with the first-team offense. Jerry Jeudy clarified a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' quarterback competition.

Running Back Contracts & Extensions

Jahmyr Gibbs signed a record extension with the Lions, raising questions about whether he's worth more than Bijan Robinson. Jonathan Taylor agreed to an extension worth $44M over two years with the Colts through 2028, according to his agent. Bijan Robinson said he has spoken with Gibbs about their respective contract negotiations, as both began training camp holding in. Matthew McConaughey was the first to congratulate Robinson on his new extension, reaching out within minutes of the news breaking. The Falcons extended Robinson, London, Pitts and Bergeron, but they don't have a QB1 yet. The Colts believe they can recapture their 2025 success, but they couldn't do it without Jonathan Taylor. Bucky Irving said "I've been doubted my whole life" as the Bucs' third-year back looks to bounce back.

Wide Receiver News

Stefon Diggs might have changed teams for the third time in three years, but that hasn't dented his confidence. The Commanders signed Diggs to a one-year deal worth up to $12M. Tank Dell is going for it in his return from almost two years away due to injury. Dell returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity after missing last season with a knee injury. Odell Beckham Jr. has impressed at Giants camp as he tries to revive his career, citing LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play. Zay Flowers signed a four-year extension and hopes quarterback Lamar Jackson can be with the Ravens equally as long. Josh Downs' production took a downturn in 2025, one the Colts studied and plan to remedy. Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended for the first six games of the regular season.

Defensive Standouts & News

McVay said Aaron Donald "looked outstanding" in a workout, though he doesn't have an answer on whether the former All-Pro will return from retirement. Bucs GM Jason Licht said there are "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still views Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons threw a punch in a team drill and spent the rest of practice on a side field. Micah Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL. C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans in Week 1 after what he called "lies."

Major Contract Extensions

The Bills reached a $78.4M extension with right guard O'Cyrus Torrence over four years, including $46M guaranteed. The Bears gave Darnell Wright a historic extension worth $116M over four years with $93M guaranteed. The Texans and Henry To'oTo'o agreed to a two-year, $16M extension. The Lions named Richard Haddad as their new president and CEO after 14 years with the NBA's Pistons.

Hall of Fame & Legacy

Larry Fitzgerald has no plans to formally retire as he prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Drew Brees will be enshrined Saturday, and those who know him share tales of his success. One fan makes an impassioned case for Ottis Anderson, his favorite Super Bowl MVP. Bill Barnwell went roster by roster to identify NFL players on track for the Hall of Fame, including 17 who could retire now and get in.

Camp News & Other Notes

The Chiefs' home will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently with the team, but his return to the coaching staff remains unclear. New Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa is grateful to be in Philadelphia after a one-year deal with the Browns fell through. The Cowboys cut short their left tackle competition, installing Tyler Guyton full time with the first-team offense. Dak Prescott's teammates are buying into GOTI — "Greatest Offense There Is" — as a rallying cry for 2026. DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team. The NFL's hold-in landscape includes Vita Vea and Tuli Tuipulotu tracking their contract situations. Holdouts can be brutal, and here are notable stories from each side of the bargaining table.

Fantasy Football & Analysis

Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft list fantasy sleepers who just need an opportunity. Eric Moody ranks insurance running backs who are must-drafts. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league. We chose the top position battles to for each NFL team. There are five potential win-win trades teams should consider before Week.