NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:22 AM ET

Browns Name Watson Starter; Vikings QB Battle Settled

The Browns will start Deshaun Watson at quarterback in their preseason opener Saturday in Chicago, with Shedeur Sanders set to start the second exhibition game. Meanwhile, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy said the decision to name Kyler Murray the winner of the team's competition was "out of my control." The Packers are expected to play Jordan Love in their first preseason game Thursday, though he will be cautious following last year's thumb injury. The Broncos are opting to sit Bo Nix for their preseason opener Friday as he continues recovery from ankle surgeries, though he is expected to play in the final two warmup games. Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza will get "plenty of reps" in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals, coach Klint Kubiak said.

Injury Updates: Key Players Sidelined

Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limped off the field during a joint practice with the Jets on Wednesday and didn't return due to a minor toe injury. Bears safety Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss four to six months. The Saints fear guard Dillon Radunz is out for the season with a torn ACL. Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan could miss the start of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Lions starting center Cade Mays has a wrist injury that will cause him to miss significant time. Eagles OLB Jonathan Greenard is expected to miss another couple of weeks with a pectoral injury. Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers was transported to a hospital after collapsing during a joint practice Tuesday. Bears receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the preseason with a groin injury but should be ready for Week. Myles Garrett missed a joint practice Tuesday with knee swelling, and Puka Nacua exited early with minor groin soreness. Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins has a leg injury, though coach Jesse Minter expressed optimism about his recovery. Colts WR Alec Pierce remains sidelined after ankle surgery with no firm timeline for return.

Contract Extensions, Signings and Roster Moves

The Panthers have agreed to a one-year deal with former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal after playing for the Steelers in 2023 and 2024. The Patriots signed standout tight end Hunter Henry to a two-year extension worth up to $20 million with $14.5 million guaranteed. The Quinnen Williams extension signals a return to the Cowboys' old formula of locking in star players. The Panthers also signed Kyle Trask as a third quarterback after Haynes King's hamstring injury. The Cardinals plan to retire Larry Fitzgerald's No. 11 jersey and induct him into the team's ring of honor this season. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said in an Instagram post that his retirement is "official" after stepping away from the Lions again. The Seahawks confirmed interest in free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold after meeting with him over the weekend. The Cardinals have no interest in trading edge rusher Josh Sweat despite rumors. Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is focused on practice amid contract extension talks.

Training Camp Buzz and Player News

Dan Quinn is re-energizing Washington with a competition-driven culture after a 5-12 season. Jalen Hurts is drawing rave reviews at Eagles camp for his increased speed, with one defender calling it "like a movie." Lions quarterback Jared Goff is keeping the offense focused and pulling in the same direction without distraction, according to coach Dan Campbell. Rashee Rice called his 30-day jail sentence a "learning experience" as he works his way back with the Chiefs. Travis Kelce believes he can still "play at a high level" this season while also wanting to be more accountable as a leader. Kyle Shanahan plans to coach the 49ers' preseason opener as he nears full recovery from a car crash. The Eagles have fully bought into their new offensive system, starting from scratch on one side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers said his return to Lambeau Field "has to be an invite" and discussed a potential post-retirement honor. The NFL will now allow a coach's designee to initiate replay challenges this season. Ben Johnson has set a bold goal for the Bears: to be the highest-scoring offense in NFL history.

Fantasy Football, Draft and Analysis

Mike Clay's Fantasy Playbook, Part 2 offers a guide to being a savvy manager in nontraditional leagues. ESPN's Draft Guide provides rankings, mock drafts and analysis for draft season prep. In a superflex mock draft, quarterbacks went with the first six picks, turning star backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs into Round 1 values. Fantasy football buzz from Ohio camps highlights more volume for Chase Brown and Denzel Boston turning heads. The Dolphins plan a heavy workload for De'Von Achane, with potential for 40-touch games. Bill Barnwell examined whether NFL superteams actually win, analyzing historic big favorites and the 2026 Rams.

Stadium News, College Updates, and Odds & Ends

The Bills will address fan feedback on sightline complaints at the new Highmark Stadium, which hosted its first public event Saturday. The Jonas Brothers will perform at the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, featuring the 49ers and Rams. Jayden Daniels said he felt "profoundly disrespected" after LSU allowed cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his No. 5 jersey. Derek Carr has joined UCLA as a special adviser to the football program. Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is participating in research to find CTE in living patients. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the GOP Senate primary in Minnesota. CBS Sports said there is no timetable on Tony Romo's future after his arrest. Multiple former NFL players are trying to recoup losses after a fraudster's death. An inside look at how NFL rookies spent their first paychecks includes exotic pets, family houses and Lego. Jaxson Dart's decision to slide during Giants camp drew rave reviews. The 2026 season is critical for the long-term futures of Bo Nix and the Broncos. The Giants' training camp experiment in West Virginia under John Harbaugh is seen as a success.

Training Camp Observations and Joint Practice Notes

Impressions from Falcons camp show Tagovailoa coming on strong while Penix is sidelined. An 11-stop training camp notebook provides updates on Downs, Boston, Hurts and more from the 49ers, Bengals, Bills, Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Seahawks and Steelers. At Giants camp, Harbaugh's priority is stopping the run. The Cowboys' revamped defense will get its first test in a joint practice with the Rams. Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is "ready to rock" and will play against the Bills. Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori passed his physical and is cleared to return from the PUP list.