NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:41 AM ET

Quarterback Competitions and Decisions

The Browns will start Deshaun Watson at quarterback in their preseason opener Saturday in Chicago, with Shedeur Sanders set to start the second preseason game at home against the Bills. Across the NFC, the decision to name Kyler Murray the winner of the Vikings' quarterback competition was "out of my control," said former starter J.J. McCarthy. In Denver, Bo Nix will sit out the Broncos' preseason opener Friday as he continues recovering from ankle surgeries, but the team expects him to play in the final two warmup games. Jordan Love is expected to play in the Packers' first preseason game Thursday but said he will be careful after last season's thumb injury. Teddy Bridgewater said in an Instagram post that his retirement is now "official." The Lions will pivot to Joshua Dobbs after Bridgewater steps away from the team. The Panthers signed Kyle Trask as their third quarterback with Haynes King expected to miss time due to a hamstring injury. Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza will get "plenty of reps" in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Injury Updates Across the League

Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limped off the field during a joint practice with the Jets and didn't return. Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins suffered a leg injury in practice, but coach Jesse Minter said "I think there's optimism." Bears safety Coby Bryant underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss four to six months. Puka Nacua left the Rams' joint practice with the Cowboys early due to minor groin soreness, while Myles Garrett missed the same session with knee swelling. Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers collapsed during a joint practice with the Buccaneers and was transported to a hospital. Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan "could possibly" miss the start of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Eagles outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard is expected to miss at least another couple of weeks with a pectoral injury. Lions starting center Cade Mays will miss significant time with a wrist injury, and the team also saw running back Pacheco hurt his knee. Bears receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the preseason with a groin injury but should be ready for Week. Saints guard Dillon Radunz is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Roster Moves and Contract Extensions

The Panthers have added to their tight end room, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran Darren Waller. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is returning to the Steelers on a one-year deal after playing for Pittsburgh in 2023 and 2024. Patriots standout tight end Hunter Henry signed a two-year extension worth up to $20 million with $14.5 million guaranteed. The Seahawks have interest in signing free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold after meeting with him over the weekend. Despite trade rumors, the Cardinals have no intention of moving edge rusher Josh Sweat. The Seahawks' Devon Witherspoon is focused on practice amid ongoing contract extension talks. Nick Emmanwori passed his physical and is cleared to come off the physically unable to perform list for the Seahawks.

Coaching, Culture, and Team Dynamics

Dan Quinn spent the offseason searching for ways to sharpen a Washington team that went 5-12, introducing spelling bees, basketball shootouts and a renewed competitive culture. Ben Johnson has bigger goals than winning the Super Bowl this season, saying he wants the Bears to be "the highest-scoring offense ever." The Eagles have fully bought into their new offensive system under coordinator Sean Mannion. Jared Goff keeps the Lions' offense pulling in the same direction without distraction, according to coach Dan Campbell. The Cowboys' revamped defense under new coordinator Christian Parker gets its first test in a joint practice with the Rams. The Giants' experiment in West Virginia for their first summer under John Harbaugh appears to be a success. Kyle Shanahan intends to coach the 49ers' preseason opener against the Titans as he closes in on full recovery from last month's car crash.

Fantasy Football and Draft Insights

Mike Clay's Playbook Part 2 offers a guide to being a title-winning manager no matter which type of league you play in. The comprehensive fantasy draft guide includes rankings, projections and analysis for draft season. The latest fantasy football buzz details more volume for Chase Brown and Denzel Boston turning heads. In a superflex mock draft, quarterbacks were taken with the first six picks, making star backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs values in Round.

Player Stories and Off-Field News

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels informed LSU it can no longer use his name, image and likeness after the school allowed a cornerback to wear his No. 5 jersey. Aaron Rodgers said he had hoped the Steelers' preseason opener against the Packers would be played at Lambeau Field and discussed a post-retirement return to be honored there. The Jonas Brothers will perform at the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams. NFL rookies' first paychecks went toward exotic pets, family houses and Legos, with players including Jeremiyah Love and Drew Allar sharing their purchases. Travis Kelce says he believes he can still "play at a high level" in what could be his final NFL season, adding he wants to be more accountable as a leader. Bo Nix's future with the Broncos will be defined by the 2026 season as the team looks for its next alpha franchise quarterback.

Training Camp Reports

The Falcons' training camp features Tua Tagovailoa coming on strong while Michael Penix Jr. is sidelined, with daily updates on QBs, position battles and potential breakouts. The training camp buzz notebook includes updates on Josh Downs, Denzel Boston, Jalen Hurts and more from 11 different teams. Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is "ready to rock" and will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills. Jalen Hurts' increased speed is drawing rave reviews in training camp, with defenders comparing it to "a movie." The new Highmark Stadium hosted its first public event as the Bills practiced, with fans taking in the state-of-the-art facility. The Bills are also addressing sightline issues after some fans expressed frustration with certain areas of the stadium. The Giants training camp under John Harbaugh prioritizes stopping the run. Alec Pierce remains sidelined after ankle surgery, but the Colts' GM says he's "in good shape." De'Von Achane could have games in which he touches the ball more than 40 times, according to the Dolphins' HC. Jaxson Dart drew rave reviews at Giants camp for sliding after a run, a decision that showed improved safety awareness.

League-Wide Developments

The NFL will allow head coaches to designate a member of their sideline staff to initiate replay challenges this season, a new rule change. The Cardinals will retire Larry Fitzgerald's No. 11 jersey and induct him into the team's ring of honor this season. Former NFL quarterback Derek Carr is joining UCLA as a special adviser to coach Bob Chesney. Quinnen Williams' contract extension with the Jets, a three-year, $105.9 million deal, signals the Cowboys may have rediscovered their formula of locking in stars. Rashee Rice says his 30-day jail sentence was a "learning experience and a reality check." Matt Hasselbeck is joining research efforts to find ways to detect CTE in living people, undergoing a battery of scans and tests. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the GOP Senate primary in Minnesota. CBS Sports has "no timetable" on the future of analyst Tony Romo after his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. Multiple former NFL players are pursuing losses after the death of a man they say defrauded them, with some cases totaling over $1 million. The NFL superteams discussion examines whether preseason darlings like the 2026 Rams actually win — and history suggests they don't always meet expectations.