NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 2:38 PM ET

Joint Practices Turn Violent, League Responds

The NFL fined the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each after multiple fights broke out between the two teams during Tuesday's joint practice. The Saints-Cowboys session turned so physical that the coaches of each team discussed whether they needed to cancel practice altogether. Thursday's workout between the Dolphins and Giants was similarly chaotic, with multiple players pulled from the field for throwing punches during a fight-filled session. Eagles star Saquon Barkley said he hates back-to-back days of joint practices, adding that "one day is good" to avoid the skirmishes that regularly occur. Not every cross-team session ended badly, however, as Patriots receiver A.J. Brown said he has nothing but "love" for the Eagles and former teammate Jalen Hurts following the two teams' joint practice.

Injuries Mount in Joint-Practice Settings

Texans second-year wideout Jayden Higgins will miss the entire season after suffering a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders, sources told NFL Network. Chargers center Tyler Biadasz was carted off the field after 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell into his left leg during Tuesday's session. Biadasz is now out indefinitely after suffering damage to his ACL and additional injuries to his left knee, sources told ESPN and NFL Network.

Browns QB Competition Intensifies

At Browns training camp, Deshaun Watson delivered a must-see throw in practice against the Bills as the quarterback battle heats up, with intel on position battles and potential breakouts continuing to emerge. Shedeur Sanders said Wednesday he is not feeling pressure with a decision at starting quarterback looming, ahead of the joint practice with Buffalo and his start in the second preseason game.

Raiders and Falcons Stall on QB Decisions

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said he was not prepared to name a starting quarterback with one week left in the preseason, adding "I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job." Week 2 of the preseason also left reporters questioning whether the Raiders' young secondary is ready for primetime. In Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. has not been cleared to fully practice and Tua Tagovailoa has struggled, leaving the Falcons without a QB1 as the opener nears.

Steelers Set Preseason Rotation

The Steelers will start second-year quarterback Will Howard against the Jets on Friday, while 2026 fourth-round pick Drew Allar will follow him into the game. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has earned praise as "a lifelong learner when it comes to football," and his studious history suggests he will be ready for Thursday's preseason game at Houston.

to the 2027 QB Market

We projected next year's quarterback market, identifying 16 NFL teams with QB1 questions for 2027 and outlining two potential outcomes for each, one likely and one not so likely. With the college season right around the corner, Jordan Reid also stacked all 31 draft-eligible QBs worthy of being picked next April by their current round grade.

Injury Wire: LaPorta, Warren, Kamara, Newton

Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a hip injury, and Detroit is unsure whether he will play in the regular-season opener. Colts tight end Tyler Warren sustained a groin injury in Wednesday's joint practice and did not return. Saints running back Alvin Kamara is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month with a sprained MCL, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Commanders defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

Seahawks Double Down on Cornerback Help

Former Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs plans to sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday, citing former teammates as part of the draw. Seattle is also still planning to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold, though the club is working through the timing and it will take a while.

Giants Add Harris, Move Faalele

The Giants signed free agent running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal, and the veteran declared he has "a lot to prove" after joining New York. The club is also trading guard Daniel Faalele to the Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick in 2027, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Von Miller Brings Championship Pedigree to Dallas

Von Miller, spoke to reporters Tuesday at training camp in Oxnard, California, declaring "I'm here to win" after joining the Cowboys on a one-year contract, and the club will work the veteran linebacker into the rotation. Coaches in Dallas are also seeking consistency from Terence Steele at right tackle, while George Pickens has shined in camp.

49ers Reunite With Familiar Faces

Dre Greenlaw and Deebo Samuel are back in key roles for the 49ers, raising questions about how Greenlaw slots in at linebacker and whether Samuel will again be a rushing threat in his second stint in San Francisco. Coach Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, dismissed the idea that Christian McCaffrey is sitting out practice because of a desire for a new contract, saying the team is merely being cautious with its star running back.

Bucs Lock In Vea; Mayfield Sounds Off

Vita Vea says his end goal was never a trade away from Tampa Bay, adding that he wants to be a Buc for life after signing an extension. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will play Saturday in the Bucs' second preseason game against the Chiefs, brushed aside critics and predicts that Tampa Bay will "shock a lot of people this year."

Jaguars Activate Van Lanen; Bills Get Moore Back

The Jaguars activated offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen from the PUP list as he makes his return from a knee injury that forced him to miss Jacksonville's playoff loss last season. At Bills training camp, DJ Moore returned to practice, one of several updates on QBs, position battles and potential breakouts.

Fantasy Football: Tiers, Sleepers and Falling Stocks

Eric Karabell breaks his running backs into tiers, helping managers identify where value drops off throughout the draft. His wide receiver rankings follow the same tiered approach. Liz Loza identifies six players generating excitement who could eventually turn into league winners. Deeper-league managers should monitor Beck among the truly off-the-radar sleepers for 2026. In our latest mock draft, Puka Nacua and Jeremiyah Love dropped due to recent injury news and word of potential suspensions. Bears second-year tight end Colston Loveland is making a name for himself on and off the field as a rising fantasy star.

Rosters Ranked, Contenders Declared

We ranked all 32 NFL teams across 10 different position groups, identifying which roster has the best running backs and the shakiest edge rusher room. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is tired of waiting, declaring "this is it" as he targets a Super Bowl after Cincinnati improved its defense following a third straight year without a playoff berth. The Patriots enter 2026 as "the team being hunted" after an eventful offseason with significant roster turnover and a harder schedule. Detroit invested $1 billion in contract extensions and a rebuilt offensive line, and the Lions will see contenders at SoFi despite their 2025 slump. ESPN's countdown to Super Bowl LXI series also ranks the best teams to suffer historic near misses without winning it all, including the 2023 Ravens. In Chicago, Ben Johnson's offense is much more than just Caleb Williams, with a deeper look unveiling the beauty of Johnson's offensive system.

Panthers Building Momentum

Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan put on a show in Jacksonville during Panthers training camp. Fifth-year linebacker Devin Lloyd has impressed while wearing the green dot as a badge of honor for Carolina's defense, with efficient huddle communication proving vital to the role.

League News and Notes

Commissioner Roger Goodell said there is "no doubt" that the NFL will eventually have a team permanently based outside the United States. Ottawa's Akheem Mesidor, drafted No. 22 by the Chargers, hopes to usher in the next generation of Canadian NFL players, declaring "we have dogs in Ottawa." Former Ole Miss starters Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Wydett Williams, all of whom signed with NFL teams this summer, were among a group of athletes granted a temporary restraining order for a fifth year of college eligibility.

Personal Stories Beyond the Field

Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell asked for continued prayers and support after publicly addressing the death of his mother and his brother's murder charge for the first time Tuesday. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said his wife, Mia, is on a "great road to recovery" after she was allegedly shot by the couple's son last month in the family's home.