NFL Football 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 11:10 PM ET
Josh Jacobs and the Packers
Running back Josh Jacobs offered his first public comments since his May arrest, apologizing for the disruption his situation has caused Green Bay. Jacobs's return to the lineup is also a central question in weekly fantasy discussions, with analysts weighing whether to start him as the season moves into Week.
Titans and Broncos Discipline
Titans coach Robert Saleh defended former defensive lineman Jordan Elliott's character, saying the gun incident after a practice dispute was not a "criminal act." In Denver, linebacker Jonathon Cooper, now off the exempt list after two arrests on domestic-related charges, said there were no excuses for his absence.
Remembrances
The league lost two former players this week. Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive back who never missed a game in 13 seasons with the Cowboys during the Doomsday Defense era, died at 86. The Chiefs also mourned Allen Bailey, a 10-year veteran who spent most of his career in Kansas City, after he was found dead at age.
Texans and Giants Quarterbacks
Texans receiver Tank Dell said he is "ready to get tackled" in his first game since December 2024, dismissing any concern about contact. The Giants plan to start J.J. McCarthy at quarterback against Houston, while a separate analysis weighs his pros and cons against Jameis Winston as coach John Harbaugh works through the decision.
Injuries and Lineups
The Bears will be without running back Kyle Monangai, who has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against New England with a toe and thumb injury. The Patriots face their own problems, losing both starting guards, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown, as their offensive line woes continue. Panthers linebacker Phillips is set to miss Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a hamstring injury, coach Dave Canales said. In Detroit, the Lions expect Branch's return to transform their defense ahead of Sunday's game.
League Business
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL welcomes an investigation into the medical care provided to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Goodell also defended the attendance of Giants co-owner Steve Tisch and 49ers co-owner John York at the league's fall meeting. Tight end Sam LaPorta, a free agent after the season, said he will "go get paid somewhere else" if no deal with Detroit materializes.
Power Rankings and Week 7 Buzz
ESPN released its Week 7 power rankings, with a 1-32 list that also flags each team's biggest offensive problem. Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy, meanwhile, says he is "building momentum" in an expanded role, while the week's buzz column focused on the Seahawks' Sam Darnold situation and a wild NFC East. Jalon Daniels, after Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime win, swapped jerseys with his idol Aaron Rodgers.
Draft and Entertainment
Field Yates released an early 2027 mock draft, projecting three quarterbacks going in the top ten. Separately, U2 will headline the first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show, the league announced.
Coming Up
The Bears and Patriots meet Thursday night, and the Giants face the Texans with McCarthy expected to start, per the report. Panthers host the Buccaneers this Sunday, with Phillips ruled out.