NFL Football 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 22, 2026, 4:40 AM ET
Injuries and Lineups
Fantasy managers are weighing whether to start Josh Jacobs following his return, as ESPN's Week 7 lineup analysis also highlights emerging top-10 quarterbacks and two wide receivers worth starting. The Giants will start J.J. McCarthy at quarterback over Winston this weekend against the Texans, while Texans receiver Tank Dell says he is ready to be tackled in his first game since December 2024.
Discipline and Investigations
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league welcomes an investigation into the medical care Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received. Separately, a source said Nick Sirianni was fined $250,000 for his conduct toward officials, one of three coaches penalized. Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, now off the exempt list after two arrests, said there are no excuses for his absence. Packers running back Josh Jacobs, in his first comments since his May arrest, apologized for putting the team in that situation. Titans coach Robert Saleh defended Jordan Elliott's character, saying last week's gun incident was not a criminal act.
Contracts and Trades
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, a free agent after the season, said he may go get paid elsewhere if Detroit does not offer a deal. ESPN's Week 7 buzz also covered quarterback contract questions and trade candidates, including whether the Seahawks keep Sam Darnold beyond this season.
Games and League News
Jalon Daniels swapped jerseys with his idol Aaron Rodgers after Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime victory. The NFL also announced that U2 will headline the first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show. Cornell Green, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive back on the Cowboys' Doomsday Defense, died at 86 after never missing a game in 13 seasons.
Power Rankings
ESPN's latest 1-32 power rankings identify the biggest offensive issue for each team heading into Week, while analysts debate whether the Colts were right to give Steichen more time and whether the Eagles will trade their stars.
Coming Up
The Giants start McCarthy against the Texans this weekend. The NFL's Thanksgiving Eve halftime show featuring U2 is still to come.