NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 7:03 AM ET

NFL Football — Morning Briefing

Injury Report & Roster News

The 49ers suffered a major blow in Australia, as starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during Tuesday's practice and will miss the entire 2026 season. Across the bay, Aaron Donald won't travel to Australia for Thursday night's opener against San Francisco, with coach Sean McVay ruling the standout defensive tackle inactive. Elsewhere, the Steelers' rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor had his home burglarized late last month, per a team source that confirmed the incident to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

For Thursday's Super Bowl rematch, the Patriots will be without running back Tre Veyon Henderson, and the Seahawks may start their title defense without two starters in their secondary. to Monday night, Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the opener against the Broncos, though the Chiefs face issues at left tackle.

Quarterback Storylines

Joe Burrow, at, told the team's website he's here for the long haul with Cincinnati. Drake Maye, coming off a fast-chasing Super Bowl loss, is letting that disappointment motivate his 2026 campaign, starting with Wednesday's rematch at Seattle. C.J. Stroud enters his biggest season with renewed confidence despite playing Year 4 without a new contract yet.

The Buccaneers gave Baker Mayfield the largest contract in franchise history after he changed his mind about a negotiating deadline — a move that could influence other franchise quarterbacks.

Division & Team Notes

NFL execs and scouts are making their award picks for 2026, including predictions for MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. In the NFC East, roundtable reporters assess what must go right for the Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders and Giants in a deep divisional race. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan that the team has serious financial room to make a trade after restructuring several veteran contracts last week.

Detroit's Dan Campbell, who spent five seasons under Sean Payton, explains why he holds New Orleans in high regard heading into Week. Garrett Wilson brushed off 15 years of futility, saying a playoff berth is very realistic and the outright goal. Mike Vrabel has moved past his offseason scandal, but the lingering effects continue to ripple through the league.

Coaching Culture

First-time head coach Todd Monken, brings a gritty persistence to Cleveland, intent on turning around the Browns' quarterbacks and calling this his last job. Travis Hunter and his wife took time to gift the nurses who cared for their son during his NICU stay at Wolfson Children's Hospital — they left a lasting impression on the couple.

Off Field & The Talent on the Table

Peyton and Eli Manning debut their black jumpsuits for the new season of ManningCast: Heist, a new look on Monday Night Football.

For bettors, Ben Solak offers four keys to navigating the 2026 NFL season, plus three early prop plays. From favorites to underdogs, the betting landscape is packed with storylines, with the Rams entering the season as 5/1 favorites.

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