NFL Football 3h Briefing
×Last updated: August 16, 2026, 9:23 PM ET
Injuries & Personnel Moves
Veteran safety Jamal Adams espn.com will miss the entire 2026 season after tearing his right knee in the Vikings' 13-10 preseason win over the Giants. The loss is a significant blow to Minnesota's secondary as they head into the regular season. Meanwhile, 49ers star tight end George Kittle espn.com is progressing well from his torn Achilles and hopes to return for San Francisco's season opener against the Rams in Australia.
Former Cowboys guard John Niland espn.com, a three-time All-Pro who helped Dallas capture its first Super Bowl, passed away Saturday at age. His legacy as one of the franchise's foundational offensive linemen will endure. On the retirement front, defensive tackle Aaron Donald espn.com worked out for the Los Angeles Rams again Saturday as he continues evaluating whether to come out of retirement for a second time.
Coaching & Strategy Shifts
Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El espn.com took over playcalling duties in the second half of Chicago's preseason opener against the Browns, sparking a 24-0 run that helped secure a 34-10 victory. His offensive adjustments clearly resonated with the team. In Tennessee, the Titans espn.com are betting big on the quarterback development expertise of new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, hoping he can maximize Cam Ward's potential in the same way he did with Josh Allen espn.com in Buffalo.
Quarterback Battles & Depth Charts
Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds hinted Sunday that Anthony Richardson espn.com will remain in Indianapolis, as the team prioritizes quarterback depth behind starter Richardson. The commitment suggests the Colts are building continuity at the position. Meanwhile, the Mets espn.com took a playful jab at Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels espn.com over his ongoing jersey number dispute with LSU, adding fuel to what has become a quirky offseason storyline.
Training Camp Competitions
Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon espn.com faces an uncertain future as a starter, with his opening-day role in jeopardy the deeper Green Bay gets into training camp. Competition is heating up in the secondary. Over in New England, several Patriots espn.com stood out during their preseason opener against the Colts, with players like Kyle Williams espn.com and K.J. Britt espn.com making strong cases for roster spots as the team rebuilds its identity.