Week 2 of preseason concluded Sunday night, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hopeful they'll have first-round pick Reuben Bain Jr. available for Week 1 of the regular season. Bain is dealing with an AC joint injury, but it isn't expected to keep him sidelined through Week 1, per ESPN. The biggest news of the week — so far, at least — occurred Monday, when the Cleveland Browns officially named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for 2026 over Shedeur Sanders . Watson is now in line to make his first regular-season start since 2024, when he suffered a torn Achilles, which he later re-tore. He finished that season with a 1-6 record as the starter, throwing for 1,148 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions before the injury. Sanders, now entering his second NFL season, will serve as his backup. The Cincinnati Bengals are breathing a sigh of relief after seeing wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase go down during Tuesday's practice. The three-time All-Pro landed awkwardly after an incomplete pass and limped to the sideline. He eventually was seen walking OK after being tended to by medical personnel. Chase later told reporters he suffered a "little hyperextension" of his knee and that he is "fine." The five-time Pro Bowler added that he would play if Wednesday was a gameday. Injury news over the weekend included Niners star tight end George Kittle getting off the PUP list, RB Christian McCaffrey rejoining 49ers practice after a bout of calf tightness and Chargers center Tyler Biadasz landing on season-ending IR. Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty became the latest potential injury after reportedly landing awkwardly in practice on Sunday. The team got relatively good news Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest NFL news as the preseason continues. Texans OT Braden Smith to miss time, but avoided serious injury The Houston Texans got better than expected news Tuesday. While offensive tackle Braden Smith is injured, it wasn't a long-term issue. Smith is dealing with an injury to his plantar fascia. He'll still miss some time, though. Smith has been a mainstay with the team since he was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He's started 105 of the 107 games in which he's appeared since joining the Texans. Texans OT Braden Smith to miss time, but avoided serious injury The Houston Texans got better than expected news Tuesday. While offensive tackle Braden Smith is injured, it wasn't a long-term issue. Smith is dealing with an injury to his plantar fascia. He'll still miss some time, though. Smith has been a mainstay with the team since he was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He's started 105 of the 107 games in which he's appeared since joining the Texans. 49ers WR Mike Evans (groin) reportedly expects to play Week 1 San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans expects to play in Week 1, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler . Evans is one of the many Niners who have dealt with injuries throughout training camp. His latest injury is a groin injury, but Fowler reported that it is a minor injury unless the wideout aggravates it. Evans also dealt with a quad strain earlier in the preseason. The 49ers open the 2026 season on Thursday, September 10, against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. 49ers WR Mike Evans (groin) reportedly expects to play Week 1 San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans expects to play in Week 1, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler . Evans is one of the many Niners who have dealt with injuries throughout training camp. His latest injury is a groin injury, but Fowler reported that it is a minor injury unless the wideout aggravates it. Evans also dealt with a quad strain earlier in the preseason. The 49ers open the 2026 season on Thursday, September 10, against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Patriots, Steelers dealing with unhappy cornerbacks as Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr. seek massive extensions Two AFC contenders are dealing with unhappy stars at one of football's most important positions. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez and Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., both members of the NFL Draft class of 2023, are currently seeking top-of-the-market contract extensions from their respective clubs. Top-shelf cornerbacks such as Devon Witherspoon ( Seahawks ), Denzel Ward ( Browns ) and Trent McDuffie ( Rams ) have helped reset the CB market with big deals this offseason, but Gonzalez and Porter have had to wait. At least for the Patriots, Gonzalez has returned to the practice field in recent days. The Steelers placed Porter on the PUP list to start training camp, and he has remained there ever since. Porter "held in" for other portions of the Steelers' offseason program, and it's assumed his absence has far more to do with his contract than with any concerning injury. Will they receive their new deals before the start of the season? We take a look at both sets of negotiations ahead of Week 3 of the preseason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patriots, Steelers dealing with unhappy cornerbacks as Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr. seek massive extensions Two AFC contenders are dealing with unhappy stars at one of football's most important positions. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez and Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., both members of the NFL Draft class of 2023, are currently seeking top-of-the-market contract extensions from their respective clubs. Top-shelf cornerbacks such as Devon Witherspoon ( Seahawks ), Denzel Ward ( Browns ) and Trent McDuffie ( Rams ) have helped reset the CB market with big deals this offseason, but Gonzalez and Porter have had to wait. At least for the Patriots, Gonzalez has returned to the practice field in recent days. The Steelers placed Porter on the PUP list to start training camp, and he has remained there ever since. Porter "held in" for other portions of the Steelers' offseason program, and it's assumed his absence has far more to do with his contract than with any concerning injury. Will they receive their new deals before the start of the season? We take a look at both sets of negotiations ahead of Week 3 of the preseason. NFL reportedly eliminating Pro Bowl event, prioritizing individual performance award without alternates The NFL's Pro Bowl has gone extinct, according to a Wednesday report from The Athletic's Jonathan Jones , who reported that the league is leaving the all-star competition in the past and prioritizing the Pro Bowl honor as an individual performance award without alternates. League executives reportedly presented the future of the Pro Bowl to team owners on Wednesday. Without a standalone game or event to field, 88 players will receive Pro Bowl status every season. "… Ultimately, the Pro Bowl, at its core, is about honoring the best of the best in that season, on the field, in real games," Peter O'Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events, told The Athletic. "And the shift here is about shifting the focus from the game — which is ultimately where people's attention goes, especially the replacement players tied to it — to the honor." Read more. NFL reportedly eliminating Pro Bowl event, prioritizing individual performance award without alternates The NFL's Pro Bowl has gone extinct, according to a Wednesday report from The Athletic's Jonathan Jones , who reported that the league is leaving the all-star competition in the past and prioritizing the Pro Bowl honor as an individual performance award without alternates. League executives reportedly presented the future of the Pro Bowl to team owners on Wednesday. Without a standalone game or event to field, 88 players will receive Pro Bowl status every season. "… Ultimately, the Pro Bowl, at its core, is about honoring the best of the best in that season, on the field, in real games," Peter O'Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events, told The Athletic. "And the shift here is about shifting the focus from the game — which is ultimately where people's attention goes, especially the replacement players tied to it — to the honor." Seahawks sale approved The Seattle Seahawks deal is now official. NFL owners unanimously voted to approve the record $9.612 billion sale of the Seattle Seahawks during a one-day league meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson . That means that the group led by San Francisco 49ers minority owner Vinod Khosla can now move forward. The sale was agreed to already last month, but it needed approval from at least 24 of the 32 NFL owners to be ratified. Wednesday's approval was widely expected. Khosla and his ownership group will now take over the Seahawks once the transaction officially closes. A timeline there isn't clear, but according to ESPN, that could happen before the Seahawks open the season against the New England Patriots. For more on the approval, click here . Seahawks sale approved The Seattle Seahawks deal is now official. NFL owners unanimously voted to approve the record $9.612 billion sale of the Seattle Seahawks during a one-day league meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson . That means that the group led by San Francisco 49ers minority owner Vinod Khosla can now move forward. The sale was agreed to already last month, but it needed approval from at least 24 of the 32 NFL owners to be ratified. Wednesday's approval was widely expected. Khosla and his ownership group will now take over the Seahawks once the transaction officially closes. A timeline there isn't clear, but according to ESPN, that could happen before the Seahawks open the season against the New England Patriots. For more on the approval, click here . Kenneth Walker dealing with shoe-related ankle swelling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is dealing with some shoe-related ankle swelling, but is expected to be fine. Coach Andy Reid told reporters the issue has bothered Walker the past few days but that the running back is "okay." Walker, fresh off a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, was one of the Chiefs' prime free-agent signings this offseason. He's expected to be the team's No. 1 back this season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenneth Walker dealing with shoe-related ankle swelling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is dealing with some shoe-related ankle swelling, but is expected to be fine. Coach Andy Reid told reporters the issue has bothered Walker the past few days but that the running back is "okay." Walker, fresh off a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, was one of the Chiefs' prime free-agent signings this offseason. He's expected to be the team's No. 1 back this season. Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. won't play in preseason finale, as staff prioritizes QB continuing his acclimation period Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't play in the team's preseason finale Friday in Miami against the Dolphins, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed to reporters on Wednesday. When asked what led to that decision, Stefanski noted that Penix — who was recently cleared to return to 11-on-11 work amid his comeback from the partially torn ACL that he suffered last year — "just got back to team drills," according to team reporter Tori McElhaney . Atlanta is prioritizing Penix continuing his acclimation period. The 2024 No. 8 overall pick is competing with Tua Tagovailoa for the QB1 job. Tagovailoa will start against the Dolphins on Friday. But Penix said he feels like he'll be ready for Week 1 . The Falcons open the season with a road game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13. Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. won't play in preseason finale, as staff prioritizes QB continuing his acclimation period Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't play in the team's preseason finale Friday in Miami against the Dolphins, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed to reporters on Wednesday. When asked what led to that decision, Stefanski noted that Penix — who was recently cleared to return to 11-on-11 work amid his comeback from the partially torn ACL that he suffered last year — "just got back to team drills," according to team reporter Tori McElhaney . Atlanta is prioritizing Penix continuing his acclimation period. The 2024 No. 8 overall pick is competing with Tua Tagovailoa for the QB1 job. Tagovailoa will start against the Dolphins on Friday. But Penix said he feels like he'll be ready for Week 1 . The Falcons open the season with a road game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13. Ravens missing a number of starters Wednesday The Baltimore Ravens are down a number of players for practice Wednesday. Zay Flowers and Zion Young are among the big names sitting out. It doesn't seem like either player is dealing a serious issue, so it might just be a day of rest for Ravens players. Ravens missing a number of starters Wednesday The Baltimore Ravens are down a number of players for practice Wednesday. Zay Flowers and Zion Young are among the big names sitting out. It doesn't seem like either player is dealing a serious issue, so it might just be a day of rest for Ravens players. Ravens place center Danny Pinter on IR, ending season The Baltimore Ravens will be without one of their offensive lineman in 2026. The team placed Danny Pinter on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, ending his season. Pinter was expected to serve in a reserve role this season. Since being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Pinter has appeared in 77 games, starting 10 of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravens place center Danny Pinter on IR, ending season The Baltimore Ravens will be without one of their offensive lineman in 2026. The team placed Danny Pinter on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, ending his season. Pinter was expected to serve in a reserve role this season. Since being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Pinter has appeared in 77 games, starting 10 of them.

Rams have two 53-man rosters prepared depending on Aaron Donald's decision Should Aaron Donald decide to return to the Rams, the team is prepared with a 53-man roster. Should the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year decide to stay retired, the team is prepared for that reality as well. There is no set deadline in place for Donald to make a decision, but the Rams are ready for either outcome. "If he decides he wants to be able to do it, then the next conversations are: What is your ramp-up?" McVay said Tuesday . "What does it look like to approach whenever that would be the first time that we think we make the most sense for him to impact and make a positive change with us? "We've had to have a lot of fluidity and flexibility, and that's what I've had to learn over 10 years. But I think what's good is the thing that has served us well – and it's really the truth – is let's just stay one day at a time." The Rams open the 2026 season in Australia against the 49ers on Sept. 10, but Donald doesn't necessarily need to have made his decision by then. Rams have two 53-man rosters prepared depending on Aaron Donald's decision Should Aaron Donald decide to return to the Rams, the team is prepared with a 53-man roster. Should the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year decide to stay retired, the team is prepared for that reality as well. There is no set deadline in place for Donald to make a decision, but the Rams are ready for either outcome. "If he decides he wants to be able to do it, then the next conversations are: What is your ramp-up?" McVay said Tuesday . "What does it look like to approach whenever that would be the first time that we think we make the most sense for him to impact and make a positive change with us? "We've had to have a lot of fluidity and flexibility, and that's what I've had to learn over 10 years. But I think what's good is the thing that has served us well – and it's really the truth – is let's just stay one day at a time." The Rams open the 2026 season in Australia against the 49ers on Sept. 10, but Donald doesn't necessarily need to have made his decision by then. Bucs LB Reuben Bain Jr. dealing with AC joint sprain The Bucs play the Bengals in 18 days and it appears they will have 2026 first-round draft pick Reuben Bain Jr. available. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami product is dealing with an AC joint sprain, but the injury is not considered serious and he should be good for Week 1. Bucs LB Reuben Bain Jr. dealing with AC joint sprain The Bucs play the Bengals in 18 days and it appears they will have 2026 first-round draft pick Reuben Bain Jr. available. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami product is dealing with an AC joint sprain, but the injury is not considered serious and he should be good for Week 1. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez frustrated with lack of contract extension There has been no progress on a contract extension for New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and that has left the 2025 Pro Bowler frustrated and disappointed. One month after owner Robert Kraft told reporters that the team made an offer that would see the 24-year-old become the "highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL," things remain at a standstill. "It's frustrating, but I'm focused on the season. I'm focused on here now," Gonzalez said on Tuesday via ESPN's Mike Reiss . When asked if he was optimistic a deal would get done before the Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl rematch to open the season Gonzalez said, "I'm focused on Week 1 at this point. I mean, it's been all offseason, so I feel like the line of today is, 'It is what it is.'" Read more here . Foxborough, MA - August 15: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye at practice on August 15, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (Boston Globe via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez frustrated with lack of contract extension There has been no progress on a contract extension for New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and that has left the 2025 Pro Bowler frustrated and disappointed. One month after owner Robert Kraft told reporters that the team made an offer that would see the 24-year-old become the "highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL," things remain at a standstill. "It's frustrating, but I'm focused on the season. I'm focused on here now," Gonzalez said on Tuesday via ESPN's Mike Reiss . When asked if he was optimistic a deal would get done before the Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl rematch to open the season Gonzalez said, "I'm focused on Week 1 at this point. I mean, it's been all offseason, so I feel like the line of today is, 'It is what it is.'" Read more here . Calvin Austin reportedly sustains torn ACL New York Giants wideout Calvin Austin is expected to miss the entire 2026 NFL season after sustaining a torn ACL in practice Tuesday. Austin initially was carted off the field after sustaining a "serious knee injury" in practice. On Wednesday, it was reported Austin tore his ACL. Austin was expected to play a significant role in the Giants' passing attack. The 27-year-old was entering a contract season as well. Calvin Austin reportedly sustains torn ACL New York Giants wideout Calvin Austin is expected to miss the entire 2026 NFL season after sustaining a torn ACL in practice Tuesday. Austin initially was carted off the field after sustaining a "serious knee injury" in practice. On Wednesday, it was reported Austin tore his ACL. Austin was expected to play a significant role in the Giants' passing attack. The 27-year-old was entering a contract season as well. Chiefs add G Josh Ezeudu from Giants for 2028 7th round pick The Kansas City Chiefs completed a minor trade on Tuesday night. Kansas City added offensive lineman depth in Josh Ezeudu from the New York Giants. In return, the Giants picked up a 2028 seventh-round pick, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport . Ezeudu was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by New York and has played with the franchise for the last four years. After his rookie deal ran out after last season, he re-signed with the Giants on a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Chiefs add G Josh Ezeudu from Giants for 2028 7th round pick The Kansas City Chiefs completed a minor trade on Tuesday night. Kansas City added offensive lineman depth in Josh Ezeudu from the New York Giants. In return, the Giants picked up a 2028 seventh-round pick, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport . Ezeudu was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by New York and has played with the franchise for the last four years. After his rookie deal ran out after last season, he re-signed with the Giants on a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Falcons list Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr. as co-starters on unofficial depth chart ahead of final preseason game Michael Penix Jr. finally resumed 11-on-11 work this week after being medically cleared to do so in his comeback from the partially torn ACL he suffered last season . And now the 2024 No. 8 overall pick has been listed as a starter alongside Tua Tagovailoa on the Atlanta Falcons' unofficial depth chart ahead of the team's final preseason game, which will kick off Friday in Miami. That's where the Falcons will face off against the Dolphins, Tagovailoa's old team. It's important to remember that Atlanta quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said earlier this offseason, according to ESPN , that the competition between Penix and Tagovailoa couldn't truly begin until Penix was fully cleared. Time will tell which QB will be the one to trot out for the first snaps on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Falcons list Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr. as co-starters on unofficial depth chart ahead of final preseason game Michael Penix Jr. finally resumed 11-on-11 work this week after being medically cleared to do so in his comeback from the partially torn ACL he suffered last season . And now the 2024 No. 8 overall pick has been listed as a starter alongside Tua Tagovailoa on the Atlanta Falcons' unofficial depth chart ahead of the team's final preseason game, which will kick off Friday in Miami. That's where the Falcons will face off against the Dolphins, Tagovailoa's old team. It's important to remember that Atlanta quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said earlier this offseason, according to ESPN , that the competition between Penix and Tagovailoa couldn't truly begin until Penix was fully cleared. Time will tell which QB will be the one to trot out for the first snaps on Friday. Commanders reportedly signing OT D.J. Humphries to 1-year deal In the absence of an injured Laremy Tunsil, the Washington Commanders have signed D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport . Tunsil is currently sidelined after tearing his triceps in training camp . Humphries, 32, last played for the Los Angeles Rams. But he began his career with the Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him 24th overall out of Florida in 2015. Humphries spent 2015-23 with the Cardinals, notably making the Pro Bowl during the 2021 season. The majority of that run, he started at left tackle. Commanders reportedly signing OT D.J. Humphries to 1-year deal In the absence of an injured Laremy Tunsil, the Washington Commanders have signed D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport . Tunsil is currently sidelined after tearing his triceps in training camp . Humphries, 32, last played for the Los Angeles Rams. But he began his career with the Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him 24th overall out of Florida in 2015. Humphries spent 2015-23 with the Cardinals, notably making the Pro Bowl during the 2021 season. The majority of that run, he started at left tackle. Odell Beckham Jr. taking it back to 2014 Odell Beckham Jr. taking it back to 2014 Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase 'fine' following awkward landing Chase appeared to injure his knee during an incomplete pass on Tuesday. After being tended to by athletic trainers, the Bengals wide out was spotted walking without a limp and watching practice from the sideline. Speaking to ESPN1530, Chase said he could have stayed in, but the team pulled him from the rest of the session. "I'm fine," Chase said. Chase told reporters he hyperextended his knee and that he would be able to play Wednesday if it were a gameday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase 'fine' following awkward landing Chase appeared to injure his knee during an incomplete pass on Tuesday. After being tended to by athletic trainers, the Bengals wide out was spotted walking without a limp and watching practice from the sideline. Speaking to ESPN1530, Chase said he could have stayed in, but the team pulled him from the rest of the session. "I'm fine," Chase said. Chase told reporters he hyperextended his knee and that he would be able to play Wednesday if it were a gameday. Saints WR Chris Olave leaves practice early after hand landing New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave left Tuesday's practice early with trainers, per ESPN's Kat Terrell . Olave reportedly went up for a catch and had a hard landing. He was able to walk down the sideline under his own power with trainers. Head coach Kellen Moore said after practice that Olave landed hard on his back and had the wind knocked out of him. He did not say if any further tests would be conducted for Olave. Saints WR Chris Olave leaves practice early after hand landing New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave left Tuesday's practice early with trainers, per ESPN's Kat Terrell . Olave reportedly went up for a catch and had a hard landing. He was able to walk down the sideline under his own power with trainers. Head coach Kellen Moore said after practice that Olave landed hard on his back and had the wind knocked out of him. He did not say if any further tests would be conducted for Olave. Giants WR Calvin Austin III carted off at practice with 'serious knee injury' New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III was carted off at Tuesday's practice and appears to have suffered a "serious knee injury," per ESPN's Adam Schefter . The wide receiver reportedly went down while he was running a route in 1-on-1s and was favoring his right leg. Teammates reportedly couldn't look at the injury. Austin was signed in the offseason after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, he played in 14 games and had 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The 27-year-old was in line to compete for the starting slot wide receiver role with the Giants. Giants WR Calvin Austin III carted off at practice with 'serious knee injury' New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III was carted off at Tuesday's practice and appears to have suffered a "serious knee injury," per ESPN's Adam Schefter . The wide receiver reportedly went down while he was running a route in 1-on-1s and was favoring his right leg. Teammates reportedly couldn't look at the injury. Austin was signed in the offseason after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, he played in 14 games and had 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The 27-year-old was in line to compete for the starting slot wide receiver role with the Giants.