Quarterback Updates
Brock Purdy is trending toward a return to action this Sunday when the 49ers face the Cardinals. After missing time with a hamstring injury, the team is preparing him to reclaim the starting role in practice sessions this week.
The New York Giants are expected to start Jameis Winston at quarterback against the Packers. With injuries and underperformance plaguing their QB depth chart, Winston gets the nod as New York seeks stability at the position.
In Chicago, Caleb Williams continues to impress under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The No. 1 overall pick is showing signs of franchise potential, giving Bears fans optimism about their long-term quarterback outlook.
Injuries
The Arizona Cardinals receive a double blow at wide receiver ahead of their matchup with San Francisco. Marvin Harrison Jr. underwent surgery for appendicitis and will miss at least this week’s game. Additionally, veteran wideout Zay Jones is out for the season after tearing his Achilles against the Seahawks.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost promising playmaker Travis Hunter for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. His versatility had been a potential game changer on both sides of the ball.
The Chicago Bears are hopeful that Jaylon Johnson can return later this season. The All-Pro cornerback was seen in the weight room and is reportedly encouraged by his recovery. Fellow CB Kyler Gordon also has a chance to return before year’s end, though no firm timetable has been set.
In more positive news, Bucky Irving is back at practice for the Buccaneers after missing nearly two months. Tampa Bay is hoping the rookie running back can contribute down the stretch.
Finally, Asante Samuel Jr. has passed his physical clearance following surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Okonkwo, the Steelers’ team neurosurgeon, giving Pittsburgh added confidence as they manage his reintegration.
Transactions
The Denver Broncos continue to shuffle their receiving corps, signing Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the Giants’ practice squad. Humphrey returns to Denver and is expected to play in a divisional clash against the Chiefs this Sunday.
Awards
Three offensive and defensive standouts earned NFL weekly honors:
– Jonathan Taylor is the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after powering the Colts’ offense with a standout performance in Berlin.
– Jahmyr Gibbs claims NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his explosive outing with the Lions.
– On the defensive side, Demarcus “Tank” Lawrence was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for anchoring the Cowboys’ defense with key plays.
Team Storylines
The Indianapolis Colts are enjoying a surge of success in 2025, and tackle Braden Smith credits the locker room’s “lack of ego” as a major factor. That chemistry was on display on an international stage, as the Colts-Falcons game in Berlin became one of the top-five most-watched international NFL games on record for NFL Network.
In Philadelphia, frustration is boiling over as A.J. Brown described his 2025 season as “a s*** show” in a recent video. Brown’s comments point to internal struggles as the Eagles try to regain their form.
The Vikings-Ravens game has sparked controversy after Minnesota committed eight false starts. Vikings players allege that the Ravens used misleading signals to trigger penalties. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh disputes the claim, stating none of the fouls came from illegal defensive movement.
Coaching and Front Office
As pressure mounts in New York, speculation over the Giants’ head coaching future has gained traction. Analyst Chris Simms has mentioned names like Mike Tomlin and Brian Flores as intriguing options, though no frontrunner has emerged.
In Miami, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shared a personal story this week, revealing that Cowboys DC Dan Quinn played a pivotal role in helping him overcome alcoholism. McDaniel says he is forever indebted to Quinn for his support during a critical turning point in his life.
Off-Field News
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown pleaded not guilty to an attempted murder charge. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and Brown remains embroiled in a series of serious off-field issues following his NFL exit.
The Dallas Cowboys have started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund in support of the late rookie’s pregnant girlfriend. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced the initiative, aimed at ensuring Kneeland’s family is taken care of after his tragic passing.
Notable Performances
In Seattle, rookie WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has crossed the 1,000-yard mark in remarkably efficient fashion. He’s done it on just 226 routes so far this season, the fewest required for a 1,000-yard campaign since 2014. His breakout year continues to be a bright spot for the Seahawks.
International & Olympic News
The United States continues to dominate international flag football, raising questions about whether NFL players should represent the U.S. in the 2028 Olympics. While current flag specialists have built a winning program, the prospect of NFL stars joining the Olympic push presents both excitement and debate over fairness and representation in the sport.