NFL NEWS UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

The first official Week 1 injury reports have not been filed. The following is based on the latest practices, team announcements, coach press conferences and verified local reporting.

𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗚𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 — 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗡

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: General manager Ryan Poles said he does not know whether nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon will play this season. Gordon remains on the PUP list with a calf injury after missing the spring, training camp and preseason.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Gordon’s continued absence leaves Chicago vulnerable in the slot and against three-receiver formations. This is more significant than a typical depth injury because nickel corner is effectively a starting position in today’s NFL.

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Running back Jonathon Brooks worked off to the side because of soreness. Head coach Dave Canales said he remains very optimistic that Brooks will be available for Week 1.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: The current expectation is that Brooks plays, but his practice workload will determine whether Carolina can give him a normal role or needs to distribute more touches elsewhere.

𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗦 — 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Ja’Marr Chase will be limited this week while recovering from a hyperextended left knee. Head coach Zac Taylor said he feels good about Chase’s condition. Tee Higgins is dealing with a heel contusion, but the team does not consider it a major Week 1 concern. Defensive end Shemar Stewart has progressed to padded defensive-line drills following his knee injury.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Cincinnati is expressing optimism, but Chase’s ability to accelerate and change direction must still be monitored. Any setback involving Chase would affect Cincinnati’s spread, team total and passing props. Stewart’s progress is encouraging for a defensive front replacing Trey Hendrickson.

𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 — 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗕𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will begin the season on the PUP list and must miss at least four games. Branch is recovering from an Achilles injury, while Joseph continues dealing with a chronic knee problem. Running back Isiah Pacheco was also placed on injured reserve.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Losing both starting safeties is a major early-season issue for Detroit’s coverage structure, communication and ability to disguise coverages. Pacheco’s absence also reduces the Lions’ proven backfield depth. These are confirmed absences, not merely questionable designations.

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Josh Jacobs remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List following misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. He cannot practice or play while on the list. Green Bay traded for running back Kaleb Johnson as insurance. Tight end Luke Musgrave will miss at least four games on the PUP list because of a neck injury.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Jacobs should currently be treated as unavailable with no confirmed return date. His absence changes Green Bay’s rushing workload, short-yardage usage and red-zone distribution. Johnson’s acquisition helps the depth chart but does not immediately replace Jacobs’ complete role.

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗡𝗦 — 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗡

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Offensive tackles Braden Smith and Sam Hagen were placed on injured reserve. Tank Dell is getting closer in his knee recovery but is not yet ready. Jadeveon Clowney is expected to be available for Week 1 despite hip and ankle issues.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Houston’s tackle depth is a legitimate concern entering the Buffalo matchup. Protection problems would affect C.J. Stroud’s efficiency and Houston’s ability to attack downfield. Clowney’s expected availability is positive for the defensive front.

𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗧𝗦 — 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: The Colts expect Keenan Allen to play Week 1 despite his recent arrest. Alec Pierce has returned to practice following offseason ankle surgery, and general manager Chris Ballard said the hope is that Pierce will also play. Anthony Richardson will remain on the roster after requesting a trade during the offseason.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Allen is not currently expected to miss the opener. Pierce remains the more important availability question because his vertical speed changes how defenses can play Indianapolis’ underneath passing game.

𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗦 — 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗗

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Head coach Liam Coen said there are no injury concerns involving Brian Thomas Jr. or Jakobi Meyers. Coen described both receivers as “all good” and said Meyers practiced Tuesday and would practice again Wednesday.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Jacksonville’s top receiving options are currently expected to be available. Unless a setback occurs, neither receiver should create a Week 1 downgrade to the Jaguars’ offense.

𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗙𝗦 — 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Starting left tackle Josh Simmons remains sidelined after his back “flared up,” according to Andy Reid. Simmons has been working off to the side, and his Week 1 status remains uncertain. Left guard Kingsley Suamataia left practice because of illness. Chris Jones missed practice with a back issue, although Reid indicated Jones should be okay.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Simmons is the key situation. A replacement at left tackle against Denver’s pass rush would be a meaningful protection downgrade for Patrick Mahomes. Jones currently appears much closer to probable than doubtful.

𝗟𝗔𝗦 𝗩𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Running back Ashton Jeanty missed practice with an ankle injury but has resumed light workouts. General manager John Spytek said Jeanty is closer to returning than many people think. Kirk Cousins has officially been named the starting quarterback over rookie Fernando Mendoza. Keyron Crawford suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Jeanty remains a legitimate Week 1 monitor. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. would gain the most work if Jeanty cannot play. Naming Cousins removes the quarterback uncertainty, although Mendoza remains a possible option later in the season.

𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦 — 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Puka Nacua has returned to practice work following a groin/psoas issue. Myles Garrett is making progress from his knee injury, with the stated goal of playing against San Francisco. Aaron Donald has returned to the team, but his Week 1 availability has not been confirmed.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Nacua is trending toward playing. Garrett and Donald are the larger defensive variables because their availability would materially change the Rams’ pass-rush projection against San Francisco. Donald should not be assumed active until the team confirms it.

𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 — 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Kyler Murray is Minnesota’s starting quarterback, Carson Wentz is the backup and J.J. McCarthy is third on the depth chart. McCarthy continues developing while managing an ankle issue. Minnesota also added veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy to its practice squad.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: The quarterback hierarchy is settled for Week 1. Minnesota should be evaluated as Murray’s offense, not as an open competition involving McCarthy.

𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗦𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗜𝗡𝗝𝗨𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice after being sidelined by a back injury. Contract negotiations remain at an impasse, and Porter would not guarantee that he will play the opener without a new agreement. Head coach Mike McCarthy also stopped short of confirming that Porter will be physically ready.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Porter’s status carries both physical and contractual uncertainty. Pittsburgh’s ability to play aggressive man coverage would take a hit if its top cornerback is unavailable.

𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝟰𝟵𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Nick Bosa returned to team drills for the first time since August 3 and will travel to Australia. George Kittle will also travel after participating in three consecutive practices. Mike Evans, Kyle Juszczyk and Ephesians Prysock returned to practice. Right guard Dominick Puni remains a concussion monitor.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Bosa and Kittle are trending toward playing, but workload restrictions remain possible after lengthy recoveries. Puni is the most important offensive-line question because San Francisco’s interior depth is already thin. The 49ers are traveling to Australia well ahead of the Rams, giving them additional time to adjust.

𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 — 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗: Bill Croskey-Merritt and K’Lavon Chaisson participated in practice while recovering from knee injuries and are tracking well for Week 1. Edge rusher Odafe Oweh is expected to return to practice next week following a calf injury. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles has earned green-dot communication responsibilities alongside Frankie Luvu.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧: Oweh is Washington’s main availability question because his absence would reduce the defense’s edge pressure. Styles receiving communication duties suggests he is headed for an immediate and meaningful defensive role.

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬

The most important confirmed absences are Josh Jacobs, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Isiah Pacheco. The most important unresolved situations are Josh Simmons, Joey Porter Jr., Ashton Jeanty, Odafe Oweh, Dominick Puni and the Rams’ defensive stars.

Ja’Marr Chase, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Puka Nacua and Jonathon Brooks are presently trending in the right direction, but their workload and practice participation still require monitoring.

No move should be attributed to one injury without confirming that the timing of the market move matches the timing of the news.