The bulk of Week 3 is nearly here. This is what I’m hearing on: - The NFL’s Tom Brady contradiction - The tush push’s future - QB injury updates - Kevin O’Connell’s trust in Carson Wentz - Early Travis Hunter returns
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The bulk of Week 3 is nearly here. This is what I’m hearing on: - The NFL’s Tom Brady contradiction - The tush push’s future - QB injury updates - Kevin O’Connell’s trust in Carson Wentz - Early Travis Hunter returns
More of what I’m hearing on QB injuries, the future of the tush push and Tom Brady:
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy is not expected to play Sunday night against the Giants, per source. Worthy (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis this week, but his return will have to wait.
Minnesota will be without J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones for its Week 3 matchup against Cincinnati. But barring a last-minute setback, Brian Flores’ Vikings defense will get a boost in the form of Harrison Smith, who is set to make his season debut, sources say. www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
Tom Brady is trying to do it all. He wants to be the voice of Fox’s NFL coverage while also being a Raiders decision-maker without ever fully admitting it. That’s where the integrity question becomes impossible for the league to ignore. www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
The tush push was nearly banned last May. And just two weeks into the 2025 season, the momentum against it is stronger than ever, sources say. www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
Kyle Shanahan says that Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) is questionable for Sunday but is “highly unlikely” to start. Mac Jones will start against the Cardinals, while the Niners hope to have Purdy in uniform. (via @mattbarrows.bsky.social)
From Jon Machota: Stephen Jones on 105.3 The Fan said DE Jadeveon Clowney will be a game-time decision for Sunday in Chicago but it’s leaning toward him not playing
Dallas Goedert is off the injury report. The Eagles will have their starting tight end back for Sunday's NFC divisional round rematch against the Rams.
With J.J. McCarthy ruled out, it’s officially Carson Wentz time in Minnesota when the Vikings welcome in Jake Browning and the Bengals Sunday in a battle of backup QBs.
Jayden Daniels (knee) is officially out Sunday against the Raiders. Marcus Mariota will start for Washington, Dan Quinn says.
Matt LaFleur says he doesn’t believe TE Tucker Kraft will practice today, per @mattschneidman.bsky.social. The Packers head coach is non-committal on Kraft’s status for Sunday. LaFleur doesn’t believe Kraft will go on IR.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels was not spotted during the media portion of Washington's practice on Friday. Dan Quinn will speak later to reporters as his star's status for Sunday's matchup against the Raiders remains uncertain.
Josh Allen in his regular-season career against the Dolphins: - 13-2 (8-0 at home) - 45 total TD - 8 INT
Tucker Kraft “tweaked” his knee in practice Thursday, sources tell me and @mattschneidman.bsky.social. He could play Sunday against the Browns — how he feels tomorrow will be important.
Saquon Barkley's signature season finally allowed him to give an autograph that had long been forbidden. Then there was another autograph this offseason that left him honored. What these two signatures say about "2K-Sa" in 2025, on @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
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There’s rarely a straight line to where you want to go. The ups teach you confidence, and the downs build resilience. Enjoying the journey is the gift in it all. Love what @kfishbain.bsky.social is doing to help other journalists.
Brock Purdy will practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, Kyle Shanahan said. A positive development for the 49ers as Purdy continues to manage toe and shoulder injuries.
Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, who suffered an elbow injury Monday night, is being placed on IR, Jim Harbaugh says.
Jayden Daniels (knee) won’t practice Wednesday, Dan Quinn says.
Jets QB Justin Fields (concussion) has been ruled out for New York’s game Sunday against the Buccaneers, Aaron Glenn says.
Raheem Morris says Falcons corner A.J. Terrell is week-to-week due to a hamstring injury.
The Bills have ruled out Ed Oliver (ankle) and Matt Milano (LB) for Buffalo's Thursday night matchup against the Dolphins.
Is Mike McDaniel coaching for his job tomorrow night? My @theathletic.com column on the quirky coach much of the football world has turned on... www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
The Vikings are placing Aaron Jones (hamstring) on IR and are signing Cam Akers to their practice squad, per @aleclewis.bsky.social.
Tomorrow 👀 the @diannarussini.bsky.social origin story
Per the AP, Tampa Bay is the sixth team since the NFL merger to start 2-0 in five straight seasons, joining: CHI 1984-91 (8) MIA 1994-99 (6) DEN 2013-18 (6) HOU 2010-14 (5) DAL 1975-79 (5) TB 2021-25 (5)**
Joe Burrow's injury provides Zac Taylor an opportunity to shine and guide the Bengals through another extended absence for their star QB. More on Scoop City: youtu.be/KC5qmLJ4HB8
QB injuries are piling up even before Week 2 has finished: - J.J. McCarthy (ankle) - Jayden Daniels (knee) - Justin Fields (concussion) - Joe Burrow (turf toe) - Brock Purdy (turf toe)
J.J. McCarthy has an ankle injury and his status for Sunday is in doubt, O'Connell says. Carson Wentz is Minnesota's backup.
Vikings linemen Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule both remain in concussion protocol. Aaron Jones (hamstring) is still being evaluated, but is likely out this week against the Bengals, Kevin O'Connell says. (via @aleclewis.bsky.social)
Panthers offensive line updates, per the team: G Robert Hunt tore his Achilles C Austin Corbett injured his left MCL Both are headed to injured reserve.
Source: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels suffered a knee injury last Thursday during Washington’s loss in Green Bay. His availability for Week 3 against the Raiders is unknown. Grant Paulsen was first to report Daniels underwent an MRI last Friday.
This was fun to work on: The many quirks of Jim Harbaugh new today on @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
More on Joe Burrow being set to undergo surgery on his injured toe: www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Bengals QB Joe Burrow will undergo surgery on his injured toe, per sources. The recovery time is expected to be a minimum of three months.
This morning, we’ll learn more from the Bengals about Joe Burrow’s severe turf toe injury. Burrow is seeking second opinions on the injury, which could require surgery and sideline Cincinnati’s star for an extended period of time, sources say.
Patrick Mahomes has lost three consecutive games for the first time in his NFL career, dating back to last February’s Super Bowl. Kansas City begins a season 0-2 for the first time since 2014.
For the first time since 2009, the Indianapolis Colts are 2-0.
The Cowboys are signing free agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, Jerry Jones told reporters after Dallas’ overtime win over the Giants.
The Giants start 0-2 for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.
Dak Prescott lost his first two career starts against the Giants in 2016. He’s won 14 straight since. What. A. Game.
Burrow has been ruled out.
Joe Burrow has a toe injury and is questionable to return, the Bengals say.
Some injury updates: Ravens CB Jaire Alexander — OUT 49ers WR Jauan Jennings — IN 49ers T Trent Williams — IN Bills CB Tre White — IN Bears CB Kyler Gordon — OUT
Mike Macdonald and Ben Johnson both ignored the analytics while making key head coaching decisions in Week 1. But is it the right move? “I think Week 1, you don't know your team yet,” one game strategist told me. More: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
Mac Jones spurned bigger offers elsewhere to join the 49ers. When they traded up to the No. 3 pick in the 2021 draft, sources say, Jones was the intended pick. Now, he gets his chance to play for Kyle Shanahan in Week 2. How will the Saints respond? www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
There have been more extensions signed through mid-September than at this point of any year in the last decade. The quick free-agency fix could be disappearing, making the draft process more vital than ever. www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
Daniel Jones turned down an offer to return to the Vikings to sign with the Colts, believing in his ability to win the starting job, sources say. He’s done more than win the QB competition — he dazzled in his Indy debut. And league personnel took notice: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
With a number of high-priced stars at the top of their roster, the 49ers have relied on young talent in years past to provide depth and value. But draft misses are piling up for San Francisco. www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
The Cowboys and G Tyler Smith have agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension that makes him the highest-paid guard in football on an APY basis, per his agency Athletes First.
The Steelers are united behind Aaron Rodgers in 2025. But some in Pittsburgh’s building can’t help but revisit Mike Tomlin’s decision to bench Justin Fields for Russell Wilson last year after having front-row seats to Fields’ Jets debut. www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
More on the Patriots trading 2024 second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk to the Saints: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
New England moves on from its 2024 second-round pick after one season and 12 receptions.
TRADE: The Patriots are trading WR Ja’Lynn Polk and a 2028 7th-round pick to the Saints for a 2027 6th-round pick, per sources. Polk is currently on season-ending IR recovering from a shoulder injury.
The Browns have activated RB Quinshon Judkins ahead of Cleveland's Week 2 matchup with the Ravens, clearing the way for his potential NFL debut.
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) has been ruled OUT for Sunday's Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles.
A.J. Brown received interest from multiple trade suitors this offseason, sources say. But teams poking around were told by Eagles GM Howie Roseman flat-out: No dice. More: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
When San Francisco’s high-priced stars are healthy, the 49ers can keep up with anyone. But with injuries consistently mounting and a shrinking margin for error, sustaining dominance is more difficult than ever. What I'm hearing: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
Sources say the Dolphins don’t have any plans right now to trade star receiver Tyreek Hill. But expect the phones to ring in Miami if the losses — and players-only meetings — continue. www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
In Week 2, the NFL begins to separate sustainable trends from Week 1 aberrations. What I’m hearing on: - The 49ers’ injury struggles - Tyreek Hill’s future - How the Steelers reacted to Justin Fields' Jets debut - Can Daniel Jones keep it rolling? www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
It’s Mac Jones time for San Francisco. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan officially ruled Brock Purdy out for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on 105.3 The Fan on the Micah Parsons trade: “This was the best way to maximize our chance to get a Super Bowl for Dak.” (via Jon Machota)
Bills top DT Ed Oliver has been ruled out vs. the Jets due to "friendly fire" on practice Wednesday. Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is a tackling machine. He believes in his abilities even against... an elephant? The full conversation, with @jamespalmertv.bsky.social: youtu.be/TysIErjqdNs?...
Last night, Matt LaFleur told reporters that Packers WR Jayden Reed broke his collarbone and is out indefinitely.
Commanders RB Austin Ekeler has been ruled out with an Achilles injury, per the team. Ekeler was carted to the locker room late in the fourth quarter.
A balance almost nobody ever sees publicly… Endless notes and problem-solving but few chances to show your work. Mentorship and competition. Selflessness and ambition. Backup QBs across the NFL gave me an inside look at what the job is really like:
Xavier Worthy at Chiefs practice Thursday with a sleeve and padding around his injured right shoulder: (via @jessenewell.bsky.social)
From last night:
Link to the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9gx...
Injuries continue to plague the San Francisco 49ers. And I'm told the Saints are preparing to face Mac Jones Sunday in New Orleans. What I'm hearing about Brock Purdy's status:
Per source, the Saints have been preparing all week for Mac Jones to be the 49ers' starter Sunday in New Orleans. More details, and Kyle Shanahan's comments on Brock Purdy being a "long shot" to play in Week 2:
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins did not practice today because he is in Manhattan meeting with the NFL as part of its investigation under the personal conduct policy.
Patriots DC Terrell Williams will be away from the team for the next few days due to “some unforeseen ongoings" not related to his spring/summer health matter, Mike Vrabel says.
Cooper DeJean’s Super Bowl pick six changed his life. He doesn’t want it to define his career More at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
The 49ers are signing kicker Eddy Pineiro, per source. After moving Jake Moody, San Francisco adds the 29-year-old veteran, who spent 2022-24 with the Panthers and was brought in for a workout Tuesday.
More on the NFL's punishment for Eagles DT Jalen Carter:
The NFL’s official statement says Carter was suspended for one game last week against the Cowboys because he did not play a snap before being ejected. Carter will not appeal and will be on the field Sunday in Kansas City, per source.
NEWS: The NFL has fined Jalen Carter $57,222, equivalent to one game check, for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. Carter will not be suspended. The Eagles travel to Kansas City this week to take on the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch.
49ers waiving K Jake Moody after 2 missed kicks in opener www.nytimes.com/athletic/661... ⤵️
More on the 49ers placing George Kittle on IR due to a hamstring injury he suffered Sunday in Seattle:
The severity of George Kittle’s hamstring injury meant he was set to miss multiple games. Given San Francisco’s congested early-season schedule and a banged-up roster, the 49ers opt for IR to create flexibility as Kittle heals. More from yesterday on Scoop City: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAFp...
Source confirms that the 49ers are placing George Kittle (hamstring) on IR, meaning he will miss at least the next four games for San Francisco. First: Adam Schefter
The 49ers are set to waive K Jake Moody, per source. The 2023 third-round pick missed one kick and had another blocked Sunday in Seattle.
I went into Sunday's Steelers-Jets matchup expecting to see a Jets defense resembling the one Aaron Glenn coordinated in Detroit. Instead, it was New York's offense that reminded me of the Lions. More, with @chasedaniel.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAFp...
Mike spent time with Kevin O’Connell last night after the Vikings’ comeback win 👇
What a f—-ing call.
Source confirms the Eagles are acquiring RB Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks.
More on the latest 49ers injury updates:
George Kittle’s hamstring injury is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, per Shanahan. Injuries continue to batter San Francisco.
NEWS: 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says that QB Brock Purdy is dealing with a toe injury and his status is uncertain. Mac Jones is the backup.
Pregame reading:
Brian Daboll announced that Russell Wilson will remain the Giants’ starter for Week 2 against the Cowboys.
The 49ers are signing free-agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, sources say. Bourne spent 2017-20 in San Francisco and recently took a visit with the 49ers after being released by the Patriots. Now, he returns.
Ian on Aaron Rodgers' Steelers debut:
More on the 49ers agreeing to terms on an extension with Colton McKivitz: www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
The 49ers have signed OL Colton McKivitz to a three-year, $45 million extension, sources say. The two sides had an agreement in place before San Francisco’s Week 1 opener Sunday, but waited to let the world know.
Read Mike!!!