Week 1 preparations brought major injury developments, a pair of high-profile contract extensions and a retirement announcement across the NFL, with Patrick Mahomes and Rome Odunze among the players being monitored ahead of opening-week action.
Week 1 quarterback and lineup decisions
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes has a strong chance to start Monday night against the Broncos despite a knee issue, provided he does not suffer a setback over the next several days. Reid also indicated left tackle Josh Simmons is unlikely to be available because of a back problem.
- Reid said Simmons is continuing his rehabilitation program and working hard, stressing that the absence is tied to his back and that his return is largely a matter of timing.
- Bears coach Ben Johnson expects Odunze to have a chance to play Sunday against the Panthers. The wide receiver will not practice Tuesday and is considered day to day with an injury unrelated to the foot problem he dealt with last season.
- Johnson confirmed Braxton Jones will open at left tackle for Chicago against Carolina.
- On an unofficial depth chart, Fernando Mendoza is listed as the No. 2 quarterback behind Kirk Cousins, with Aidan O’Connell third.
- Tyler Allgeier holds the top running back spot on another unofficial depth chart, while rookie Jeremiyah Love is listed second.
The Bears also expect cornerback Kyler Gordon to remain away from the club while he works with a personal trainer. Gordon, who is on injured reserve with a calf injury, is targeted to rejoin the team a few weeks into the season.
Rams and 49ers deal with key absences
Aaron Donald will not make the trip to Australia for the Rams’ Week 1 matchup with the 49ers, scheduled for Thursday at 8:35 p.m. ET. Rams coach Sean McVay said Donald will be inactive as the team gives him additional time before his anticipated debut. Donald was limited in Tuesday’s practice.
McVay said defensive end Myles Garrett will play against San Francisco despite a knee concern. Garrett did not practice Tuesday.
- Rams linebacker Grant Stuard was limited by a hamstring injury.
- Cornerback Jaylen Watson did not practice because of a toe injury.
- For San Francisco, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa, defensive end Romello Height, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Renardo Green were all limited Tuesday.
- 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore a patellar tendon in practice and will miss the entire 2026 season, Kyle Shanahan announced.
Extensions, injury reports and Brandon Graham’s retirement
Christian Gonzalez has agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension with New England, keeping the standout cornerback under contract on a major new deal. The Patriots formally announced the agreement Tuesday night.
Baker Mayfield also received a three-year extension worth $165 million. The new years of the deal carry an average annual value of $55 million.
Veteran safety Harrison Smith has officially signed to return to the Vikings after his agreement was initially reported Saturday.
Brandon Graham, meanwhile, announced that his playing career is over. The 38-year-old defensive end returned from retirement last October and appeared in nine regular-season games for Philadelphia. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Graham finished with 79.5 career sacks during a 16-season NFL career after recording three sacks in his final stint with the Eagles.
Other opening-week health updates
- Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson will miss Wednesday’s season opener against Seattle with an ankle injury. Offensive lineman Ben Brown is also out because of a knee injury.
- Jets running back Breece Hall is expected to practice Tuesday and is trending toward playing against Tennessee despite a groin issue. Defensive end Joseph Ossai remains week to week with a foot injury.
- Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton is questionable for Wednesday’s opener against New England because of a hamstring injury. Safeties Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada are listed questionable and out, respectively, with ankle and hamstring injuries.
- Tight end Ben Yurosek has been placed on injured reserve.
Practice squad moves and roster transactions
Several teams continued to adjust their rosters and practice squads as the season approached.
- Defensive backs Darren Hall, Dontae Manning and Xavier Williams were released.
- Wide receiver Coleman Owen, cornerback Jaylon Jones and quarterback Carter Bradley were also cut.
- Wide receiver Bryce Oliver and punter Wes Pahl were released from a practice squad.
- Center Ka’ena De Cambra and defensive tackle Dominic Bailey were released from a practice squad.
- Wide receiver Bub Means and defensive end Nadame Tucker were added to a practice squad.
- Quarterback Mark Gronowski and center Gavin Gerhardt joined a practice squad.
- Tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. signed to a practice squad, while offensive tackle Luke Tenuta was elevated from one.
SEO Title: NFL Week 1 injury news: Mahomes, Odunze, Donald and roster moves
SEO Description: Patrick Mahomes and Rome Odunze headline NFL Week 1 injury updates, while Aaron Donald will miss the Rams’ Australia opener and Christian Gonzalez lands a $135 million extension.
