The final preseason week has brought a wave of injury decisions, roster turnover and quarterback plans across the NFL, while the Seattle Seahawks officially moved into new ownership. Several clubs are holding established starters out of Friday’s exhibitions, with teams also weighing key players’ availability for the regular-season opener.
NFL Sunday Desk: Preseason Plans, Injuries and Roster Moves
Arizona running back James Conner continues to work back from the foot injury that ended his previous season, but head coach Mike LaFleur said it remains uncertain whether Conner will be ready for Week 1.
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will sit out Friday’s preseason matchup with Miami. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the Falcons’ starters are expected to play, while Miami plans to open with Tua Tagovailoa before turning to Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Atlanta also added linebacker Michael Barrett and waived linebacker Reid Williford with an injury settlement.
Center Danny Pinter has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his patellar tendon last week, an injury that will end his season. The club signed center Sincere Haynesworth and released wide receiver Mac Dalena.
Carolina will not use its starters in Friday’s preseason finale against Houston, head coach Dave Canales said. Cincinnati is taking the same approach against Philadelphia. Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase missed Wednesday’s practice after hyperextending his left knee the previous day, although he said Tuesday that he was fine. He was not seen wearing a knee brace Wednesday. Cincinnati also waived tight end Brenden Bates from injured reserve and released defensive end Benton Whitley.
Foster Sarell and Israel Antwine joined the roster, while wide receiver Kyre Duplessis was waived and safety Taylor Rapp was released. Denver coach Sean Payton said quarterback Bo Nix is unlikely to play in Friday’s preseason finale against Minnesota. Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft is set to take part in 11-on-11 work during Wednesday’s joint session with Arizona as he advances from a knee issue. General manager Brian Gutekunst said the Packers would like to complete a contract extension with Kraft, though he was unsure whether it could be finalized before the season begins.
Right tackle Braden Smith was carted off during Wednesday’s practice with what is believed to be a foot injury, while defensive end Ali Gaye also left on a cart with an undisclosed problem. Defensive end Dylan Horton was placed on injured reserve, and defensive end Derek Parish was signed.
Cornerback Kenneth Harris was added, while cornerback Mekhi Blackmon was waived. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said running back Kenneth Walker III has a swollen ankle. Kansas City waived tackle Kellen Diesch and will start Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback against Seattle on Friday. Patrick Mahomes and offensive tackle Josh Simmons are among the players who will not appear in that game. The club also signed running back Coleman Bennett and waived tight end Cole Turner with an injury designation.
Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy was scheduled for a rest day Wednesday because of an ankle issue, but head coach Kevin O’Connell said the objective remains to have him play against Denver on Friday. Elsewhere, defensive backs Michael Davis and David Long were signed, as were wide receiver Kobe Prentice and tight end Josiah Deguara. Running back Dante Miller was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
New York wide receiver Calvin Austin III tore his ACL during Tuesday’s practice and will miss the entire 2026 season. Austin went down during a one-on-one drill with a right knee injury and was taken from the field on a cart. He joined New York this year after three seasons in Pittsburgh, where he recorded 84 catches for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. Tight end Theo Johnson is managing a shoulder injury, but head coach John Harbaugh said he is expected to be fine. Outside linebacker Nathan Voorhis was waived with an injury settlement, and linebacker Kobe King was released from injured reserve.
The Eagles will induct owner Jeffrey Lurie into the team Hall of Fame during their Week 7 home game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 26, which will be played on Monday Night Football.
Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans intends to play in Week 1 despite working through injuries during training camp. His latest issue, a groin injury, is considered minor. The team also signed tackle Derrick Graham, defensive back Tysheem Johnson and running back Justin Jones. Defensive back Shemar Jean-Charles was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement, while linebacker Joseph Vaughn was waived from injured reserve.
Defensive back Bud Clark, who suffered a broken ankle, and tackle Mason Richman, who injured his right leg, were placed on injured reserve. Wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson was signed, while wide receiver Dennis Houston was waived with an injury designation.
NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Seahawks to the Khosla family, led by Vinod Khosla, ending Jody Allen’s ownership of the franchise.
Outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. is dealing with an AC joint sprain, but coach Todd Bowles said he should be ready for the Week 1 game against Cincinnati. The team also formally announced the signing of offensive tackle D.J. Humphries.
SEO Title: NFL Sunday Desk: Injuries, Roster Moves and Preseason Quarterback Plans
SEO Description: NFL teams finalize preseason plans as James Conner, Ja’Marr Chase, J.J. McCarthy and Mike Evans lead injury updates, while the Seahawks’ sale receives league approval.
