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NFL

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski watches the team work out during an NFL training camp, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Falcons take another hit at linebacker with release of Andersen after Walker’s season-ending injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read 6:43 PM CDT

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Linebacker Troy Andersen, a second-round draft pick in 2022 once viewed as a rising star in Atlanta's defense, was released by the Falcons on Friday.

The Falcons signed wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson.

Shoulder, knee and other injuries prevented Andersen from staying on the field after he made a strong first impression with his sideline-to-sideline speed.

Andersen played in only two games in 2023 before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He was limited to seven games, including four starts, by a knee injury in 2024 after he again flashed his big-play potential by scoring on a 47-yard interception return in a win over New Orleans. He did not play in 2025 and began the current training camp on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list.

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NFL

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) carries the ball during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)

Chase Brown eyes a Bengals extension as new running back deals lift the market

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Chase Brown eyes a Bengals extension as new running back deals lift the market

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read 6:40 PM CDT

CINCINNATI (AP) — A possible contract extension for running back Chase Brown has been one of the underlying questions during Cincinnati Bengals training camp.

With Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, Indianapolis' Jonathan Taylor and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson receiving new deals earlier this week, Brown is hoping he can follow suit.

“It’s huge for them individually, but then the running back market itself, it’s definitely bolstered that up. It’s cool seeing where the position value is going,” Brown said. “I think it pushes up everybody’s market value. I love the way it keeps climbing, and I hope it keeps trending in that direction.”

If Brown gets an extension before the Sept. 13 season opener against Tampa Bay, it must be completed by Labor Day. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin has prioritized signing some 2022 and ’23 draft picks to extensions before the regular season. Besides Brown, safety Dax Hill (a first-round pick in 2022) and cornerback DJ Turner (a second-round pick in 2023) are also on Tobin’s list to re-sign.

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6:40 PM CDT

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) participates in a drill during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

A quieter Jackson Powers-Johnson and the Raiders camp fight that could define his season

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

A quieter Jackson Powers-Johnson and the Raiders camp fight that could define his season

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read 6:31 PM CDT

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Jackson Powers-Johnson has long been one of the more gregarious Raiders players since Las Vegas drafted him in the second round in 2024, his easygoing personality regularly on display in front of traditional and social media.

Now he's off social media and in meeting with the mainstream form on Thursday, a much more businesslike Powers-Johnson stood at the podium.

These indeed are serious times for Powers-Johnson, who is in the fight of his career at right guard with Caleb Rogers, who was drafted in the third round last year out of Texas Tech. Powers-Johnson had started since the opening of training camp, until the past two days when he shared first-team repetitions with Rogers.

“It’s been the plan all along to get those guys competing and get guys mixed in there to see who our best five are," first-year coach Klint Kubiak said Friday.

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6:31 PM CDT

Bomber Report

Mike Sudoma / Free Press The face of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence, Willie Jefferson likes to be consistent in his game day routine, including the night before kickoff.

Jefferson, face of the Bombers defensive line, shares game day routine

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Jefferson, face of the Bombers defensive line, shares game day routine

Taylor Allen 8 minute read 5:48 PM CDT

Clearly, Willie Jefferson’s game-day routine works wonders.

The future Hall of Famer is still as dominant as ever at age 35 and is currently tied for the CFL lead with six sacks.

But what does the lead-up to kickoff at Princess Auto Stadium typically look like for the face of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defence?

The Free Press had a lengthy chat with the defensive end before the bye week to find out.

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5:48 PM CDT

NFL

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks to media at a news conference during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, July 31, 2026, in Lake Forest, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Bears add experience to secondary by signing safety Xavier Woods, who has 121 career starts

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Bears add experience to secondary by signing safety Xavier Woods, who has 121 career starts

The Associated Press 2 minute read 5:26 PM CDT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears added significant experience to their secondary on Friday by signing safety Xavier Woods, who has 121 starts in nine NFL seasons.

The Bears placed defensive back Dallis Flowers on injured reserve following an injury to his right leg in Thursday’s practice.

The 31-year-old Woods has 15 career interceptions, including two in 11 games for Tennessee last season. He had 39 tackles for the Titans.

Woods played his first four seasons with Dallas, where he started 48 of 60 games. He also has played for Minnesota and Carolina. He set a career high with 119 tackles and matched his high mark with three interceptions for Carolina in 2024.

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5:26 PM CDT

NFL

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws during NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chiefs coach Reid hints Patrick Mahomes may be out entire pre-season after surgery

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Chiefs coach Reid hints Patrick Mahomes may be out entire pre-season after surgery

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 5:22 PM CDT

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Friday that it is unlikely that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will play in their pre-season opener against the Rams next week, and it's possible that the two-time MVP skips the three-game exhibition slate entirely.

That's not necessarily a surprise given Mahomes underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee in December.

Mahomes has been ahead of schedule in his rehab work ever since the injury, though, participating in the entire off-season program before reporting to training camp on time. He was given the all-clear late last month by Dallas-based surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper, who performed the procedure, to participate in practices without any restrictions.

“There's a pretty good chance I don't play him,” Reid said. “Percentages are leaning that way. I don't know if I will play him the second or third game — I don't know that — but percentages probably lean against doing that.”

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Updated: 5:22 PM CDT

NFL

Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian, center, waits to take part in drills as cornerbacks Reese Taylor, left, and rookie defensive back Sean Fresch Jr., right, look on during a practice at the NFL team's training camp Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in Centennial, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Ja’Quan McMillian embraces the debate over his playoff interception vs the Bills

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ja’Quan McMillian embraces the debate over his playoff interception vs the Bills

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 6:17 PM CDT

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Ja'Quan McMillian knows his Christmas will be filled with references to the biggest play of his career: the overtime interception of Josh Allen's heave to Brandin Cooks that set up the Denver Broncos' 33-30 victory in the AFC playoffs last January.

The teams play again in Denver on Dec. 25, but really, his whole offseason was filled with reminders of his much-debated pick at the Broncos' 20-yard line that ultimately ended Buffalo's season and Sean McDermott's time as the Bills' head coach.

“It was different” being so recognized by Broncos fans this offseason, McMillian said. “I'd be in random spots out here and people would come up to me and ask me about the pick, the interception. But it's a great feeling, you know?”

He also couldn't get away from the bitterness from Bills fans.

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Updated: 6:17 PM CDT

NFL

Tennessee Titans guard Peter Skoronski (77) warms up during the NFL football team's training camp Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Titans lock up Peter Skoronski with a rich extension as the NFL’s highest-paid guard

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Titans lock up Peter Skoronski with a rich extension as the NFL’s highest-paid guard

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 10:26 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Anyone doubting that an NFL offensive guard is worth $100 million needs only to look at who Peter Skoronski lines up against every day in practice during training camp.

That would be All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

“You can’t tell me the guys that have to block that guy aren't important too,” Skoronski said Friday night after a scrimmage at Nissan Stadium.

Now Skoronski has done his part to reset the pay scale for interior linemen with the Tennessee Titans announcing Friday signing him to a multi-year extension making him the NFL's highest-paid guard.

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Updated: 10:26 PM CDT

NFL

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) greets head coach DeMeco Ryans during the team's NFL football training camp in Houston, Friday, August 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Tank Dell back in Texans drills after a gruesome knee injury, eyeing a stronger return

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Tank Dell back in Texans drills after a gruesome knee injury, eyeing a stronger return

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 4 minute read 2:23 PM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — In the days after Tank Dell suffered a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, the Houston Texans receiver wrote down a goal as he faced a daunting road back.

“I want to come back better than where I was,” Dell said Friday.

After missing all last season recovering from a dislocated knee and multiple torn knee ligaments, Dell rejoined the Texans this week in a limited capacity for team drills as he moves closer to his long-awaited return.

“We’re taking our time with Tank, allowing him to come along as he needs to in his time,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “But he’s doing an outstanding job with it. He looked really nice today. Nice and crisp running his routes.”

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2:23 PM CDT

CFL

Edmonton Elks' TJ Luther (88) is tackled by Montreal Alouettes' Lorenzo Burns (20) during first half CFL football action in Edmonton on Saturday, June 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

Alouettes look to overcome injuries as Elks visit in battle of CFL’s best

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Alouettes look to overcome injuries as Elks visit in battle of CFL’s best

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 5 minute read 2:06 PM CDT

MONTREAL - It was expected given the absence of key players in practice, but the Alouettes' roster released Friday morning confirmed what was feared: a reshaped Montreal defence will have to slow down the Edmonton Elks at Molson Stadium.

Middle linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku (adductor), defensive backs Najee Murray (head) and Wesley Sutton (calf), and defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson (knee) will all miss Saturday’s matchup between the CFL’s top two teams.

Head coach Jason Maas said the absences wouldn’t change his approach against former Montreal quarterback Cody Fajardo and the Elks (6-2), who lead the West Division and handed the Alouettes (7-1) their only loss this season.

“I don't know that we're worried about anybody being out or not being out right now,” Maas said this week. “We've got 70-odd players here in our building and every single one of them with the expectations they can go in and play for us and play at a high level. So that is the least of our concern.

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2:06 PM CDT

NFL

FILE - A general interior view of the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony in Orchard Park, N.Y., June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

Josh Allen and Bills prepare to hold first practice in their new $2.1 billion stadium on Saturday

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Josh Allen and Bills prepare to hold first practice in their new $2.1 billion stadium on Saturday

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read 1:52 PM CDT

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen laughed at the notion of some referring to the Buffalo Bills’ new home as “the house that Josh built” by saying he had nothing to do with the $2.1 billion facility’s design or construction.

It’s a figurative nickname, after all, in representing how the Bills have enjoyed a surge in popularity and competitiveness since the star quarterback’s arrival in 2018.

What Allen can’t dispute is looking forward to the Bills' first opportunity to take the field at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night, when the team holds its annual Blue and Red scrimmage in front of what’s expected to be a full house.

“It’s really cool to be a part of a team that gets to play the inaugural season at a new stadium, a stadium I think that was long-needed here in Western New York,” Allen said Friday, after the Bills closed their training camp schedule in suburban Rochester, New York.

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1:52 PM CDT

NFL

Detroit Lins running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs a drill during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs relieved ‘stressful’ contract negotiations over

Bob Tripi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs relieved ‘stressful’ contract negotiations over

Bob Tripi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 3:17 PM CDT

Detroit Lions Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs finally got what he wanted.

A record-setting contract brought financial security, but for Gibbs, it also ended an anxious wait that had kept him off the practice field.

“This process has been extremely stressful,” Gibbs said Friday, one day after signing a three-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. “I just wanted to play ball. I missed being out there with my teammates and coaches, and it’s just fun being out there now.”

The extension, agreed to Thursday, is worth $67.5 million over three years and could reach $75.75 million with incentives. It includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money, according to multiple reports, surpassing the deal Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson signed earlier this week.

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Updated: 3:17 PM CDT

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby scuffle late in Friday practice

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby scuffle late in Friday practice

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:16 PM CDT

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby got into a scuffle late in practice Friday before their teammates quickly jumped in and separated them.

Cousins, who is operating the first-team offense in training camp, remained on the field to finish the drive. Crosby, however, was sent to the sideline.

“Those are two leaders of our team going at it, so that is part of camp,” coach Klint Kubiak said. “Obviously, if you fight in a game and throw a punch in game, then you're out of the game. So we've got to be smart and treat it like a game.”

Cousins appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass, forcing an incompletion, and then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.

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1:16 PM CDT

CFL

BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) lines up a pass during second half CFL football action in Regina on Saturday, June 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis

QB Nathan Rourke returns from shoulder injury to start for B.C. Lions against Ticats

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

QB Nathan Rourke returns from shoulder injury to start for B.C. Lions against Ticats

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: 2:12 PM CDT

VANCOUVER - Quarterback Nathan Rourke will return to the B.C. Lions lineup and start in Saturday's CFL game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at B.C. Place Stadium.

The league's Most Outstanding Player in 2025 sustained a shoulder injury in his non-throwing arm when he was sacked on the opening drive in a July 17 game in Edmonton against the Elks.

Rourke missed the rest of that 19-17 loss and the next two games for the Lions (2-5), but he returned to full practice this week. 

The 28-year-old, who was born in Victoria and grew up in Oakville, Ont., was listed as a starter Friday for the game against the Tiger-Cats (3-5).

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Updated: 2:12 PM CDT

NFL

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws during practice at the team’s NFL football training camp in Florham Park, N.J., Thursday, July 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

At 35 and in 14th season, Jets’ Geno Smith has Frank Reich seeing a QB in his prime ‘like he’s 28’

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

At 35 and in 14th season, Jets’ Geno Smith has Frank Reich seeing a QB in his prime ‘like he’s 28’

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read 12:12 PM CDT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Frank Reich had to think for a second while raving — again — about Geno Smith, pondering the New York Jets quarterback's age.

“I don't know how old he is. Isn't he past 35?,” the offensive coordinator asked Friday before being told Smith is actually 35. “It feels like he's 28. I'm telling you, it feels like physically, I see no ... like, he is in his prime, physically.”

Not bad for a quarterback entering his 14th NFL season, a journey that began as a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2013 and has included several ups and downs on the field along the way.

“Like his arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket, he’s physically in his prime,” said Reich, in his first season running the Jets' offense. “So he takes great care of himself and that’s going to help this team.”

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12:12 PM CDT

NFL

Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs works out during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington-area native Stefon Diggs returns home to the Commanders in a full-circle moment

Ethan Cadeaux, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Washington-area native Stefon Diggs returns home to the Commanders in a full-circle moment

Ethan Cadeaux, The Associated Press 4 minute read 12:04 PM CDT

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — For the first decade of his NFL career, Stefon Diggs always felt like he had something to prove when going up against Washington.

“That’s my hometown team, them and the Baltimore Ravens,” Diggs said Friday. "I always played with a chip on my shoulder, but the chip got really big when I’d go home because I felt like they passed up on me, didn’t give me a chance, and I was right in their backyard.”

Washington, and every NFL franchise, passed on Diggs multiple times in the 2015 draft before Minnesota selected him in the fifth round. After stints with the Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and New England Patriots, and four Pro Bowl selections later, Diggs signed with his hometown Commanders earlier this week.

It's a full-circle moment for Diggs, a Gaithersburg, Maryland, native who played for youth programs in the area growing up. A five-star recruit with scholarship offers practically anywhere in the country, Diggs chose to stay home and play for the University of Maryland.

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12:04 PM CDT

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