NFL

NFL

A worker cuts grass with scissors on the field ahead of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Maracana Stadium turf still being trimmed ahead of Cowboys-Ravens as Rio gears up for 1st NFL game

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 11:57 AM CDT

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Workers were still trimming the turf at Maracana Stadium on Saturday, less than 30 hours before the NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens.

Some were using scissors to level the high grass, an effort that should end hours before the game.

The Maracana's turf has been a concern for almost two weeks due to its poor shape amid a long season in Brazilian soccer. Local clubs Flamengo and Fluminense play there at least once a week.

Maracana workers were using mows and scissors, big and small, to perfect the turf for the game.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Sep. 26, 6 PM: 16°c Cloudy with wind Sep. 27, 12 AM: 16°c Cloudy with wind

Winnipeg MB

15°C, Light rain with wind

Full Forecast

NFL

49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa will miss a few games after hurting his calf

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:08 PM CDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa injured his calf warming up for practice earlier this week and will miss a few games.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Bosa got hurt before practice on Thursday doing “high knees.” Shanahan said Friday that the injury wasn't believed to be long term but he would likely miss a few weeks starting with Sunday's game against Arizona.

The injury is the latest to hit the defensive line for the 49ers, who are missing seven players at the position this week, including Mykel Williams who is still working his way back from knee surgery last year.

Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu broke his foot just before the Niners left for the season opener in Australia and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins went down with a season-ending knee injury in practice in Australia.

NFL

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold turns with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

QB Sam Darnold to return for the Seahawks against the Commanders following glute injury

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

QB Sam Darnold to return for the Seahawks against the Commanders following glute injury

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 5:45 PM CDT

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will play Sunday against the Washington Commanders after he missed Seattle's last game with a glute injury he suffered in the season opener.

“Sam’s going to play. He’s ready to go, he’s done a great job,” coach Mike Macdonald said Friday.

Darnold was injured on the Seahawks' first series of their season-opening 13-10 victory over the Patriots. Backup Drew Lock took over and started last Sunday’s 31-7 win at Arizona.

Darnold did not miss a game last season as he led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. He threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as Seattle won a franchise-record 14 regular-season games.

Read
Yesterday at 5:45 PM CDT

NFL

Broncos get a boost as tailbacks J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey appear ready to lead charge against Rams

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 5:03 PM CDT

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Maybe there was something to that “pinky promise” made by Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins, who vowed to play in all 17 games this season.

The oft-injured Dobbins was banged up last weekend in a win over Jacksonville and listed on the injury report this week with a hip ailment. But on Friday there was no injury designation for Dobbins, meaning he appears all set for Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams (1-1).

Same with fellow running back RJ Harvey, who was dealing with a hamstring injury that led to him being inactive last Sunday. The Broncos (1-1) ruled out Jonah Coleman after he hurt an ankle. Coleman stepped in for Dobbins against Jacksonville and rushed for 39 yards. He scored the go-ahead TD with 7:21 remaining in a 20-13 win.

Before the season, Dobbins pledged there wouldn't be any injuries and he would suit up in every game, including the postseason. He even added, “I can pinky promise all of you right now.”

NFL

A general view of the interior of the Maracana stadium as workers prepare it for Sunday's NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

NFLPA says experts are monitoring Maracana Stadium turf ahead of Cowboys-Ravens in Brazil

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

NFLPA says experts are monitoring Maracana Stadium turf ahead of Cowboys-Ravens in Brazil

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:23 PM CDT

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The executive director of the NFL Players Association said Friday that both the NFL and the players union have had experts monitoring the field conditions at Maracana Stadium ahead of Sunday's game between Dallas and Baltimore, and that the union's experts are worried about loose turf leading to too much slipping.

JC Tretter wrote in a lengthy post on social media that players union officials have been talking regularly with the NFL to make sure the field is safe and playable for the league's latest visit to Brazil. That included union experts suggesting better traction to make the field more stable.

“They recommended reinforced stitching to help the surface hold together and brought in equipment to reinforce as much of the field as possible before the game,” Tretter said. “Our experts will remain engaged and continue evaluating conditions through kickoff.”

Maracana Stadium has been hit by unusually heavy rainfall over the past six weeks. Nick Pappas, the NFL's field director, told The Associated Press from Rio de Janeiro that the league shipped a tarp there to help protect the turf. A crew has been on site since Monday preparing the stadium.

Read
Yesterday at 4:23 PM CDT

NFL

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) works out during a practice for an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Lucas Figueiredo)

Cowboys emphasize business trip mentality as they practice in Rio ahead of their game vs. Ravens

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Cowboys emphasize business trip mentality as they practice in Rio ahead of their game vs. Ravens

Mauricio Savarese, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:50 PM CDT

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys began their preparations in Rio de Janeiro on Friday for their game against the Baltimore Ravens with an eye on the task at hand and not the sights for which the city is known.

Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys' second-year coach who's preparing for his first international game, said players were well aware their visit to Brazil would feel like a business trip. They will play 5,200 miles away from home.

“It’s a little bit different from other road games,” Schottenheimer said. “We were very up front with the guys early on. You’re not going to have the free time to do what you’d normally do.”

“We’re here to get better, grow, learn and we’ll keep putting the final touches on what’s been a short week,” he added.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 6:50 PM CDT

NFL

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is carted off the field after an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Bears gearing up for Philadelphia Eagles without QB Caleb Williams or backup Tyson Bagent

Gene Chamberlain, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Chicago Bears gearing up for Philadelphia Eagles without QB Caleb Williams or backup Tyson Bagent

Gene Chamberlain, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:03 PM CDT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Backup Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent returned to Halas Hall without practicing on Friday, and starter Caleb Williams also remains out.

The Bears will likely play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night with third-string quarterback Case Keenum taking the snaps. Williams has a hamstring injury and Bagent is out with a concussion.

“Case threw me my first touchdown in camp here actually,” tight end Colston Loveland said. “It was a fade ball, so we got a little connection.

“He’s a great quarterback though, he is, and the way he commands and his knowledge of the game, it’s very cool to be a part of something like that.”

Read
Yesterday at 3:03 PM CDT

NFL

Former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb speaks to reporters during a news conference, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Berea, Ohio, after signing a one-day contract with the NFL football team so he could retire as a Cleveland Brown. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Nick Chubb runs full circle and retires with Browns, who sign beloved running back to 1-day contract

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Nick Chubb runs full circle and retires with Browns, who sign beloved running back to 1-day contract

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:01 PM CDT

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Nick Chubb had a unique relationship with Cleveland, a football-silly city he grew to adore and one that loved him back.

On Friday, Chubb announced that he was retiring with the Browns, who signed him to a one-day contract so they could celebrate a career that came full circle.

Over seven seasons as a star running back with the Browns, Chubb gave his heart to what became a second home. Now, he'll finish where he started and finally get some closure.

“A special place,” he said. “You've got to be here to see it.”

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 3:01 PM CDT

NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Josiah Trotter (45) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a pass interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Buccaneers will miss rookie defensive starters Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter against Vikings

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Buccaneers will miss rookie defensive starters Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter against Vikings

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:56 PM CDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be missing two rookie starters on defense when they host Minnesota on Sunday.

Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is out with a groin injury and linebacker Josiah Trotter won't play because of a shoulder injury. The Buccaneers (0-2) have lost nine of 11, dating to last season.

Bain was a first-round pick who had a standout preseason but only has one tackle in two games. Trotter had a pick-6 and a sack in Week 1 and leads the team with 24 tackles.

“It’s still a young season," coach Todd Bowles said of Bain. "We’ll get through this game (and) get him back healthy. We still have great expectations for him, so we’ve just got to get him healthy.”

Read
Yesterday at 1:56 PM CDT

NFL

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald looks on from the bench before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Katie Chin)

Aaron Donald sees plenty to build on after rewatching film of his successful return to Rams and NFL

Dan Greenspan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Aaron Donald sees plenty to build on after rewatching film of his successful return to Rams and NFL

Dan Greenspan, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:27 PM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aaron Donald felt better about his return to football after rewatching the Rams’ Monday night win to evaluate his performance.

If he’s right, opposing offenses might feel worse once the three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year rounds into form.

“After watching film at least six times, really breaking myself down, I was like, ‘OK, not as bad as I thought,’” Donald said. “A lot of things to clean up, but we’re on the right track.”

Donald had three tackles with one tackle for loss in the 28-6 victory over the Giants, his first NFL game since a Jan. 14, 2024, playoff defeat. With that experience under his belt, the standout defensive lineman is preparing for his first road game post-retirement against the Broncos on Sunday night, which comes with the added challenge of playing at elevation.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 2:27 PM CDT

NFL

Atlanta Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

With Penix back at quarterback, Falcons show resiliency in win that restores hope for the season

Charles Odum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

With Penix back at quarterback, Falcons show resiliency in win that restores hope for the season

Charles Odum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 1:25 PM CDT

ATLANTA (AP) — Just four days after their most lopsided home loss ever at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — which had fans booing in the first quarter — the Atlanta Falcons pulled off an overwhelming bounce-back win that restored hope for the season.

This time, it was the Green Bay Packers who heard boos from their fans. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who played in his first game in 10 months, was a difference-maker for the Falcons (1-2) in their surprising 35-14 win at Green Bay on Thursday night.

Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception. After throwing an interception on the Falcons' first drive, Penix went on to complete 16 of 18 passes in the final three quarters.

For perhaps the final time this season, coach Kevin Stefanski was asked Friday if Penix would remain the starter in the Falcons' next game. “Confirmed,” Stefanski said.

Read
Yesterday at 1:25 PM CDT

NFL

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) makes a catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes (21) during an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Panthers WRs Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette return to practice, LB Devin Lloyd out against Browns

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Panthers WRs Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette return to practice, LB Devin Lloyd out against Browns

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 12:17 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette returned to practice on a limited basis Friday and are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, but last week's NFC Defensive Player of the Week Devin Lloyd is out.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said Coker “looked good” at practice, but added the team will make a game-time decision on Legette.

Coker (ankle) and Legette (knee) were both held out of practice on Thursday after they participated on Wednesday, raising concern about their status for Week 3.

Coker, who emerged as a starter late last season, is off to a strong start with 16 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Legette had a 55-yard reception against the Falcons.

Read
Yesterday at 12:17 PM CDT

NFL

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) breaks a tackle by Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Dolphins rule out rookie WR Caleb Douglas with an ankle injury for Week 3 against the Chiefs

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Dolphins rule out rookie WR Caleb Douglas with an ankle injury for Week 3 against the Chiefs

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 10:59 AM CDT

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins will be without rookie receiver Caleb Douglas when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Douglas injured his right ankle in Miami's Week 2 loss at San Francisco and did not practice this week, meaning the Dolphins will rely more on third-year receiver Malik Washington, veteran Jalen Tolbert and rookie Chris Bell. They also have rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. and Ryan Miller, who caught a 77-yard touchdown last week but has been nursing foot and back injuries.

Bell also has been limited as he continues working his way back from an ACL injury from college. He played only 24 snaps last week and said he had been dealing with soreness and fluid that caused tightness in his surgically repaired left knee.

Bell added he plans on playing Sunday, especially if Douglas isn't suiting up.

Read
Yesterday at 10:59 AM CDT

NFL

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (85) is tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Jets tight end Mason Taylor ruled out vs. Lions, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell questionable to play

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jets tight end Mason Taylor ruled out vs. Lions, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell questionable to play

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:48 PM CDT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor has been ruled out to play against the Lions in Detroit on Sunday because of a thumb injury.

Coach Aaron Glenn announced Friday that Taylor, who was injured against Green Bay last Sunday, would join safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (quadriceps) as players who won't suit up this weekend. Running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu (back) is doubtful to play.

Taylor, coming off a rookie season in which he caught 46 passes, has just two receptions for minus-2 yards through two games.

Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was listed as questionable to play after he injured a finger when he caught it in a jersey during practice Thursday, Glenn said. Mitchell was limited at practice and wore a wrap around his right hand, but Glenn added that he didn't think he broke the finger.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 3:48 PM CDT

NFL

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is congratulated by fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) after scoring against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox)

Brock Purdy elevates his game even more to start season for the 49ers

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Brock Purdy elevates his game even more to start season for the 49ers

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 10:48 AM CDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy has produced at a high level ever since bursting on the scene as a seventh-round rookie in 2022 who went on a deep playoff run with the San Francisco 49ers.

He's been an MVP finalist, went drive for drive against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl in the 2023 season and led his team to a comeback road playoff win last season in Philadelphia.

Through two weeks this season, Purdy has shown there might be even another level he can take his game. After throwing three touchdown passes in a season-opening win over the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams, Purdy was nearly flawless last week in a win against Miami.

“I thought he had his best training camp, just in terms of being aggressive with things, but not stupid,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Still making the right efficient decision, but when there’s a chance of things being aggressive, and I’ve seen that here these last two weeks. I think the more he plays, just with experience, the easier defenses come to recognize and things like that. But he played so good right away that it’s not like, ‘Oh, he’s so much better in this area.’ I just think you gradually become a vet and used to everything that you’ve seen.”

Read
Yesterday at 10:48 AM CDT

NFL

Green Bay Packers' Marshawn Lloyd tries to run past Atlanta Falcons' Mike Hughes during the first half of an NFL football game in Green Bay, Wis., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Packers’ embarrassing home-opening loss exposes their lack of a rushing attack

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Packers’ embarrassing home-opening loss exposes their lack of a rushing attack

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 10:34 AM CDT

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay’s most lopsided home loss in eight years underscored how the Packers must establish some semblance of a rushing attack to have any hope of competing for a fourth straight playoff berth.

“We’re going to get it going,” right tackle Anthony Belton said after the Packers were outrushed 242-17 and outscored 35-14 by the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. “That’s all I’ve got to say about it.”

They haven’t done so thus far.

Green Bay’s 146 rushing yards are the fewest in franchise history through the first three games of a season, according to Sportradar. The last time any NFL team had such a low rushing total three games into a season was in 2019, when Cincinnati, Miami and Washington all had fewer than 146 yards.

Read
Yesterday at 10:34 AM CDT

LOAD MORE NFL ARTICLES