NFL Player News

Letting Hightower walk is expected for a Patriots team that rarely re-signs late stage veterans. Hightower’s production dipped in 2021, finishing with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games. The 32-year-old opted out of 2020 and was linked to retirement this offseason but is expected to continue his career. The Steelers, who hired Brian Flores as a senior assistant, could be a fit if the Patriots move on from Hightower.

Rashee Rice (knee) is also practicing in full. Both players underwent offseason knee procedures and had slow ramp-ups during the summer. Both players were active for Week 1 and found the end zone. Mahomes did so on the ground, putting the notion that he would be hampered by the knee issue to rest. The passing attack still looked shaky in Week 1, but there are no health concerns for either player. Mahomes will be a low-end QB1 versus the Colts, and Rice will hold a spot in the WR2 ranks.

Simmons missed the Chiefs’ 2026 opener with the back issue and isn’t likely to suit up this week either. Kahlil Benson, a UDFA rookie, took his spot at left tackle in Week 1. Benson allowed three pressures and was penalized once, but he did not allow a sack and held his own in the run game. He will draw the start in Week 2.

Ravens LG John Simpson (groin) was also sidelined. Both players are long-time veterans, so hopefully this is more of a maintenance issue than anything else. Losing the left side of the offensive line would make things more challenging for QB Lamar Jackson against the Saints.

Neck injuries are concerning. Davis is seemingly in jeopardy of missing his team’s Week 2 game against the Steelers. Hopefully, this is only a minor issue for the veteran cornerback.

Porter’s strange situation continues. The Steelers’ No. 1 cornerback spent August on the active/physically unable to perform list with a back injury. He also spent August pursuing a lucrative contract extension. Porter did not play in Week 1. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said he increased his workload today, but he is still not guaranteed to play in Week 2.

The Cowboys are already without fellow starter Malik Hooker because of a broken bone in his wrist. Overshown is expected to miss a week or two with a hamstring strain. After getting decimated by Jaxon Dart in Week 1, the Cowboys will now have to face the Commanders without two of their starters on defense. This is as good as bounce-back spots get for the Washington offense.

This is a new injury for the Steelers’ leading receiver. Typically, limited sessions on Wednesday are nothing to worry about, but since it is a new injury and we do not know when it happened, checking in on his Thursday status will be worthwhile. If Pittman is unable to play, it would negatively impact QB Aaron Rodgers’ outlook.

It’s unclear how Richardson picked up the groin injury after not playing a snap in Week 1. He earned the backup job during the summer but will now hand that over to Riley Leonard if he isn’t able to suit up this week.

The Athletic’s James Boyd noted that Pierce also had his wrist X-rayed after the game, though neither that nor the heel injury is a concern for him going forward. Ashton Dulin missed practice with a hamstring injury. Pierce was targeted six times in Week 1 despite having his snaps limited. He caught four passes for 61 yards. He will be a boom/bust WR3 for his Week 3 matchup with Kansas City.

Jeudy is on track to play, but he is seemingly being phased out of the offense. Browns rookie WRs Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion are establishing themselves as impactful starters, and their roles should only grow in the coming weeks. Jeudy should be left on waivers.