NFL Player News

Pennel was briefly on the Bengals to begin this season, but was released on Tuesday. The Chiefs waste no time bringing the veteran back, after spending each of the last two seasons in Kansas City. Pennel will play a depth role again for the Chiefs’ defensive line.

Stewart initially limped off the field and was checked out by trainers before riding the cart into the locker room. The fact that he was able to make his way off the field hopefully means this isn’t a major injury, but it’s too early to be sure. The No. 17 overall pick last year struggled with ankle injuries early in his rookie season and later dealt with a knee issue. He appeared in just eight games and recorded one sack. The Bengals were hoping for a year two breakout from Stewart, but he might be in for another slow start if the latest injury costs him much time in camp.

Both Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are holding in to start training camp. Gibbs has two years left on his rookie deal but is currently eligible for an extension and is rightfully looking to cash in. The Lions already committed to him as the centerpiece of their offense this offseason with they traded David Montgomery to Houston. That move gave Gibbs even more leverage, and it’s only a matter of time before the two sides agree to terms. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this year that Gibbs could earn more than $20 million per year. That would put him in line with Saquon Barkley as the league’s highest-paid running back, though he would likely have a longer contract with more in the way of guaranteed money. Though it’s not ideal for Gibbs to miss practice time in camp, with Robinson also holding in, fantasy managers shouldn’t change their approach to the top of the first round based on these developments.

Neither Robinson nor the team can say outright that Robinson is “holding in,” but that’s what is happening here. The same is true of Jahmyr Gibbs, who is also sitting out of practice. Both players are under contract for two more seasons, the second of which is a fifth-year option that has already been exercised by their respective teams. Robinson is coming off another elite rushing season that saw him hit 1,478 yards and seven scores. He also took his receiving output to another level, reeling in 79 passes for 820 yards and four scores. The increase in passing game usage should be enough to make him the league’s highest-paid running back. Saquon Barkley currently makes over $20 million per year, and Robinson will likely exceed that mark when he and the Falcons finally reach an agreement.

Brazell, the 83rd overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, missed a couple recent practices in knee soreness. Canales said the team’s training staff is looking into the injury. A field stretcher in college, Brazell would likely be a situational player in Carolina if he’s fully healthy to begin the regular season. He should remain on waiver wires, however.

It’s not a shocking relelvation by any means. It does, however, confirm that the new-look Miami offense will likely lean heavily toward the run in 2026 with Malik Willis under center. That should include plenty of designed rushes for the dual-threat Willis, along with a heavy dose of touches for Achane. The Dolphins this offseason signed Achane to a four-year extension worth $68 million with clear intentions to use the speedy back as the focal point of the Miami offense. Achane during a Wednesday presser said his goal is to lead the NFL in rushing yards this season. His 1,350 rushing yards in 2025 ranked fifth, while his 5.7 yards per carry ranked first.

Recovering his his 2025 knee injury, Penix was seen Wednesday practicing in seven-on-seven drills but told local media that it would be another “another four weeks, probably, before going to the next stage.” Penix added “it could be earlier.” “It really just depends on how my body is going throughout this whole camp process,” he said. It sounds like Penix won’t be available for Week 1, and could miss the season’s first few games, depending on how he progresses through the final stages of his ACL rehab process. That leaves Tua Tagovailoa, who is sidelined with a back injury, as the presumed Week 1 starter for Atlanta. Cooper Rush, who signed with the team on Wednesday, would likely be the emergency starter if both Tagovailoa and Penix are out. It’s a potentially catastrophic situation for Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and the rest of the Atlanta pass catchers.

Vea this week requested a trade after contract talks with the Tampa front office stalled. That he’s now sidelined with a back injury could be another way of Vea “holding in” until he gets a new deal from the Bucs or the team works out a trade for the star nose tackle. Vea, who has earned two Pro Bowl honors and has been one of the league’s top nose tackle since entering the league in 2018, could fit with any number of contending teams if the Bucs are willing to trade him for draft capital.

Wirfs did not practice with the Bucs on Wednesday as he recovers from the hamstring issue. The team will surely be cautious with their all-world offensive lineman as the regular season approaches. Wirfs in 2025 had one of the NFL’s highest pass block win rates (96 percent) and has been a key to Baker Mayfield’s success in Tampa.

The reason for Taylor landing on PUP was not disclosed. He’s expected to function as the Falcons’ right guard when healthy. Taylor was cut by the Chiefs for cap reasons this offseason but is still a capable starter. He signed with the Falcons on a one-year deal worth $5 million.

Rush will join his third team in three seasons after a rough stint in Baltimore last season. He was signed after the Falcons announced Tua Tagovailoa (back) was out for at least a week. Michael Penix continues to rehab from his 2025 ACL injury, leading Rush as the team’s QB1 for training camp at the moment. It’s not an ideal situation as head coach Kevin Stefanski tries to bring his offense to Atlanta.