HEADLINES

Bengals’ Joe Burrow To Undergo Toe Surgery

September 15th, 2025 at 10:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

Joe Burrow‘s turf toe led to overnight concerns about surgery being necessary. The Bengals passer will indeed take that route, meaning a lengthy absence is in store.

Burrow is set to undergo surgery on his injured toe, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Multiple opinions were sought out before this decision was made, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds there was a consensus amongst the experts consulted. An absence of at least three months is expected while Burrow recovers.

Midway through the Bengals’ Week 2 game, Burrow injured his toe while being sacked. The two-time Pro Bowler was later seen on crutches and in a walking boot, creating the possibility of a long-term spell on the shelf. Burrow has a history of injuries throughout his Bengals career, and today’s news confirms his track record in that regard will expand.

The 28-year-old is in danger of missing most of the season’s remainder, if not the rest of the campaign in its entirety. As a result, Cincinnati’s outlook for 2025 has been dealt a blow. The team is 2-0 following Sunday’s comeback win over Jacksonville, but backup Jake Browning will now be counted on to lead the way on offense. The Bengals’ defense faced questions entering the season – even with Trey Hendrickson‘s hold-in being ended via a raise covering 2025 – but that unit will be required to deliver strong performances on a consistent basis moving forward.

Burrow, 28, has won the Comeback Player of the Year award twice (2021, 2024) as a sign of his ability to perform among the league’s best when healthy. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) last year, and expectations remained high for Cincinnati’s offense with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signing joint extensions this spring. Their futures are in place beyond 2025, and Burrow is on the books through 2029.

In the immediate term, though, attention will turn to Browning and his ability to guide the Bengals on offense. The former UDFA made his 13th regular season appearance yesterday, each of which have come with Cincinnati. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns (while also rushing for the game-winning score). He did throw three interceptions, however, so ball protection will be a priority over the coming games. During a seven-game span filling in for Burrow in 2023, Browning compiled a 4-3 record and a 12:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Browning is currently the only healthy passer on the Bengals’ active roster. Brett Rypien is in place on the practice squad, so it would be feasible for him to be promoted in the near future. Logan Woodside was with the Bengals early this offseason before being cut in July. That move came about after Desmond Ridder was signed, although the former Falcon and Raider was among the team’s final roster cuts.

To no surprise, Schefter adds the Bengals are making contact with free agent quarterbacks knowing Burrow will be sidelined for an extended period. Ridder is on the market, and he could be a (somewhat) familiar face for the organization regarding an in-season addition. With over $12MM in cap space, Cincinnati could afford a low-cost addition under center. With Ridder or another passer in place to back up Browning, however, the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs will be decidedly lowered. Burrow, meanwhile, now faces another lengthy recovery outlook.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Addresses Job Security

September 15th, 2025 at 9:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Dolphins fell to 0-2 on Sunday following a home loss to the Patriots. Miami’s performance on offense in particular was an improvement compared to Week 1, but questions continue to linger about changes being made in the organization.

Shortly before Week 2, a report indicated head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are in danger of being fired before the season ends. After the loss, McDaniel was asked about his stance regarding his job security. As one would expect, he denied having concern on the subject.

“If I worry about my job security, I won’t be doing my job,” McDaniel said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “I’ve never felt entitled to this position. It’s important for me to spend all of my waking hours worrying about how to do my job. I won’t spend one moment thinking about [job security].”

Coaches known to be on the hot seat often provide remarks along those lines, so McDaniel’s comments are certainly understandable. Still, a slow start against the Patriots resulted in a 12-0 deficit early yesterday. The Dolphins managed to take the lead, but their final two possessions resulted in a Tua Tagovailoa interception and a turnover on downs following a Tagovailoa sack. That helped lead to the Dolphins’ first home loss against New England since 2019, a game which was preceded by a blowout loss against the Colts.

Concussions and other injuries have been a long-running area of concern for Tagovailoa during his NFL career. When healthy during the early portion of McDaniel’s tenure as head coach, he and the team managed to find a degree of success. The Dolphins reached the postseason in 2022 and again the following year, indicating a breakthrough could be coming. After an underwhelming showing last season and a poor start to the current campaign, though, calls have increased for a change on the sidelines and/or in the front office.

The Dolphins have lost 10 of their last 16 games in which Tagovailoa has started dating back to when he was on the field last season. That regression has been coupled with issues being aired out by a number of veterans, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Relations with McDaniel were acknowledged to be a factor in this offseason’s Jalen Ramsey trade. The Dolphins’ secondary is a point of concern, especially given the injuries suffered in at the cornerback spot so far. Miami’s offense has generally not met expectations since the start of last season, however.

Should the Dolphins continue to struggle through the fall, pressure will no doubt continue to increase on McDaniel and Grier. Whether of not owner Stephen Ross considers a change midway through the campaign – and how (if at all) McDaniel alters his approach in response – will make for an interesting storyline.

QB J.J. McCarthy May Miss Multiple Weeks

September 15th, 2025 at 9:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

J.J. McCarthy was able to finish last night’s game for the Vikings, but at least one contest spent on the sidelines appears to be in store. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero) the second-year quarterback is likely to miss Week 3.

An ankle sprain is to blame for the (expected) missed time. O’Connell added a move to injured reserve is not expected, but a firm timetable is not currently in place (h/t ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). For at least Minnesota’s upcoming game, it looks as though Carson Wentz will be tasked with handling starting duties. Seifert’s colleague Adam Schefter reports a recovery timeline of two to four weeks could be in store.

McCarthy struggled through the first three quarters of his debut in Week 1. The 2024 No. 10 pick rallied in the fourth to lead the Vikings to a win. Last night against the Falcons, no such resurgence took place. Minnesota lost 22-6 during a game in which the team managed only 10 first downs. McCarthy was sacked six times and intercepted twice. O’Connell did note on Monday the 22-year’s absence (should he miss Week 3) will be strictly based on the injury, not his performance.

A meniscus tear suffered during the preseason last summer resulted in surgery for McCarthy. The Michigan product managed to rehab to the point where he was fully cleared in time for training camp, though. Handling first-team reps throughout the summer, he entered the year with high expectations based on his draft stock and O’Connell’s track record with respect to maximizing the potential of his quarterbacks. Things have not gone according to plan so far in terms of production, and now this ailment stands to delay McCarthy’s development process to an extent.

Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones both departed in free agency knowing the starting position would be handed down to McCarthy. Their absences left Sam Howell in place to handle QB2 duties once he was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings during the draft. More recently, however, Howell was dealt from Minnesota to Philadelphia with the Vikings electing to sign Wentz late in free agency.

The 32-year-old has made 94 starts in his career, with his most recent spell atop a depth chart coming in Washington in 2022. Wentz served as a backup with the Rams the following year and then did the same with the Chiefs last season. A short stint at the helm early in his Minnesota tenure now looks to be in store.

O’Connell also said on Monday that running back Aaron Jones is unlikely to play against the Bengals in Week 3. With multiple starters up front in danger of remaining sidelined for that game as well, Wentz could find himself at the helm of a notably shorthanded unit.

Jayden Daniels Diagnosed With Knee Sprain, Week 3 Status In Doubt

September 15th, 2025 at 8:48pm CST by Ben Levine

After getting banged up during Washington’s loss to Green Bay on Thursday, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels underwent an MRI. The star sophomore has since been diagnosed with a knee sprain, putting his status for Week 3 in doubt, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo (and via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra).

[RELATED: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Underwent MRI On Knee]

There is surely a sigh of relief in Washington, as the NFL Network insiders noted that the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue. Daniels had a separate check-in with team doctors today, and coach Dan Quinn later stated that his QB1 is considered day-to-day. The team will have more understanding of his Week 3 status when they return to practice on Wednesday.

The 2024 second-overall pick made it through his rookie campaign unscathed, although he did have to exit a midseason contest with a rib issue (which was later revealed to be a fracture). Daniels’ slender frame and dynamic play style left some scouts concerned about his durability, but he seemed to eliminate that narrative last year. Even a temporary absence in 2024 shouldn’t do much to reignite that unease.

Daniels, of course, had a rookie season for the record books, tossing 25 touchdowns and adding another six on the ground while guiding the Commanders to their first playoff victory since the 2005 season. The Commanders are hoping they can continue that momentum in 2025, although that task would prove to be a bit more daunting if Daniels is hobbled.

If Daniels does miss time, Marcus Mariota would likely be under center for the Commanders. The former second-overall pick re-signed with the Commanders this past offseason on a one-year, $8MM deal. Veteran Josh Johnson represents the only other QB on the active roster, with Sam Hartman currently stashed on the practice squad.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/15/25

September 15th, 2025 at 7:52pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

  • Signed: OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, TE Joel Wilson
  • Released: TE Drake Dabney

The 49ers brought back a familiar face in Robert Beal Jr.. The 26-year-old has appeared in 18 career games with San Francisco, compiling 22 tackles and one sack. The majority of that playing time came last year, when he got into 14 contests. Beal made the initial 53-man roster this season before getting waived last week. The 49ers already had an open spot on their taxi squad after linebacker Curtis Robinson was signed to the active roster the other day.

NFL Minor Transactions: 9/15/25

September 15th, 2025 at 7:35pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

As expected, Cowboys center Cooper Beebe landed on injured reserve today after suffering an ankle and foot injury during yesterday’s win over the Giants. The lineman suffered a lateral sprain in his ankle along with a bone fracture in his foot, an injury that’s expected to keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones expressed optimism that the injury timeline is “on the shorter end of that” (per Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com).

Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy “Bracing” To Miss Multiple Games

September 15th, 2025 at 6:42pm CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like the Ravens will be without a key defender for at least the next few games. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that edge rusher Kyle Van Noy suffered a hamstring injury yesterday and is “bracing” to miss multiple games.

Van Noy suffered his injury during the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Browns. Fowler notes that the veteran is hoping it’s only a short-term absence, and coach John Harbaugh clarified that the injury definitely wasn’t a “season-ender.” The team will likely use the next few days to determine the best path forward, which could perhaps include a minimum stay on injured reserve.

A former second-round pick by the Lions, Van Noy established himself as a solid edge rusher during his time in New England, but he’s taken his play to another level since joining Baltimore. After initially joining the Ravens practice squad during the 2023 season, Van Noy proceeded to compile a career-high nine sacks during that campaign.

That performance earned him a two-year, $10MM extension from the organization, and he rewarded the team’s faith by finishing the 2024 season with a team-high 12.5 sacks. That showing earned him his first career Pro Bowl nod.

As ESPN’s Jamison Hensley noted, second-round rookie Mike Green saw an uptick in playing time once Van Noy exited yesterday’s game. The 2024 FBS sacks leader finished Week 2 with a pair of tackles and a QB hit.

“Hopefully he’s fine and he’s good and comes back fast,” Green said of his teammate (via Hensley). “I feel like I’m prepared enough. Of course, there are some things I have to get better at, but I think I’m ready. I can compete at this level.”

Chargers Place LB Denzel Perryman On IR

September 15th, 2025 at 5:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

Denzel Perryman suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, ensuring he would miss time. To little surprise, the veteran linebacker now finds himself on injured reserve.

Perryman was moved to IR on Monday, per a team announcement. Tonight’s matchup against the Raiders will mark the first of at least four games he will be required to miss.

The linebacker was limited to only eight defensive snaps in Week 1 before exiting the contest with his injury. The team kept the door open to a quick return, although the writing was on the wall when Perryman didn’t practice during the lead up to tonight’s matchup with the Raiders.

A former Chargers second-round pick, Perryman signed on for his second stint with the organization ahead of the 2024 campaign. He was limited to 11 games last year thanks to a handful of injuries, but he still managed to compile 55 tackles and one sack.

Troy Dye is likely to reprise his role as a starter at the second level of the team’s defense after filling in for Perryman in Week 1. The veteran started five games in 2024, and he finished his first season in Los Angeles with 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Marlowe Wax and Del’Shawn Phillips could also see an uptick in playing time while their teammate is sidelined.

The Chargers made a handful of additional moves ahead of their Week 2 contest. The team signed long snapper Rick Lovato to the 53-man roster, and they elevated both safety Tony Jefferson and linebacker Kana’i Mauga from the practice squad.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Rams Place CB Ahkello Witherspoon On IR

September 15th, 2025 at 4:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

4:40pm: Head coach Sean McVay said (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop) surgery is not expected to be needed in this case. Witherspoon is nevertheless facing a recovery timeline of roughly 12 weeks, so he is in store to miss a large portion of the campaign.

1:34pm: The Rams’ secondary will be shorthanded for a notable period. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve Monday, per a team announcement.

Witherspoon is dealing with a broken clavicle. Today’s move ensures he will miss at least the next four games. A return could take place as early as Week 7, although that contest will be followed by the Rams’ bye week. It would come as no surprise if Witherspoon were to only be back in the fold after that point.

Losing the 30-year-old for any period will deal a blow to Los Angeles’ defense. Witherspoon has proven to be a key presence at the cornerback spot during his Rams tenure. After being released by the Steelers in 2023, the former third-rounder signed with the Rams. That move saw him serve as a full-time starter during his debut Los Angeles campaign.

A pair of one-year deals have followed, allowing Witherspoon to remain in place. His snap share fell to 58% in 2024, a season in which he was limited to 13 games. Missed time will again be in store this season. Witherspoon has started each of the Rams’ first two contests in 2025, but a new setup will now be needed at the CB position moving forward.

Emmanuel Forbes has been a key presence early in the campaign. The former Commanders first-rounder has handled a 77% snap share to date, and that figure could increase with Witherspoon not in the picture for the time being. Cobie Durant and Darious Williams are also candidates to take on a larger workload after seeing part-time usage so far. Los Angeles will look to remain undefeated beginning with a Week 3 game against the Eagles.

That effort will not include Witherspoon, though. The Colorado product is a pending free agent, so missing a significant stretch will hinder his market value next spring in addition to leaving the Rams shorthanded in the secondary.

Commanders To Sign RB Chase Edmonds

September 15th, 2025 at 3:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the wake of losing Austin Ekeler for the season, the Commanders have added backfield depth. Veteran Chase Edmonds has a deal in place with Washington, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman.

Prior to reaching this agreement, the Commanders looked into other free agent options. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, Demetric Felton, Khalil Herbert and Nyheim Miller-Hines also visited Washington. Each member of that trio remains unsigned, however.

To no surprise, this will be a practice squad arrangement. The Commanders still have Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the mix as healthy backfield options. Edmonds will offer the team with a veteran presence if he receives a gameday elevation, though.

The 29-year-old last played in 2023 with the Buccaneers. Edmonds split his time the previous season with the Dolphins and Broncos. Prior to that, he played out his rookie contract as a member of the Cardinals. That span overlapped with then-head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who is now the Commanders’ offensive coordinator. Edmonds thus represents a familiar face for his new team.

Over his six NFL seasons, the former fourth-rounder primarily worked as a rotational option in the backfield. In 2021, Edmonds started 11 of 12 games and handled a career-high 116 carries; that resulted in a personal best in terms of rushing yards (592). Similar numbers should not be expected after an absence this long and with a third-string role (at the most) in place, of course.

Still, Edmonds could handle part-time duties upon returning to NFL action. The Fordham product has racked up 158 receptions during his career, so he could look to compensate for Ekeler’s loss in the pass-catching department. Finding success in that capacity could help his value next offseason and lead to a market strong enough to avoid remaining unsigned into the 2026 regular season.

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