Browns Acquire Cam Robinson From Texans
In search of help at the left tackle spot, the Browns are making a move aimed at addressing the position. Cam Robinson is heading to Cleveland. 
The Browns and Texans have worked out a Robinson trade involving a late-round pick swap, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Sixth- and seventh-round selections in 2027 are being swapped, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network add. The deal is now official, with Houston receiving the sixth-round pick in exchange for Robinson and the seventh-rounder.
The 29-year-old spent eight-plus years handling blindside duties with the Jaguars. Robinson’s time in Duval County came to an end midway through the 2024 campaign when he was traded to the Vikings. That move allowed him to fill in for an injured Christian Darrisaw through the remainder of the season. As a free agent, Robinson returned to the AFC South by inking a one-year pact with Houston carrying a base value of $12MM.
The majority of that compensation was already paid out as a signing bonus. As a result, the Browns will only take on the prorated remainder of Robinson’s $2MM base salary; $1.25MM in per-game roster bonuses are also present. This agreement will give Cleveland – a team which has struggled at both tackle spots early in the season en route to a 1-3 start – a veteran presence on the blindside. Robinson has 104 regular season appearances (all but two of those being starts) to his name.
Houston underwent a number of changes up front this offseason, one in which Laremy Tunsil was traded away. That appeared to open the door to Robinson handling first-team duties at the left tackle spot, but rookie Aireontae Ersery impressed during training camp. The second-round pick has handled the starting gig as a result, relegating Robinson to backup duties. The Texans looked into a trade during roster cutdowns, but the Alabama product remained in the fold through the first month of the campaign.
Despite Houston’s struggles up front so far, the team has elected to move forward with a trade this time around. Robinson will look to quickly work his way into Cleveland’s lineup. A strong run of play with the Browns will likely not be sufficient for a postseason berth to be possible, but it could help his free agent stock for next spring. With both tackle spots being a question mark for the Browns beyond the current season, Robinson could play his way into an extended stay in Cleveland depending on how the coming months unfold.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Noncommittal On Week 5 Starting QB
Joe Flacco has handled starting quarterback duties through the first four weeks of the season. Cleveland’s setup under center could change in the near future, though. 
When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked repeatedly about the quarterback position. Flacco and the offense have not fared well so far, raising the possibility of a switch being made. Nothing is official yet, but Stefanski declined multiple opportunities to confirm Flacco will occupy the top spot on the depth chart in Week 5.
“I just would tell you, I understand the question and I understand the scrutiny that comes with the position,” Stefanski said (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). “But we have to play better as an offense. We have to do a better job at all positions, including coaching. That’s really what I want to get across.”
Flacco has topped 200 passing yards only once this season, completing just 58.1% of his pass attempts. The 40-year-old has also thrown six interceptions compared to two touchdowns, figures which add to the case in favor of a change taking place. Flacco has long been expected to serve merely as a bridge QB during his second Browns stint with the reins ultimately being handed over to one of the team’s rookie passers.
Throughout the offseason, it became clear Cleveland’s preferred backup quarterback was Dillon Gabriel. That stance was confirmed after Kenny Pickett was dealt to the Raiders shortly before the start of the campaign. Taken in the third round of this year’s draft, Gabriel has seen spare usage during the closing stages in two of Cleveland’s three losses. His performances in that small sample size – three-of-four passing, one touchdown – will presumably not be a major factor in the decision Stefanski has yet to make (or at least announce).
Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders is currently Cleveland’s third-string passer, meaning he has only been able to dress as the team’s emergency quarterback to date. If that were to change, Flacco would need to be relegated to QB3 status after handling the starter’s workload to start the campaign. Such a shift would certainly be a surprise, meaning the former Super Bowl MVP will likely find himself no lower than second on the depth chart for the time being.
The Browns also have Bailey Zappe on the practice squad. With 15 games and nine starts to his name, the former Patriots draftee could offer Cleveland a slightly more experienced alternative if Flacco is to be replaced. In any event, it was recently reported neither Gabriel nor Sanders will likely be able to do enough in the QB1 spot to prevent a first-round quarterback being taken in 2026.
For Gabriel in particular, receiving the opportunity to take over starting duties sooner rather than later could give him the time to change the Browns’ minds on that front. It will certainly be interesting to see if his first chance at the helm will come in Week 5, which will see Cleveland take on Minnesota in London.
Ravens DT Nnamdi Madubuike Will Not Return In 2025
Ahead of their Week 4 game, the Ravens placed Nnamdi Madubuike on injured reserve. At the time, it remained unclear how long the Pro Bowl defensive tackle would be absent. 
When speaking to the media on Monday (video link), head coach John Harbaugh revealed a return will not be taking place. Madubuike’s neck injury will leave him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Today’s news marks a major blow to a defense which exited Sunday with a number of high-profile injuries.
Madubuike has spent his entire career in Baltimore after entering the league in 2020. The former third-rounder emerged as an impactful player along the defensive front while playing out his rookie contract, and the franchise tag was used last offseason to ensure a free agent departure would not take place. In the end, team and player worked out a four-year, $98MM deal.
That monster pact fell in line with the surging defensive tackle market and cemented Madubuike’s status as a foundational player for the Ravens moving forward. The 27-year-old posted his third consecutive season without any missed games in 2024. Instead of that being the case once more this year, however, he will turn his attention to a lengthy recovery process. The Ravens will now move forward with a depleted D-tackle group.
Fellow starter Broderick Washington is on injured reserve, and Sunday marked the first of at least four games he will miss as a result. Travis Jones was also inactive yesterday, leading to a defensive front comprised entirely of backups against Kansas City. That setup may prove to be necessary moving forward, depending on Jones’ status. Baltimore has veterans John Jenkins and Brent Urban, along with sixth-round rookie Aeneas Peebles, in line to handle an increased workload the rest of the way.
Those depth options will not be able to replace Madubuike’s impact against the pass, however. The Texas A&M product earned second-team All-Pro honors with 13 sacks in 2023. He followed that up with 6.5 last year, leading to a second straight Pro Bowl nod. Madubuike notched a pair of sacks this year prior to being injured in Week 2.
While his attention will now turn to recovery, the 1-3 Ravens will aim to rebound on defense. Baltimore leads the league in points allowed, but making needed improvements will be challenging without Madubuike in the picture.
Giants Owner John Mara Diagnosed With Cancer
John Mara announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The Giants’ co-owner made it clear he will remain involved with the team as he proceeds with treatment. 
“I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been following the treatment plan recommended by an outstanding team of doctors,” a statement from Mara reads in part. “I’m feeling strong and optimistic, and I’m committed to seeing this through to a positive outcome. I plan to remain active with the team throughout my treatment, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible support – personally, professionally, and medically.”
Mara was present for yesterday’s game at MetLife Stadium. The 70-year-old will presumably continue to be a regular figure at the Giants’ headquarters as much as possible based on his statement. Mara’s time with the Giants dates back to 1991.
That span includes his tenure as the team’s general counsel which was followed by time spent as the Giants’ executive vice president and COO. When Mara’s father Wellington passed away in 2005, he took on his current role as president in addition to co-owner. Alongside chairman and EVP Steve Tisch, Mara has overseen the organization ever since.
It remains to be seen how much of an impact this news will have on the day-to-day operations of the franchise. For now, at least, Mara’s diagnosis has left him in position to continue working in his current capacity on a regular basis. Hopefully that will remain the case through the course of his treatment.
Opinions Split On Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill’s Trade Value
The Dolphins enter tonight’s contest with a record of 0-3. Especially if Miami loses, attention will turn to the possibility of changes on the sidelines and/or in the front office. 
Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are viewed as being on the hot seat, although owner Stephen Ross‘ preference is to finish out the season with the current regime remaining in place. Regardless of what happens on that front, Miami falling to 0-4 would lead to increased speculation surrounding Tyreek Hill‘s future.
The All-Pro receiver has been linked to trade talk for much of his Dolphins tenure, especially in the aftermath of his decision to pull himself from the team’s season finale in 2024. Conversations with McDaniel helped smooth things out to an extent, but it would come as little surprise if a trade were to be explored at some point by Miami. Should that take place, opinions are split with respect to the compensation in a potential deal.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic polled a number of NFL coaches and executives to gauge the market of a Hill trade (subscription required). Nearly half (six of 13) predicted the Dolphins could receive a third-round pick, which would fall in line with recent receiver deals worked out before the deadline. In 2024, both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper fetched third-round picks in their respective trades.
Cooper was on an expiring contract at the time, but Adams had term on his pact. However, the lack of future guarantees essentially made him a rental for the purposes of the trade. Hill is in a similar situation; the 31-year-old is on the books through 2026 but none of his scheduled base salary for next year ($29.9MM) is locked in.
Hill’s status as a rental (for all intents and purposes) could make him an attractive target for contending teams, especially in the case of a reunion with the Chiefs. The Steelers have also been floated as a suitor for Hill, although the most recent update on that front indicated Pittsburgh is no longer interested in a swap. Price would of course be a major factor in any trade agreement, and Howe’s poll drew responses stating a Day 3 pick is all Miami could expect for dealing away Hill.
Speculation about a trade taking place comes against the backdrop of domestic violence allegations made by Hill’s ex-wife which emerged earlier this month. Hill has denied the allegations, but in the absence of certainty regarding a criminal case being launched or an NFL investigation opening – neither of which have happened as of yet – suitors could understandably hesitate on the trade front.
Miami’s passing attacks ranks 20th entering Monday’s action. Hill topped 100 yards in Week 2 but his other games have been quiet with respect to production. The six-time 1,000-yard wideout has plenty of time to rebound in terms of his statistical impact, but it remains to be seen if that will include a full campaign with the Dolphins.
Commanders To Place DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste On IR
3:00pm: Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed (via Jhabvala) Jean-Baptiste suffered a pectoral injury and will miss extended time as a result (although the door is open to a return late in the year). Surgery is in store, along with a move to injured reserve.
9:51am: The Commanders appear to have suffered another blow at the defensive end spot. Javontae Jean-Baptiste is feared to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 4, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports. 
An MRI will be used to confirm the diagnosis. Provided a torn pec is indeed the case in this instance, though, Jean-Baptiste could miss the remainder of the campaign. The 2024 seventh-rounder made 12 appearances as a rookie during the regular season and played in each of Washington’s three playoff games. He served in a depth capacity while doing so.
Jean-Baptiste handled a 30% snap share on defense this season, and he would have been in line to remain a part-time contributor at the DE spot moving forward if not for the injury. A lengthy rehab process will be in store for the 25-year-old provided a torn pec is confirmed with further testing. That would leave Washington even thinner at the position given the team’s other injuries early in the campaign.
Deatrich Wise suffered a season-ending quad injury in Week 2, something which prompted an in-season addition along the defensive line. Preston Smith returned to Washington in the wake of Wise’s injury, although he has yet to play in 2025. The 10-year veteran could be counted on to handle a notable role once he is fully prepared to suit up given the Commanders’ injury situation.
Jean-Baptiste’s rookie contract runs through 2027, so he has plenty of time to return to full health and contribute for Washington. That may not be possible until next season, however. Especially if the worst-case scenario is to be confirmed in this case, the Commanders could again find themselves in the market for an addition via trade or free agency.
Lions Could Move CB D.J. Reed To IR
The Lions saw cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed suffer injuries yesterday. The former does not appear to be in line for an extended absence, but the latter could find himself on injured reserve. 
Arnold suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday, although head coach Dan Campbell said (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network) he does not anticipate a lengthy spell on the sidelines. That will be welcomed news even with Arnold’s struggles early this season and the resultant plan to lower his playing time. Such a setup may need to be put on hold for now.
Reed was carted off the field with a hamstring injury. Based on Campbell’s post-game remarks, Rapoport notes a move to IR could be in store in this case. That would ensure at least a four-week absence for Reed; it would also leave Detroit without a perimeter starter for an extended period.
During the offseason, the Lions expectedly lost Carlton Davis on the open market. Detroit took the free agent route to bring in Reed on a pact similar in length and value (three years, $48MM) to the one Davis landed with the Patriots. Arnold and fellow returnee Amik Robertson have been key figures in the secondary to date, and that will of course remain the case moving forward. Still, losing Reed for any notable period will mark a blow to Detroit’s secondary.
The 28-year-old has served as a full-time starter with his newest team, collecting four pass deflections early on. Reed also notched his first interception of the season shortly before suffering the injury. Further testing in his case will be worth watching closely, as it will inform the Lions’ decision with respect to an IR move taking place or being avoided.
The plan for reducing Arnold’s usage was aimed at giving Robertson more time on the boundary as opposed to the slot. If Reed winds up missing considerable game action, Robertson may be forced to handle a full-time role on the perimeter opposite Arnold (presuming, of course, he does not wind up being sidelined for an extended period). In any case, defensive adjustments will likely be necessary as the Lions look to build off their strong start.
Eagles DE Ogbo Okoronkwo Feared To Have Suffered Triceps Tear
The Eagles are likely to be even more shorthanded along the edge for the remainder of the season. Ogbo Okoronkwo exited Philadelphia’s game on Sunday and he is in danger of missing the rest of the campaign. 
Further testing is needed, but Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports Okoronkwo is feared to have suffered a triceps tear. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms that is indeed the expectation in this case. Season-ending surgery will be required provided a tear did in fact take place.
If that is true, the Eagles’ edge rush depth will be tested even further. Nolan Smith is on injured reserve due to a triceps injury of his own, although surgery is not believed to be necessary in his case. Smith is in line to return sometime after the bye (Week 9), but especially until that point Philadelphia’s setup along the edge will be a talking point.
Brandon Graham retired this offseason, one in which Josh Sweat departed in free agency. Those losses led to questions in term of pass rush production for the defending champions. Smith has worked as a starter when healthy, and 2024 third-rounder Jalyx Hunt has seen a major uptick in usage compared to his rookie season. Free agent pickup Za’Darius Smith‘s snap share sits at 40% right now, and that figure could rise with Okoronkwo out of the picture.
During his two years in Cleveland, Okoronkwo served as a regular on the edge but only operated as a starter late in 2024. The 30-year-old was released this offseason but lined up a deal with the Eagles in time for training camp. Okoronkwo made his season debut yesterday but was limited to only four snaps before suffering the injury. If he is indeed facing a season-long absence, the Oklahoma product’s market value will obviously take a major hit.
In the wake of this latest EDGE injury, Azeez Ojulari could find himself on the field moving forward. The former Giant took a one-year Eagles deal in free agency, but he has yet to play this season. Prior to Sunday’s game, EJ Smith of PHLY Sports observed Ojulari’s time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end. That could now change with the Eagles facing another pass rush absence, however.
Giants WR Malik Nabers Suffers Torn ACL
SEPTEMBER 29: Monday’s MRI confirmed the Giants’ fears. Nabers has indeed suffered an ACL tear, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Season-ending surgery is now on tap.
SEPTEMBER 28: It appears as though Malik Nabers‘ second NFL season has come to an early and abrupt end. The Giants wideout suffered a knee injury midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s game (video link).
Nabers has since been ruled out for the remainder of the contest, but the long-term news could prove to be the worst-case scenario. An ACL tear is feared to have occurred, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. An MRI is scheduled for tomorrow morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds. 
Further testing will reveal the extent of the damage. It is rather common, however, for initial fears in situations such as this to simply be confirmed by follow-up evaluations. If Nabers has in fact torn his ACL (along with other damage to his knee, potentially) he will of course be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Any missed time on the part of Nabers would deal a massive blow to New York’s offense, a unit which became the subject of a major shake-up this week. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson‘s struggles led to the decision to insert first-round rookie Jaxson Dart into the lineup. Dart’s development has long been viewed as the Giants’ central storyline for 2025, but that process will be notably hindered if Nabers is indeed unavailable the rest of the way.
Last year’s sixth overall pick, Nabers made an immediate impact with the Giants. He totaled 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on an offense which struggled throughout the campaign; that production resulted in a Pro Bowl nod and made Nabers a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The LSU product had a quiet outing in Week 3, but prior to that he operated as a key figure in the passing game.
That would have no doubt remained the case through the season had Nabers been healthy. Instead, his attention will (likely) turn to a lengthy rehab process, provided the MRI confirms a torn ACL. The 22-year-old’s rookie contract runs through 2027 with a fifth-year option available to the team to extend it one more season. Plenty of time remains for a decision to be made on Nabers’ future, but his importance to the Giants will now be underscored even further.
New York retained veteran Darius Slayton this offseason, and the team also has recent Day 2 picks Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt in the fold. That trio will be counted on to carry the load at the receiver position moving forward. Tight ends Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger could also see an uptick in usage as the team establishes a new pecking order in the pass-catching department.
Dart’s level of play is widely believed to be linked to the job security of head coach Brian Daboll and others in the organization. New York’s offense could very well spend the remainder of the season without its top weapon, however.
Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey, WR Calvin Austin Expected To Miss Time
The Steelers earned a win in Dublin on Sunday, but they could be shorthanded on both sides of the ball upon returning to action. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey as well as receiver Calvin Austin suffered injuries in the game against the Vikings. 
Pittsburgh’s bye is Week 5, something which will be welcomed with respect to injury recoveries. Ramsey is dealing with a hamstring ailment, while Austin suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports both players are expected to miss multiple games.
Ramsey attempted to return to the game against Minnesota after suffering the injury, but he was unable to continue. Losing the All-Pro for any period would deal a major blow to the Steelers’ defense given the impact made early on with his latest team. Ramsey has totaled 14 tackles, one interception and four pass deflections through the first month of the campaign while serving as a key member of the Steelers’ secondary.
Joey Porter Jr. has yet to play since Week 1, so Ramsey missing time after the bye could see two starters at the cornerback position unavailable for Pittsburgh. Free agent addition Darius Slay will be counted on to remain a first-team presence in any case. Given Ramsey’s inclusion in the blockbuster trade involving Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jonnu Smith this offseason, his long-term health will no doubt be a priority for Pittsburgh. Ramsey’s contact runs through 2028.
Austin, by contrast, is a pending free agent. Missing time in his case would therefore be detrimental as it pertains to his market value, especially considering the fact he was sidelined for his entire rookie season. The 26-year-old played every game in 2023 and ’24, but his run of availability is now in danger of coming to at least a temporary end. Austin has averaged just under 14 yards per catch this season while scoring two touchdowns.
If he misses time, D.K. Metcalf will continue operating as Pittsburgh’s No. 1 wideout. Depth could become a concern, though, since this season was viewed as a prime opportunity for Austin to emerge as a consistent WR2 option. 2024 third-rounder Roman Wilson – who has just one reception on two targets so far – could see an uptick in usage if Austin finds himself sidelined for a stretch.
The Steelers improved to a division-leading 3-1 yesterday. That of course represents a strong start to the campaign but it will be interesting to see if they will be at less than full strength after the bye.