NFL Aiming To Play 16 International Games Per Season; League Finalizes Plans For Rio de Janeiro
Sunday marked the NFL’s first ever regular season game in Dublin. It could easily be followed up by future visits to the Irish capital along with a number of other international games. 
Expanding the league’s global reach has been a clear priority for several years now, and in the spring commissioner Roger Goodell stated his intention of seeing 16 international games become an annual feature of the schedule. Goodell recently confirmed (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) that remains the case, with the goal being one overseas contest per team per year.
“In today’s world, we have to be global,” Goodell said (via Pryor). “Every time we play an international game, fans say they want more. I really, truly believe our game can and will be global. Our job is to share our game with the rest of the world.”
Dating back to 2007, the NFL has staged dozens of regular season games outside the United States with the majority taking place in Europe. Each of the past two seasons have included contests taking place in Brazil as well, however. São Paulo has played host to a pair of contests, but it became clear earlier this month the NFL was interested in trying Rio de Janeiro as a host city. The league has since announced (via NFL.com) Rio will indeed become the site for games beginning in 2026.
Over the next five years, no fewer than three NFL games will be played at the Maracanã Stadium. The iconic venue has a capacity of over 70,000 and has played host to a pair of FIFA World Cup finals along with the 2016 Summer Olympics. It would come as little surprise if a second long-term agreement were to be reached provided this upcoming trial phase proves to be successful.
The NFL is making inroads into Berlin and Madrid with games taking place there this season in addition to familiar host cities such as London and Munich. 2026 will also see Melbourne join the list of NFL sites with the Rams operating as the designated home team for the NFL’s first game in Australia. Goodell noted that over the long term, expanding into Asia will likely be the league’s next step.
Even if that proves to be several years away, a long list of host cities will exist in the near term for the NFL. With the regular season still widely expected to reach 18 games relatively soon, the league’s calendar could very well feature one annual international contest for each of its teams in short order.
Clarity On Texans RB Joe Mixon’s 2025 Outlook Coming Soon?
The Texans have endured a winless start to the season. A key reason for the team’s struggles is a lack of success on the ground. 
Houston entered Sunday’s action sitting 23rd in the league in rushing yards. With a number of new offensive linemen in place and a shorthanded RB room, that development has come as little surprise. Joe Mixon – who handled a heavy workload in 2024 for the Texans and would be doing the same now if healthy – resides on the reserve/NFI list with a foot/ankle injury.
During roster cutdowns, general manager Nick Caserio indicated it was unclear if Mixon would be able to play at all in 2025. Like any other player on the NFI list at this point, the two-time Pro Bowler can be activated no earlier than Week 5. It certainly seems as though Mixon will remain sidelined past that point, but an update in this case could be coming shortly. Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes (subscription required) clarity on Mixon’s outlook is expected to emerge in mid-October.
Finding out more about Mixon’s outlook for this season would be welcomed by all involved. The 29-year-old served as a workhorse last season, his debut campaign for the Texans (245 carries). That produced the fifth 1,000-yard season of his career along with 12 total touchdowns. Expectations were high for a strong follow-up this year, but Mixon suffered the injury this summer and missed all of training camp while rehabbing.
A lengthy ramp-up period will thus be necessary even if Mixon is cleared to return at some point in 2025. The longtime Bengal is under contract through next year, but none of his $8MM base salary for 2026 is guaranteed, Much of Mixon’s financial future will depend on his health status as a result, so an update of any kind will be worth watching for during the midway mark of the campaign.
In the meantime, Houston will proceed with a backfield featuring free agent addition Nick Chubb along with the likes of Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale. That unit could receive a boost late in the campaign, depending on what transpires in Mixon’s case.
Dolphins Considering RG Change
Miami’s offensive line has dealt with a number of notable absences early in the season. That includes right guard James Daniels suffering a pectoral injury which has landed him on injured reserve. 
In need of additional help up front, the Dolphins added Cole Strange off the Patriots’ practice squad. The former first-rounder has yet to play this season, though, and it appears a starting spot could remain unavailable on the right side at least. It is unclear at this point who will man the RG position in Week 4.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald) a competition has been taking place at that spot in recent days. Kion Smith received the start in Weeks 2 and 3, but during the Dolphins’ loss against Buffalo he was replaced by Daniel Brunskill. Those two have taken first-team reps during practice, although Jackson notes Strange has also received a look with the starting O-line at both guard positions.
Smith has yet to be charged with a sack allowed by PFF in 2025. In spite of that, the former UDFA has not drawn strong evaluations for his play. Brunskill took over starting duties at the right guard spot midway through the Dolphins’ loss against the Bills, and his performance upon doing so resulted in relatively positive reviews aside from the play which resulted in a critical fourth quarter interception. Jackson adds it would come as little surprise if Brunskill, 31, were to start against the Jets on Monday.
A veteran of 94 appearances and 66 starts, Brunskill certainly represents the most experienced option available to the Dolphins at this point. He has previously worked as Miami’s backup center, but a run at guard would mark a return to Brunskill’s most familiar position. While Daniels continues to recover, it will be interesting to see how the winless Dolphins proceed up front.
Chargers Could Pursue Edge Rush Trade
Managing to remain healthy early in the 2025 season as been akin to pulling teeth for the 49ers. With Nick Bosa out of the picture for the remainder of the campaign, San Francisco is understandably known to be a suitor regarding an in-season trade acquisition along the edge. 
The 49ers are not the only 3-0 team to watch in that regard, however. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes the Chargers could be in the market for a pass rush trade. Khalil Mack finds himself on injured reserve, and Week 4 will mark the second of at least four games he is required to miss. Joey Bosa was released in the offseason, meaning neither member of Los Angeles’ long-running EDGE tandem is available for the time being.
The Chargers have veteran Bud Dupree in the fold, and his notable workload (55% snap share through three weeks) is likely to continue especially while Mack is sidelined. Undrafted rookie Caleb Murphy has played in every game to date, while Kyle Kennard (taken in the fourth round of the draft) made his debut against the Broncos in Week 3. Those two will continue to operate in complementary roles moving forward.
Of course, Tuli Tuipulotu is in place as well. The 2023 second-rounder has yet to record a sack this season after notching 8.5 in 2024, but he has been a key figure with a 77% snap share to date. That will no doubt remain the case moving forward, especially if Mack’s absence proves to be a lengthy one. Regardless, Los Angeles could seek out a veteran option to finish out the campaign.
At the start of the season, the likes of Za’Darius Smith, Jadeveon Clowney and Preston Smith were free agents. Each member of that trio has since been signed, however, thinning out the market for options on that front. A trade could be explored by second-year general manager Joe Hortiz ahead of the deadline as a result.
Los Angeles holds a two-game lead on the rest of the AFC West entering tomorrow’s action. Considering each of the team’s wins have come in divisional matchups, the Chargers are in a very strong position early on to build off last year’s postseason berth and contend for a deep run. With over $11MM in cap space, finances would not be an issue if a rental swap were to be worked out in time for the stretch run.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Unlikely To Play In Week 4; No Surgery Necessary
SEPTEMBER 27: McLaurin will not play in Week 4, but he is not expected to land on injured reserve with a mandatory four-week absence, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The star wideout is considered “week-to-week” with little clarity on his precise return timeline.
SEPTEMBER 25: The Commanders could have quarterback Jayden Daniels available for Week 4 depending on the status of his knee sprain. Even if he is back in the fold for Sunday, however, Washington’s top receiver will likely be unavailable. 
Terry McLaurin has been dealing with a quad injury since the third quarter of the Commanders’ Week 3 win. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the two-time Pro Bowler’s status for this week was uncertain, adding further opinions on his injury would be sought out. Indeed, a visit has taken place with Dr. Williams Meyers, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Dr. Meyers is an expert on core muscle injuries, something of note given the relatively uncertain nature of McLaurin’s injury. With his prognosis still unclear at this time, signs point to an absence at least covering Washington’s upcoming game. According to Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo, though (video link), the decision to seek out multiple opinions has produced a consensus that core muscle surgery will not be required.
Procedures of that kind often entail long-term absences, so today’s update is an encouraging one for McLaurin. Still, it remains to be seen what his recovery timeline will look like at this point. Any missed time on the part of the 30-year-old would of course deal a major blow to Washington’s offense.
“It’s pretty normal that, when you have something, a second opinion takes place,” head coach Dan Quinn said when speaking about the injury (via Tom Schad and Vic Tafur of the Washington Post). “So as I get into Friday, then we’ll have a sense of ‘Okay, what does it look like for Sunday?’”
McLaurin was among the most talked-about players around the NFL this offseason as he engaged in a contract standoff with the Commanders. In the end, a three-year, $87MM extension was worked out to avoid a potential free agent departure next spring. The Ohio State product has recorded 149 scoreless yards to date as he seeks out a sixth straight season of 1,000 or more yards. Efforts on that front will be hindered by a long absence, but Thursday’s update suggests one may not be in store.
Trade acquisition Deebo Samuel has scored one touchdown through the air and another on the ground early in his Commanders career. The former 49ers All-Pro will be counted on to handle a larger role on offense for however long McLaurin is sidelined, and further updates on that front will be worth monitoring over the coming days.
Falcons To Stick With K John Parker Romo In Week 4
SEPTEMBER 26: Though the Falcons did sign Sauls this week, Romo will be the team’s kicker on Sunday, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. A performance that resembles his Week 2 output more than last week’s would likely be enough to keep the job moving forward, but missing multiple kicks again could give Sauls a shot in Week 5.
SEPTEMBER 23: The Falcons have already made one major move at the kicker position this season by releasing Younghoe Koo. That decision came about with John Parker Romo being tapped as Koo’s replacement. 
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In Week 2, Romo connected on all five of his field goal attempts and his lone extra point kick. He appeared to be set for a lengthy spell as Atlanta’s preferred kicking option as a result, but things took a different turn in Week 3. During Sunday’s blowout loss to the Panthers, Romo missed both of his field goal tries. The team now appears to be set for a new round of auditions at the position.
“We have to bring competition in,” head coach Raheem Morris said of the kicker spot (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic). “You have to do that until we get it right. That’s something we will work diligently at.”
After a Week 1 loss in which Koo struggled, Morris made it clear free agent options would be explored. That resulted in the Romo signing and, shortly thereafter, the decision to release Koo after a run of six-plus years with the franchise. Workouts were held with free agents Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley, and Ben Sauls last time around.
It would come as little surprise if one or more of those kickers were to receive another look. Atlanta also has Lenny Krieg – who lost a training camp competition to Koo – in place on the practice squad. Moving on from Romo after one poor outing would certainly raise a number of eyebrows, especially given his strong showing in Week 2. Nevertheless, Morris and Co. seem to be in position to continue seeking out replacement options over the coming days.
Brian Daboll Did Not Consult Coaching Staff, Management In Jaxson Dart Decision
One of the key questions surrounding the Giants leading up to the 2025 season concerned the quarterback position. Russell Wilson handled starting duties through the first three weeks, but the expected transition to rookie Jaxson Dart has officially taken place. 
When first speaking about the move, head coach Brian Daboll made it clear Dart is viewed as New York’s QB1 the rest of the way. That comes as little surprise, especially given the inherent link between the promise Dart could show upon taking the field and the job security of Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Notably, Daboll has since doubled down on the fact he acted alone in making the switch.
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“That’s the direction I wanted to go, and that’s the direction we’re going to go,” the fourth-year coach said (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post). “There are good conversations we had. Those are private, but ultimately it comes down to me.”
Daboll specified those conversations took place with players, but not with the other members of his coaching staff (h/t SNY’s Connor Hughes). Collaboration has long been a talking point during the Schoen-Daboll era, but the absence of it in this case has drawn attention. Considering the magnitude of Dart – a passer the current regime drafted after inheriting Daniel Jones – taking over as it pertains to potential changes on the sidelines and/or in the front office, it is indeed surprising this call was made unilaterally.
Just before the Giants’ Week 2 game, a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated the team was in no hurry to bench Wilson. The Super Bowl winner then threw for 450 yards in a high-scoring overtime loss, a game which seemed to earn him a longer look atop the depth chart. However, a primetime loss to the Chiefs (punctuated by more poor play in the red zone) led to Dart getting the nod for Week 4.
As Hughes notes, the Schefter report did not originate from Daboll. The embattled HC did not specify that Schoen and/or members of ownership were the source of the report, but Hughes adds that is the (rather strong) implication. This represents another layer to the Dart decision, one which will surely go down as a defining one for the current iteration of the Giants based on his success upon taking on starting duties.
The 0-3 Giants will host the 3-0 Chargers on Sunday. That will of course prove to be a challenge for Dart and the offense, a unit which will continue to see OC Mike Kafka handle play-calling duties. Given the specific nature of the decision to change quarterbacks, scrutiny on Daboll will no doubt increase quickly if things do not go according to plan.
Poll: Which 0-3 Team Has Best Chance Of Reaching Playoffs?
Six teams currently find themselves at 0-3 to begin the year. Managing to rebound from that mark and reach the playoffs has proven to be an extremely difficult task over the years. 
Only four times has a team reached the postseason after starting 0-3 since 1990. Crucially, none have achieved the feat since the playoffs were expanded from six to seven teams in each conference in 2021. Whether or not that continues this season will be interesting to see.
Chances are slim for any of the league’s winless teams to rally into the postseason, but there is of course variance with respect to their prospects of doing so. There is an argument to be made the Texans represent the likeliest candidate to pull off such a comeback, based largely on their defensive success to date. Houston ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed (17 per game on average) and the team’s losses have come by a combined margin of 13 points.
Improvement on offense could thus help turn things around in short order, but the Texans’ offseason renovations up front have not gone as planned so far. Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has not been able to return to the form shown during his stellar rookie campaign, and a number of new pass-catchers are in the process of acclimating to an offense lacking a strong ground game. Catching the undefeated Colts for top spot in the AFC South would be a surprise at this point, but a wild-card berth could very much still be within reach if Nick Caley‘s unit can turn things around.
Houston will take on the Titans in Week 4 in a clash of teams seeking their first win. Tennessee entered the year with far lower expectations, but the team’s performance to date has still left plenty to be desired. The Titans lead the league in penalties (31) and rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked an NFL-high 15 times. Second-year head coach Brian Callahan sports a record of 3-17 at this point, and it remains to be seen if he will be entrusted with overseeing Ward’s development over the long term.
Callahan relinquished offensive play-calling duties this week, and he will now look to increase his involvement in other aspects of the team. Finding success in that regard would no doubt help his job security. It would also, presumably, allow for Tennessee to improve on last season’s 3-14 showing and offer signs of progress from Ward and a supporting cast in need of improvements moving forward.
Another intra-divisional Week 4 game will see the Dolphins take on the Jets. The first half of the upcoming Monday Night Football doubleheader will be key in determining both teams’ immediate futures. Miami was seen as a disappointment given how the 2024 campaign played out. Head coach Mike McDaniel has certainly not helped his standing in the organization so far this season, although a concerted effort to improve the Dolphins’ culture could help stave off a firing for he and general manager Chris Grier. 
Finding a rhythm on offense has proven to be highly challenging in 2025, even with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa managing to avoid any injuries to date. Stronger play on both sides of the ball will be needed if Miami is to reach the playoffs for the third time in McDaniel’s fourth season at the helm. Winning a postseason contest will become a major objective in that event, but for now quieting the rumors about major organizational changes will be the goal.
By contrast, 2025 marks another new beginning for the Jets. Rookie head coach Aaron Glenn and first-year general manager Darren Mougey are seeking to provide the team with long-term stability in addition to ending a playoff drought which dates back to 2010. That effort has not gone according to plan so far, but a key element will be the evaluation of new quarterback Justin Fields. The former first-rounder is back at practice, and he will return to starting duties upon being cleared from concussion protocol.
Fields is under contract through 2026, but helping lead the Jets to the playoffs would greatly increase his chances of landing a long-term accord. It would also help Glenn and Mougey’s standing, although at this point their job securities are of course not in question. Still, a strong first campaign in New York (something which could be attained without a postseason berth, at least in theory) would be welcomed by the duo; a quick rebound from the way things have started would suffice, and it would be less surprising than one from some of the league’s other winless outfits.
New York’s NFC squad is in a state of flux in no small part due to another unwanted beginning to a campaign. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen managed to remain in place this offseason, but aside from a high-scoring output against the Cowboys things have not gone according to plan. The decision has been made to replace quarterback Russell Wilson with first-round rookie Jaxson Dart, and the outcome of that move (beginning with a debut against the 3-0 Chargers) will be critical on a number of fronts. 
Daboll and Schoen are known to be on the hot seat, and showing potential for a turnaround with Dart in place would go a long way in helping ensure they remain in place. Owner John Mara made clear his mandate for a step forward compared to 2024 (3-14), and plenty of work remains given how things have gone early in the current campaign. If the Giants are to at least contend for a wild-card spot this season, Dart will no doubt be a key figure in the process.
Joining the Jets as a team led by a rookie head coach encountering early struggles are the Saints. New Orleans underwent a number of offseason changes, with Kellen Moore‘s hire being the most noteworthy. The longtime NFL OC was a central figure in the decision to draft Tyler Shough, but instead of the second-rounder handling starting duties it has been Spencer Rattler at the helm so far.
The Saints’ QB setup raised eyebrows amongst some of their players, but Rattler has improved upon his output from last season’s late spell in the starter’s role. Two of New Orleans’ losses, meanwhile, came about in one-score games. A postseason berth was not expected from the team, with many pointing to the 2026 draft as the point where a new franchise quarterback would arrive. Rattler (or potentially Shough, depending on how things play out) could earn an extended look in the QB1 role, however. A quick recovery toward postseason contention would come as a surprise, but at a minimum a bounce-back from last week’s lopsided loss in Seattle will be sought out. Doing so against the undefeated Bills will of course be a tall task.
Only once since 1990 has a team started 0-4 but managed to reach the playoffs. By contrast, moving to 1-3 has been more beneficial (with 35 teams doing so in that same span). The success of this year’s group in recording a first win this weekend and generating momentum beyond that point will make for an interesting storyline.
Out of this group of winless teams, which do you feel will have the best chance of rebounding and qualifying for the postseason in 2025? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and have your say in the comments section below.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/25/25
Thursday’s taxi squad moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: CB Corey Ballentine
Ballentine’s only regular season appearance to date has come with New England, but he spent training camp with the Packers. The 29-year-old was among Green Bay’s final roster cuts, and after recently being let go by the Patriots he was free to join any interested suitor. Dallas would obviously qualify (at least for the next few days) given the team’s upcoming matchup with Green Bay.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/25/25
Thursday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: RB Michael Carter, DL Anthony Goodlow
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from reserve/suspended list: WR Demarcus Robinson
- Placed on IR: DE Nick Bosa (story)
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: T Amari Kight, DT Brandon Pili
A DUI case resulted in a three-game suspension for Robinson. An early effort was made with respect to an appeal, but as expected the standard length for a ban was issued in this instance. Bosa’s ACL tear has created an open roster spot for Robinson, under contract through 2026, to make his season debut this week.