Dolphins OL James Daniels, CB Storm Duck To Miss Several Weeks
As the Dolphins look to right the ship following an embarrassing season-opening loss, they’ll have to do so without a handful of key starters. According to multiple reports, it sounds like the Dolphins will be dealing with absences on both sides of the ball for at least the next few weeks.
On offense, starting guard James Daniels exited yesterday’s loss after only three offensive snaps thanks to a pec injury. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the injury isn’t expected to end the veteran’s season, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that the lineman didn’t suffer any muscle tears. Still, Daniels will likely be out of the lineup for at least the next three to four weeks.
Daniels was making his Miami debut after inking a three-year, $24MM deal with the franchise this past offseason. A former starter with the Bears and Steelers, the lineman was limited to four games in 2024 thanks to a torn Achilles.
The offseason acquisition wasn’t the only offensive lineman to suffer an injury. According to Jackson, the Dolphins are getting opinions on Austin Jackson‘s toe injury. The right tackle got into 79 percent of his team’s offensive snaps yesterday. A former first-round pick, injuries have been a theme of Jackson’s career, as he was limited to two games in 2022 thanks to an ankle injury and eight games in 2024 thanks to a knee injury.
The injuries also apply to the defense, as Jackson notes that cornerback Storm Duck will miss several weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the second quarter of yesterday’s loss. The former UDFA was a pleasant surprise in Miami last season, where he compiled 35 tackles while starting three of his 14 appearances. He got into 29 defensive snaps yesterday before exiting the contest.
Fortunately, there is some optimism surrounding another Dolphins injury. Jackson says that tight end Darren Waller will try to suit up for this Sunday’s matchup against the Patriots. If he can’t go, then a Week 3 return against the Bills will be a realistic target. The veteran’s return from retirement has been delayed by a lingering hip injury.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/8/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: DT Tommy Akingbesote, DB Israel Mukuamu
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: RB Pierre Strong
- Released: RB Israel Abanikanda
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Ameer Abdullah
- Released: RB Khalil Herbert
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Reid Holskey
- Released: G McClendon Curtis
New York Jets
- Signed: OL Liam Fornadel
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: RB Montrell Johnson, OL Hollin Pierce
- Released: WR Elijah Cooks
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR Rakim Jarrett
- Released: WR Lance McCutcheon
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/8/25
Today’s minor moves:
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: LB Carl Jones, DL Tanoh Kpassagnon
- Waived from IR: C Doug Kramer
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: DT Perrion Winfrey
Denver Broncos
- Waived from IR: DT Kristian Williams
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR Tim Jones
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: DE Fadil Diggs
New York Jets
- Signed from practice squad: WR Tyler Johnson
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed from practice squad: LB Patrick Johnson
Free Agency
- Suspended: DB Kemon Hall
Cowboys defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey will now be out through the month of September after landing on IR today. Winfrey has been dealing with a back injury that forced him to miss the season opener. The 25-year-old joined the Cowboys back in June following a successful showing in the UFL.
Free agent defensive back Kemon Hall has been hit with a three-game ban, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby. The suspension would go into effect once the player joins a team. The 2019 UDFA most recently spent the preseason with the Cowboys. He was among the team’s final cuts and subsequently landed on their practice squad, but he was released days later. The 28-year-old has appeared in 24 career games.
49ers’ George Kittle To Miss Multiple Weeks
While the 49ers escaped Week 1 with a victory, it wasn’t all positive news for the organization. George Kittle exited yesterday’s win in the first half after suffering a hamstring injury, and it sounds like the veteran tight end will miss a handful of games. While speaking with reporters today, coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle will miss some time as he recovers from the injury (per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner).
While Shanahan indicated that his star TE will miss multiple weeks, he wouldn’t commit to Kittle landing on injured reserve (via Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group). Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has a more definitive timeline for the Pro Bowler, as a source indicated that Kittle would miss between three and five weeks. That timeline would make the player a prime candidate for IR.
While injuries were a theme early in Kittle’s career, the tight end has remained relatively healthy recently. Since being limited to eight games in 2020, the veteran has missed eight total contests over the past four years. He’s also continued to produce as he passed his age-30 season; after finishing the 2023 campaign with 1,022 yards, Kittle compiled 1,106 yards during the 2024 season. He seemed to pick up where he left off to start 2025, as he found the end zone to cap off San Francisco’s first offensive possession.
With Kittle out of the lineup, the 49ers will turn to Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell. Tonges made the most noise yesterday, hauling in three receptions, including the eventual game-winning touchdown.
The injuries don’t stop there. Shanahan revealed that quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with both a shoulder and toe injury, with the coach stating “we’ll see” when asked about the player’s status for Week 2 (per Wagoner). Shanahan said the toe issue is more serious than the shoulder issue, and the team will use the upcoming week to evaluate the quarterback’s progress. If Purdy isn’t able to go against the Saints, Mac Jones would draw the start.
Finally, receiver Jauan Jennings was sidelined yesterday thanks to a shoulder injury. Shanahan told reporters that the team is still awaiting imaging on the wideout, although initial tests indicated that the player should be okay (per Wagoner). With Brandon Aiyuk out to start the season and Deebo Samuel no longer on the squad, the 49ers were going to be especially reliant on Jennings to begin the 2025 season. The 28-year-old hauled in a pair of catches for 16 yards before exiting yesterday’s game.
Chargers LB Denzel Perryman Suffers High Ankle Sprain
The Chargers secured a win in Week 1, but their defense suffered a notable loss along the way. Linebacker Denzel Perryman departed early in the contest, and he was in a walking boot after the game. 
Testing has taken place, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports a high ankle sprain has been diagnosed. As a result, missed time is in store. High ankle sprains tend to carry a recovery timeline of multiple weeks, so a move to injured reserve could be in store.
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An IR stint would require at least a four-game absence, so it will be interesting to see how the Chargers proceed in this case. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim) no decision regarding IR has been made yet. Perryman played eight snaps on Friday before suffering the injury. His departure represented a blow to the Chargers’ defense, although the unit nevertheless enjoyed a solid outing in the 27-21 win over the Chiefs.
Perryman has served as a full-time starter for much of his career, including his second Chargers stint. The 32-year-old returned to Los Angeles last offseason on a one-year pact. He was limited to 11 games, but when on the field the former second-rounder was a key figure defensively. Perryman took another one-year deal in March to stay with the Bolts, and by late May he was fully recovered from the elbow injury he suffered in the wild-card round.
A fully healthy season would have been critical for team and player, but that will not be the case in 2025. Perryman is set to spend time on the shelf, something which will leave Los Angeles thin at the second level. Junior Colson was placed on season-ending injured reserve during roster cuts due to a shoulder injury. 2023 third-rounder Daiyan Henley and sixth-year veteran Troy Dye handled much of the linebacker work on Friday, and that will likely continue with Perryman sidelined.
The former Pro Bowler’s 2026 market value will take a hit with further missed time. In the event the Chargers do not move him to injured reserve, however, Perryman will be eligible to return within the next four weeks.
Texans TE Cade Stover Suffers Broken Foot
The Texans’ tight end depth has been dealt another blow early in the season. Cade Stover suffered a broken foot yesterday, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. 
Stover is now out indefinitely as a result. The news comes after fellow tight end Brevin Jordan was lost for the season in August. A lengthy absence in Stover’s case would leave Houston notably short on options at the position.
The 2024 fourth-rounder played 16 combined regular and postseason games as a rookie despite undergoing an emergency appendectomy in December. Stover also had offseason shoulder surgery but was at full strength in time for Week 1. Losing him for an extended period will leave the Texans with Dalton Schultz as their top tight end; only he and Stover dressed at that position on Sunday.
Houston has a pair of replacement options on the practice squad. Harrison Bryant – acquired from the Eagles in the John Metchie trade – as well as seventh-round rookie Luke Lachey are in place on the team’s taxi squad at the moment. It would come as little surprise if at least one were to be elevated to the active roster shortly. Bryant is a veteran of 78 games, so the pending free agent could offer experienced depth at the position at least until other roster moves take place.
Stover recorded just 15 receptions and one touchdown last season, but he served as the Texans’ starter yesterday. The 25-year-old led the team in catches with four, producing 22 yards along the way. As Houston looks to improve on offense moving forward, the team will do so without an important figure in the picture for the time being.
NFL Could Suspend Eagles DT Jalen Carter
SEPTEMBER 8: No decision has been made yet regarding supplemental discipline for Carter at this point, Mark Maske of the Washington Post notes. He adds the league’s evaluation process is expected to conclude early this week, so clarity in the case case should emerge shortly.
SEPTEMBER 7: Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter did not play a single snap during his club’s win over the Cowboys in the NFL’s regular season opener on Thursday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carter may also miss at least Philadelphia’s Week 2 matchup with the Chiefs, as the league could suspend the 2024 Pro Bowler.
Following an injury to Philadelphia fullback Ben VanSumeren on the opening kickoff, Carter spit on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott while the two teams were waiting on the field during the ensuing injury delay (it later became clear that Prescott spit in the direction of Carter and the Eagles’ defense before Carter’s retaliation). Carter was promptly ejected, and a decision from the NFL as to whether the Georgia product will miss any additional games is expected on Monday.
He will at least receive a substantial fine, per Schefter, who says a speech given by NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent during the spring owner’s meetings could be instructive in this matter. In his speech, Vincent said sportsmanship posed one of the biggest threats to the NFL’s brand, and that there would be “zero tolerance for acts that demean the game.”
The Eagles survived the Cowboys contest and hung on for a 24-20 victory, but Carter’s absence was noticeable, particularly in the early stages of the game. The team would obviously love to have him on the field for the upcoming Super Bowl rematch.
Carter, the ninth overall pick of the 2023 draft, finished second to Texans defensive end Will Anderson in Defensive Player of the Year voting in his rookie season and earned Second Team All-Pro acclaim last year, in addition to his first Pro Bowl nod. He has compiled 10.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, and 20 tackles for loss over his first two years in the league.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said after the game. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. … It won’t happen again. I can make that promise.”
Technically, a suspension of any length would automatically void the remaining guarantees on Carter’s rookie contract, as Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports confirms. However, Jones says the club would not try to claw back any money, so the ascending player will likely earn every dollar due to him under his deal. He will be extension-eligible after the 2025 season.
Head coach Nick Sirianni did not indicate whether Carter would receive any internal discipline.
Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw Uncertain To Play In Week 1
The Vikings will be without safety Harrison Smith during tonight’s game against the Bears. Minnesota’s offensive line could also be shorthanded during the team’s season opener. 
Christian Darrisaw missed most of the 2024 campaign due to ACL and MCL tears. The standout left tackle has spent the offseason rehabbing his knee, and he managed to return to practice in June. At that point, however, Darrisaw had yet to receive full medical clearance.
The 26-year-old continued to make progress through the summer, and he was listed as a full participant in practice for the past two days. In spite of that, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes Darrisaw is not a lock to suit up tonight (video link). A cautious approach would come as little surprise given the 26-year-old’s importance to Minnesota’s offense.
Darrisaw inked a $26MM-per-year extension last summer, and he is under contract through 2029 as a result. The Vikings’ offensive line will depend on him this season and well beyond that point, so making sure he is back to full strength before playing him would be an understandable approach. Should Darrisaw sit out tonight (or any further games early in the year), though, the Vikings will be notably shorthanded on the blindside.
One of Minnesota’s top priorities this offseason was improving along the offensive line. Ex-Colts Will Fries and Ryan Kelly were added at guard and center, respectively. They will be joined by veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill and first-round rookie Donovan Jackson as starters. It will be interesting to see if Darrisaw is present as well for quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s regular season debut.
Saints’ Julian Blackmon Suffers Torn Labrum
For the second time in 2025, labrum surgery is in store for Julian Blackmon. The veteran safety’s tenure with the Saints is set to last only one game. 
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday Blackmon was feared to have suffered a torn labrum, an injury he encountered late last season. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football has since confirmed that is indeed the case. As a result, season-ending surgery is upcoming.
Blackmon underwent surgery on his previous tear in January. Rapoport notes this latest ailment concerns a different portion of the same labrum, while Underhill adds surgery will take place soon. The news marks a notable blow to New Orleans’ secondary, a unit which lost Tyrann Mathieu to retirement in July. Blackmon was added in the immediate aftermath of that decision.
That came about via a one-year pact featuring $3.17MM in guarantees. After just one regular season contest, Blackmon’s attention will now turn once again to the recovery process. The Saints, meanwhile, will presumably need to seek out a safety addition with the regular season already underway.
Blackmon played out his rookie contract with the Colts, serving as a full-time starter during that span. The 27-year-old did not generate a notable market during his first trip to free agency, however, and he remained in Indianapolis on a one-year pact. The Colts added Camryn Bynum this spring, pointing to a Blackmon departure taking place. The latter spent much of the offseason unsigned, and this injury will no doubt hurt his earning potential next spring as well.
New Orleans recently released special teams ace J.T. Gray, who has since joined the Ravens. Gray would not have been a preferred candidate to fill in on defense, but his absence will compound the Saints’ depth issues at safety given the fact Blackmon is now out for the rest of the campaign. New Orleans entered Monday with $8.61MM in cap space, so finances will not be an issue if another low-cost addition is sought out in the near future.
Kevin Stefanski: Browns Not Seeking K Addition
The Browns began their season with a 17-16 loss to the Bengals. Dropped passes were a key factor in the game, but so too were missed kicks. 
During his regular season debut, Andre Szmyt connected on one field goal attempt and one extra point. However, he also missed an extra point in the third quarter before what would have been a go-ahead field goal (from 36 yards out) late in the game wound up off target. As is the case with other teams around the league, questions have been raised about competition being brought in for the Browns.
For now, at least, that will not be taking place in Cleveland. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked after the game about Szmyt, who enjoyed a strong preseason. He said the 26-year-old is not in danger of being replaced after Sunday’s poor performance.
“I’m not there,” Stefanski said (via Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons) when asked about competition being brought in this week. “You know, points are at premium obviously. So that’s frustrating. Andre’s had a really good camp. He’s done a nice job for us. So I’m not there.”
Dustin Hopkins had a stellar debut campaign with the Browns in 2023, connecting on 33 of 36 field goal tries (including all eight attempts from 50 yards and beyond). Last year, however, the veteran struggled from a number of distances, making just 18 of his 27 attempts. Hopkins was replaced for Week 13 in 2024 before ultimately being released as part of Cleveland’s roster cuts following training camp.
That move confirmed Szmyt’s status as Cleveland’s preferred kicking option. The former UDFA certainly did not make the best of first impressions with the Browns, but based on Stefanski’s comments he is not in danger of being replaced early in the campaign.