Samwise NFL Newsletter
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Packers’ Micah Parsons Reveals Meniscus Procedure, Targets Mid-October Return
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons confirmed Wednesday that he underwent both ACL and meniscus procedures after tearing his knee in a Week 15 loss at Denver on December 14, with surgery performed December 29. Parsons told reporters at the team facility that the Packers follow a strict nine-month recovery rule, placing his earliest possible return around September 29. He is targeting a mid-October comeback, with Week 5 against Chicago or Week 6 against Dallas appearing most realistic. Parsons, who posted 12.5 sacks in 14 games last season, is expected to begin the year on the physically unable to perform list, missing at least the first four games.
Vikings Name Kyler Murray Week 1 Starting Quarterback Over J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their Week 1 starting quarterback for the 2026 season, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Tuesday before practice. Murray beat out incumbent J.J. McCarthy following roughly two weeks of training camp competition in which both quarterbacks split first-team reps. Murray, a former three-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in March after spending seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He is set to lead the Vikings offense when the regular season opens September 13 against the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy remains on the roster as the primary backup.
Cowboys Lock Up Quinnen Williams With $105.9M Extension, Record Guarantee for DT
The Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension Monday, locking up the star defender through the 2030 season. The deal includes $101 million guaranteed and $63.35 million fully guaranteed at signing, the most guaranteed at signing for a defensive tackle in NFL history according to CBS Sports. Williams’ $35.3 million annual average ranks second among defensive tackles behind only Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter. The Cowboys acquired Williams during the 2025 season. Dallas defensive line coaches praised the signing ahead of Tuesday’s joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles.
Browns QB Competition Heats Up as Watson and Sanders Continue to Rotate Reps
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders intensified Tuesday as head coach Todd Monken continued rotating the two through first-team reps. Watson has thrown six interceptions in four days of padded practice, while Sanders has shown upside in flashes during his second NFL training camp. Monken initially pledged Sanders would receive a majority of first-team reps but adjusted the rotation after finding the split had tilted toward the rookie. The coach has not announced which quarterback will start the preseason opener in Chicago. He intends to start Watson in one of the first two preseason games and Sanders in the other.
Commanders Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil to Have Surgery on Torn Triceps, Season in Doubt
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Monday that starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil will undergo surgery to repair a torn right triceps suffered during Saturday’s practice, according to ESPN. Tunsil was injured in a one-on-one pass-rush drill against edge rusher Odafe Oweh. The five-time Pro Bowler had signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension with Washington in March. Quinn said the team hopes Tunsil can return this season, though the recovery timeline could extend into 2027. Brandon Coleman is expected to replace Tunsil at left tackle as Washington prepares to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels for the September 13 season opener.
Bears WR Luther Burden III Out for Preseason With Groin Injury, Coach Eyes Week 1 Return
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the entire preseason with a groin injury, but head coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday the hope is that Burden returns for the September 13 season opener at Carolina, per Yahoo Sports. Burden suffered the injury on the final rep of a Saturday red zone one-on-one drill when he and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tangled while Stevenson broke up a pass from Caleb Williams. Burden, entering his second NFL season, caught 47 passes for 652 yards as a rookie. With DJ Moore traded to Buffalo, Burden is expected to carry a larger share of Chicago’s passing attack this fall.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Giants’ Malik Nabers Participates in First Full Training Camp Practice After ACL Surgery
New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers participated in his first full training camp practice this summer, running routes, cutting, and catching passes at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, per Yahoo Sports. Nabers tore his ACL and meniscus last season and required a second procedure in the spring to remove scar tissue. Head coach John Harbaugh said Nabers looked good and will evaluate his workload daily. Nabers is working in 20 to 30-minute increments at camp and avoided the physically unable to perform list to open training camp. He appears on track to be available for the Giants’ Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Lions Dealing With Multiple Training Camp Injuries Ahead of First Preseason Game
The Detroit Lions are navigating multiple injuries in training camp as their preseason opener approaches. Starting center Cade Mays fractured a small bone in his wrist, missing an estimated 8 to 10 weeks, while running back Isiah Pacheco is sidelined with an MCL sprain, though head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Pacheco should be ready for the regular season. Seth McLaughlin is taking first-team reps at center in Mays’ absence. Pacheco, who signed a one-year deal with Detroit this offseason to back up Jahmyr Gibbs, missed four consecutive practices before Campbell disclosed the knee injury, per Yahoo Sports.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
American Conference Divisions
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National Conference Divisions
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NFC North
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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