Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Kyler Murray ruled out vs. Bears; Carson Wentz to start
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with a concussion. Murray sustained the injury in Week 1 after taking a late hit from Packers safety Javon Bullard during a scramble. He was limited in practice all week before being officially ruled out Friday on the injury report. Carson Wentz will start in his place at Soldier Field, with J.J. McCarthy serving as the backup. Wentz showed he could handle the role in Week 1, completing 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns in Minnesota's comeback win over Green Bay.
Aaron Donald to make 2026 season debut Monday night vs. Giants
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald is set to make his 2026 season debut when the Rams host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Donald, who came out of retirement on August 30, confirmed his plan to play in the primetime matchup when speaking with reporters this week. The veteran had not appeared in a game since returning from retirement, making Monday's contest his first. Los Angeles enters the game at 0–1 following a Week 1 loss and will look to Donald to provide a lift to the defensive line.
Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. ruled out vs. Panthers; Cooper Rush to start again
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers as he continues to work back from ACL surgery sustained last season. Cooper Rush is set to start for the second consecutive week, with Strand named as the backup. The Falcons enter the Week 2 home game at 0–1 after dropping their opener, and the continued absence of Penix Jr. means Rush will again need to manage the offense effectively. Carolina arrives also looking for its first win, setting up a game between two teams trying to avoid an 0–2 start.
Joe Burrow cleared to start vs. Texans after practicing fully despite back injury
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will start Sunday against the Houston Texans after practicing fully all week despite a back injury that had raised questions about his status. Burrow was listed as a full participant in practice, clearing the way for him to take the field in the Week 2 road game. The Bengals enter at 1–0 and will need him healthy against a Texans team coming off a strong opener. Running back David Montgomery scored three touchdowns in Houston's Week 1 victory. The game will be an early test of whether the Bengals can remain undefeated on the road.
Jets place first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. on IR with ankle injury
The New York Jets placed rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. on injured reserve Saturday with an ankle injury, a significant early blow for their 2026 first-round selection. Cooper Jr. was taken with the No. 30 overall pick in this year's draft and will now miss a minimum of four games under league rules. The Jets enter Week 2 at 1–0 as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday without the first-round rookie. His absence leaves a void in the Jets receiving corps at a time when the team appeared poised to build on a winning start.
Ravens rule out Zay Flowers, place T.J. Tampa on IR ahead of Saints game
The Baltimore Ravens will be without wide receiver Zay Flowers when they host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, as the hamstring injury that kept him out of practice all week has left him officially ruled out. Flowers had set a career high with 150 receiving yards in Baltimore's 41–23 Week 1 win. The Ravens also placed cornerback T.J. Tampa on injured reserve with a knee injury, thinning their secondary ahead of the game. Baltimore enters Week 2 at 1–0 and will look to continue that strong early form despite the dual absences at receiver and cornerback.
49ers hold kicker tryouts with Greg Joseph, Younghoe Koo; De'Zhaun Stribling to IR
The San Francisco 49ers held kicker tryouts on Saturday, working out Greg Joseph and Younghoe Koo as the team evaluates its options at the position. The tryouts came on the same day San Francisco placed wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling on injured reserve with an ankle injury, adding to the team's roster concerns ahead of Sunday's Week 2 home game. The 49ers enter the matchup at 1–0 following a Week 1 win and will need to settle the kicker question before kickoff to avoid leaving points on the field against their upcoming opponent.
Javon Hargrave ruled out for Packers vs. Jets with knee and concussion issues
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets after the team listed him with both knee and concussion issues. Hargrave's absence is a notable blow to the Green Bay defensive front as the Packers try to bounce back from a Week 1 loss. The Packers enter the Week 2 road game at 0–1 and will need other players to step up along the defensive line in his place. New York, which enters the game at 1–0, will have an opportunity to exploit the gap left by Hargrave's absence.
AFC Standings
| Team | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC EAST | |||
| Buffalo Bills | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| New York Jets | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| New England Patriots | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Miami Dolphins | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| AFC NORTH | |||
| Baltimore Ravens | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cleveland Browns | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| AFC SOUTH | |||
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Houston Texans | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tennessee Titans | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| AFC WEST | |||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Denver Broncos | 0 | 1 | 0 |
NFC Standings
| Team | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFC EAST | |||
| New York Giants | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| NFC NORTH | |||
| Minnesota Vikings | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Chicago Bears | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Detroit Lions | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Green Bay Packers | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| NFC SOUTH | |||
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| New Orleans Saints | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| NFC WEST | |||
| San Francisco 49ers | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Every newsletter preserved and searchable
Curated by JD · samwise.agency