The 2026 NFL season includes bye weeks from Week 5 through Week 14, giving each team one week off during the 18-week regular season. There are no byes in Weeks 1-4, Week 12 or Weeks 15-18. Check out the complete 2026 NFL bye-week schedule below.

2026 NFL Bye Week Schedule

Week 5

• Carolina Panthers
• Kansas City Chiefs

Week 6

• Cincinnati Bengals
• Detroit Lions
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings

Week 7

• Buffalo Bills
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Washington Commanders

Week 8

• Houston Texans
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Giants
• San Francisco 49ers

Week 9

• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tennessee Titans

Week 10

• Chicago Bears
• Denver Broncos
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 11

• Atlanta Falcons
• Cleveland Browns
• Green Bay Packers
• Los Angeles Rams
• New England Patriots
• Seattle Seahawks

Week 12

No teams are on bye.

Week 13

• Baltimore Ravens
• Indianapolis Colts
• Las Vegas Raiders
• New York Jets

Week 14

• Arizona Cardinals
• Dallas Cowboys

Eagles investing in Hurts long-term ‘a coin flip’, ‘Shocked’ if Herbert doesn’t win a ring? | FTF

Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni said that Jalen Hurts is “seeing growth” with new OC Sean Mannion. Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes, and Danny Parkins ask if Hurts is the long-term solution for the Eagles, and if Justin Herbert will ever win a Super Bowl. Plus, they discuss Caleb Williams’ ceiling entering 2026/27.

2026 NFL Bye Weeks by Team

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• Arizona Cardinals: Week 14
• Atlanta Falcons: Week 11
• Baltimore Ravens: Week 13
• Buffalo Bills: Week 7
• Carolina Panthers: Week 5
• Chicago Bears: Week 10
• Cincinnati Bengals: Week 6
• Cleveland Browns: Week 11
• Dallas Cowboys: Week 14
• Denver Broncos: Week 10
• Detroit Lions: Week 6
• Green Bay Packers: Week 11
• Houston Texans: Week 8
• Indianapolis Colts: Week 13
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Week 7
• Kansas City Chiefs: Week 5
• Las Vegas Raiders: Week 13
• Los Angeles Chargers: Week 7
• Los Angeles Rams: Week 11
• Miami Dolphins: Week 6
• Minnesota Vikings: Week 6
• New England Patriots: Week 11
• New Orleans Saints: Week 8
• New York Giants: Week 8
• New York Jets: Week 13
• Philadelphia Eagles: Week 10
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 9
• San Francisco 49ers: Week 8
• Seattle Seahawks: Week 11
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Week 10
• Tennessee Titans: Week 9
• Washington Commanders: Week 7

When Do 2026 NFL Bye Weeks Begin?

The first bye weeks of the 2026 season arrive in Week 5, when the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs are off. Bye weeks continue through Week 14, although no teams have a bye in Week 12.

When Do 2026 NFL Bye Weeks End?

The final byes are in Week 14 for the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Every team is scheduled to play in Weeks 15-18.

How Do NFL Bye Weeks Work?

Each team plays 17 games across the 18-week regular season, leaving one week without a game. That scheduled break is the team’s bye week. Bye weeks can give players time to recover and coaches an opportunity to prepare for the remainder of the season.

How Can I Watch the NFL in 2026?

NFL games air across several broadcast and cable networks throughout the season. Fans can find dates, matchups, kickoff times and TV information on the 2026 NFL schedule.

For an easy way to watch NFL games on FOX and more, fans can get live sports in one subscription with FOX One.

2026 NFL Bye Week FAQs

How Many Bye Weeks Does Each NFL Team Have?

Each NFL team has one

bye during the 18-week regular season.

Are Any NFL Teams on Bye in Week 12?

No. All 32 teams are scheduled to play in Week 12 of the 2026 season.

Which Week Has the Most NFL Teams on Bye?

Week 11 has the most teams on bye in 2026. The Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are all off that week.

The 2026 NFL schedule is subject to change. Check back throughout the season for updated bye-week and schedule information.

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This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The DraftKings Predictions promo code offer gives eligible new customers $150 in Predictions Dollars after a first event-contract trade of $5 or more. DraftKings Predictions is a separate platform from DraftKings Sportsbook: it lets you trade federally regulated event contracts through a CFTC-registered introducing broker.

No manual promo code is required. The new-customer offer is applied automatically when you register and trade through the DraftKings Predictions sign-up link.

You can review the current offer and get started here: Trade $5, get $150 in Predictions Dollars.

DraftKings Predictions at a Glance

New Customer Offer	New DraftKings Customers: Trade $5, get $150 in Predictions Dollars (paid over 14 days)*
Promo Code	None required (applied automatically via the sign-up link)
Qualifying Trade	First event-contract trade of $5 or more
Minimum Deposit	$5
Reward	$50 in Predictions Dollars after your first trade, then $50 every 7 days via click-to-claim, up to $150 over 14 days
Credit Type	Non-withdrawable Predictions Dollars (site credits); expire 1 year after issuance
Offer End Date	August 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Eligibility	One per new DraftKings customer
Availability	48 states, plus Washington DC and US territories (excludes Maine and New Hampshire)
Minimum Age	18 and over
Platform	DraftKings Sports and Casino app (iOS and Android)
Regulator	CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and NFA member

DraftKings Predictions Promo Code: New DraftKings Customers Trade $5, Get $150 in Predictions Dollars

To receive the offer, a new customer makes a first event-contract trade of $5 or more.

DraftKings then issues $50 in Predictions Dollars every seven days through a click-to-claim step over a 14-day window, for $150 in total. Each click-to-claim expires seven days after it is issued.

Predictions Dollars are site credits that cannot be withdrawn directly. Any proceeds generated once the credits are traded may be withdrawable, subject to the platform terms. You can review the full offer details and start through the DraftKings Predictions sign-up link.

*Event Contract Trading is offered by DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and NFA member. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Market availability varies. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time trade req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Predictions Dollars that expire in 1 year.

Rewards are issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. Click-to-claims expire 7 days after issuance. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: dkng.co/predictionspromo. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

How to Claim the DraftKings Predictions Offer

1. Sign up through the DraftKings Predictions sign-up link (click here). Existing DraftKings customers can use their current login.
2. Complete identity verification (KYC) by providing accurate personal details and a valid government-issued ID, as required for a CFTC-regulated platform.
3. Add at least $5 to your Predictions balance using an accepted deposit method.
4. Place a first event-contract trade of $5 or more to qualify for the offer.
5. Return to claim $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim over a 14-day window, for $150 in total. Each click-to-claim expires 7 days after it is issued.

What Is DraftKings Predictions?

DraftKings Predictions is a prediction markets platform where participants trade event contracts on the outcomes of future real-world events.

Each contract is tied to a question about a future event, which can be a yes-or-no question or one with several possible outcomes. You take a position on the outcome you expect, and the contract settles once the real-world result is known. A contract’s price reflects how likely the market thinks that outcome is

The platform is operated by GUS III LLC, doing business as DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and member of the National Futures Association.

That means participants access event contracts through a federal regulatory framework overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, rather than the state-by-state structure used by traditional sportsbooks.

DraftKings Predictions is a distinct platform from DraftKings Sportsbook, though it can be accessed within the DraftKings Sports and Casino app using the same DraftKings account. 

It launched in December 2025 and, on June 26, 2026, moved onto its own in-house exchange, DKeX, giving DraftKings more direct control over its prediction-market infrastructure.

How DraftKings Predictions Works

DraftKings Predictions runs on event contracts. Each contract poses a yes or no question about a future event, such as the result of a game, an economic reading, or a cultural outcome (though market availability varies by state).

A participant takes a position on the side they expect, and the contract settles once the real-world result is known.

Contract prices range from $0.01 to $0.99 and move with the market’s view of how likely an outcome is. A price closer to $0.99 reflects an outcome the market sees as more likely, and a price closer to $0.01 reflects the opposite.

A contract that settles in a participant’s favor is worth $1.00, and one that does not is worth $0.00, so the value of a position can rise or fall before it settles.

Prices are set by supply and demand among participants rather than by DraftKings. Participants trade with one another on the exchange, not against the operator, which is a core difference from a sportsbook.

DraftKings earns a per-contract fee that is built into trade pricing and charged on each side. Trading involves risk of loss, and a position can move against a participant before it settles.

DraftKings Predictions Markets and Features

• Event-contract categories: sports, economics and finance, politics, culture and entertainment, plus price markets on assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, funded in US dollars.
• Combos: a multi-contract trade type introduced in 2026 that lets participants bundle several event contracts into a single position. Trading restrictions apply.
• DKeX exchange: DraftKings’ in-house prediction-market exchange, launched June 26, 2026.
• App access: DraftKings Predictions is available within the DraftKings Sports and Casino app on iOS and Android; existing DraftKings account holders can take part without creating a new login.
• Funding: supports debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, ACH bank transfer, and wire transfer; DraftKings does not charge a deposit fee, though your bank or provider may. Payment method may vary by location.
• Fees: a tiered per-contract fee structure applies based on the contract price at the time of the trade, charged per side.
• Order types: market entry and exit are supported; resting limit orders are not currently offered.

Available markets and features vary by state and change as the platform and regulations evolve. Confirm what is available in your state within the DraftKings Predictions app before trading.

DraftKings Predictions vs Other Prediction Markets

DraftKings Predictions enters a fast-growing space that is still led by a handful of established platforms. Kalshi and Polymarket are the two clear market leaders, with the deepest liquidity and the broadest market coverage. Kalshi offers wider sports coverage than DraftKings, including niche markets that DraftKings does not yet match, while Polymarket is known for crypto-native funding and a deep pool of politics markets.

Where DraftKings stands out is brand familiarity for US customers, its Combos trades, and a built-in responsible-trading toolset. For a wider view of how the platforms compare, see the FOX Sports best prediction markets roundup.

Is DraftKings Predictions Available in My State?

Because DraftKings Predictions operates under federal CFTC regulation rather than state gaming law, its availability model differs from a traditional sportsbook.

DraftKings Predictions is available in 48 states, plus Washington DC and US territories including Puerto Rico. It is not available in only two states:

Available markets vary by state. Sports event contracts are offered in a subset of states, generally those without an online sportsbook, such as California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Other states offer non-sports markets only, such as financial, economic, and cultural events.

Available markets can change as regulations evolve. Participants must be 18 or older. You must be physically located in a state where a market is offered, and the platform is not available on tribal land. For the current state-by-state breakdown, see DraftKings’ official availability page.

DraftKings Predictions Customer Support

DraftKings Predictions offers the same support channels as other DraftKings platforms. Participants can reach help through the following options:

• Live chat available through the app and Help Center
• Email support at support@draftkings.com
• Social support on X at @DK_Assist

The in-app Help Center covers account setup, identity verification, funding, and how event contracts settle.

Recent DraftKings Predictions Updates

Recent milestones for the platform:

• December 19, 2025: DraftKings Predictions launched in 38 US states, 17 of them with sports markets.
• By mid-2026, availability expanded to 48 states, plus Washington DC and US territories.
• May 2026: DraftKings introduced Combos, letting participants bundle several event contracts into a single position.
• June 26, 2026: DraftKings Predictions moved onto its in-house exchange, DKeX.

Responsible Trading

Trading event contracts involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Past trends are not indicative of future results.

Never commit more than you can afford to lose, and review each market question, the contract price, and the settlement rules before taking a position.

• Only trade with CFTC-registered entities, and avoid unregulated or offshore platforms that fall outside CFTC jurisdiction.
• Review the exchange rulebook and contract terms before trading.
• Use only the official DraftKings Predictions website and app.
• Be cautious of any promise of a big payoff, and never risk more than you can afford to lose.

*Event Contract Trading is offered by DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and NFA member. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Market availability varies. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time trade req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Predictions Dollars that expire in 1 year. Reward issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. Click-to-claims expire 7 days after issuance. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: dkng.co/predictionspromo. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

DraftKings Predictions Promo Code FAQs

Do I need a DraftKings Predictions promo code?

No. There is no manual code to enter. The new-customer offer applies automatically when you register and trade through the DraftKings Predictions sign-up link.

What is the DraftKings Predictions new-customer offer?

Eligible new DraftKings customers who make a first event-contract trade of $5 or more can receive $150 in Predictions Dollars, issued as $50 every seven days via click-to-claim over a 14-day window.

How do Predictions Dollars work?

Predictions Dollars are single-use, non-transferable site credits that cannot be withdrawn directly. They can be used on eligible trades, and they expire one year after they are issued.

Is DraftKings Predictions the same as DraftKings Sportsbook?

No. DraftKings Predictions and DraftKings Sportsbook are different platforms. Predictions is for trading federally regulated event contracts, while the sportsbook offers state-regulated sports betting.

Participants access DraftKings Predictions within the DraftKings Sports and Casino app using their existing DraftKings account, but Predictions keeps a separate wallet, so funds deposited into other DraftKings products cannot be used for it.

What can I trade on DraftKings Predictions?

Participants can trade event contracts across categories including sports, economics and finance, politics, culture and entertainment, and price markets on assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Available markets vary by state.

Is DraftKings Predictions available in my state?

DraftKings Predictions is available in 48 states, plus Washington DC and US territories, and is not available in Maine or New Hampshire. Sports markets are offered in a subset of states, so confirm what is available in your state in the app or on DraftKings’ official availability page.

What is the minimum age to use DraftKings Predictions?

The minimum age is 18. The in-app verification step confirms eligibility for your location.

Source

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Even John Harbaugh can’t say for sure whether the Giants are going to be good this season after 12 mostly miserable years. But one thing their new coach is very clear about is that they’re going to be prepared.

That’s a big reason why his practices are so long — 2.5 hours on Monday in 90-degree heat and stifling humidity, in what was the team’s first practice after their 10-day camp-opening trip to West Virginia. Harbaugh’s practices are crisp, too. There isn’t a lot of standing around, and there is a purpose to every drill they do from the moment they hit the field.

That is … different than what it was under Brian Daboll … and Joe Judge … and Pat Shurmur … and, to an extent, even Tom Coughlin, who drilled his players hard but not often for as long. Still, the early reviews from the players have been nothing but positive. Or, at the very least, they’re not complaining. There’s been too much losing around here for too long for anyone to be upset about an accomplished coach who wants to push them.

And Harbaugh has been thrilled to learn that these Giants are ready to work.

“I see it, in this organization and this team, with the players especially,” Harbaugh told me shortly after practice. “These players are determined to do what is required to become good enough, to earn the right to have a chance to win a football game.

“I feel like I see that. I see it every day in what they do and how they carry themselves and how hard they work. And I know they look back and they say, ‘Man, we’re getting better. We see it.'”

That alone could go a long way toward changing the culture of an organization that has had double-digit losses 10 times in the past 12 years, including the 4-13 season last year that got Daboll fired and led the Giants to lure Harbaugh with a five-year, $100 million deal. How many wins it translates to, though, will probably be determined by the growth of second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart and the health of key players like receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo. 

But the big expectation is that no matter what happens, no matter who is on the field, Harbaugh — who was fired after 18 seasons in Baltimore despite a 180-113 record, a Super Bowl championship, and 12 trips to the playoffs — will have this team ready to be way more competitive than it has been in the recent past. And if that ramps up the expectations and puts more pressure on the head coach, that’s OK. He understands it.

“Heck yeah,” Harbaugh told me. “People want to win.”

A Few Other Observations

• Harbaugh, a former special teams coach, spent a lot of time on special teams during the 2.5 hours, especially at the beginning. It would be a shock if the Giants weren’t markedly improved in that area.
• It’s hard to tell from one practice, but don’t expect the Giants to shy away from QB Jaxson Dart’s running just because he suffered a concussion and was evaluated for several other hits to the head as a rookie. That figures to be a huge part of their offense. In fact, Harbaugh is likely to lean heavily on running with Dart, Skattebo and running back Tyrone Tracy. The run game could have an extra punch after the Giants signed 300-pound, six-time Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard.
• Dart had his right ankle stepped on early in practice and had a noticeable limp for a while, but kept playing. He also made the play of the day when he ran on a third down and not only picked up the first down, but slid in bounds before taking a hit. That slide — something he rarely did last season — drew huge cheers from his teammates and coaches.

Jaxson Dart took plenty of hits as a rookie in 2025. (Photo by Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)

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Nabers is recovering from a torn ACL and a torn meniscus in his right knee after surgery to repair the damage in October and another cleanup procedure in the spring. He did only individual drills on Monday, which was basically what he did during the Giants’ trip to West Virginia. The reports from there were generally good, but it’s clear the Giants are being cautious with him.

And they should be, because he’s the one elite talent they have in that spot. They’re deep at that position. Rookie Malachi Fields is both big (6-foot-4, 222) and fast. They have solid veterans in Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton, a potentially good slot receiver in Calvin Austin, and a couple of long-shot veterans in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Odell Beckham. 

But Nabers is the difference-maker. He showed that as a rookie in 2024 when he caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in just 15 games. His second season ended in Week 4 — in the second quarter of Dart’s first NFL start. 

Quote Of The Day

“We’ve been begging him to do that for a while now.”

— Giants edge rusher Brian Burns on why everyone cheered so loudly when quarterback Jaxson Dart finally slid along the sidelines.

Long-Term View

Improved, But Maybe Not Good Enough To Contend

So much has changed about the Giants, it’s hard to get a real feel for how things will go in Harbaugh’s first season. There is no doubt they will be better. Their quarterback should be improved. They have more talent. They will be a much, much better-coached team. That should be good for another three to four wins, which could put them on the edge of playoff contention.

But will Nabers be at full strength and back to his old self early in the season? What about Skattebo, who has been practicing fully but still needs to test his knee in a game? If those two can pick up right where they left off, the Giants could be a surprise playoff contender if they stay healthy. If they don’t, their path is much more difficult.

Cam Skattebo is just one of a few key Giants players returning from a season-ending injury. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

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My guess is it’ll be somewhere in the middle. Figure the Giants to win around six to eight games, depending on their health, but expect that they will improve as the season goes along. For this year, that might just mean more competitive football and even an important game or two in December. Then they can set themselves up nicely to be a real contender in 2027.

My Next Stop: Bucs, Jets Joint Practice

 

I’m headed to Florham Park, New Jersey, where the New York Jets will be hosting the first of two joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday morning. Bucs coach Todd Bowles will be making his return to the Jets’ suburban practice facility, where he ran the drills as their head coach from 2015-18.

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The 2024 NFL draft class featured six current starting quarterbacks, three of which have at least reached a conference title game, but there’s one signal caller that stands out among the rest, according to FOX Sports’ Nick Wright.

On a recent episode of “First Things First,” Wright said Caleb Williams will end up being the premier quarterback of his draft class, pointing to his arm strength and recent postseason performances as defining traits heading into year three.

“I think Caleb has maybe the strongest arm in the league,” Wright said. “Certainly a top three arm strength. I also do value that I thought Caleb played some of his best ball in the playoffs, and I thought Drake played very poorly.

Wright assigned Williams 45% of the likelihood to emerge as the top quarterback in the class, placing him ahead of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who both have reached a conference title game and Super Bowl, respectively.

While Maye claimed 40% percent of Wright’s projections, Daniels received 13% and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a 2% chance to be the best quarterback in the class, according to Wright.

“I think the other three guys’ raw talent is so much higher and Caleb and Drake are also so much younger that I think there’s more of an upside there,” Wright continued. “Jayden Daniels. I am legitimately concerned about his long-term viability with that style and frame. It has been a consistent take. All that’s ever been done is proven right. We’ll see how this year goes.”

In Wright’s breakdown, Williams holds a distinct physical advantage over his peers when operating outside the pocket. Beyond having raw arm strength, Wright cited Williams’ ability to run as a key difference between him and Maye.

“I think [Williams] is a better runner, I think he has a stronger arm,” Wright said before acknowledging Maye finished with more rushing yards than Williams last season. “If you’re asking me who is more dangerous as a runner, I think it’s Caleb.”

As Williams, Maye, Nix and Daniels move forward in their respective careers, their performances will continue to be compared to one another until someone is able to prove they’re the best of the class on the gridiron.

NFL Related Stories

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Preseason officially kicks off for 30 of 32 teams across the NFL this week, but contract matters continue to dominate the news.

Monday featured a major contract agreement for Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and an extension for New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry. Aaron Rodgers also did something relatively unusual at Pittsburgh Steelers practice, while there’s another update to share on Aaron Donald’s potential return to play. 

Here is the latest news from around the league.

Star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million extension with the Cowboys, NFL Network reported Monday. The deal for Williams reportedly includes $101 million guaranteed with $63.35 million due at signing.

Williams is entering year two in Dallas after arriving at last year’s trade deadline. With a wave of massive contracts hitting the defensive line market this summer, all eyes now shift to the ripple effect on the rest of the league.

“Usually, if you have two people wanting to get something done, it can get done. … Every deal is different,” Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones told reporters, via The Athletic. “You just hit certain bumps in the road where things don’t. It’s not because we don’t want to. … We’re always in the mode if it’s the right situation to do a deal.”

Next in line for a payday at defensive tackle is Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Vita Vea, who requested a trade at the start of training camp. Maybe a new contract for Williams could reignite negotiations between Vea and the Buccaneers? Vea is entering the final year of his contract, which holds a $17 million base salary. 

The Cowboys put quite the investment into Williams before the extension. At last year’s trade deadline, they traded defensive lineman Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and the more favorable of their two 2027 first-round picks for Williams.

The New England Patriots agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with tight end Hunter Henry on Monday, ESPN reported Monday. The extension reportedly carries a base value of $16 million with incentives that could raise the total value to $20 million, including $14.5 million guaranteed. 

The 31-year-old tight end had one year remaining on his previous contract and is now locked in through the 2027 season. Henry served as a primary target for quarterback Drake Maye last season, hauling in 60 receptions for 768 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers took an unconventional turn during practice on Monday, lining up as an edge defender against his team’s second-string offense. 

Video captured the veteran quarterback working on defensive reps during team drills. The moment offered a lighthearted break during competitive practice sessions as Rodgers continues his training camp workload.

As the 42-year-old Rodgers returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers for one more season, the quarterback made news over the weekend when he credited Mike Tomlin for helping him get his spark back last year. 

“I’m thankful for last year with Coach Tomlin, because he helped me get that love back, that deep love back for the game,” Rodgers told SiriusXM Radio. “That, you know, tearing my Achilles and going through a year of rehab, and just never feeling like myself, it just kind of beats you up a little bit, and I didn’t want that to be my ending in the game that I love so much, and Mike and being around the guys, got me that love back, and I was content in walking away.”

While Tomlin left the Steelers this offseason, Rodgers nearly followed him until the team decided to hire one of his former coaches with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, to replace him.

“They hired Mike McCarthy, and I was like, ‘OK, maybe we need a full circle here, me and Mike need a full circle here,'” Rodgers said.

Aaron Donald is continuing to spark rumors of his return. His trainer shared a video of Donald training alongside Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske. 

The video came a few days after Donald had an official workout with the Rams, only heightening the speculation that he’ll return. It’s been rumored that his decision could come soon, with Rams head coach Sean McVay saying in late July that Donald would likely make a decision later in August.

Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time First-Team All-Pro selection, has maintained an active training regimen following his retirement from professional football in 2024.

More News & Notes

• Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins exited Monday’s practice accompanied by team trainers. Head Coach Sean Payton said Dobbins is dealing with a soft tissue injury.
• Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the entire preseason as he will be sidelined with a groin injury, CBS Sports reported. The team believes he will be back for the regular season opener.
• The New England Patriots announced that they traded OL Caedan Wallace to the Miami Dolphins along with a 2029 seventh-rounder in exchange for a 2028 sixth-rounder.
• San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was held out of Monday’s practice with what the team described as ‘tightness,’ though his absence is expected to be brief.
• Detroit Lions starting center Cade Mays suffered a fractured bone in his wrist, which is expected to keep him out for 8-to-10 weeks with a targeted return around mid-season.
• Isiah Pacheco has an MCL sprain but should be good to go by the start of the regular season, according to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
• Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater and cornerback Tarheeb Still both missed practice for the third straight day.

Source

OXNARD, Calif — New Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant knows what a winning culture looks like.

Durant, who spent the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, nearly helped his old team play in their third Super Bowl over the course of a decade this past year. Now, the fifth-year pro is being tasked with helping turn around a Cowboys’ defense that was statistically the worst in football last season — and he’s already making an impact in trying to turn things around.

During an intense, fully padded practice on Sunday, Durant and other Cowboys defensive players celebrated every pass deflection and forced turnover by rushing the field before aggressively trash-talking in the faces of Dallas stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. 

“Every day we come out here, we want to compete at a high level and do your one-eleventh,” Durant told me. “And it’s on display every day we come out here. High energy, everybody doing their part and bringing what we do in the classroom and make it come to life on the field.”

While Durant has brought an energy to the Cowboys’ defense so far in training camp, he’s not the key person who joined Dallas this offseason to revitalize that unit. Defensive whiz and new coordinator Christian Parker has been the heart of the reenergized unit. Parker was hired by the Cowboys to run their defense after serving as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach over the last couple of seasons, working under Vic Fangio in Philadelphia and Denver. 

Christian Parker joined the Cowboys to beocme their defensive coordinator this offseason after a stint with the Eagles. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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And what has helped Parker form such a quick connection with his unit (which features eight new starters) is his age. The 34-year-old has brought a culture shift, wearing a pair of Jordan 11s, navy blue sweats and a cut-off hoodie with white sleeves while calling plays on a radio along the sideline during practice. 

“That’s dead,” Parker screamed, high-fiving coaches and players nearby as his defense stuffed a red-zone run. 

Durant said not only is Parker detailed, but his youthful energy is infectious. 

“He’s a real players’ coach who’s willing to listen and see what our thoughts are,” Durant, who is only five years younger than Parker, told me. “And also helping us as defensive vets and as a unit. It’s good to have a coach pour into you and allow you to just be you when you’re on the grass.”

“He’s very direct. He knows what he wants out of his guys, and he does a really good job of teaching and communicating,” edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku added about Parker, who is also the youngest defensive coordinator in Cowboys history. “But he’s a cool guy at the same time. He’s very chill, very relatable. He’s got some swag to him.” 

Cornerback Cobie Durant had three interceptions with the Rams in 2025 before signing with the Cowboys in March. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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And as the Cowboys’ defense has been fired up and ready to fight back at the offense, Lamb has taken notice. 

“It’s fire, man,” Lamb said. “I embrace it. I love it. It’s good to see your defense come out with that type of energy, that type of fire, that type of aggression early on. And for our offense, they leave us no choice to either bow down or fight back and to get back on top.

“And I know one thing about us: We won’t bow down to anybody.” 

However, Parker had some bumps in his early days at training camp. Parker said he’s not a fan of the flood of access available to fans and media at training camp practices, which includes live streams and videos from 11-on-11 team drills posted on social media by folks in attendance.

Parker noted that he picked up things as a coach for other teams watching those same videos. But owner Jerry Jones isn’t changing his training camp policy — the more eyeballs on his team, the better, and Parker is learning to adjust to the constant attention on “America’s Team.”

But as for on-field matters, one of the key chess pieces for Parker’s defense is first-round pick Caleb Downs, who provides the versatility Pro Bowl defensive back Cooper DeJean offered for the Eagles. The Ohio State product is working at safety and slot cornerback, showing up in pass coverage over the two days I watched practice, including breaking up two passes intended for Lamb.

A physical presence who provides leadership and playmaking ability, Downs is expected to thrive in Parker’s scheme.

“He’s a guy who’s not afraid to fail and is not going to make the same mistake [twice],” Durant told me. “And that’s what you want in this league. When you come in, and you see all these big names, with some guys that could mess with your confidence. With him, it doesn’t faze him.”

And while Parker might not like the amount of access outsiders have at Cowboys camp, the team’s practices have been all about football this year, which is a big change from last year. Gone are the constant headlines generated by the contentious Micah Parsons contract negotiations and eventual trade to the Green Bay Packers.

That’s allowed Brian Schottenheimer to take an old-school approach to practice as he enters his second season as head coach. On Saturday, Schottenheimer lit into coaches and players for what he deemed a lackadaisical approach to the start of practice.

“I just felt like the energy was a little bit off,” Schottenheimer said. “I felt like we broke stretch in bag (drills) and went to circuit drills, and the coaches weren’t as organized as I thought they should be. And so, I’m always going to point out what I feel. And I think they got the message and ended up putting together a hell of a practice.”

Schottenheimer also has players run gassers at the end of practice for extra conditioning. 

“It’s probably painful because you just did a whole practice,” receiver George Pickens said about the end-of-practice conditioning. “But definitely conditioning is another component of the game that can definitely give you an edge over guys.” 

Obviously, the Cowboys hope that those conditioning drills will be part of what gets them over the hump as they seek their first Super Bowl title in over three decades. Prescott has made it clear in the opening weeks of training camp that he and the team have the Lombardi Trophy in their sights, going as far as to say he’s “manifesting” it to happen. 

Parker, Schottenheimer and Prescott will get a good test of where those dreams stand during a joint practice against the Rams at Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills headquarters on Tuesday. Last year, the Cowboys were overwhelmed by the Rams’ bevy of playmakers, with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams going up and down the field for scores in a foreshadowing of what was to come in 2025.

Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have Super Bowl dreams for 2026, and they think they have a defense that could help them accomplish that. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Durant is hoping for a different result against his former team this year. 

“I’m overly excited,” Durant told me. “I went up against that offense for four years. It’s a high-powered offense. You got Matthew Stafford, the running backs in the backfield and the wide receiver core — it’s a sight to see when you’re in practice going up against it.

“But now I’m here with the Dallas Cowboys, running a new defense with new guys on this defense. And now you’ll actually get to see what the guy next to you is really about, going against another offense.”

And Schottenheimer is highly anticipating Tuesday’s practice, too. 

“I want to see these guys play,” Schottenheimer said. “I want to see the same passion and play style that they do against our guys. I want to see them do it against them. But it’s a building block, another ramp-up.”

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Barring rainouts, the World Series will end in October for just the second time since 2020.

The Series will start on Oct. 23 and Game 7 would be on Oct. 31, Major League Baseball announced Monday. The World Series ended in November in 2001, ’09, ’10, ’15, ’16, ’17, ’21, ’22, ’23 and ’25, going as late as Nov. 5 in 2022.

AL Division Series will have an extra scheduled off day between Games 1 and 2, a format that allows a team to have the same pitchers start Games 1 and 4, and Games 2 and 5 on normal four days’ rest. Last year, NL Division Series had the extra off day.

All four best-of-three Wild Card Series are scheduled for consecutive days from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the site of the higher seed.

Twelve teams make the playoffs under the format that began in 2022. The top two teams in each league get first-round byes, while the No. 3 seed faces No. 6, and No. 4 plays No. 5. The higher seed will be home in each best-of-three series.

In the best-of-five Division Series, the top seed plays the 4-vs.-5 winner and the No. 2 seed plays the 3-vs.-6 winner. The Division Series will have the familiar format of the higher seed home for Games 1 and 2, and, if necessary, Game 5.

AL and NL Division Series will start Oct. 3. The National League Championship Series starts Oct. 11 and the American League Championship Series the following day. Both of those are best-of-seven matchups.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The Carolina Panthers signed Kyle Trask as a third quarterback on Sunday with Hall of Fame game hero Haynes King expected to miss time with a hamstring injury.

Trask gives the Panthers a third QB behind starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett.

Trask has familiarity with Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, having spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has limited game experience, with only 11 career pass attempts during his career.

King, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech, ran in from the 5 on the final play to give the Panthers a dramatic 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, to kick off the NFL preseason.

The Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year last season, King was 21 of 34 for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 39 yards and the winning score.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said King strained his hamstring on the final play and will not play Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.

Panthers Starters To Play 10-20 Plays vs. Bills

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young and the rest of the team’s starters will play about 10-20 plays against the Bills, depending on the flow of the game, according to Canales.

The starters did not play against the Cardinals.

“I’m excited to just go out there with the guys,” Young said after practice Sunday. “Any time you get to play live football it’s a privilege. especially after last week and just to be around it. You get that itch again.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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After more than a decade in the NFL, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from football once again, informing the Detroit Lions on Sunday of his decision to retire, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Sunday.

“I’ve known Teddy a long time and the human being is unbelievable. Certainly, the player, everything that he’s about. The type of teammate he is, the way he prepares … always played the game up here and had a huge heart,” Campbell told reporters. “He’s gonna be missed.”

This is the second time Bridgewater has retired from professional football. Following his retirement after the 2023 season, he took over as head coach at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he helped lead the program to a Class 3A state title.

But after the conclusion of Miami Northwestern’s 2024 season, Bridgewater unretired and re-joined the Lions for the conclusion of their 2024 campaign. He played the entirety of the 2025 NFL season, spending the year as Baker Mayfield’s backup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bridgewater, now 33, opted to join Detroit again back in March. But this return was short-lived, as he was officially placed on the reserve/retired list on Sunday morning, likely ending his playing career for good. 

He posted a heartfelt goodbye message on Instagram on Monday afternoon.

“I think he can only truly answer that, but I feel like this is where it’s at for sure right now. This is where it needs to be and where he felt,” Campbell said when asked if he thought Bridgewater could unretire again. “And his biggest worry was letting us down. That’s the type of guy he is and he’s not.”

Bridgewater’s retirement leaves undrafted Illinois rookie Luke Altmyer as the only remaining quarterback on the roster behind starter Jared Goff.

After being drafted at No. 32 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft, he carved out a long NFL career. Bridgewater spent time in the league with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins before his stints with the Lions and Buccaneers over the last few seasons. 

Over his 11-year career, Bridgewater posted a 33-32 starter record, completing 66.3% of his passes for 15,182 yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. His best season came in 2015, when he earned Pro Bowl honors and led the Vikings to an 11-5 record and an NFC North title.

The turning point of Bridgewater’s career came in 2016, when he suffered a career-threatening injury during training camp. He sustained a gruesome, non-contact left knee dislocation, tearing several ligaments, most famously including his ACL. 

The gruesome injury threatened not only Bridgewater’s career, but his leg as well, with doctors fearing for a potential amputation at the time. He missed the entire 2016 season and suited up for just a few snaps in a game in 2017 before becoming a free agent that offseason.

Whether Bridgewater returns to the high school sidelines remains to be seen. But his sudden retirement forces the Lions to explore the market for an experienced backup quarterback with the start of the NFL season less than a month away.

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With the five-person class of this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame of Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly in the rearview, we can turn our attention to next year’s class. 

Of course, that will likely mean another discussion about the résumés of two controversial snubs who were not inducted as part of Saturday’s ceremony: former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The news of their snubs (specifically Belichick’s) outweighed the news of those who were included as part of the Class of 2026, making them central figures among the candidates for the Class of 2027.

Along with those two, first-time eligible candidates who make sense as possible first-ballot selections include tight end Rob Gronkowski, running back Adrian Peterson, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and cornerback Richard Sherman. 

Offensive tackle Willie Anderson, guard Marshal Yanda and edge rusher Terrell Suggs were among the final seven modern-era candidates this past year, which means they automatically advance to the final 15 for the upcoming process. It’s the second year in a row Anderson has been an automatic finalist. 

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, players must be retired for at least five years, while the wait for coaches is one year. There are at least four inductees in each class, but no more than eight will be enshrined from the 20 finalists selected (15 modern-era finalists and a maximum of five candidates from seniors, coach and contributors categories).

The 15 modern-era finalists are cut from 10 to seven. Voters are then asked to vote for five of those candidates, with candidates needing to receive at least 80% of the vote to be inducted. If only two or fewer candidates receive 80% of the vote, then the top three vote-getters move on. 

The new voting structure has led to a splintering of the vote from the selection committee, making it harder for players to get into the Hall, which ultimately led to Belichick not getting in the past voting cycle. 

As a member of the 50-person Hall of Fame selection committee, I’ve had the honor of voting on these candidates annually. It’s always a grueling process featuring long, challenging debates that lead to deserving candidates ultimately donning gold jackets. 

Here’s a first look at some of the candidates for the upcoming class, and what I think of their chances to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.

GOOD SHOT

Belichick won an unprecedented six Super Bowls as a head coach and two more as a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. He coached the greatest player in league history in Tom Brady. The Patriots won 17 AFC East titles, made 13 appearances in the AFC Championship Game and went to nine Super Bowls. I voted for Belichick and Kraft last year and will vote for them again if they are on the ballot. 

Brady’s security blanket is another no-brainer. Gronkowski is a four-time Super Bowl champion who earned five invitations to the Pro Bowl and was on the All-Decade team for the 2010s. He’s also a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

Rob Gronkowski and Bill Belichick won three Super Bowls during their time with the Patriots.  (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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A freak of nature, Peterson was an unstoppable force as a runner for 15 seasons in the league. His 14,918 rushing yards are fifth in NFL history. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season, won league MVP and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson is a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. The only major thing he did not accomplish was a Super Bowl win, giving him strong odds to be enshrined in Canton. 

Roethlisberger was the most accomplished of the storied 2004 quarterback draft class that included Eli Manning and Philip Rivers. Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls, and at 23 years old, was the youngest quarterback to win the big game. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year, led the league in passing twice and earned six trips to the Pro Bowl. 

A six-time finalist, momentum continues to build for one of the best right tackles in league history. Anderson has finished in the top seven twice, a signal that voters are bullish on his candidacy. 

PUNCHER’S CHANCE

A seven-time finalist, Holt fell out of the top 10 during the last voting cycle after making it to the top seven the year before, which is not a good sign for his candidacy. Holt is part of a logjam at receiver and deserves serious consideration. One of the cornerstones of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt finished with 920 career receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns in 11 NFL seasons.

Torry Holt was a key part of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

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Another one of the seven finalists from the last voting cycle, Suggs is a two-time finalist. He’s eighth all-time in sacks with 139, and all seven players above Suggs on the list are in the Hall of Fame. 

Like Suggs, Yanda was one of seven finalists in this past voting cycle. Considered one of the best guards to play the game, Yanda was an eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion for the Baltimore Ravens. Yanda’s also a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. 

A charismatic trash talker and one of the leaders of the Seattle Seahawks’ fabled Legion of Boom, Sherman played in back-to-back Super Bowls, winning it all after the 2013 season. A five-time Pro Bowler, Sherman is a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. He finished with 37 interceptions in 11 NFL seasons, including stints with the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Richard Sherman is widely viewed as one of the top cornerbacks to have played in the NFL since the turn of the century. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

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One of the most complete tight ends in NFL history, only Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez had more catches among players at the position than Witten, whose 1,228 receptions rank fourth all-time. Witten’s 13,046 receiving yards are 20th in league history and second among tight ends, only trailing Gonzalez there as well. Witten is an 11-time Pro Bowler and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2012. 

UPHILL CLIMB

A two-time finalist, Manning has yet to crack the top 10 in his two voting cycles of eligibility. His postseason accolades are impressive, including two Super Bowl wins over Brady and the Patriots in which he was named MVP of both games. But also on his ledger is a 117-117 record as a starter, including a 9-26 mark in his final three seasons. Manning’s career 84.1 passer rating is 60th in NFL history.

Eli Manning won two Super Bowls, but his .500 record might keep him out of the Hall of Fame. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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A finalist for the first time last voting cycle who cracked the final 10, Williams is a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, a five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. Williams is a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor.  

One of the leaders of the Dallas defense during his time with the team, Woodson is a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler. A four-time finalist, Woodson is a member of the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor, and the player in Cowboys history to have been in the starting lineup for five different head coaches. 

Wayne is one of only nine players in league history with at least 1,000 receptions, 14,000 yards and 80 touchdowns. A seven-time finalist, Wayne has been unable to separate himself from the logjam of talented receivers that remain a part of the voting process during his candidacy. 

Can Reggie Wayne join Peyton Manning and a handful of other former Colts teammates and staffers in Canton? (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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Gore entered the league with significant knee issues but played an impressive 16 seasons for five teams, finishing as the third-leading in league history with 16,000 rushing yards. A member of the 2010 All-Decade Team, Gore was a five-time Pro Bowler who rushed for over 1,000 yards nine times and led San Francisco to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season. 

Another talented lineman who was a finalist for the second time in his third year of eligibility. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Evans served as an anchor up front for one of the most dominant offenses of his era, led by Drew Brees. 

Known for his “Superman” celebration after scoring a touchdown, Newton took home league MVP honors after leading the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 campaign and Super Bowl appearance after the 2015 season. A three-time Pro Bowler, Newton also won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011. 

Cam Newton is entering his first year of Hall of Fame eligiblity. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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A dynamic emotional leader for the Chargers alongside Hall of Famer Junior Seau, Harrison is a two-time finalist whose resume deserves a closer look. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Harrison played 15 seasons with the Bolts and Patriots and is in both teams’ Hall of Fame. He totaled 34 interceptions and 30 sacks, making him one of two players to record over 30 picks and 30 sacks in their career. The other is Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. 

A Super Bowl champion and member of the 2010s All-Decade team, Brown was a seven-time Pro Bowler and dynamic playmaker during his time in the league. However, Brown is caught in the glut of WRs worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Also, he finished his career by quitting on his teammates, stripping off his gear mid-game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And his short tenure with the Raiders was also marred by controversy. 

The emotional catalyst of Seattle’s drive to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, Lynch was dominant from 2011-14, totaling 5,357 rushing yards and scoring 56 touchdowns over that time. A member of the 2010 All-Decade Team, the five-time Pro Bowler’s 10,419 rushing yards rank just 29th all time, but in the postseason, he’s eighth all time with 970 rushing yards.

Others to consider: Alex Mack, Earl Thomas, LeSean McCoy, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith Sr., Jimmy Smith, Eric Weddle, John Abraham, Robert Mathis, Hines Ward, Gerald McCoy, Andrew Whitworth.

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