We’re two games into the 2026 NFL season, which felt like a small preview before Sunday’s full schedule. Although no games were played on Friday, several notable roster and injury updates emerged ahead of the weekend.
Who’s in for Week 1?
– Fantasy managers hoping for no early scratches got some good news: a few high-profile players will be available Sunday.
– Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, who dealt with an ankle sprain late in August, is cleared to play at home against the Dolphins.
– Jets running back Breece Hall, who had a groin issue in camp, is also expected to suit up; he said Thursday he’s feeling “fresh” heading into the opener.
– Buccaneers rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, whose first season was interrupted by injury, recovered from a toe problem and will be active vs. the Bengals. With Mike Evans no longer in Tampa Bay, Egbuka figures to be Baker Mayfield’s top receiving option early on.
Who’s out for Week 1?
– The Ravens will be missing defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike against the Colts; coach Jesse Minter said Madubuike is “really, really close” to returning.
– Tight end Brock Bowers was ruled out after a minor meniscus procedure and will not play vs. Miami; coach Klint Kubiak expects the absence won’t be lengthy.
– Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard remains sidelined with a pectoral injury and will miss Week 1, though Philadelphia’s defensive line depth remains strong.
– The Bucs likely won’t have WR Jalen McMillan to start the season; the third-year receiver, who missed much of last year with a neck injury, will begin 2026 on the injured list.
Other headlines
– Kyle Shanahan reportedly agreed to a contract extension with the 49ers this offseason, solidifying his long-term position after San Francisco’s season-opening win in Melbourne. Shanahan is now among the NFL’s longest-tenured head coaches, trailing only Andy Reid and Sean McVay, and holds a 92-72 record (including playoffs) with the 49ers; the team has posted double-digit wins in four of the past five seasons and reached the playoffs each year in that span.
– Quarterback news: Tua Tagovailoa didn’t practice Friday after suffering an oblique injury at Thursday’s practice, so third-string QB Cooper Rush is slated to start Sunday against the Steelers. Michael Penix Jr., still working back from a torn ACL sustained last season, had been listed as a full participant earlier in the week, suggesting his return could be imminent but not guaranteed. Rush has been a career backup but carries a 9-7 record as a starter since 2021; rookie undrafted QB Jack Strand also impressed in the preseason, completing 24-of-36 for 306 yards and flashing potential in a strong outing vs. the Colts.
Fan take: These Week 1 availability updates matter because early injuries and surprise activations can swing fantasy lineups and shape first impressions of teams’ offensive and defensive plans. Shanahan’s extension and the quarterback uncertainty around Tua highlight how stability at the coaching position and depth at QB will continue to be crucial storylines for the league this season.
Source: www.foxsports.com
