“I don’t think I’ve been in a roster with four quarterbacks. Obviously when you do that you’re taking a spot from another place in the team but, at the same time, the best 53 are gonna make it . . . those four are part of the 53,” A-Rod said Wednesday.

“I’m happy for all those guys, obviously looking to the future. Cause all the three guys will have the chance when I’m gone . . . I’m excited for those guys’ future,” Rodgers added.

The Steelers’ crowded QB room

Rodgers’ last dance in the NFL will be played in black and gold, as he looks to improve on his 2025 campaign, when the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Houston Texans. The veteran will have three other quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart, giving Mike McCarthy options to turn to if necessary.

Veteran Mason Rudolph is listed as the first backup in the QB room, while the younger quarterbacks follow behind him. Will Howard is the third option, with recently drafted Drew Allar rounding out the group.

Rodgers’ passing options

DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers’ targets last season, and the receiving corps was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately for the former Indianapolis Colts receiver, a physical setback limited his time working with his new quarterback in practice, but Rodgers himself expressed satisfaction with what he has seen, as well as Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“He was hurt, so it is what it is. We got to get him up to speed, but I feel great about — DK and Roman have had arguably 2 of the top probably 5 camps on the team. DK has looked unbelievable.”

The Steelers’ season opener

This year, expectations are high in Steel City, as the Steelers have reunited Rodgers and McCarthy, a duo that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Getting off to a strong start will be crucial, and these are the first games on their schedule as they look to do so:

• vs Atlanta Falcons, September 13 – Week 1
• at New England Patriots, September 20 – Week 2
• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 27 – Week 3
• at Cleveland Browns, October 1 – Week 4
• vs Indianapolis Colts, October 11 – Week 5

The star wide receiver has made encouraging progress during the final stages of his recovery, but the Giants are still evaluating exactly how much he can contribute when he is cleared to play.

Harbaugh explained recently that the decision will not simply come down to whether Nabers can physically take the field. The Giants will also have to determine whether he can play enough — and at a high enough level — to make his presence worthwhile.

John Harbaugh explains what Giants need from Malik Nabers

John Harbaugh was asked whether the New York Giants’ decision would be based on how much Malik Nabers can play or simply whether he can contribute in some capacity.

“It will depend. Yeah, isn’t that the same thing? How much he can play and in what capacity. That’s exactly what we’ll be looking at. Is it going to be where he needs to be to help us win? And then, he has to be confident. Of course. Because for him to play at the level he’s going to need to play for us to win and protect himseld, he’s going to have to feel good about it.”

That distinction is important. Nabers could potentially be cleared to play while still not being ready for a normal workload. In that scenario, the Giants would have to determine whether a limited role would still allow him to make a meaningful impact against Dallas.

Malik Nabers’ confidence will be crucial

John Harbaugh added that the decision ahead of Week 1 against the Cowboys will remain an ongoing conversation between the coaching staff, medical personnel and Nabers himself.

“He’s got to know he’s there. So, to me, that’s just going to be an ongoing conversation right throughout. But, it is with every player. Most players are fine. But when you come back from an injury, whether its long term or short term, hey, where do we stand with the doctors, the trainers and the player? How does he look on tape? What do the numbers say? How fast is he running? I’m not trying to make light of it, but, I kind of am, because to me it’s an obvious answer.”

Payton made that clear during his media availability on Wednesday, explaining that the Broncos believe Mahomes will be ready just like they expect Bo Nix to start in the Monday Night Football showdown.

“Look, I think, and I’m probably going to say the same for Bo [Nix], you’ve seen enough things where, you know… He’s gonna be 100%, and we’re preparing for him and his best,” Payton said about Mahomes.

“We know how talented he is, and I’m sure he’s attacked the rehab the way Bo has. Completely different injuries, but that’s kind of our approach to it.”

Patrick Mahomes’ injury with the Chiefs

Mahomes is coming back from ACL and LCL tears sustained in December during the Chiefs‘ Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, another division rival.

The quarterback’s recovery during the offseason went to plan, and all signs are pointing towards him being under center when the Chiefs host the Broncos at Arrowhead on September 14.

“He’s going to keep practicing, just like he’s been doing. These are more like training camp practices here these next couple of days (more 1-on-1),” Reid said about Mahomes’ progress on Wednesday, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.

Bo Nix’s injury in Denver

Nix is also coming back from injury, though a different one. The Broncos quarterback fractured his right ankle in the final minutes of Denver’s divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills in January.

Jarrett Stidham started in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, and even though he couldn’t lead the team to victory, Payton decided to keep him as the Broncos‘ backup quarterback for 2026. Sam Ehlinger will be the third-string QB as Denver expects Nix to start against Mahomes’ Chiefs in Week 1.

“Pass protection. We knew he could run the ball. But the thing we had to see was pass protection for him to be that No. 2 back. You’ve got to be able to do that…,” Reid said on Johnson’s role with Chiefs.

With this development, Brashard Smith appears to be the player most likely to fall down the depth chart. The Chiefs will look to make an impact on the ground, and Patrick Mahomes has the weapons needed to make it happen. This is the Chiefs’ running back depth chart for 2026:

• Kenneth Walker III
• Emmett Johnson
• Brashard Smith

What does Kenneth Walker bring to Chiefs Kingdom?

Kenneth Walker III had a massive rebound year with the Seahawks in 2025, staying healthy for all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career. As Seattle’s primary lead back, he logged 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards—averaging a crisp 4.6 yards per carry—and found the end zone 5 times on the ground.

He also proved to be a reliable safety valve in the passing game, hauling in 31 receptions for 282 receiving yards, setting up an explosive postseason run that capped off his Seahawks chapter in legendary fashion.

In the latest Super Bowl, where he was crowned champion and named MVP, Walker played a pivotal role. He finished with 27 carries for 135 rushing yards, without recording a touchdown.

Andy Reid wants to unleash the ground game

The Kansas City Chiefs had a surprisingly sluggish year on the ground in 2025, finishing 25th in the NFL with just 106.6 rushing yards per game and 1,812 total yards on 430 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) with 15 touchdowns. The backfield split work across a heavily rotated rotation—led by Kareem Hunt’s 611 yards—leaving the offense overly reliant on Patrick Mahomes to bail out early-down lulls.

Heading into 2026, Andy Reid is focused on tightening up those numbers by restoring balance to his scheme: establishing greater efficiency on first and second downs, taking pressure off the passing game, and committing to a more physical, explosive run game to keep defenses honest in the red zone.

Jaxson Dart will enter the season as the team’s starting quarterback, with veteran Jameis Winston behind him. Rather than carrying a third quarterback on the active roster, John Harbaugh and the Giants decided to use that roster flexibility elsewhere.

The decision immediately raised questions about whether the Giants were concerned about the health or availability of their two quarterbacks. Harbaugh, however, made it clear that was not the reason.

John Harbaugh explains Giants’ two-QB decision

Asked whether keeping only Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston was a statement about the team’s confidence in the health of both quarterbacks, John Harbaugh rejected that idea.

“No. I think it’s more of a statement abut the quarterback room. We like our opportunities to have a third quarterback on the practice squad. You can elevate them for a game. Teams having four QBs aren’t going to elevate more than three anyway.”

Harbaugh’s explanation makes the Giants’ strategy clear. New York prefers to keep a third quarterback on the practice squad rather than using one of its 53-man roster spots on him. If necessary, that quarterback can be elevated for a game, giving the Giants additional flexibility without permanently dedicating an active-roster spot to a third QB.

Giants gain two roster spots by keeping only two QBs

John Harbaugh also explained exactly what the New York Giants gain from the decision. “It just gives us another roster spot and, in this case, two more roster spots for other positions. That’s an advantage for us. That was our situation this year. It could change next year.”

This also shows that the Giants’ roster construction is not necessarily a long-term commitment. Harbaugh emphasized that the decision applies to the current season and could change in 2027.

What’s Giants’ QB depth chart for 2026 season?

With the roster now finalized, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston are officially the two quarterbacks on the Giants’ active roster. Dart is expected to be QB1 in his second season as the team’s starter, while Winston provides veteran experience and a proven backup option. Jake Heaner is on the practice squad and that’s the name that could be elevated as Harbaugh mentioned.

The star wide receiver has made encouraging progress recently, including participating in most of the team’s reps during the latest practice. However, the Giants still do not have enough certainty to assume Nabers will be available for a full workload in Week 1.

Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged that reality and admitted that New York must prepare for every possible outcome. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding Nabers’ status for the opener from the Giants.

John Harbaugh won’t assume Malik Nabers will play Week 1

When asked about the uncertainty surrounding Malik Nabers’ availability, John Harbaugh delivered a reference to The Odd Couple before making his point very clear.

“I’m going to give you the answer that comes immediately to my mind. The Odd Couple. Do you remember The Odd Couple? Oscar and Felix. You know the episode I’m talking about? That’s what happens when you assume. We have to plan for every outcome. Exactly. We have to plan that he’ll be there fully. We’ll have to plan that he’s not there at all. We’ll have to plan that he’s there for some partial amount.”

Harbaugh’s comments are significant because they confirm that the Giants are not operating under the assumption that Nabers will be ready to play a normal workload against Dallas. Instead, the coaching staff is preparing for three different possibilities.

Malik Nabers uncertainty makes Giants’ preparation tougher

John Harbaugh also admitted that not knowing whether one of his most important offensive players will be available creates obvious difficulties to prepare for the Dallas Cowboys.

“It makes it tough. There’s no doubt about it, but you never know if a player is going to be available or not because anything can happen. Things can happen in the first play of the game or in the last play of the game. Then, someone’s got to be ready to come in and step in. So, you just don’t overthink that. You just prepare for it. You have guys ready to play.”

“He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it,” the HC revealed per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Aidan O’Connell is the other quarterback on the Raiders’ depth chart, although he is expected to have fewer opportunities to see the field throughout the season. Ultimately, Cousins’ experience prevailed over the other options as he prepares to lead the team into another campaign.

Cousins brings plenty of NFL experience

Kirk Cousins is officially rolling into his 15th NFL season, continuing one of the most durable and steady under-center runs in modern football. Drafted in 2012 by Washington Redskins as a fourth-round backup to Robert Griffin III, Cousins took over starting duties in 2015 and never looked back, eventually carving out major multi-year chapters with Washington, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

While playoff success has been elusive, his biggest claim to fame remains his remarkable consistency and high-level individual efficiency: he’s a 4-time Pro Bowler who surpassed 44,000 career passing yards and nearly 300 passing touchdowns, earning a reputation as one of the ultimate intermediate-to-deep pocket passers and highest-earning players in league history.

A tough start to the season for Las Vegas

The Raiders are looking at a crucial opening stretch to kick off their 2026 campaign. They open up at home at Allegiant Stadium against the Dolphins in Week 1 before hitting the road for back-to-back road tests against the divisional-rival Los Angeles Chargers and a trip to the Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints.

The schedule doesn’t ease up from there, as they head back to Vegas for a massive AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, followed by a tricky Week 5 trip east to take on the New England Patriots.

“He’s a tireless worker. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate,” the General Manager said, via transcript from the team. “His time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that. I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”

The arrival of Klint Kubiak as the franchise’s new head coach signals another change in direction. Will the rookie be the right player to lead the team to a successful season, or will they instead have to rely on Kirk Cousins’ experience?

Mendoza’s first steps in the NFL

Taking his first NFL snaps as a pro, Fernando Mendoza got a true trial-by-fire experience during his 2026 preseason with the Raiders. Across the exhibition slate, the rookie completed 25 of 45 passes (55.6%) for 240 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, registering a 59.5 passer rating.

While he showed flashes from a clean pocket, his biggest growing pain was adjusting to NFL pressure and playing on time—taking 4 sacks and suffering 14 hits on 51 drop backs while learning to navigate the pocket against pro defenses.

Will Kubiak turn to Cousins?

The battle for the QB1 job in Las Vegas was fierce and closely contested. Still, Klint Kubiak explained that Kirk Cousins earned the starting role against the Miami Dolphins based on his performance throughout the offseason, which stood out above the rest of the quarterbacks.

The first challenges for Las Vegas

The Raiders are one of the NFL franchises undergoing a rebuilding process, with several new faces looking to help turn things around. Establishing themselves in the AFC West is one of the team’s first objectives, and getting off to a strong start will be crucial to building momentum.

• Week 1, vs Miami Dolphins – September 13
• Week 2, at Los Angeles Chargers – September 20
• Week 3, at New Orleans Saints – September 27
• Week 4, vs Kansas City Chiefs – October 4
• Week 5, at New England Patriots – October 11

Nabers has been gradually increasing his workload during Giants practices after undergoing a lengthy recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered last season. With Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys approaching, every update regarding his availability is being closely monitored.

Harbaugh provided an encouraging update after the team’s latest practice, revealing that Nabers was involved in most of the team’s reps after initially working with the trainers.

Malik Nabers’ update with Giants

Malik Nabers was not necessarily a traditional full participant from start to finish, but he did participate in most of the team’s work. Harbaugh explained how the receiver’s practice unfolded: “He worked with the trainers for a little bit early. Then, he came out and he was involved in most of the team reps.”

That represents another positive step for Nabers as he continues his recovery. Rather than being limited exclusively to individual work, the wide receiver was able to join the team for the majority of the practice, giving the coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate his progress.

Malik Nabers’ workload is planned

Harbaugh explained that there is no rigid plan for Nabers’ workload from one day to the next. “It’s day-to-day. He’s kind of working through what he needs from one day to the next. So, he was with Ali for some period of time and then he was out there for most of the reps.”

The Giants are therefore allowing the trainers to determine how much Nabers can handle. “It’s up to the trainers. They let us know of what he’s ready for at certain times. So, it’s part of the process.” That approach makes sense given the severity of Nabers’ injury and the importance of having him healthy when the regular season begins.

Will Malik Nabers play Week 1 against the Cowboys?

Malik Nabers’ participation in most of the latest practice reps is certainly encouraging, but it does not guarantee that he will be ready for Week 1 against the Cowboys.

The Giants have consistently taken a cautious approach with their star receiver, and Harbaugh’s comments suggest that his workload will continue to be adjusted according to how his body responds.

The goal is not simply to get Nabers onto the field as quickly as possible. It is to make sure he is ready for the much greater demands of an NFL regular-season game. For now, however, the latest update is positive.

Jones entered the NFL with enormous expectations after a standout college career at Georgia, but he never developed into the cornerstone offensive tackle the Steelers expected when they selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now, after getting a fresh start in Dallas, Jones has made it clear that he believes Pittsburgh’s coaching staff played a major role in his struggles — and that amounts to a direct criticism of Mike Tomlin, who was the Steelers’ head coach throughout Jones’ entire tenure.

Broderick Jones criticizes Mike Tomlin’s coaching staff

Broderick Jones took a shot at Mike Tomlin as he was introduced with the Dallas Cowboys. His comments are difficult to separate from the head coach who oversaw his entire development in Pittsburgh.

Explaining why he struggled with the Steelers, Jones pointed specifically to the constant changes along the offensive line and his inability to establish himself at one position.

“For me, I would just say bouncing around positions and just not being able to get my feet set. That was a challenge for me. Coming in, hopefully I can stick to one side. Compete for that job, get comfortable and get familiar with it. Get familiar with who I’ll be playing next to and go from there.”

The former first-round pick is essentially saying that he was never given the stability necessary to develop properly. Since Tomlin was responsible for the Steelers throughout Jones’ entire career, the criticism ultimately lands on the head coach and his staff.

Jones’ comments also make his trade particularly interesting because he is not simply blaming himself for failing to meet expectations. He believes the environment in Pittsburgh contributed directly to his inability to succeed.

Steelers failed to develop another first-round pick

Pittsburgh selected Jones No. 14 overall in 2023 after his impressive career at Georgia, hoping he would eventually become a long-term fixture on the offensive line.

Instead, his time with the Steelers became a combination of inconsistent performances, positional changes and injuries. His 2025 season was particularly difficult because injuries limited his ability to establish momentum, further complicating a development process that had already been inconsistent.

The Steelers ultimately decided that moving on was the best option, sending Jones to Dallas rather than continuing to wait for him to become the player they envisioned on draft night. That decision also adds another name to Pittsburgh’s increasingly concerning list of recent first-round picks who have failed to become foundational pieces.

Broderick Jones gets a fresh start with Cowboys

The Cowboys are giving Jones something he believes he desperately needed in Pittsburgh: a chance to establish himself in one position and develop consistency.

In Dallas, he will compete for a role on an offensive line responsible for protecting Dak Prescott. For Jones, the objective is simple. He wants to pick one side, become comfortable with his assignment and build chemistry with the offensive linemen around him.

That stability could be exactly what he needs to finally unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick. The Steelers may believe Jones simply did not work out. Jones’ comments suggest he sees the situation differently.

And by pointing to the constant positional changes that occurred under Mike Tomlin, the former Pittsburgh first-round pick has made it clear that he does not believe his struggles were entirely his fault.

The G-Men have four uniform options to take the field: Blue, White, Legacy, and Vintage White. Each one reflects the distinctive identity of this historic East Rutherford franchise.

Four primetime games and the hope of extending the season beyond the regular season. How far can the New York Giants go in 2026 with Jaxson Dart at the helm?

Dressed in blue

“Big Blue” is one of the Giants’ most iconic nicknames. In keeping with that identity, the blue uniform is featured throughout much of the regular season, with the team wearing it in eight games, both at home and on the road.

• Week 1 vs Dallas Cowboys, September 13 (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 3 vs Tennessee Titans, September 27
• Week 5 at Washington Commanders, October 11
• Week 6 vs New Orleans Saints, October 18
• Week 11 vs Jacksonville Jaguars, November 22
• Week 15 vs Cleveland Brows, December 20
• Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys, January 3
• Week 18 vs Philadelphia Eagles, January, TBD

Giants’ alternate uniform

The white uniform will also be part of John Harbaugh’s team, although it will be featured in fewer games. The Giants will wear their alternate uniform in just five contests, including two primetime matchups.

• Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams, September 21 (Monday Night Football)
• Week 7 at Houston Texans, October 25
• Week 12 at Indianapolis Colts, November 29
• Week 14 at Seattle Seahawks, December 13
• Week 16 at Detroit Lions, December 28 (Monday Night Football)

The Legacy uniform will also make an appearance

The Giants’ history is reflected in one of their most iconic uniforms, the Legacy. The G-Men will wear the throwback look twice during the season.

• Week 4 vs Arizona Cardinals, October 4
• Week 13 vs San Francisco 49ers, December 6

Vintage White will also be featured

The final uniform the Giants will wear this season is the Vintage White, which will be featured in two games, including one primetime matchup at the iconic MetLife Stadium.

• Week 9 at Philadelphia Eagles, November 8
• Week 10 vs Washington Commanders, November 12 (Thursday Night Football)

The New York Giants aim to rise to the occasion every NFL season, and their uniforms will be no exception. The goal of returning to the Super Bowl remains firmly in place in the Big Apple.