NFL Player News

Broughton is expected to miss the remainder of the year after sustaining a hip injury in Sunday's 26-21 loss to the 49ers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 2025 third-round pick from Texas flashed potential during his NFL debut in Week 2, recording three total tackles across 24 defensive snaps. Broughton is now seeking multiple medical opinions to determine if surgery is necessary. However, both Nathan Shepherd and Jonathan Bullard are likely to see increased defensive work in Broughton's absence.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Monday that Highsmith (ankle) is not likely to be placed on injured reserve, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 28-year-old exited Sunday's loss to the Seahawks with what Tomlin described as a high-ankle sprain, but it now appears the injury isn't as serious as it was previously considered. Highsmith played 10 defensive snaps and recorded one total tackle before leaving the Week 2 affair. Even so, he's unlikely to suit up for Pittsburgh's Week 3 matchup against the Patriots, meaning Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig are expected to have expanded defensive roles.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen said Monday that Thomas entered Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Bengals nursing a wrist injury, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Thomas wasn't listed on Jacksonville's injury report leading up to Sunday's loss, so his wrist injury could have been sustained over the weekend. An injury would somewhat explain Thomas' inefficiency versus Cincinnati, as he secured just four of 12 targets for 49 yards during the narrow loss and at times seemed to visibly shy away from contact. Coen said Thomas "knows he needs to have a great week of practice," per Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville radio, so fantasy managers will need to monitor whether the Year 2 wideout is listed on Wednesday's first injury report of Week 3 ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Texans.

Johnson is out indefinitely after sustaining a groin injury during Sunday's 52-21 loss to the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 26-year-old corner missed all of training camp and the Bears' regular-season opener due to a groin injury, and after aggravating the issue Sunday, he's expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Johnson played 19 defensive snaps before exiting the Week 2 loss, recording two total tackles. While the extent of his injury is unclear, Chicago will continue to evaluate whether surgery is necessary. In Johnson's absence, Nahshon Wright and Jaylon Jones are both projected to see expanded defensive roles at outside cornerback.

Smith recorded 15 total tackles (eight solo), including three tackles for loss, and returned a fumble 63 yards for a touchdown in Sunday's 41-17 win over the Browns.

The 28-year-old was dominant in Baltimore's divisional win Sunday, becoming the first NFL player since at least 2008 to record at least 15 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one defensive touchdown in the same game, per Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com. Smith excelled against the run, registering six stops on rushing plays, with five of those coming within three yards of the line of scrimmage. The All-Pro linebacker currently ranks second in the NFL with 25 total tackles through two games. He's expected to continue wreaking havoc on opposing offenses ahead of a Week 3 matchup against the Lions.

Mukuba recorded six total tackles (five solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one interception in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Chiefs.

The 2025 second-round pick from Texas appears to be emerging as another defensive star for the Eagles, having now recorded 10 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, and one interception through his first two NFL games. Mukuba has been on the field for 91 of the Philadelphia's 113 defensive snaps this season, so it appears he's already established himself as one of the team's top safeties. The 22-year-old will look to build on his strong start when the Eagles face the Rams in Week 3.

Pearce registered two tackles, including 0.5 sacks, during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Atlanta's first-round rookies, Pearce and Jalon Walker, each recorded their first career sacks as their defense dominated J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings during Sunday Night Football. Fellow rookies Billy Bowman and Xavier Watts also recorded their first career picks. Pearce and Walker continue to rotate with Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd.

Walker notched two tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

The Falcons' first-round rookies, Walker and James Pearce, each recorded their first career sacks as their defense dominated J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings on primetime. Fellow rookies Billy Bowman and Xavier Watts also recorded their first career interceptions during what was likely a cathartic experience for Falcons fans after Atlanta's defensive deficiencies in recent seasons. Walker and Pearce continue to rotate with Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd.

Simmons and the Titans agreed to terms Monday on a contract revision that provides him a $632,529 raise for the 2025 season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Simmons' new deal retroactively compensates him the 17th game check not covered under his prior extension, setting a new precedent for such restructures. The standout defensive tackle has been productive through two appearances to begin the 2025 season, with six tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, plus one forced fumble. Simmons and Tennessee will work to get in the win column at home against the Colts in Week 3.

Baun tallied six total tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Chiefs.

The Wisconsin product was relatively productive in Week 2, tying rookie Andrew Mukuba for the third-most tackles on the Eagles' defense. Baun was one of the best inside linebackers in the league last season, recording 151 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and four passes defended over 16 regular-season contests. He'll continue to fill a key role when Philadelphia hosts the Rams in Week 3.