NFL Player News

Vidal was listed a co-backup in the the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart Monday, Eric Smith of the team's official website reports.

Vidal and offseason addition Keaton Mitchell were listed as the top backup options behind starter Omarion Hampton ahead of the team's preseason opener Thursday in Houston. Vidal returned to Los Angeles on a one-year deal in the offseason after turning 155 carries into 643 yards and three scores across 13 regular-season contests in 2025, and he's expected to be utilized as a part of a backfield committee in 2026. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel outlined that he will use all three of Hampton, Vidal and Mitchell every game, leaning on the "hot hand," which he described as "bad news" for fantasy managers and good news for him.

Meiga (undisclosed) reverted to the Panthers' injured-reserve list Monday, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The Panthers waived/injured Meiga on Sunday, and the wide receiver went unclaimed throughout the waiver process. Meiga will now spend the entirety of the 2026 season on injured reserve unless he is waived with an injury settlement.

Bako-Bewele legally changed his name this offseason, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Formerly known as Zach Tom, the Packers' starting right tackle put pen to paper on the name change to honor two of his grandparents of Nigerian descent. The team's official site reflects the change on his player page, and it also was noted on the NFL's official transaction log from Aug. 2.

The Falcons signed Sermon on Monday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Sermon spent the 2025 campaign bouncing between Pittsburgh's practice squad and active roster, but he's now getting another opportunity with a new team. He'll be competing with the likes of Nathan Carter and rookie undrafted free agent Cash Jones for a depth role in Atlanta's backfield in 2026.

Detroit released Firkser (leg) from its injured-reserve list with an injury settlement Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Firkser was going to have to spend the entire 2026 campaign on the Lions' injured-reserve list, but the move means he'll instead hit the open market. Over seven regular-season games with Detroit in 2025, he caught eight of 10 targets for 53 yards.

Allen has been building chemistry with new WR DJ Moore early on in training camp, Alec White, Mike Maynard and Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

During the Return of the Blue and Red practice Saturday, Allen connected with Moore in stride on a deep ball down the middle of the field for a 50-yard gain. Later, in a two-minute drill, Allen and Moore again hooked up twice to move the offense past midfield. Allen has fallen short of 4,000 passing yards in each of the last two seasons, which coincided with Stefon Diggs' exit from the team, but prior to that the quarterback racked up at least 4,283 yards through the air in four consecutive campaigns working with Diggs. By acquiring Moore this offseason, the Bills have increased the odds that Allen can get back to that threshold with more of an established wide receiver on the roster.

Chicago waived Hudson (undisclosed) with an injury designation Monday.

In a corresponding transaction, the Bears signed wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. Unless Hudson is claimed by another team during the current waiver period, he'll be in line to spend the entire 2026 season on Chicago's injured-reserve list.

Carter (hand) did not participate in Monday's practice, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Coach John Harbaugh does not seem overly concerned about the star strong-side linebacker's injury, meaning Carter will likely be back to practice shortly. Carter has already sustained two injuries throughout the 2026 offseason, having just recovered from an ankle issue Thursday. The team will likely be cautious with Carter's recovery, but at present, his Week 1 availability doesn't appear to be in any jeopardy.

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that Jordan (knee) is day-to-day, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

There doesn't seem to be reason to believe it's a severe injury at this point, but it brings Jordan's availability for Thursday's preseason game versus the Chargers into question. Until he's back, rookie second-rounder Marlin Klein could see an uptick in reps.

The Bears signed McCloud to a contract Monday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

With Luther Burden (groin) and Zavion Thomas (knee) both sidelined, McCloud was signed as an additional depth piece at wide receiver. Wide receiver Kyron Hudson (undisclosed) was waived/injured in a corresponding move. McCloud will likely have to beat out fellow veteran Scotty Miller for the No. 6 receiver role in order to garner a spot on the 53-man roster.