NFL Player News

Stewart (knee) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.

The defensive end logged a full practice Wednesday, a limited session Thursday and entered the weekend with a doubtful designation. Stewart missed training camp and the preseason after hyperextending his knee in late July, though he returned to practice in early September. It appears that he needs a little more time before he plays in a regular-season game.

Umanmielen is expected to start Sunday's game against the Bears in place of an inactive Patrick Jones (back), Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Umanmielen was a third-round pick out of Ole Miss last year and appeared in 16 regular-season games as a rookie, recording 24 tackles (13 solo), including 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on just 222 defensive snaps and another 88 on special teams. With Jones injured and Nic Scourton (knee) done for the year, Umanmielen is likely to see more action in 2026.

Ewers (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns.

The Jaguars traded for Ewers toward the tail end of training camp, but the 2025 seventh-rounder will be a healthy scratch Week 1 while Nick Mullens serves as Jacksonville's backup QB behind Trevor Lawrence. Ewers isn't listed as the emergency third quarterback against Cleveland, so his next chance to suit up is Week 2 against Denver on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Walker (groin) is inactive for Sunday's clash with the Colts.

The wide receiver logged limited practice sessions throughout the week leading up to the game and entered the weekend with a questionable tag. Ravens coach Jesse Minter described the injury as "minor" Tuesday, per Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com, but it's at least serious enough to keep Walker out for Week 1.

Samuel is expected to start Sunday's game against the Falcons in place of Joey Porter (back), Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Porter and the Steelers were unable to come to terms on a long-term contract extension this weekend, so he's sitting this one out with a back injury, officially. He's been linked to trade rumors. Samuel signed with Pittsburgh last season, appearing in six regular-season games, including a trio of starts. He's past the neck issues that sidelined him for most of the previous two campaigns.

Metchie (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Bears, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Metchie did enough in training camp to earn a spot on the Panthers' 53-man roster, though he'll observe Sunday's game in street clothes while Jimmy Horn and Brycen Tremayne serve as Carolina's rotational wide receivers behind Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. Metchie's next chance to play is Week 2 against the Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Sanders (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Sanders, a fourth-round selection of the Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft, will be a healthy scratch for Week 1 while Carolina rolls with Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Darren Waller and Feleipe Franks as the active tight ends for Sunday's regular-season opener. Sanders' next chance to suit up is Week 2 against the Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 20, though he may not be active for a game unless there's an injury to a tight end ahead of him on the depth chart.

Rozeboom (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

After a limited practice week, Rozeboom was listed as questionable for Week 1, but he's good to go after signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Tampa Bay over the offseason. He's expected to be a big contributor behind Alex Anzalone and rookie Josiah Trotter at linebacker.

Dortch will suit up for his Bills debut Sunday against the Texans.

Dortch was released by the Lions a few weeks ago, but he caught on with the Bills and was elevated from their practice squad Saturday. He previously caught 24 or more passes in four consecutive seasons with the Cardinals, but his role in Buffalo currently projects to primarily be in the return game, as he presumably remains behind the likes of Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer (and starters DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir) on the WR depth chart.

Ponds (calf) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans.

The second-round rookie was listed as doubtful after he suffered a strained calf on the very first day of training camp. While the Jets were hopeful he'd be ready for the start of the regular season, Ponds needs at least another week.