NFL Daily Update – August 21
Fines, fights, injuries, and data‑driven rankings headline a turbulent preseason week.
Joint Practice Brawls & Fines Dominate the Week
The NFL fined both the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 for repeated fights during their joint practice. HC Brian Schottenheimer joked, “I’m in charge of fight club.” Elsewhere, a Giants‑Dolphins session turned chaotic — Abdul Carter threw a punch, Jameis Winston was hit, and multiple players were ejected. Saquon Barkley blasted joint practices as “immature,” saying, “I hate joint practices.” Even Joe Burrow was involved in a brief scuffle at Bengals‑Bears camp. PFT’s Mike Florio questioned whether the league’s joint‑practice culture is spiraling out of control. Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, PFT (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com in Bing)
Fernando Mendoza Stumbles in Preseason Week 2
Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza threw a pick‑six on his first drive vs. Texans but rebounded as Las Vegas won 22–20. Maxx Crosby consoled Mendoza on the sideline — a viral show of support. HC Klint Kubiak still refuses to name a Week 1 starter, though Kirk Cousins remains the favorite. PFF graded Mendoza’s debut at 66.7; Week 2 was a step back. Sources: ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, PFF, PFT (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com in Bing)
Wave of Injuries Reshaping Rosters
- Ravens C Danny Pinter — Torn patellar tendon; Evan Pocic likely next man up.
- Lions TE Sam LaPorta — Hip injury, “sidelined indefinitely.” HC Dan Campbell unsure of Week 1 readiness.
- Texans WR Jayden Higgins — Torn ACL, out for season.
- Chargers C Tyler Biadasz — ACL + knee damage, out indefinitely.
- 49ers TE George Kittle — Ahead of schedule; “legit chance” to play opener.
- Colts TE Tyler Warren — Groin strain, expected for Week 1. Sources: NFL.com, PFR, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports
Vita Vea Stays in Tampa — Contract Wave
Vita Vea ended his hold‑in with a 1‑year, $30 M extension (2 yrs, $48 M total). Quote: “I always wanted to be a Buc for life.” Other moves:
- Trevon Diggs signs 1‑year deal with Seahawks.
- Von Miller joins Cowboys (1 yr, $5.5 M).
- Najee Harris signs with Giants.
- Daniel Faalele traded to Jaguars.
- Cardinals CB Garrett Williams activated from PUP. Sources: PFR, NFL.com, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, PFT (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com in Bing), Bleacher Report
Joe Burrow: “I’m Tired of Saying Next Year”
Joe Burrow declared he’s “trying to manifest” a Bengals Super Bowl, saying, “I’m tired of saying next year.” Orlando Brown Jr. under scrutiny after missed blocks; CBS Sports warns of a “midlife crisis” for AFC QBs if line issues persist. Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report
A.J. Brown vs. Eagles
A.J. Brown, now a Patriot, dominated joint practices vs. Philadelphia, then embraced Jalen Hurts afterward — a viral moment. Brown: “It’ll always be love.” Hurts praised rookie QB Drake Maye for his chemistry with Brown. Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report
PFF Rankings Drop
PFF released new unit rankings:
- Secondaries: Patriots #1, Texans #2, Broncos #3.
- Receiving Corps: Lions #1, Cowboys #2, Bengals #3.
- RB Units: Falcons #1, Lions #2, Eagles #3. Also: “5 Units That Could Regress” and “10 Highest‑Graded Players Entering Contract Years.” Source: PFF
NFL Rookies Seek Return to NCAA
A Louisiana court ruling opened a fifth‑year eligibility window. Four NFL players — Dae’Quan Wright, Anthony Hankerson, Wydett Williams, Jack Pyburn — are seeking release to return to college. The NFL CBA has no precedent for this scenario. Sources: PFR, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports
Ownership Moves & Stadium Upgrades
- Jets owner Woody Johnson buys minority stake in Aston Martin F1.
- Falcons sell 10% stake to Arctos Partners.
- Seahawks sale to Vinod Khosla approved.
- Allegiant Stadium planning $158 M north‑entrance upgrade. Sources: PFT (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com in Bing), Bleacher Report, Fox Sports
