Attention fantasy owners: Morning updates from network pregame shows to assist with lineups and roster decisions (updated frequently through 11:45 a.m. ET)…
Atlanta Falcons: Alex Smith (ESPN) visited with Kirk Cousins during the preseason. The quarterback says his job is simply to serve as a point guard and distribute to the open man, including Drake London, who Smith compares to a power forward (showing highlights of his prep basketball career).
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen is all smiles as he arrives. Rex Ryan (ESPN) loves the Cardinals in today’s game, citing a healthy Kyler Murray and their secret weapon, tight end Trey McBride.
Chicago Bears: Courtney Cronin (ESPN) sat down with Caleb Williams, who tells her the Bears don’t have a No. 1 receiver and will take advantage of opportunities for Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze when any of them is double-teamed. Allen is officially active.
Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase is ill and not expected to play a lot today, if at all, Mike Greenberg (ESPN) says. … Update (11:29 a.m. ET) — James Palmer (Underdog Fantasy) says Chase will be limited and that role would include but not be limited to red-zone and third-down situations … Bridget Condon (NFL Network) has video of Chase warming up. … Adam Schefter reports Chase has the money he wants in the deal but the holdup in negotiations is structure. Regardless, he’s unlikely to reach a deal prior to kickoff. Regarding his playing time, Schefter says Chase will make the decision with respect to his playing time. … Tee Higgins (hamstring) is not likely to play. “Who is Joe Burrow throwing to today?” Randy Moss asks.Rex Ryan (ESPN) tells a story of a similar situation involving the Jets’ Darrelle Revis, entering the season after a contract dispute; after Revis agreed to return, he popped a hamstring in Week 1. Smith sees Chase as a different situation. … Randy Moss (11:06 a.m. ET on ESPN) says Chase should not play today if he’s standing on business (Schefter just reported Chase will not have a deal); Moss adds that if Chase loves the game, he should play. … Update (11:10 a.m.): From the field, Bridget Condon on NFL Network says it’s highly likely Chase will play.
Dallas Cowboys: BREAKING (11:22 a.m. ET) — Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) reports the Cowboys and Dak Prescott are finalizing a four-year contract extension. Adam Schefter reports the deal resets the quarterback market and makes Prescott the NFL’s highest-paid player on an average-per-year basis. Update (11:39 a.m. ET) — Jane Slater (NFL Network) reports Dak Prescott told her he learned of the new deal just 30 minutes ago while preparing for today’s game at Cleveland.
Indianapolis Colts: CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones says on That Other Pregame Show that Anthony Richardson is the player waking up most confident today, and the AFC South crown will go through Indianapolis, not Houston.
Miami Dolphins: BREAKING — Adam Schefter reports Tyreek Hill on his way to the game against Jacksonville was detained by Miami police for a traffic violation. Schefter says Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said Hill will play. Jeff Darlington (ESPN) says multiple sources told him Hill got into a verbal altercation after speeding and was placed in handcuffs, but was released, cited for reckless driving and will play today. He is in the Dolphins locker room, Darlington says. In their official statement, the Dolphins say Hill will play in the game. Update (11:16 a.m.): Darlington interviews Rosenhaus, who says putting Hill in handcuffs was completely unnecessary, that Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith arrived to help and were distraught, and team security assisted in resolving the situation. Smith says the fact that Hill was face down on the ground in handcuffs was baffling.
Pittsburgh Steelers: BREAKING (11:22 a.m. ET): The Steelers announce that Justin Fields will start … ESPN reports Russell Wilson will be inactive … Mike Garafolo (NFL Network) has video of Russell Wilson warming up on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. … Alex Smith (ESPN) reminds us that Wilson’s legs are a big part of his game. … Dan Graziano (ESPN) reports live from Atlanta that Wilson doesn’t seem to be moving as much as normal, and speculates Pittsburgh will take the safe route and start Justin Fields. … Schefter reports he was told the Steelers will make a decision prior to official pregame warmups (approximately an hour before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff).
Washington Commanders: Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network) breaks down highlights of Jayden Daniels and explains the quarterback should rack up points both with his arm and feet. In the same segment, analytics expert Cynthia Frelund predicts for Daniels today at Tampa Bay 226 passing yards, one TD and one INT, but only 39 rush yards. Frelund adds, however, that Daniels is expected to be among league leaders in rushing yards (quarterbacks) over the full season.