NFL Player News

Penix (knee) won't start the season opener Sunday in Pittsburgh, after the Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa their top quarterback heading into Week 1, Will McFadden and Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Though Penix is expected to receive the opportunity to start at some point in 2026, he'll have to wait at least one more week before getting his chance while he continues to work his way back from the torn ACL he sustained last November. Penix didn't play in the preseason and wasn't cleared to take part in 11-on-11 drills until Aug. 22, so he'll need to get some full practices under his belt before the Falcons consider moving him into the starting role over Tagovailoa, who completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 117 yards in two exhibition contests but fumbled twice and generally struggled to push the ball downfield during the preseason and training camp. The Falcons kept four quarterbacks on their roster following cut-down day, so Cooper Rush and Jack Strand will be available as backup options if Penix isn't ready to serve as Tagovailoa's understudy in the season opener.

Evans (adductor) was spotted on the field in full uniform during the open portion of Monday's practice in Melbourne, Australia, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Wagoner notes that linebacker Nick Bosa (knee) and running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) were the only 49ers players who didn't appear to be mixing into team drills during the open portion of practice, so Evans appears likely to have been at least a limited participant in Monday's session. The 49ers will release their first injury report of the season later Monday, when the extent of Evans' practice participation will be revealed. Evans had his practice activity managed for much of training camp while he contended with a minor quadriceps strain and, more recently, an adductor injury.

The Falcons will have Tagovailoa start at quarterback in Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reports.

The Falcons were deciding between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix (knee) for the Week 1 starting assignment, and with the latter still getting back up to full speed as he works his way back from a torn ACL, Tagovailoa will get the nod. Tagovailoa likely won't have much leash as a starter, coming off a poor preseason in which he completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 117 yards while fumbling twice (losing one).

Bosa (knee) didn't participate in drills during the early portion of Monday's practice in Melbourne, Australia that was open to the media, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While Bosa making the trip to Australia was considered encouraging in his comeback attempt from last season's ACL injury, he had been working off to the side in recent practices before the Niners left for Australia. He'll likely need to upgrade to full participation in practice by Wednesday to have a realistic chance at suiting up in Thursday's season opener versus the Rams.

McCaffrey (undisclosed) wasn't participating in drills in the early portion of the 49ers' practice early Monday in Australia, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Though McCaffrey wasn't on the field for the open portion of practice, it's possible that he fit in some work behind the scenes. San Francisco will post its first injury report of 2026 later Monday, when the extent of McCaffrey's practice participation will be revealed as the 49ers gear up for their season opener against the Rams on Thursday.

Runyan and the Giants reached an agreement Sunday on a two-year, $22 million extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Runyan's deal includes $12.5 million in guaranteed money. The starting left guard is all set to defend Jaxson Dart through the 2028 NFL season.

Neal (quadriceps) was a full participant in Sunday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Neal had been dealing with a quadriceps injury but should be all set to go for Wednesday's Week 1 matchup with the Patriots. The cornerback is set to be one of the primary depth options behind Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, but Neal may be called upon to play some safety since Ty Okada's (hamstring) game-day status is in question.

Okada (hamstring) did not participate in Sunday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Okada's absence due to injury does not bode well for the strong safety's chances to suit up in Wednesday's NFL opener against the Patriots. With Bud Clark on IR, D'Anthony Bell may get an elevation to the active roster from the practice squad to start or support one of the other defensive backs for Week 1.

Barmore (knee) did not participate in Sunday's practice.

Barmore missed Sunday's practice with a new issue. The defensive tackle was injured close to Wednesday's NFL opener against the Seahawks. Unless the injury is more of a vet rest thing than a true knee issue, there is a solid chance that Barmore could miss Week 1.

The Chiefs signed Odukoya to the practice squad Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Odukoya is from the Netherlands and joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. The tight end had a tryout with the Chiefs last Friday and will now provide depth for legendary teammate Travis Kelce on the practice squad. Odukoya played in three games for the Titans in 2024, logging 36 total snaps.