– Aaron Donald is back with the Los Angeles Rams, returning from retirement and earning a spot on the initial 53-man roster. The Rams have also added talent this offseason, including a notable add from the defensive line market. Wide receiver Puka Nacua and standout edge rusher Myles Garrett are back at practice after time missed in the late stages of camp.
– Several other teams made high-profile moves during roster cutdowns. In Green Bay, running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after legal charges, leading the Packers to pursue depth at the position with a trade for Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh. Micah Parsons remains on the physically unable to perform list for the Packers, expected to miss the first four games as he rehabs from last season’s ACL tear.
– Injuries and recovery continue to shape the rosters. The Arizona Cardinals are confident in Jeremiyah Love returning from a high ankle sprain, keeping the rushing group lean with three backs on the roster. Veteran James Conner is on injured reserve as he recovers from foot surgery, with coach Mike LaFleur signaling he’s not far from returning. The Washington Commanders will proceed without left tackle Laremy Tunsil for the foreseeable future after a torn triceps, and Marcus Mariota is dealing with a sprained MCL, thinning the depth along the line behind quarterback Jayden Daniels.
– The New Orleans Saints are managing a slow ramp-back for rookie Jordyn Tyson, who is officially on injured reserve with a designation to return and therefore unavailable for at least the first four games. Tyler Shough returns as the starter in New Orleans, with Bryan Bresee out due to a torn ACL on defense.
– The New York Giants’ depth chart includes Odell Beckham Jr.’s return to the franchise that drafted him, following the injury to Calvin Austin III, who tore his ACL late in camp and is out for the season. Malik Nabers has been cleared for live reps after recovering from an ACL tear, and he remains on track for Week 1.
– The Carolina Panthers are carrying a deep tight end group to compensate for Darren Waller’s limited preseason practice time, and Ja’Tavion Sanders is among players who could be impacted by any pre-week adjustments. Bryce Young has connected with Waller and Tommy Tremble for touchdowns during camp, while right tackle Taylor Moton continues to rehab from a lung condition.
– In Minnesota, Kyler Murray is slated to start Week 1 after a solid summer, with four quarterbacks kept on the roster. The team announced that Jamal Adams will miss the season due to a quadriceps injury, further thinning the linebacking corps as the Vikings prepare to open at home against Green Bay.
– The Detroit Lions face early-season challenges with injuries to their starting safeties. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both on the physically unable to perform list, forcing the defense to adjust as they begin the season against New Orleans. Center Cade Mays is also on injured reserve, and Seth McLaughlin will step in at center.
– The Chicago Bears announce injuries to safety Coby Bryant and nickel corner Kyler Gordon, who will both miss at least the first four games. Chicago added depth on the defensive line with a trade for Gervon Dexter Sr. to bolster the front seven. Luther Burden III is expected to be healthy for Week 1 after missing most of the preseason with a groin issue, and the Bears will open the season at home against Minnesota.
– The Philadelphia Eagles report good health for key players, with Jonathan Greenard activated off the physically unable to perform list and DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon healthy again after hamstring issues. The team is implementing an under-center, play-action offensive approach under the new offensive coordinator.
– The Seattle Seahawks have added depth in the secondary with a trade for Terrion Arnold and are optimistic about Nick Emmanwori returning to the field for Week 1 after ankle surgery. Running back Zach Charbonnet remains on the physically unable to perform list and will miss the first four games as he recovers from an ACL injury. The defending NFC champions also celebrated Devon Witherspoon’s four-year, $132 million extension.
– The Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants each face an unsettled Week 1 outlook due to quarterback and injury considerations, with Penix Jr., Tagovailoa, and Stroud-like competition shaping early-season plans in some cases. Atlanta’s persistence with multiple signal-callers has drawn attention as the team looks to establish a clear starter for the opener.
– The San Francisco 49ers report a healthy Christian McCaffrey as he returns to full strength after dealing with soreness during camp, and the team must manage a thin receivers group behind their top targets. Dealing with roster designations, including an injured reserve designation for Christian Kirk, San Francisco remains focused on maximizing their championship window.
– The Green Bay Packers have also faced a quarterback and running back adjustment period, with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list and Kaleb Johnson stepping in to provide depth at running back. The team anticipates a cautious return for key playmakers as they prepare for the season opener away from home.
– The Los Angeles Rams’ roster is highlighted by Aaron Donald’s return and the presence of dangerous pass rushers, with Puka Nacua and Garrett back at practice. The Rams continue to monitor potential suspensions related to offseason incidents that could affect Nacua or Jackson before Week 1 in Australia.
In short, the NFC’s 2026 roster landscape is defined by a blend of high-profile returns, notable suspensions and exemptions, and a wave of injuries that are forcing teams to lean on depth players early in the season. Each club is navigating how to balance talent, health, and depth as the regular season nears.
