Chairshot NFL News Report (10/10/2026): Mike Ditka Passes Away, Lamar Jackson Out & Eagles Lose Barkley

Mike Ditka passes away at 86, Lamar Jackson is ruled out, and the Eagles lose Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith for Sunday’s London game.

The NFL lost one of its most recognizable figures Friday when legendary Chicago Bears coach and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka passed at the age of 86.

Ditka’s passing overshadowed a busy final injury-report day that brought several significant developments ahead of Week 5. Baltimore officially ruled Lamar Jackson out of Sunday night’s matchup with Atlanta, Philadelphia confirmed that Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith will miss the London game, and the Chargers placed Rashawn Slater on injured reserve following ankle surgery.

Washington received better news, with Jayden Daniels officially cleared to return against the Giants. Meanwhile, Cincinnati continues waiting on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Minnesota has decisions to make on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and Las Vegas could be without Ashton Jeanty against New England.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for October 10, 2026!

Mike Ditka Passes Away at 86, Leaving Behind a Remarkable NFL Legacy

Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end who became the face of one of the greatest teams in NFL history, died Friday at the age of 86.

Ditka’s family announced his passing in a statement, remembering him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but tributes quickly arrived from throughout the NFL and the broader sports world.

Known as both “Iron Mike” and “Da Coach,” Ditka built two extraordinary careers in professional football. He helped revolutionize the tight end position during his playing days before returning to Chicago and leading the Bears to their only Super Bowl championship.

The Bears selected Ditka fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, and he immediately changed expectations for what a tight end could accomplish. He caught 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie, becoming the first player at his position to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Ditka earned five Pro Bowl selections during his playing career and helped Chicago win the 1963 NFL Championship. He later played for Philadelphia and Dallas, winning another championship with the Cowboys in Super Bowl VI. After retiring as a player, Ditka joined Tom Landry’s coaching staff in Dallas before returning to Chicago as head coach in 1982.

His defining achievement came during the 1985 season, when the Bears went 15-1 behind one of the most dominant defenses in league history. Chicago demolished New England 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, completing a championship run that transformed the team into a national phenomenon.

The personalities surrounding that championship were nearly as memorable as the football itself. Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and William “The Refrigerator” Perry became household names, while Ditka’s fiery sideline personality helped turn the Bears into a cultural institution.

Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 while still coaching Chicago. He later returned to the sidelines with New Orleans, worked extensively in television and became an advocate for improved medical and retirement benefits for former players.

His No. 89 remains retired by the Bears, and his influence extends far beyond one championship season. Ditka helped redefine a position as a player and became one of the defining coaching personalities of his generation.

Friday’s news also arrives just two days before Chicago visits Green Bay in one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries. That matchup will now take place during a weekend in which the league remembers a figure who helped shape the Bears’ identity for more than half a century.

Lamar Jackson Officially Ruled Out Against Falcons

Baltimore’s quarterback uncertainty ended Friday when the Ravens officially ruled Lamar Jackson out of Sunday night’s game against Atlanta. Jackson did not practice throughout the week after suffering a left ankle injury during last Sunday’s 24-18 victory over Tennessee. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Tyler Huntley will start in his place.

The decision ends several days of speculation about whether Jackson could recover quickly enough to play without participating in practice. Baltimore remains optimistic that the injury will not require an extended absence, but the quarterback was not ready for Week 5.

Huntley completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards after replacing Jackson against Tennessee. Baltimore protected its lead but failed to score during the second half, illustrating the challenge of operating without its two-time MVP.

The Ravens enter Sunday at 3-1 and tied with Cleveland atop the AFC North. Jackson’s absence becomes particularly significant because Baltimore is preparing to face an Atlanta offense that has scored 80 points over its last two games.

The Falcons have won consecutive games behind an increasingly productive running attack. Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. combined for five rushing touchdowns during Monday’s 45-24 victory over New Orleans, giving Atlanta an offensive identity that could create serious problems for Baltimore.

The Ravens also ruled out newly acquired offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, who remains in concussion protocol, and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is dealing with a finger injury.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers is questionable with a foot injury, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey and guard Andrew Vorhees are also uncertain.

That collection of injuries complicates Huntley’s assignment considerably. Baltimore needs its defense to limit Atlanta’s running game while giving its backup quarterback enough protection and receiving options to keep the offense functioning.

Sunday night’s matchup was originally expected to feature Jackson against a resurgent Atlanta offense. Instead, the Ravens will attempt to protect their division position with Huntley leading an injury-depleted roster.

Eagles Rule Out Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith for London

Philadelphia’s offensive injury situation reached another critical point Friday when the Eagles officially ruled out Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.

Both players are dealing with hamstring injuries and did not practice during the week. Barkley suffered his injury during last Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Rams, while Smith will miss his second consecutive game. The Eagles also ruled out wide receiver Marquise Brown, center Drew Kendall and safety Marcus Epps.

Those absences would be difficult enough individually, but Philadelphia is also attempting to rebuild its offensive line after an extraordinary week of personnel changes.

Lane Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 14-season career with the Eagles. Philadelphia then traded two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, removing another established offensive lineman from the roster. Kendall’s knee injury creates an additional problem because he had been expected to handle center duties following the Jurgens trade.

Philadelphia responded Friday by promoting center Jake Majors and running back Carson Steele from the practice squad. The Eagles also released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, leaving Tanner McKee as Jalen Hurts’ primary backup.

Dalton arrived in Philadelphia through an offseason trade with Carolina but appeared in only one game. His release creates another roster opening as the Eagles attempt to manage their growing injury list.

With Barkley unavailable and Tank Bigsby already on injured reserve, Will Shipley is expected to handle the majority of Philadelphia’s rushing workload. Dameon Pierce and Steele provide additional options.

The receiving situation is equally difficult. Smith and Brown are unavailable, forcing Philadelphia to rely on a significantly different group of pass catchers than the one expected to lead the offense.

There is at least one encouraging development. Dallas Goedert is expected to return after missing the previous two games, giving Hurts an experienced target in the middle of the field.

Philadelphia enters London at 2-2 after consecutive losses to Chicago and Los Angeles. The Eagles scored only 27 points across those defeats and now must correct their offensive problems without several of their most important players. Jacksonville is 3-1 and has won consecutive games, giving the Jaguars an opportunity to establish themselves as legitimate AFC contenders.

The Eagles are not simply missing individual stars. They are being forced to reconstruct their offensive line, backfield and receiving corps simultaneously, making Sunday’s London matchup one of the most difficult tests of their depth in recent seasons.

Chargers Place Rashawn Slater on Injured Reserve

Los Angeles officially placed offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on injured reserve Friday after the two-time Pro Bowler underwent ankle surgery Thursday.

Slater suffered a high ankle sprain during last Sunday’s 30-23 loss to Seattle. The procedure is designed to stabilize the injured ankle and potentially accelerate his recovery, but he must now miss at least four games. The injury is another frustrating setback for Slater, who missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon during training camp.

Slater signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension in July 2025, establishing himself as one of the league’s highest-paid offensive linemen. His latest injury removes another foundational piece from a Chargers offense already struggling to protect Justin Herbert.

Right tackle Joe Alt has also been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Denver because of a neck injury. The Chargers will additionally be without guard Kayode Awosika, offensive lineman Trevor Penning, receiver Quentin Johnston, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety Derwin James.

Receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable with a foot injury, creating another potential absence for a team that has already lost its first four games.

The timing could hardly be worse. Denver announced Thursday that Sean Payton is reclaiming offensive play-calling responsibilities, meaning the Broncos will arrive with a new approach while the Chargers attempt to protect Herbert behind a severely depleted offensive line.

Denver has injury concerns of its own, including the absences of starting cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss.

The Chargers enter Sunday at 0-4, making the divisional matchup increasingly important. Losing Slater for at least four additional games creates a problem that will extend well beyond this weekend, regardless of whether Los Angeles can finally earn its first victory.

Jayden Daniels Officially Cleared to Start Against Giants

Washington received the quarterback news it had been waiting for Friday when head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Jayden Daniels will start Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Daniels has missed the previous two games while recovering from a dislocated left elbow. He returned to full participation in practice this week and has progressed sufficiently to receive clearance for Sunday’s matchup. The quarterback will continue wearing a protective brace on his non-throwing arm, but Washington believes he is ready to resume leading the offense.

The return comes at an important moment because Marcus Mariota has been ruled out with a knee injury suffered during last week’s loss to Indianapolis. Without Daniels, Washington would have been forced to rely on rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, who made his NFL debut after Mariota exited against the Colts.

Daniels’ return restores Washington’s most important offensive player, but the Commanders will not have their complete receiving corps available.

Stefon Diggs has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Terry McLaurin is questionable after returning to practice on a limited basis Friday.

Washington is also dealing with significant defensive injuries. Charles Omenihu and safeties Percy Butler, Tyler Owens and Nick Cross have been ruled out, leaving the Commanders short-handed on both sides of the ball.

The Giants enter at 3-1 and received encouraging news of their own. Malik Nabers practiced fully Friday and carries no injury designation into Sunday’s game after recovering from his knee injury. That gives New York another important offensive weapon as it attempts to continue its strong start.

Washington is 1-3 and needs a victory to avoid falling further behind in the NFC East. Daniels’ return provides a significant opportunity, but the Commanders must now determine whether their quarterback can generate enough offense without Diggs and potentially McLaurin.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Both Remain Questionable

Cincinnati received encouraging developments Friday, but the Bengals still do not know whether both of their star receivers will be available against Miami.

Ja’Marr Chase returned to full participation in practice as he continues progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol. He remains officially questionable and must complete the league’s required clearance process before playing.

Tee Higgins also practiced fully Friday after missing earlier sessions because of groin and neck injuries. Higgins is listed as questionable, although his return to full participation represents meaningful progress. Both players were injured during last Sunday’s 22-17 loss to Jacksonville.

Chase suffered a concussion when his head struck the turf following a tackle, while Higgins left late after producing 11 receptions for 157 yards. Their simultaneous injuries created immediate concerns about Cincinnati’s passing game, particularly with other receivers already unavailable.

The Bengals are 2-2 and have lost consecutive games after beginning the season with two victories. Sunday’s matchup against winless Miami presents an opportunity to recover, but the availability of Chase and Higgins could significantly change the offensive approach.

Miami has its own injury concerns and will be without receiver Caleb Douglas, tight end Justin Joly and several defensive contributors. The Dolphins also made a roster move Friday by claiming rookie running back Kaytron Allen off waivers from Washington.

Allen appeared in four games for the Commanders before being released Thursday. Miami now has an opportunity to evaluate the rookie as it continues adjusting its backfield.

For Cincinnati, the immediate priority remains getting Chase through concussion protocol and determining whether Higgins can handle a full workload. Joe Burrow’s passing game looks dramatically different when both receivers are healthy, and the Bengals need that production after two consecutive losses.

Vikings List Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as Questionable

Minnesota remains one of the NFL’s three undefeated teams, but the Vikings could again be without important receiving options Sunday against New Orleans.

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are both listed as questionable after participating on a limited basis during the week. Jefferson has missed Minnesota’s previous two games with an ankle injury, while Addison has been dealing with hamstring soreness.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team will continue evaluating both receivers before making final decisions about their availability. Minnesota signed veteran Odell Beckham Jr. to its practice squad earlier this week, creating another potential option if the receiving corps remains depleted.

Beckham’s familiarity with O’Connell dates to their time together with the Rams, but Minnesota has not committed to activating him for Sunday’s game.

The Vikings also ruled out offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw because of a concussion, creating another concern for an offense that has struggled to produce consistent passing numbers.

Minnesota is 4-0 despite ranking near the bottom of the league in several passing categories. The Vikings have relied heavily on defense and special teams while finding enough offensive production to remain undefeated.

New Orleans enters at 1-3 after Monday’s 45-24 loss to Atlanta and is dealing with its own injury problems. Alvin Kamara is questionable with a back injury, while the Saints have ruled out guard Jeremiah Wright and linebackers Kaden Elliss and Anfernee Jennings.

The matchup gives Minnesota an opportunity to reach 5-0, but the Vikings would benefit considerably from restoring Jefferson and Addison before facing more difficult opponents later in the season.

Raiders Could Be Without Ashton Jeanty Against Patriots

Las Vegas entered Friday expecting to have Ashton Jeanty available against New England, but the running back’s status became considerably less certain as the week progressed.

Jeanty did not practice Friday after participating fully Wednesday and being limited Thursday because of ankle and foot injuries. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Jeanty is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Jeanty has started all four games this season, rushing 78 times for 264 yards while adding 19 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns. The second-year running back has been dealing with ankle problems since training camp and appeared to aggravate the issue during last week’s 30-27 loss to Kansas City.

If Jeanty cannot play, rookie Mike Washington Jr. would be expected to handle a larger role in the backfield. The Raiders have already ruled out receivers Jalen Nailor and Dont’e Thornton Jr., along with guard Trey Zuhn III.

New England is dealing with significant injuries of its own, particularly in the secondary. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III have both been ruled out, along with Karon Prunty and Channing Canada. Receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam will also miss Sunday’s game, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson and defensive tackle Christian Barmore are questionable.

The Patriots are 2-2 after last week’s surprising 29-26 victory over Buffalo. Las Vegas enters at 3-1 after suffering its first loss against Kansas City.

That creates an important early AFC matchup between a Raiders team attempting to rebound and a Patriots team trying to build on its biggest victory of the season.

Seattle Gets Leonard Williams Back for Showdown With 49ers

Seattle received encouraging news Friday when defensive lineman Leonard Williams returned to full participation in practice and was cleared for Sunday’s matchup against San Francisco.

Williams had been dealing with an ankle injury suffered during last week’s victory over the Chargers. His absence from Thursday’s practice created concern, but Friday’s participation removed that uncertainty.

The development is particularly important because San Francisco enters Sunday at 4-0 with one of the league’s most effective offensive lines. The 49ers have not allowed a sack through their first four games, giving Brock Purdy outstanding protection while San Francisco navigates injuries elsewhere on the roster.

Seattle needs Williams to disrupt that protection and prevent the 49ers from controlling the game through their balanced offensive attack. The Seahawks will still be without running back Zach Charbonnet, cornerback Julian Neal and linebacker Chazz Surratt.

George Holani is questionable, leaving Seattle with additional uncertainty in a backfield already missing rookie Jadarian Price.

San Francisco has its own significant absences. Nick Bosa, Kyle Juszczyk, Marques Sigle and James Thompson Jr. have all been ruled out. The 49ers are hopeful Bosa could return later this month, but he will not be available Sunday.

Seattle enters at 3-1 and has an opportunity to move within one game of San Francisco in the NFC West. A 49ers victory would instead create a two-game advantage over the Seahawks and strengthen their position as one of the NFC’s leading contenders.

With both teams dealing with important injuries, Sunday’s matchup may come down to which offensive line can better protect its quarterback against an aggressive defensive front.

Disney+ Will Stream Super Bowl LXI

The NFL’s broadcasting landscape continues evolving, and Wednesday’s announcement that Disney+ will carry Super Bowl LXI represents another significant development.

Disney and ESPN confirmed that the streaming platform will offer the February 14, 2027 championship game alongside the traditional ESPN and ABC broadcasts. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and marks ESPN’s first opportunity to produce a Super Bowl broadcast.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game, with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge serving as sideline reporters. Disney+ will offer both the English-language broadcast and the Spanish-language presentation from ESPN Deportes.

The streaming arrangement will extend beyond the United States, with Disney+ carrying the game in more than 55 international markets.

The companies also announced that two Monday Night Football games will be available through Disney+ during the regular season. The first will feature Dallas visiting Philadelphia on October 26, with the second matchup to be announced later.

The announcement reflects the NFL’s continuing expansion across traditional television and streaming platforms. Rather than replacing established broadcast distribution, the league is creating additional ways to reach audiences through services already carrying other major entertainment and sports programming.

For ESPN, the move also provides an opportunity to introduce its Super Bowl production to a broader audience while building additional interest in its direct-to-consumer offerings.

Week 5 Sunday Schedule

Sunday begins with Philadelphia and Jacksonville meeting in London before a full afternoon of divisional matchups and conference games. Baltimore and Atlanta close the day on Sunday Night Football, while Buffalo visits Los Angeles on Monday.

Sunday, October 11

• Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars — 9:30 AM ET — London
• Cleveland Browns at New York Jets — 1:00 PM ET
• Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers — 1:00 PM ET
• Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins — 1:00 PM ET
• Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots — 1:00 PM ET
• Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints — 1:00 PM ET
• Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — 1:00 PM ET
• New York Giants at Washington Commanders — 1:00 PM ET
• Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers — 1:00 PM ET
• Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers — 4:05 PM ET
• Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals — 4:25 PM ET
• San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks — 4:25 PM ET
• Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons — 8:20 PM ET

Monday Night Football — October 12

• Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams — 8:15 PM ET

The NFL enters Week 5 carrying the loss of one of its most influential historical figures while several current contenders face immediate questions about their ability to overcome injuries.

Baltimore now knows Jackson will not play Sunday, placing responsibility for the offense in Huntley’s hands against an Atlanta team that has suddenly become one of the league’s most productive rushing attacks.

Philadelphia faces an even broader personnel challenge. The Eagles have lost two established offensive linemen through retirement and trade, will be without Barkley and Smith in London, and must attempt to correct an offense that has struggled during consecutive losses.

Washington gets Daniels back, but the Commanders still have receiving and defensive injuries to overcome. Minnesota remains undefeated while waiting on Jefferson and Addison, and Seattle has an opportunity to challenge San Francisco’s perfect record with Williams back in the lineup.

For the Chargers, Slater’s move to injured reserve makes an already difficult season considerably more challenging. Los Angeles is 0-4 and must now attempt to protect Herbert without either starting tackle against a Denver team that has just returned offensive play-calling responsibilities to Payton.

Sunday’s results will begin determining whether these injuries are temporary obstacles or the developments that fundamentally change division races. Baltimore, Philadelphia and Los Angeles are already facing the most immediate consequences, while Minnesota and San Francisco are attempting to maintain undefeated records despite their own personnel concerns.

This report includes information from: NFL.com, Reuters.com, Associated Press, ESPN.com, ChicagoBears.com, PhiladelphiaEagles.com, BaltimoreRavens.com, Chargers.com, Commanders.com, Vikings.com, Seahawks.com, 49ers.com, Disney, ESPN Press Room and official NFL injury and transaction reports.