Chairshot NFL News Report (10/17/2026): Josh Jacobs Cleared, Lamar Jackson Out & Kellen Moore Faces Pressure

Josh Jacobs gets clearance to return, Lamar Jackson is ruled out, and Saints coach Kellen Moore responds to criticism from ownership.

The NFL delivered two significant roster developments Friday, announcing that Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs and Denver pass rusher Jonathon Cooper will be removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Both players become eligible to return in Week 7, although the league’s investigations into their respective legal situations remain ongoing.

Baltimore also made its quarterback decision official, ruling Lamar Jackson out for a second consecutive game. Philadelphia added Joe Milton III to its quarterback room while losing another running back to injured reserve, and Chicago continues evaluating Caleb Williams despite a full week of practice.

Elsewhere, Saints head coach Kellen Moore addressed criticism from owner Gayle Benson, Marvin Harrison Jr. discussed his departure from Arizona, and Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith weighed in on the attention surrounding Taylor Swift at NFL games.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for October 17, 2026!

Josh Jacobs and Jonathon Cooper Cleared for Week 7 Returns

The NFL announced Friday that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper are being removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List, making both eligible to return to football activities ahead of Week 7.

Jacobs will officially come off the list Monday, October 19, after Green Bay’s Sunday Night Football matchup against Dallas. Cooper’s removal became effective Friday, following Denver’s 17-14 overtime victory over Seattle on Thursday night. Both players were placed on the list August 30 and have not appeared in a regular-season game this year.

The decisions do not represent the conclusion of either player’s legal situation or the NFL’s disciplinary review. The league specifically stated that its investigations under the Personal Conduct Policy remain ongoing, meaning additional punishment remains possible depending on those findings.

Jacobs was arrested in Wisconsin in May following an altercation with his then-girlfriend. He subsequently pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property in September. Cooper faces charges stemming from separate incidents in Colorado during June, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial, currently scheduled for March 2027.

The football implications are significant for both organizations, particularly Green Bay. The Packers enter Sunday’s matchup against Dallas at 3-2 and have struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack without Jacobs, ranking last in the NFL in rushing offense.

Green Bay has relied on MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson while Jacobs has been unavailable, but neither has consistently provided the production expected from an established starting running back. Jacobs could potentially return October 25 against Detroit, although the coaching staff must determine how quickly he can resume a full workload after an extended absence.

Denver’s defense could also receive an important addition when Cooper becomes eligible against Arizona. The Broncos improved to 4-2 Thursday despite producing only 168 total yards, and Cooper would provide another experienced pass rusher alongside Nik Bonitto.

The decisions create immediate roster opportunities without resolving the underlying disciplinary questions. Both teams can begin preparing for their players’ potential returns, but neither should assume that Friday’s announcement closes the matter permanently.

Lamar Jackson Officially Ruled Out Against Cleveland

Baltimore will be without Lamar Jackson for a second consecutive game after head coach Jesse Minter confirmed Friday that the quarterback will not play Sunday against Cleveland.

Jackson has not practiced since suffering an ankle injury during Baltimore’s Week 4 victory over Tennessee. The two-time MVP missed last Sunday’s overtime win against Atlanta, and his continued absence from practice made another missed start increasingly likely.

Minter emphasized that the decision was made with Jackson’s long-term health in mind rather than attempting to accelerate his return for a divisional matchup. The Ravens have not established a definitive timetable for his return beyond Sunday’s game.

Tyler Huntley will make his second consecutive start after leading Baltimore to a 30-23 overtime victory against Atlanta. Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns before scoring the winning touchdown himself in overtime.

Baltimore also received encouraging defensive news with Trey Hendrickson returning after missing two games following finger surgery. However, center Cam Jurgens and defensive tackle Broderick Washington have been ruled out, while rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is questionable.

Cleveland enters Sunday at 3-2 and received good news when rookie receiver KC Concepcion cleared concussion protocol. The Browns remain uncertain about leading rusher Quinshon Judkins, who is questionable with an ankle injury, while several defensive contributors are also managing injuries.

The matchup carries additional intrigue because Cleveland head coach Todd Monken previously served as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. His familiarity with Huntley and the Ravens’ system could become particularly valuable with Jackson unavailable.

Baltimore is 4-1 and leads the AFC North, but Cleveland has an opportunity to close the gap to one game. Huntley has already demonstrated he can win in Jackson’s absence, although doing so against a divisional opponent familiar with Baltimore’s offense presents a different challenge.

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Saints Owner Gayle Benson Visits Practice as Kellen Moore Addresses Criticism

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore spent much of the week responding to unusually direct criticism from team owner Gayle Benson, who made it clear that the organization’s 1-4 start falls well below her expectations.

Benson delivered an eight-minute statement Tuesday during an appearance before the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club, criticizing the team’s performance and emphasizing that everyone within the organization shares responsibility for correcting its problems.

The Saints have lost three consecutive home games, including a 45-24 defeat against Atlanta and last Sunday’s 23-13 loss to Minnesota. New Orleans has struggled with penalties, turnovers, slow starts and an offense that has frequently failed to sustain drives.

Benson specifically identified Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis when discussing accountability. Although she did not announce any personnel changes, her remarks established that the organization’s current trajectory is unacceptable.

Moore initially addressed those comments Wednesday, acknowledging the team’s disappointing performance while emphasizing that ownership, coaches and players share the same objectives. He rejected the suggestion that Benson’s criticism created additional urgency, arguing that everyone within the organization already understands the importance of winning.

The situation took another turn Friday when Benson attended Saints practice and greeted Moore with a hug. Following the session, Moore indicated that he and Benson had spoken during the week and remained aligned in their expectations.

The public interaction may help reduce speculation about immediate friction between ownership and the coaching staff, but it does not eliminate the underlying pressure. Moore is in his second season leading New Orleans, and the Saints have failed to build on the optimism created by their strong finish to 2025.

New Orleans travels to face the New York Giants on Sunday before heading overseas for a Week 7 matchup against Pittsburgh in Paris. Those games represent an important opportunity to demonstrate meaningful improvement before the season reaches its midpoint.

Benson’s message was not simply about one disappointing loss or a particular coaching decision. She questioned the overall standard of performance within the organization, placing responsibility on both the people assembling the roster and those preparing it to play.

Moore has maintained a calm public approach, but improved practices and supportive conversations will matter considerably less if the Saints continue losing. The organization’s next several results will provide a much clearer indication of whether the current leadership can reverse its early-season decline.

Eagles Sign Joe Milton as Backfield Injuries Continue

Philadelphia made another quarterback move Friday, signing Joe Milton III from Dallas’ practice squad as the Eagles prepare to face Carolina without Jalen Hurts.

Hurts remains sidelined because of the superficial blood clot discovered in his calf, and the organization has not announced a timetable for his return. Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized Friday that the quarterback’s health takes priority over determining when he can resume playing.

Tanner McKee will make his first start of the season Sunday, while rookie Cole Payton is expected to serve as the immediate backup. Milton provides additional depth, although the former Patriots and Cowboys quarterback will need time to learn Philadelphia’s offense.

The Eagles also placed running back Will Shipley on injured reserve after he suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia during last Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville. Shipley had been filling in for Saquon Barkley, who was officially ruled out Friday for the second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury.

Philadelphia now enters Sunday with Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele as its primary healthy running backs. Tank Bigsby remains on injured reserve, leaving the Eagles without the three players who were expected to handle most of the backfield workload entering the season.

There was some encouraging news at receiver. DeVonta Smith practiced fully Friday and carries no injury designation after missing two games, giving McKee an established target alongside the other available receivers.

Philadelphia is 2-3 after three consecutive losses, and Sunday’s matchup against Carolina has become much more complicated than expected. McKee has performed reasonably well during limited NFL opportunities, but his previous starts came in regular-season finales when Philadelphia had already secured its postseason position.

This time, the Eagles need a victory to avoid falling two games below .500. They must accomplish that without Hurts, Barkley or Shipley, placing considerable responsibility on McKee and an offensive line that has struggled with injuries and personnel changes.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Discusses Cardinals Departure and Reunion With C.J. Stroud

Marvin Harrison Jr. is preparing for a fresh start in Houston after his unexpected departure from Arizona, although the former first-round selection remains reluctant to explain exactly what went wrong with the Cardinals.

Harrison joined the Texans this week following a trade that sent him and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to Houston in exchange for second- and seventh-round selections in the same draft. The move ended his time in Arizona just over two years after the Cardinals selected him fourth overall in 2024.

Speaking with reporters following his arrival, Harrison acknowledged that several factors contributed to the separation but declined to discuss them in detail. He also pushed back against suggestions that his commitment or work ethic had contributed to his disappointing production.

Harrison’s involvement in Arizona’s offense had declined dramatically this season. Through four games, he recorded only five receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown, a surprising lack of production for a player who entered the league with considerable expectations.

The move reunites Harrison with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former Ohio State teammate. The two developed a productive relationship during their college careers, and both expressed excitement about having an opportunity to work together again.

Stroud praised Harrison’s personality and work ethic while discussing their reunion, emphasizing the familiarity they developed during their time in Columbus. Harrison similarly acknowledged that he had continued following Stroud’s career after entering the NFL and welcomed the opportunity to contribute to Houston’s offense.

The Texans are hoping that familiarity can accelerate Harrison’s adjustment to a new offensive system. Houston has struggled to generate consistent production during its 1-4 start, and the addition of another talented receiver could help reduce the defensive attention directed toward Nico Collins.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans has indicated that Harrison is expected to make his Texans debut Sunday against Jacksonville in London. However, the coaching staff must still determine how much of the offense he can reasonably absorb after only a few practices.

For Arizona, the trade represents a significant change in direction. General manager Monti Ossenfort acknowledged that moving Harrison was a difficult decision, but the organization elected to acquire future draft capital rather than continue attempting to develop the relationship.

Houston is taking a different approach, betting that a change of environment and a familiar quarterback can help Harrison become the productive receiver many expected when he entered the league.

The reunion offers considerable potential, but it also creates immediate expectations. Harrison does not need to become Houston’s leading receiver overnight, although the Texans clearly made the investment expecting him to provide something their offense has been missing.

Caleb Williams Questionable Despite Full Practice Week

Chicago received another encouraging development Friday, but the Bears stopped short of confirming Caleb Williams will start against Atlanta.

Williams participated fully throughout the practice week after missing three games with a hamstring injury. Despite that progress, Chicago officially listed him as questionable, with head coach Ben Johnson emphasizing the importance of evaluating how the quarterback responds to consecutive days of football activity.

The Bears have used Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent during Williams’ absence, winning twice before suffering a 31-7 defeat against Green Bay last Sunday. That performance included five turnovers and another round of quarterback changes, increasing the urgency surrounding Williams’ return.

Atlanta’s quarterback situation is considerably clearer. Michael Penix Jr. carries no injury designation after recovering from the rib injury suffered during last Sunday’s overtime loss to Baltimore, and he will start against Chicago.

Penix has completed 67.5% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in three starts this season. His return provides stability for an Atlanta offense that had begun establishing momentum before losing to the Ravens.

Chicago also faces significant defensive challenges. Montez Sweat begins his two-game suspension, while Dayo Odeyingbo and T.J. Edwards have been ruled out with injuries.

The Bears are 3-2 and remain competitive in the NFC North, but another week without Williams would leave their offense relying on backups against an Atlanta team attempting to recover from a disappointing overtime defeat.

Cardinals Rule Out Jeremiyah Love Against Rams

Arizona will be without rookie running back Jeremiyah Love for Sunday’s NFC West matchup against Los Angeles after the Cardinals officially ruled him out Friday with an ankle injury.

Love, the third overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, has struggled to establish consistency during his opening five games. He has rushed for 245 yards and one touchdown while adding 11 receptions for 36 yards and another score.

The rookie originally suffered a right ankle injury during the preseason before experiencing additional problems with his left ankle during the regular season. Head coach Mike LaFleur indicated that the team wants to give Love an opportunity to recover rather than continue playing through a problem that has limited his explosiveness.

Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight are expected to handle additional responsibilities against a Rams team attempting to recover from Monday night’s overtime loss to Buffalo.

Arizona enters the matchup at 1-4, while Los Angeles sits at 2-3 despite producing considerable offensive yardage. The Rams will also be without starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, who is serving a one-game suspension following his postgame altercation with Buffalo linebacker Bradley Chubb.

Los Angeles is monitoring defensive back injuries as well, with Trent McDuffie and Kamren Curl listed as questionable. McDuffie suffered a groin injury late during Thursday’s practice, creating another concern for a defense preparing to face a divisional opponent.

Both teams need a victory to avoid falling further behind undefeated San Francisco. For Arizona, however, protecting Love’s long-term health appears to have become more important than attempting to force its prized rookie onto the field during a difficult opening month.

Chiefs Rule Out Rashee Rice and Josh Simmons

Kansas City will attempt to remain undefeated without two important offensive contributors after officially ruling out Rashee Rice and Josh Simmons for Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers.

Rice continues recovering from hamstring and knee injuries that prevented him from practicing throughout the week. Simmons returned to limited practice participation after missing the opening month with a back injury, but the Chiefs determined he is not yet ready for game action.

Kansas City has already placed Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve, leaving Patrick Mahomes with another altered receiving rotation. The Chiefs brought Justin Watson back to their practice squad earlier this week, potentially providing another experienced option familiar with Andy Reid’s offense.

The Chargers face an even more difficult injury situation. Joe Alt, Derwin James, Donte Jackson, Kayode Awosika and Tre’ Harris have all been ruled out, while several additional players remain questionable.

Los Angeles enters Sunday at 0-5 and has repeatedly struggled to protect Justin Herbert behind an offensive line dealing with significant injuries. The Chargers have also been unable to consistently finish close games, creating a difficult situation before facing an undefeated division rival.

Kansas City is 4-0 and returns from its bye with additional rest, but the receiving injuries could limit the Chiefs’ offensive options. The Chargers desperately need a victory, although their depleted offensive line and secondary create substantial disadvantages against Mahomes and Kansas City’s defense.

Jets Lose Breece Hall Before Patriots Matchup

New York will be without its leading running back Sunday after officially ruling out Breece Hall because of a quadriceps injury.

Hall missed practice throughout the week, leaving the Jets preparing to face New England without one of their most important offensive contributors. The injury creates additional pressure on Geno Smith and a passing attack that has struggled to establish consistent production.

New York also ruled out receiver Adonai Mitchell, offensive lineman Dylan Parham and pass rusher Joseph Ossai. Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is questionable, although head coach Aaron Glenn indicated that he expects Cooper to play.

New England enters the matchup at 3-2 following consecutive victories over Buffalo and Las Vegas. Drake Maye has been particularly productive during that stretch, including a 374-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Raiders.

The Patriots could receive additional help from A.J. Brown, who is questionable after returning to practice this week. TreVeyon Henderson and Will Campbell are also questionable, while cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been cleared to return.

New England remains without Carlton Davis III and Karon Prunty, creating some concerns in the secondary. However, Hall’s absence removes a significant element of New York’s offense and could allow the Patriots to focus more aggressively on pressuring Smith.

Both teams are attempting to remain competitive in the AFC East, but New England enters with considerably more offensive momentum.

Baker Mayfield Out Again as Buccaneers Face Steelers

Tampa Bay will make another start without Baker Mayfield after the Buccaneers ruled out their veteran quarterback Friday because of the thumb injury on his throwing hand.

Mayfield has not played since suffering the injury in Week 3. Rookie Jalon Daniels is expected to make another start after helping Tampa Bay earn its first victory of the season against Dallas last Thursday.

Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys, while Bucky Irving provided the offensive foundation with 165 rushing yards. The Buccaneers protected the football and controlled possession, producing their most complete performance of the season.

Tampa Bay also ruled out safety Antoine Winfield Jr., while running back Sean Tucker remains questionable. Pittsburgh has injury concerns of its own, with receivers Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek unavailable and DK Metcalf questionable because of illness.

The Steelers enter Sunday at 3-2 after defeating Indianapolis, while Tampa Bay is attempting to build on its first victory.

The Buccaneers demonstrated last week that they can win without Mayfield when the running game is productive. Repeating that performance against Pittsburgh will require another disciplined effort from Daniels and an offensive line attempting to establish consistency.

Emmitt Smith Defends Taylor Swift, Questions NFL Broadcast Coverage

Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith has entered the ongoing conversation surrounding Taylor Swift’s presence at Kansas City Chiefs games, defending the singer while questioning how television networks choose to cover her appearances.

Swift has become a regular presence at Chiefs games while supporting Travis Kelce, creating a level of attention that extends well beyond the football field. Television broadcasts frequently feature her reactions from the stands, and those appearances have generated both considerable interest and criticism.

During an interview with Variety, Smith addressed the complaints surrounding Swift’s television exposure, arguing that the responsibility for how often she appears belongs with the broadcasters rather than the singer herself.

The Hall of Fame running back’s position reflects an important distinction in the debate. Swift is attending games to support Kelce, but she does not control the production decisions determining when cameras focus on her or how frequently those images appear during a broadcast.

The NFL has benefited considerably from Swift’s association with Kelce and the Chiefs, attracting attention from audiences that might not otherwise follow professional football. That increased exposure has also created a recurring debate about how much entertainment coverage belongs within a traditional sports broadcast.

Smith’s comments are particularly interesting because they come from one of the most recognizable players in league history. Rather than criticizing Swift for attracting attention, he directed the conversation toward the networks responsible for deciding how that attention is presented.

The situation also illustrates how the NFL’s relationship with celebrity culture has evolved. Players, entertainers and broadcasters increasingly operate within the same media environment, where individual personalities can attract as much attention as the competition itself.

Smith’s defense does not resolve the question of how much broadcast time should be devoted to celebrities in attendance. It does, however, identify the people actually responsible for making those decisions, shifting the discussion away from Swift and toward the television production choices that generate the controversy.

Week 6 Brings Important Decisions for Several Struggling Teams

The weekend arrives with several teams facing significant challenges that extend beyond individual injuries.

Philadelphia must attempt to end a three-game losing streak without Hurts or Barkley, while Baltimore will rely on Huntley for a second consecutive start. Chicago remains uncertain about Williams despite his return to full practice participation, and Tampa Bay will continue using Daniels while Mayfield recovers.

Kansas City has a different problem. The undefeated Chiefs have enough momentum to remain confident, but injuries at receiver and along the offensive line continue reducing their available options.

For New Orleans, the pressure is organizational rather than limited to the injury report. Benson has publicly established her expectations, and Moore must now demonstrate that his team can translate those expectations into better performances.

Houston’s acquisition of Harrison represents another important development with implications beyond this weekend. The Texans have invested in a receiver with significant potential, but the move will ultimately be judged by whether he can help Stroud restore the offense’s production.

Green Bay and Denver also have potential reinforcements approaching in Jacobs and Cooper, although both situations remain subject to ongoing league investigations.

The most consequential decisions of the weekend may involve teams determining how aggressively to pursue immediate victories while protecting injured quarterbacks and other important contributors. Baltimore has already chosen caution with Jackson, Philadelphia has little choice with Hurts, and Chicago must decide whether Williams has recovered enough to return.

For the teams already falling behind in their divisions, those decisions carry additional weight. October is still early enough to reverse a disappointing start, but each additional loss makes the margin for recovery smaller.

This report includes information from: NFL.com, Reuters.com, ESPN.com, Associated Press, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, Variety, Operation Sports, NewOrleansSaints.com, GreenBayPackers.com, DenverBroncos.com, BaltimoreRavens.com, PhiladelphiaEagles.com, ChicagoBears.com, AZCardinals.com, Chiefs.com, Patriots.com, Buccaneers.com, HoustonTexans.com and official NFL injury, transaction and game reports.