Chairshot NFL News Report (10/21/2026): McLaurin Out for Season, NFL Defends Eagles & Giants Release Harris

Terry McLaurin is out for the season, the NFL addresses Jalen Hurts’ medical care, the Giants release Najee Harris, and Paris security takes center stage.

Washington’s worst fears have been confirmed. Terry McLaurin will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon during Monday Night Football, leaving the Commanders without their most established receiver at a time when their season is already slipping away.

The NFL also addressed growing questions surrounding Philadelphia’s handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood-clot diagnosis. League medical officials defended the Eagles’ decisions and explained why the quarterback was permitted to play in London before subsequent examinations revealed a more serious condition.

Elsewhere, the New York Giants released running back Najee Harris, the Los Angeles Rams made additional moves to address their injury crisis, and Tennessee cut defensive lineman Jordan Elliott following an internal review of an incident at the team’s facility.

Beyond individual rosters, the league’s fall meetings produced another major story. NFL officials confirmed heightened security measures for Sunday’s historic Steelers-Saints game in Paris, where civil unrest has complicated preparations for the first regular-season NFL contest in France.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for October 21, 2026!

Terry McLaurin Out for Season With Torn Patellar Tendon

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Tuesday that Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during Monday’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The injury will require surgery and end the receiver’s 2026 season.

The announcement confirms the concerns that emerged immediately after McLaurin went down during the first quarter. He was running a sideline route against cornerback Deommodore Lenoir when his knee gave way with minimal contact, leaving him on the turf before medical personnel arrived.

An air cast was applied, and McLaurin was carted from the field. Quinn acknowledged afterward that the injury appeared potentially significant, but the organization waited for Tuesday’s examinations before confirming the extent of the damage.

The loss is particularly devastating because McLaurin had already dealt with injuries earlier this season. He missed Washington’s October 4 game against Indianapolis because of a hamstring problem and returned for the following week’s tie against the Giants.

McLaurin finishes the season with 15 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown in five appearances. Those numbers reflect an interrupted opening month rather than his usual production, but his importance to Washington extends beyond his statistics.

The 31-year-old receiver is in the first season of a three-year, $96 million contract and remains one of the organization’s most recognizable offensive players. Washington selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft, and he has developed into a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

His absence immediately changes the responsibilities of the remaining receivers. Stefon Diggs, who joined Washington during the offseason, becomes the most established option for Jayden Daniels, while Dyami Brown, rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks could see expanded opportunities.

The timing makes the situation even more difficult. Washington is 1-4-1 after failing to win any of its last three games, and leading rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt was also placed on injured reserve Monday.

The Commanders enter their bye week with an opportunity to reorganize the offense, but there is no direct replacement for McLaurin’s experience, route-running ability and established relationship with Daniels.

Washington’s next game comes November 1 against Philadelphia, another NFC East team dealing with the extended absence of its starting quarterback. The division remains unusually competitive despite the struggles of several teams, but the Commanders must now attempt a turnaround without two important offensive contributors.

NFL Defends Eagles’ Handling of Jalen Hurts’ Medical Condition

The NFL publicly defended Philadelphia’s medical staff Tuesday amid questions surrounding the treatment of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season because of blood clots.

Hurts was diagnosed with superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf before Philadelphia’s October 11 game against Jacksonville in London. He was permitted to participate in that contest after receiving medical evaluation, but additional examinations later revealed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.

The updated diagnosis means Hurts has experienced blood clots involving both lungs, requiring treatment with anticoagulant medication. The Eagles announced Monday that he is clinically stable and receiving appropriate medical care.

The question raised Tuesday was whether Hurts should have been allowed to play in London after the initial clot was identified.

An NFL spokesperson told Reuters that the league remained in contact with Philadelphia’s medical personnel and determined that the team handled the situation appropriately. The NFL also coordinated with medical specialists in London, including personnel at the Cleveland Clinic.

NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills addressed the issue during the league’s fall meetings in New York. Sills expressed confidence in the Eagles’ medical staff and characterized its approach as cautious and focused on the player’s health.

He also emphasized that the league does not maintain a standardized return-to-play protocol for blood clots comparable to its concussion procedures. Those decisions require individualized medical evaluations because the circumstances and risks can vary substantially between patients.

That distinction helps explain why Hurts’ initial diagnosis did not automatically prevent him from playing. However, the subsequent discovery of more serious clotting has understandably created scrutiny around the decision-making process.

League officials stressed that medical professionals make treatment decisions independently of coaches, general managers and ownership. Sills also cautioned against drawing conclusions without access to the full medical information available to the physicians involved.

Hurts is expected to remain sidelined while receiving blood-thinning medication, which is incompatible with participation in contact football because of the increased risk of bleeding.

The Eagles are 2-4 and have lost four consecutive games. Tanner McKee started Sunday’s defeat against Carolina and is positioned to continue handling the offense while Hurts recovers.

Philadelphia must now prepare for an extended period without its starting quarterback, but the league’s statements make clear that Hurts’ medical treatment is not being treated as a conventional football injury with a predetermined return date.

Giants Release Najee Harris After Disappointing Start

The New York Giants made a notable roster decision Tuesday, releasing veteran running back Najee Harris after six weeks.

Harris appeared in five games for New York, making one start and recording 99 rushing yards on 33 carries. He averaged three yards per attempt and struggled to establish a consistent role in the Giants’ offense.

His final appearance came during Sunday’s 34-27 loss to New Orleans. Harris started the game but finished with only four carries for six yards, a performance that reflected the difficulties he experienced throughout his brief tenure.

The move is significant because Harris entered the league with considerably greater expectations. Pittsburgh selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he established himself as a durable, high-volume running back during his early seasons.

However, the NFL’s evaluation of running backs increasingly emphasizes efficiency, versatility and production relative to roster cost. A player can remain capable of handling carries while still struggling to justify a place in an offense that requires more explosive production.

New York’s decision also reflects the organization’s willingness to make changes despite sitting atop the NFC East at 3-2-1. The Giants have been inconsistent offensively, and Sunday’s loss to New Orleans exposed several problems that cannot be attributed to one position.

The team also released veteran linebacker Jihad Ward and signed linebacker Trace Ford to the active roster. Those moves provide additional flexibility as New York prepares for Sunday’s matchup against Houston.

Harris now becomes available to other teams seeking running back depth. His experience and ability to handle a significant workload could generate interest, although his recent production may limit the opportunities available.

For the Giants, the decision creates an opportunity to evaluate other running backs rather than continuing with a veteran who had not established a productive role. New York remains in the division race, but its offensive personnel decisions suggest the organization is not satisfied with simply maintaining the status quo.

Rams Place Davante Adams and Poona Ford on Injured Reserve

Los Angeles formalized two significant injury-related moves Tuesday, placing receiver Davante Adams and defensive tackle Poona Ford on injured reserve.

The decisions follow head coach Sean McVay’s Monday announcement that Adams is expected to miss six to ten weeks because of a serious hamstring injury. Ford suffered a ruptured triceps and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Adams’ absence removes an established receiving threat from an offense that has struggled to turn productive stretches into victories. The Rams are 2-4 following Sunday’s 18-16 loss to Arizona, and their available offensive personnel are becoming increasingly limited.

Ford’s injury creates a separate problem along the defensive interior. Los Angeles is also dealing with Kobie Turner’s groin injury, leaving the organization short of established contributors at a position that plays an important role against both the run and pass.

The Rams addressed another pressing need Tuesday by moving toward an agreement with veteran kicker Brandon McManus. McManus worked out for the team alongside Matt Prater after Blake Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury against Arizona.

McManus has extensive NFL experience, including nine seasons with Denver and more recent stops in Jacksonville and Green Bay. The Rams are hoping that experience can provide stability after repeated changes at kicker.

The timing is particularly important because Los Angeles has lost multiple close games. Reliable field-goal production becomes even more valuable for a team that has struggled to finish drives and cannot afford to waste scoring opportunities.

The Rams must now determine how to replace Adams’ production while rebuilding depth on the defensive line. Their record leaves little room for an extended adjustment period, especially with the November 10 trade deadline approaching.

McVay has successfully adjusted to injuries during previous seasons, but the current situation affects several unrelated position groups simultaneously. Los Angeles needs both immediate replacements and better execution from its healthy contributors if it intends to remain competitive in the NFC West.

NFL Increases Security for Historic Paris Game

The NFL confirmed Tuesday that heightened security measures will be implemented for Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers-New Orleans Saints game in Paris following civil unrest across France.

The matchup will be the first regular-season NFL game played in the country and is scheduled for Stade de France. The league has spent considerable time preparing for the event as part of its expanding international strategy.

However, widespread protests and violent disturbances have complicated preparations. Demonstrations concerning living costs, education and public services have been accompanied by clashes, property damage and arrests in several French cities.

NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly addressed the situation during the league’s fall meetings in New York, emphasizing that security remains the organization’s highest priority.

League officials are coordinating with French national and local authorities, along with the United States State Department. Senior NFL security personnel have also been working on the ground in France to evaluate conditions and prepare contingency plans.

The Saints traveled directly to Paris following Sunday’s victory over the Giants and are practicing in the area this week. Pittsburgh is expected to arrive closer to the game.

The NFL has indicated that preparations remain on schedule. Planned events include an NFL House and several activities intended to introduce American football to a wider French audience.

The league has also partnered with Paris Saint-Germain and prominent French athletes to promote the game. Officials expect strong attendance at Stade de France, which has a capacity of approximately 82,000 for the event.

The broader significance extends beyond Sunday’s matchup. The NFL has scheduled a record nine international games in 2026 and has already approved the possibility of increasing that number to ten beginning in 2027.

France represents an important market in that expansion strategy. The league is attempting to establish recurring relationships with international audiences rather than treating each overseas game as an isolated event.

The current security concerns provide an unexpected challenge to that approach. NFL officials must demonstrate that the event can proceed safely while preserving the atmosphere and promotional opportunities that make international games valuable.

As of Tuesday evening, the game remained scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 AM ET. No relocation or postponement had been announced.

Titans Release Jordan Elliott Following Internal Review

Tennessee made an unexpected personnel decision Tuesday, releasing defensive lineman Jordan Elliott following an internal review of an incident at the team’s facility.

The organization confirmed that the incident occurred October 15 and that it had completed its review before deciding to remove Elliott from the roster.

The Titans declined to provide additional details about the circumstances. Without further information from the team or other verified reporting, the nature of the incident remains unclear.

Elliott had recorded 11 tackles in five games this season. His release removes another defensive contributor from a Tennessee team that has struggled through the opening six weeks.

The decision comes shortly after the Titans earned their first victory under head coach Robert Saleh, defeating Indianapolis 26-20 on Sunday. Tennessee remains 1-5 but finally has a positive result to build upon following an extended losing streak.

The organization also signed defensive back Erick Hallett to its practice squad and released linebacker Chase Wilson from the practice squad.

Elliott’s departure is not necessarily a reflection of his on-field performance. Tennessee’s statement specifically connected the decision to its internal review, making it important to distinguish the personnel move from routine roster adjustments.

The Titans have emphasized organizational stability despite their disappointing record, with ownership recently expressing support for Saleh and general manager Mike Borgonzi. Tuesday’s decision demonstrates that the team is still prepared to make individual personnel changes while maintaining its broader leadership structure.

Packers Add Mazi Smith as Josh Jacobs’ Return Remains Uncertain

Green Bay added defensive tackle Mazi Smith to its practice squad Tuesday, giving the Packers another potential option along an injury-depleted defensive line.

Smith was selected by Dallas with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Michigan standout entered the league with expectations of becoming a productive interior defender but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent impact player.

Green Bay has recently lost important defensive-line contributors, including Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Ford. Adding Smith provides another player with NFL experience as the Packers attempt to maintain their defensive performance.

The signing does not guarantee Smith will immediately join the active roster. However, it gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate his readiness and determine whether he can contribute during the coming weeks.

The Packers are also evaluating the status of running back Josh Jacobs, who has become eligible to return from the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Tuesday that Jacobs’ availability for Week 7 has not been determined. Eligibility to resume football activities does not automatically mean the running back will be ready to handle a normal workload.

Green Bay has struggled to establish consistent rushing production during Jacobs’ absence, making his potential return important for the offense.

The Packers have nevertheless won three consecutive games and improved to 4-2. Their defense has helped compensate for offensive inconsistency, although the growing number of injuries along the defensive front remains a concern.

Green Bay faces Detroit on Sunday in an important NFC North matchup. The Packers must balance the possibility of reintegrating Jacobs with the immediate need to maintain defensive depth against a division rival.

Dolphins Make Kicking Change as Difficult Season Continues

Miami made several roster adjustments Tuesday, including the release of kicker Riley Patterson.

Patterson converted seven of nine field-goal attempts and five of six extra-point attempts in five games this season. The Dolphins also released cornerback Storm Duck and edge rusher Andre Jones Jr.

Miami signed edge rusher Rodney McGraw to its active roster from the practice squad and added veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to the practice squad.

The kicking change comes during a difficult opening stretch for the Dolphins, who remain winless at 0-5 following their Week 6 bye.

Miami has struggled across multiple phases of the game, making special-teams reliability another concern for an organization attempting to avoid an extended losing streak.

The Dolphins are also approaching the trade deadline with questions surrounding several veteran contributors. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler has publicly expressed a desire to remain in Miami as speculation grows about whether the team could consider personnel changes.

For a winless organization, the challenge is determining which players should remain part of its long-term plans and which positions require a different approach.

The Dolphins return to action Sunday against the New York Jets, another AFC East team attempting to recover from a disappointing start. Miami’s immediate priority is earning its first victory, but the decisions made over the next several weeks could also shape the organization’s plans beyond 2026.

Patriots and Bears Continue Managing Thursday Night Injuries

New England and Chicago released updated injury information Tuesday ahead of their Thursday Night Football matchup at Soldier Field.

The Patriots received encouraging news when cornerback Carlton Davis III returned to limited participation after missing Monday’s walkthrough. Receiver A.J. Brown also remained limited as he continues managing the ankle injury that previously kept him on injured reserve.

Quarterback Drake Maye participated fully despite appearing on the report with a right shoulder issue. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and offensive tackle Will Campbell were also full participants.

New England had three players listed as nonparticipants Tuesday: offensive lineman Ben Brown, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer. Vera-Tucker’s hamstring injury is particularly important because of the challenges an offensive-line absence can create during a short preparation week.

Chicago’s injury report included several notable concerns.

Running back Kyle Monangai did not participate because of thumb and toe injuries, while linebacker T.J. Edwards remained sidelined with a hamstring issue. Jack Sanborn also did not participate because of a concussion.

The Bears received a positive development when offensive lineman Jonah Jackson improved to limited participation after being listed as a nonparticipant Monday. Jackson is managing hip and quadriceps injuries.

Chicago’s Tuesday practice was a walkthrough, meaning its participation designations were estimates rather than measurements from a full practice.

Caleb Williams did not appear on the injury report after returning from a hamstring injury Sunday against Atlanta. His absence from the report is an encouraging sign for Chicago after the quarterback missed three games.

Both teams enter Thursday at 4-2 and have won three of their last four games. New England is attempting to extend its winning streak, while Chicago is looking to build on Williams’ successful return.

Final game-status designations have not yet been issued, so Tuesday’s participation reports should not be treated as confirmation that any questionable player will be available or unavailable Thursday.

Tuesday’s NFL Transaction Roundup

Several teams made additional moves as Week 7 preparations began, with practice-squad additions and depth adjustments accounting for much of the activity.

Atlanta agreed to sign edge rusher Charles Snowden to its active roster from Washington’s practice squad, adding defensive depth ahead of Sunday’s matchup against undefeated San Francisco.

Baltimore signed kicker Jake Moody to its practice squad. The move provides another experienced kicking option for a Ravens team preparing for an AFC North matchup against Cincinnati.

Indianapolis added receiver Mecole Hardman and punter Thomas Morstead to its practice squad following the organization’s decision to fire general manager Chris Ballard on Monday.

Dallas signed defensive back Juanyeh Thomas to its active roster and added quarterback Kyle Trask to the practice squad. The Cowboys are attempting to improve their depth after falling to 2-4.

Philadelphia signed running back Elijah Mitchell to its practice squad while waiving Jaydon Blue. The Eagles also waived running back Carson Steele with an injury designation.

Buffalo signed veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White to its practice squad, reuniting the organization with a familiar defensive contributor. The move provides additional secondary depth as the Bills prepare for the next stage of their season.

These transactions may not carry the immediate significance of a major trade, but they reflect the roster management required as injuries accumulate. Teams are beginning to evaluate which positions need additional protection before the schedule reaches its midpoint.

Week 7 Opens Thursday as Trade Deadline Approaches

Thursday Night Football begins Week 7 with New England visiting Chicago at 8:15 PM ET on Prime Video. Both teams enter at 4-2, although their final injury designations will determine which contributors are available.

Sunday’s schedule includes the Steelers and Saints in Paris, Green Bay visiting Detroit, Houston hosting the Giants and Kansas City traveling to Seattle. The full weekend slate will provide several important divisional and conference matchups, but the more immediate developments concern injuries and roster decisions.

The November 10 trade deadline is now three weeks away, giving teams a limited window to evaluate whether outside additions can address their most significant problems.

Washington’s situation has become particularly urgent. Losing McLaurin for the season removes its most established receiver, while the injury to Croskey-Merritt creates another problem for an offense already struggling to maintain consistency.

Philadelphia must continue planning around Hurts’ extended medical absence, and the Rams are evaluating replacements after losing important players on both sides of the football.

Indianapolis faces a different kind of uncertainty following Ballard’s dismissal. Its personnel department must continue operating while ownership begins evaluating candidates for the franchise’s next general manager.

For Green Bay, New England and Chicago, the decisions are more immediate. Each team is attempting to preserve momentum while determining which injured players can return and which replacements must take on larger responsibilities.

Washington has the most consequential confirmed development from Tuesday. McLaurin’s season-ending injury leaves the Commanders facing the rest of their schedule without a player who has been central to their offense for years, and the team’s bye week now becomes an opportunity to rebuild its receiving rotation rather than simply prepare for Philadelphia.

This report includes information from: NFL.com, Reuters.com, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Patriots.com, NFL Football Operations, and official NFL injury, transaction and game reports.