The 2026 NFL season reaches its halfway point in Week 9, with several key players returning from long-term injuries while others face season-ending setbacks.
Packers Open Parsons' Practice Window
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced that edge rusher Micah Parsons has begun his 21-day practice window to return from a torn ACL and meniscus. Parsons will start as a limited participant in individual drills, targeting a return for the Thanksgiving week game against the Los Angeles Rams. "He put a lot of effort and work into this. Having him out there will be a big boost for our team," LaFleur said.
Rams Lose Watson for Season
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after reaggravating a dislocation in last week's game against the Chargers. Coach Sean McVay called it a "big blow" and confirmed Watson will be placed on injured reserve.
Other Notable Updates
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the eighth overall pick, is set to return to practice after hamstring issues delayed his debut. Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (turf toe) are both out for the season, leaving Joe Fagnano to make his first NFL start. The Rams also opened linebacker Myles Garrett's 21-day window after a season-opening knee injury.
Multiple teams released extensive injury lists ahead of Week 9 matchups, including the Jaguars-Ravens, Bengals-Falcons, Jets-Chiefs, Lions-Dolphins, Rams-Commanders, Broncos-Panthers, Cowboys-Colts, Giants-Eagles, Browns-Saints, Raiders-49ers, Texans-Chargers, Cardinals-Seahawks, Packers-Patriots, Buccaneers-Bears, and Bills-Vikings games.
