The Washington Commanders have added Steve Wilks to their coaching staff in a part-time role focusing on defensive game planning. Wilks, who began working with the team last week, does not have a presence on game days and is not involved in on-field coaching during contests. Head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones have been collaborating on this arrangement since the start of the season. Wilks, who previously served as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, has recent experience as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (2019), San Francisco 49ers (2023), and New York Jets (2025). The Commanders enter their bye week with a 1-4-1 record and rank 26th in the NFL in yards allowed per game following their Monday night loss to the 49ers.
The Tennessee Titans announced the release of defensive tackle Jordan Elliott after an incident at the team’s facility. Coach Robert Saleh confirmed Elliott’s departure, describing the incident—reportedly involving Elliott retrieving a firearm from his vehicle following an altercation with another player—as a “terrible lapse in judgment” and a “call for help” rather than a criminal act. The team notified the NFL, which prohibits firearms at club facilities, stadiums, team hotels, and on team transportation. A person familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Elliott’s actions are under review. Saleh defended Elliott’s character, emphasizing the strict application of league policies regarding firearms.
The New York Giants are set to start quarterback J.J. McCarthy in their upcoming game against the Houston Texans, according to coach John Harbaugh. McCarthy, who joined the team in late September via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, replaces Jameis Winston, who had started the previous four games following an injury to Jaxson Dart. McCarthy, noted for his mobility but with limited familiarity with the Giants’ offense, saw action late in the previous game against the New Orleans Saints, throwing for 243 yards in multiple scoring drives. The Giants currently lead the NFC East with a 3-2-1 record and are entering their bye week after facing the Texans.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has appealed a one-game suspension imposed by the NFL for allegedly spitting on a Las Vegas Raiders player during a recent game. Franklin’s agent, Harold Lewis, denied the allegations and expressed confidence that the upcoming hearing will clear Franklin’s name. Franklin also addressed the matter on social media, denying the accusation and asserting he did not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. A video posted by Franklin showed Raiders offensive lineman Delmar Glaze striking Franklin in a sensitive area during an extra-point attempt in Buffalo’s 33-30 victory. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The New York Jets are cautiously optimistic about wide receiver Adonai Mitchell’s return to practice as he recovers from finger surgery. Mitchell, who has missed four games after injuring his finger at practice, resumed limited on-field activity as coach Aaron Glenn indicated pain tolerance will guide his return to game action. Mitchell has recorded nine catches for 123 yards over two games this season and is the team’s second-leading receiver behind Garrett Wilson. The Jets’ next game is against the Miami Dolphins.
The Los Angeles Rams face injury concerns ahead of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Linebacker Nate Landman has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol following an injury sustained during the Rams’ 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Landman leads the team with 51 tackles and has been a key defensive signal-caller. The Rams, who began the season as Super Bowl contenders, have lost three of their last four games and currently hold a 2-4 record. They are already without All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett due to knee surgery and defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, both injured in the Cardinals game. Landman’s availability for Sunday remains uncertain.