Report: Texans receiver Higgins out for season with torn ACL
Football
Houston Texans receiver Jayden Higgins is expected to miss the season with a torn ACL, according to a person with knowledge of his injury
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the Texans haven’t announced the severity of his injury.
Higgins fell awkwardly while running a route during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday in Houston. Coach DeMeco Ryans said at the time that Higgins was being evaluated for a leg injury.
The second-year receiver was expected to team up with No. 1 wideout Nico Collins in the Texans offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. A second-round pick in the 2025 draft, Higgins made 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie year.
Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired guard Daniel Faalele from the New York Giants for a sixth-round draft pick in 2027. Jacksonville gets much-needed help on the offensive line with projected starter Patrick Mekari out because of injuries and several others banged up. Faalele had been taking second-team snaps at Giants training camp but lost his best chance at a starting role when the team selected Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa with the 10th pick. Faalele started all 17 games for now-Giants coach John Harbaugh with Baltimore each of the past two seasons.
Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks signed cornerback Trevon Diggs on Wednesday. Diggs is a two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 with Dallas. His performance has declined over the last few years, in part because of two major knee surgeries. Diggs gives the Seahawks another option in the secondary. Seattle is hoping to bring in cornerback Terrion Arnold, but his status for 2026 is uncertain because he faces felony charges.
Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 NFL Draft class has produced two standout defensive players. Myles Murphy, a fourth-year defensive end, is emerging as a key player on the edge, potentially replacing Trey Hendrickson. Cornerback DJ Turner is developing into a No. 1 cornerback, often matching up against top wide receivers. After a strong training camp, Murphy and Turner are eager for a successful season. Murphy has shown significant improvement, while Turner has impressed with his coverage skills. Both players are young and optimistic about their future, aiming to elevate the Bengals’ defense this season.
Browns
This week could provide an opportunity for Shedeur Sanders to make his best case to become the Browns’ starting quarterback. The second-year signal-caller got snaps with the first-team offense on Monday and Wednesday. He will start on Saturday in the second preseason game against Buffalo. And he’ll also get reps with the first unit during Thursday’s joint practice with the Bills. But Sanders says he doesn’t place any extra importance on this week. He is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ starting job. Coach Todd Monken is having the QBs split their first-team reps.
Falcons-Colts
Keenan Allen has joined the Indianapolis Colts, but he’s not yet practicing. The veteran wide receiver arrived in Indiana Tuesday night and was on the sideline for Wednesday’s joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons. The 34-year-old Allen agreed this week to a one-year contract. He has a history of working productively with Colts coach Shane Steichen. The Falcons also have a new addition who wasn’t on the field Wednesday. Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith was signed to fill the void left by a season-ending injury to Jalon Walker and the suspension of James Pearce Jr.
Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys arrived at training camp looking for answers at left tackle. They might depart Southern California with questions at right tackle. While Tyler Guyton has built on a strong offseason to take hold of one of the most important positions in football, Terence Steele’s recent struggles have offensive coordinator Klayton Adams trying to get more from his incumbent on the right side. While Steele needs to improve, Guyton has been praised by teammates and coaches for the steps he has taken going into his third season.
Titans
The Tennessee Titans starting one rookie on offense this season has been likely since they drafted wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall in April. Now, a fifth-round selection is pushing hard to grab the Titans’ open job as their starting right guard. Fernando Carmona Jr. was the lone rookie starter on offense for the Titans in their preseason opening win at San Francisco and is likely to start again Sunday night when Tennessee hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Coach Robert Saleh says Carmona put his foot in the door and is trying to push his way through.
Patriots
A.J. Brown’s past and present collided when the New England Patriots hosted his former Philadelphia Eagles teammates for a joint practice. Though surrounded by many of the faces and coaches he left behind, the wide receiver said he continues to leave any raw feelings about how his Philly tenure ended in the past. Brown’s relationship with the Eagles franchise, and notably 2025 Super Bowl MVP QB Jalen Hurts, soured as much as his production last season. The two haven’t spoken since the trade, but Hurts said he has nothing but love for his former teammate.