The 2026 NFL season has reached its midway point, and Week 9 is delivering long-awaited returns for some clubs and season-ending setbacks for others. The headline development came in Green Bay, where Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that edge rusher Micah Parsons' 21-day practice window is now open as he works back from a torn ACL and torn meniscus.
Parsons will practice with the Packers for the first time this season, with the goal of suiting up for the Thanksgiving week game against the Los Angeles Rams. LaFleur said Parsons will start as a limited participant in individual position drills before ramping up to full speed over the next couple of weeks. "He put a lot of effort and work into this. Having him out there will be a big boost for our team," LaFleur said, via ESPN.
The New Orleans Saints could also regain a key piece. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the eighth overall pick in 2026 out of Arizona State, will return to practice, according to New Orleans Football Network. Hamstring issues that dated back to his college career have delayed his NFL debut.
The news was far grimmer for the Rams, who learned Wednesday that cornerback Jaylen Watson requires season-ending shoulder surgery and will land on injured reserve. Watson missed a game earlier this year after dislocating the shoulder and reaggravated the injury in last week's win over the Chargers. "That's a big blow .. He's been such a stud for us. He wanted to be able to play through it," coach Sean McVay said, explaining that surgery was recommended after considering the totality of the situation.
Baltimore's quarterback room is in crisis ahead of Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Lamar Jackson's return lasted only one play last week before a right thumb injury knocked him out, and backup Tyler Huntley then suffered a turf toe injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season, per ESPN. Both are headed to injured reserve, leaving Joe Fagnano, last week's emergency third quarterback, to make his first NFL start. The Jaguars, meanwhile, list running back Bhayshul Tuten as questionable with an ankle and foot injury after he went without practice all week, with Chris Rodriguez in line for more touches if Tuten cannot go.
The New York Jets could get reinforcements despite losing Garrett Wilson to concussion protocol. Running back Breece Hall was limited Wednesday with a quad injury, and coach Aaron Glenn said Hall and the team's other limited players are "trending in the right direction." For Kansas City, defensive lineman Peter Woods was the only non-participant, while Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice were limited and Patrick Mahomes practiced in full.
Detroit will be without safety Kerby Joseph, coach Dan Campbell said, and linebacker Jack Campbell remains in the hospital after a scary injury last week. Washington placed running back Jeremy McNichols and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on injured reserve, meaning each will miss at least four games.
Philadelphia's injury woes continue to mount. Already without quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles held Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith out of Wednesday's practice. In Seattle, quarterback Sam Darnold is out this week with a quad injury suffered last week, and Drew Lock will start in his place against Arizona.
Elsewhere, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol and did not practice. Cowboys edge rusher Malachi Lawrence will miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, and coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas is weighing injured reserve. The 49ers practiced without Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Mike Evans, while Nick Bosa was limited. Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown remained out with ankle and knee injuries. In one more positive note, the Rams opened linebacker Myles Garrett's 21-day practice window, and he was a limited participant Wednesday after hurting his knee in the season opener.
