Gridiron Update

## NFL International Expansion: Games in Rio de Janeiro

On September 26, the NFL officially committed to hosting at least three regular-season games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, over a five-year span beginning with the 2026 season. The announcement, made by Commissioner Roger Goodell, builds on the league’s recent success with games in São Paulo, where Week 1 contests were played in both 2023 and 2024. The inaugural Rio matchup will take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, underscoring the NFL’s strategy to deepen its footprint in South America and tap into the region’s substantial fan base of more than 36 million followers. Mayor Eduardo Paes welcomed the move, highlighting its cultural significance and its inclusion in Rio’s official event calendar. Further details—such as the specific teams involved and exact game dates—will be revealed at a later date, but the decision cements Rio as the 11th international host city alongside London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Munich, São Paulo, Toronto, and the upcoming Melbourne game in Australia. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl-commits-3-games-rio-de-janeiro-beginning-26--flm-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

This expansion reflects the NFL’s broader international strategy. The league has now played 56 games abroad since 2007, leveraging markets in Europe, Latin America, and soon Oceania. Under the NFL’s global markets program, teams such as Detroit, Miami, New England, and Philadelphia already maintain marketing rights in Brazil. Beyond Rio’s three-game commitment, the 2025 schedule will feature contests in Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, and London, while 2026 will mark Australia’s first regular-season NFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Goodell emphasized that Rio’s storied sporting heritage makes Maracanã an ideal venue to showcase American football, aiming to convert casual attendees into lifelong fans. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl-commits-3-games-rio-de-janeiro-beginning-26--flm-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

## Week 4 Thursday Night Football: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20

In a thrilling Thursday Night Football tilt on September 25, the Seattle Seahawks edged the Arizona Cardinals, 23-20, on a walk-off 52-yard field goal by veteran kicker Jason Myers. Seattle appeared in command with a 20-6 lead entering the fourth quarter, punctuated by a touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet and a 22-yard sideline strike from QB Sam Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, the Cardinals rallied late, with Kyler Murray throwing a 16-yard TD to Marvin Harrison Jr. and then engineering another drive capped by a 7-yard touchdown to Emari Demercado with just 33 seconds remaining. ([thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/nfl/events/137650/RECAP?utm_source=openai))

After Myers missed a 53-yard attempt earlier in the quarter, Seattle seized the opportunity when Chad Ryland’s kickoff failed to meet the new landing-zone requirement, granting Seattle the ball at the Arizona 40. Two quick Darnold completions set up Myers’ decisive kick, his first successful attempt of the night, to seal the comeback victory. Darnold finished 18-of-26 for 242 yards and one touchdown, while Kenneth Walker III rushed for 81 yards. On defense, the Seahawks amassed six sacks—including two by rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon—and forced two interceptions, demonstrating resilience despite late-game lapses. ([thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/nfl/events/137650/RECAP?utm_source=openai))

Off-field drama accompanied the on-field action when wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was caught on a hot mic cursing after being flagged for holding in the fourth quarter. The audible “That’s some bulls---!” drew chuckles from commentators Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit and trended on social media, offering a glimpse into the emotional intensity of primetime NFL. Despite the penalty, the Seahawks maintained focus and improved to 3-1 on the season, while Arizona fell to 2-2. ([people.com](https://people.com/seahawks-star-explicit-comments-caught-on-hot-mic-during-thursday-night-football-win-11819716?utm_source=openai))

## Washington Commanders Injury Update Ahead of Week 4

The Washington Commanders will face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Daniels, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, was limited in practice this week with a knee injury sustained on September 11 but was ultimately ruled out for the second straight game despite reporting no discomfort during drills. Backup Marcus Mariota, who orchestrated a 41-24 win over the Raiders in Week 3 with 15 completions on 21 attempts for 207 yards and one touchdown, will get the start under center. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/commanders-face-falcons-without-jayden-daniels-terry-mclaurin--flm-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

McLaurin will also miss his first start since 2020 after suffering a quadriceps injury on a significant 56-yard catch in Week 3. The two-time Pro Bowler ended a months-long holdout by signing a three-year extension on August 25 but now faces a week-to-week timeline for recovery. Over his career, McLaurin has amassed 470 receptions for 6,528 yards and 38 touchdowns in 100 games. Head coach Dan Quinn will look to his emerging young weapons and a stout defense to compensate for these high-profile absences. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/commanders-face-falcons-without-jayden-daniels-terry-mclaurin--flm-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

## New York Giants: QB Change and Key Return

As the 0-3 New York Giants prepare to host the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will make his first career NFL start on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The Ole Miss product, selected 25th overall in April’s draft, had only six total offensive snaps over the first three games but impressed the coaching staff with his preparation and “it factor.” Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed Dart’s promotion on Wednesday, moving veteran Russell Wilson to backup duty. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/giants-wr-malik-nabers-set-play-jaxson-darts-debut-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

Wide receiver Malik Nabers, limited in practice this week by a shoulder issue, has been cleared to play and will provide a much-needed vertical threat for Dart. Through three games, Nabers leads the Giants with 16 receptions for 251 yards and two touchdowns. He enters the matchup after setting both franchise and NFL rookie records in 2024 with 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven scores. New York will be without running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., defensive lineman Chauncey Golston, and kicker Graham Gano, while defensive lineman Rakeem Núñez-Roches is listed as doubtful. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/giants-wr-malik-nabers-set-play-jaxson-darts-debut-2025-09-26/?utm_source=openai))

## League-Wide Injury and Transaction Report

Friday’s NFL.com roundup highlighted several notable practice and transaction developments across the league. The Cleveland Browns welcomed RB Jerome Ford back on a limited practice basis following a knee injury, while the Denver Broncos saw WR Josh Reynolds upgrade to full participation in practice after recovering from an Achilles issue. On the Dallas Cowboys’ front, DE Carl Lawson and DB Amani Oruwariye were elevated from the practice squad for the upcoming game, and star linebacker Micah Parsons is awaiting MRI results on an ankle injury sustained Thursday night. These updates will shape depth charts and game plans for Week 4 matchups across the NFL. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-sept-26?utm_source=openai))