American football: the main stories of 26.09.2026

The NFL has told Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to remove the name of Wafa Akila, an 8-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, from the stickers under his eyes. This is the second time this month that Al-Shaair has been in dispute with the league. On 17 September, Kyrie Irving said he would pay a fine the NFL had given the linebacker. The latest order is about the message on his face, so the dispute now concerns what a player may display on game day. The reports do not say whether Al-Shaair will comply or what action the league would take if he refuses. Of all the day's stories, this is the only one confirmed by a trusted source.

Josh Allen has thrown 9 touchdowns without a turnover in Buffalo's first 2 games. One report, citing NBC Sports data, says only 2 players had started a season that way before him. Allen had 5 of those touchdowns in the 41:31 win over Detroit and was named Offensive Player of Week 2 on 24 September. For San Francisco, one outlet reports that edge rusher Nick Bosa hurt his calf in practice and will miss several weeks. The same report says the 49ers have not decided whether to place him on injured reserve.

• One report says Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft criticised fans who booed the Packers at Lambeau Field during their 14:35 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in their first home game.
• Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is no longer on the injury report and will start against the Washington Commanders in Week 3 after missing the previous game, according to a single report.