Coach News Today — September 22, 2026

The NFL is getting back to full strength as teams prepare for another exciting week of games. Quarterbacks are making a comeback, with Sam Darnold expected to return to Seahawks practice on Wednesday and Kyler Murray cleared to start for the Vikings against the Buccaneers after going through concussion protocol. The Bears are also getting closer to having their quarterback back, with Justin Fields not ruled out for Monday Night Football despite being listed as week-to-week. However, the Saints are dealing with a significant loss, as left tackle Trevor Banks will undergo ankle surgery and is out indefinitely.

Coaches and players are also paying tribute to those who have made an impact on the sport. JaMarcus Shephard, a current coach, is honoring former coaches like Mike Leach with special game-day ensembles. Meanwhile, Indiana University coach Curt Mallory's counterpart at another school, Cignetti, expressed frustration with the media attention surrounding his quarterback, but it's clear that coaches and players alike are feeling the pressure as the season heats up. With injuries, comebacks, and tributes making headlines, there's a lot to keep an eye on in the world of football this week.

Today's signal:
• Darnold set to return to Seahawks practice Wednesday, Macdonald says (espn.com)
• Bears coach says Williams week-to-week, but QB not ruled out for MNF (espn.com)
• Saints LT Banks to undergo ankle surgery, out indefinitely (espn.com)
• Vikings QB Murray clears concussion protocol, will start vs. Bucs (espn.com)
• JaMarcus Shephard pays tribute to Mike Leach, other former coaches with game-day ensembles (espn.com)
• IU's Cignetti blasts 'unfair scrutiny' of QB Hoover (espn.com)