The Giants' secondary is hobbling into Minneapolis. New York will be without two safeties and will likely be missing rookie cornerback Eli Apple for their Monday night matchup with Minnesota.

With Aldon Smith suspended, the San Francisco 49ers are entering September minus a pair of All-Pros on defense. Does that put the team in danger of missing the postseason?

Amid all the recent hand-wringing over Marshawn Lynch and Vernon Davis, Adam Schein says we shouldn't forget what really matters: The Seahawks and Niners are, bar none, the NFL's best.

Jadeveon Clowney and Michael Sam will be the most watched defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine, and arguably could command the most attention of any prospects at the event.

The San Francisco 49ers kept Aldon Smith's snap count low in his first week back. Facing Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, the 49ers are looking to unleash their best pass rusher.

Aldon Smith will return to the San Francisco 49ers' lineup as a situational pass rusher for this week's game against the Carolina Panthers, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports.

Suddenly, Jack Del Rio and Wade Phillips are head coaches (again). Yes, both situations are temporary, but Albert Breer has a guide for the interim bosses of the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.

The Indianapolis Colts overcame Chuck Pagano's absence last year, giving the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans an example to follow in the wake of their coaches' hospitalizations, Judy Battista says.

Our midseason report continues with Chris Wesseling's "Making the Leap" series. Find out which young players join Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan as first-half stars.

Aldon Smith is out of rehab and back on the San Francisco 49ers' active roster after being activated off the NFI list. The 49ers pass rusher now is eligible to play Week 10 versus the Panthers.

Tom Brady has experienced one of the sharpest statistical declines in history, Chip Kelly's Eagles are 3-5 and RGIII has yet to regain form. But Gregg Rosenthal is not overreacting at midseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon leads the NFL in several categories over the past two weeks. Find out who else joins Blackmon on this week's Making the Leap list.

Last year, Luke Kuechly was a breakout IDP star. This year, it's the Buffalo Bills' Kiko Alonso who has taken up the mantle. Marcas Grant has more in Reading the Defense.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams each are coming off back-to-back losses. Now the two teams meet on "Thursday Night Football," hoping to avoid entering October in a 1-3 hole.