One of the most exciting aspects of every Madden NFL season is how quickly the game evolves to reflect real-life NFL action. As teams rise and fall, injuries pile up, and Madden 26 coins players break out with career-defining performances, EA Sports updates Madden’s rosters to mirror what’s happening every week in the NFL. For Madden 26, Week 4 is shaping up to be especially important, both because of the dramatic real-world matchups on the schedule and the storylines surrounding several high-profile players. Here’s everything you need to know about the Madden 26 Week 4 roster update release date, what to expect, and how to make sure your game is up to date.

Madden 26 Week 4 Roster Update Release Date

We expect the Madden 26 Week 4 roster update to arrive on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, just a few hours before the Bills host the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. This follows EA Sports’ typical schedule of pushing updates late in the week so that lineups reflect the most recent performances heading into the new slate of games.

Roster updates generally arrive on Thursday afternoons, though times can vary. While Thursday is the most likely release date, there’s always a chance the update drops Friday instead, particularly if EA is finalizing injury adjustments, ratings changes, or last-minute trades.

The key takeaway: expect it Thursday, but don’t panic if it slips to Friday. Either way, you’ll have fresh rosters in time for the full Week 4 NFL schedule.

How to Update Rosters in Madden 26

If you’re new to the series or haven’t updated your rosters before, the good news is that the process couldn’t be easier. You’ll just need a stable internet connection and a few moments of your time.

Launch Madden 26 and navigate to the main menu.

Scroll to the “Settings” tab.

Select “Manage Rosters.”

Choose “Update Rosters” – this will check EA’s servers for the most recent file.

Confirm the download and wait a few seconds.

Once this is complete, your game will be synced with EA’s official roster. This means every trade, injury, and ratings adjustment will be live in your game modes, from Play Now to Franchise. If you’re in an Online Franchise, the commissioner will need to trigger the roster update, but for solo modes, the process is seamless.

Week 4 NFL Matchups That Could Influence Madden Ratings

The NFL Week 4 slate is packed with games that will not only shake up the standings but also potentially impact Madden 26 ratings going forward. Here are the key matchups to watch:

Cardinals vs. Seahawks (Thursday Night Football)

Both teams sit at 2-1, chasing the 49ers in the NFC West. With the entire division starting strong, a standout performance on TNF could easily lead to ratings bumps. Quarterbacks and defensive backs in particular will be under the spotlight here.

Packers vs. Cowboys – Parsons Returns to Dallas

The most dramatic storyline of Week 4 is Micah Parsons’ return to AT&T Stadium after being traded to Green Bay a month earlier. If Parsons dominates his former team, expect his Madden rating to climb even higher. This matchup could also shape how EA evaluates the Packers’ defense, while Dallas’ offense will be under pressure to prove Jerry Jones right for making the trade.

Jets vs. Dolphins – Battle for a First Win

Both teams are winless heading into Week 4, making this a desperation game. Struggling quarterbacks, offensive lines, or defenses may see further ratings declines if things don’t improve. Conversely, a breakout win could mean a ratings jump for a rising star.

Bengals vs. Broncos – Monday Night Finale

The Bengals are looking to bounce back from a blowout loss, while the Broncos are on a two-game skid. EA often reacts strongly to high-profile prime-time performances, so whoever shines here could see ratings movement in next week’s update.

Players to Watch in the Madden 26 Week 4 Roster Update

Every roster update isn’t just about injuries and depth charts—it’s also about ratings adjustments. EA’s Ratings Adjustors comb through each week’s action to determine who deserves a bump up or down. Here are some players to keep an eye on this week:

Micah Parsons (Packers) – All eyes are on him in Dallas. If he wreaks havoc, expect his OVR to rise.

Josh Allen (Bills) – Hosting Miami on TNF, Allen could solidify his elite status or take a hit if the Dolphins’ defense slows him down.

Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) – Always a ratings factor. A huge game could nudge him closer to that coveted 99 Club.

Kyler Murray (Cardinals) – If he leads Arizona past Seattle, it may mark his return to top-tier status.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) – After last week’s disappointment, Burrow needs a bounce-back game to maintain his rating.

Why Roster Updates Matter in Madden 26

Roster updates may seem like a small detail, but they’re critical to the Madden experience. Here’s why:

Realism: Updates ensure that your game reflects what’s happening in the NFL right now. If a star player is injured or traded, your game will show it.

Gameplay Balance: A player’s Madden rating has a big impact on how they perform in-game. When ratings shift, so do your strategies.

Franchise Mode Accuracy: For those who love Franchise, starting with the most up-to-date rosters gives you a more authentic simulation.

Ultimate Team Impact: While MUT has its own card system, real-world performances influence which players get special cards or upgrades.

Final Thoughts

The Madden 26 Week 4 roster update is expected to drop on Thursday, September 25th, ahead of the Bills vs. Dolphins matchup on Thursday Night Football. Whether you’re playing Franchise, hopping into Play Now, or just curious how EA values your favorite team’s stars, these updates are essential to keeping Madden as authentic as possible.

With massive storylines—Micah Parsons’ revenge game, the battle in the NFC West, and buy Madden 26 coins multiple teams searching for their first win—Week 4 is guaranteed to bring fireworks both on the field and in the Madden ratings system. Be sure to update your rosters as soon as the patch goes live so you can take advantage of the latest changes.