What happened: NFL media chief Hans Schroeder addressed the matter Wednesday at the fall owners meeting and praised the Oct. 20 Monday night coverage. The disagreement dates to before the Oct. 12 Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Rams game and centers on diverging ESPN contract situations. Buck and Aikman then called the Oct. 19 Washington Commanders-San Francisco 49ers game without publicly addressing the issue.

Why it matters: ESPN is scheduled to carry its first Super Bowl on Feb. 14, 2027, the first on ABC in 20 years. Buck and Aikman have worked together since 2002, called six Super Bowls at FOX, and joined ESPN together before the 2022 season. Continuity in the booth protects the network's marquee assignment through the season.

What to watch: Aikman remains unsigned beyond the Super Bowl and has said he looks forward to free agency after the season. The focus shifts to remaining national assignments and any talks on his next deal.