NFL Player News

In a league where every team is searching for the next Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski, Fleener is the first tight end off the board after a surprising zero were taken on day one. It’s a dream landing spot, as he’ll be reunited with college teammate Andrew Luck, with whom he hooked up for 62 catches, 1,107 yards and 17 touchdowns the past two seasons. A pure pass catcher, Fleener may never develop into an asset as a blocker, but has the potential to emerge as one of the league’s top receiving tight ends in relatively short order. There’s a new Peyton Manning/Dallas Clark connection in Indy.

McCaffrey is evidently ready to hit the ground running, but Shanahan and the 49ers know they must manage the soon-to-be 29-year-old’s repetitions responsibly. McCaffrey’s 2024 season was derailed by bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a season-ending PCL sprain. Slightly increasing second-year RB Isaac Guerendo’s workload could be helpful in this regard.

This was expected. Back in March, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Aiyuk could be “ready to play by midseason.” The 49ers’ No. 1 wide receiver still has a long way to go as he rehabs his knee injury. Nos. 2 and 3 wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will be tasked with handling two-wide receiver sets early on.

Pearsall’s 2024 rookie season began similarly. He strained his hamstring during a mid-July practice and spent nearly two weeks on the reserve/non-football injury list. Perhaps, Pearsall needs to work on his ramp-up methods. Much will be asked of the No. 3 wide receiver, entering his second NFL season with Deebo Samuel now a Commander and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL. We will follow Pearsall’s health closely. He has a chance to return flex value this season.

Archer observed Williams going “through a series of change of direction drills while attached to the cords and looked no worse for the wear.” The 26-year-old Cowboy missed the 2024 season after tearing two knee ligaments in late July. He should be in great shape for Week 1, having had more than a year to recover.

According to Schultz, “Pittsburgh is believed to be motivated to get a deal done at some point, though there’s still plenty of time before the season.” He also helpfully informs pick-needy teams that “the Steelers could have up to 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.” Perhaps, one or more are available in exchange for a capable pass catcher. The report curiously comes roughly three weeks after the Steelers traded George Pickens to the Cowboys, which seemingly created the issue at hand. Perhaps, the relationship was spoiled beyond repair. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier today that the Steelers have spoken to the Dolphins about acquiring TE Jonnu Smith, who played under OC Arthur Smith with the Falcons in 2023. The Steelers desperately need a No. 2 wide receiver, but they are simply seeking a receiving weapon, regardless of position, they should be able to find a suitor.

Overshown is comparing his current recovery from a torn ACL, MCL and PCL to his torn ACL injury from the 2023 preseason. His timetable remains uncertain, though. Overshown adds that there is “no need to rush the process” and that he is “going to come back when [he is] 100%" ready to do so.

That’s a good sign for tight end Brock Bowers, who was selected first-team All-Pro as a rookie last season. In 2024, Bowers set an NFL rookie record for most receptions (112). He also established a new league benchmark for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194), eclipsing the former record set by Hall of Famer Mike Ditka in 1961. Kelly also spoke about the possibility of playing both Bowers and fellow tight end Michael Mayer at the same time. The newest addition to the Raiders’ offense is running back Ashton Jeanty, who was the sixth overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft. “Ashton is talented a back ... as I’ve seen,” said Kelly during Thursday’s media session. “His ability to sustain runs after contact ... is a rare quality.”

Brown is an undrafted free agent rookie who spent two college seasons at West Virginia, two more at Houston, and his fifth and final season at Miami. While he is extremely unlikely to be relevant in re-draft formats, Packers wide receiver scouts have done a good job of finding depth players in recent seasons. He could be a name to know for deep dynasty leagues. The Packers waived DE Jeremiah Martin in a corresponding move.

McVay sang praises for both Williams and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. McVay also confirmed that Williams is participating in voluntary organized team activities, and celebrated Williams for his “great willingness to come out here to work.” Williams has worked harder than all but two NFL running backs over the last two full seasons, totaling 663 touches during that span. The figure trails only Saquon Barkley (770) and Derrick Henry (694). Unfortunately for Williams, that workload may be working against him at the negotiating table. Although he turns just 25 in August, the Rams may seek to keep an extension limited to two or three seasons. Williams is scheduled to hit free agency after this season.

At this point, there is no reason to worry. Williams is handsomely paid, and his contract runs through the 2027 season. All reports regarding his health checkout as well. Williams should rejoin his team soon. Jets WR Malachi Corley was present but did not participate. Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Corley sat out with an apparent injury.