NFL Player News

Lloyd (5'9/210) was lighting the South Carolina pre-season camp on fire last year before succumbing to a torn ACL and being forced to miss all of 2021. His absence led to the rise of Kevin Harris’ fortunes as the lead back in South Carolina. It will be interesting to see how the backfield shakes out now that new HC Shane Beamer is in charge. Harris should be considered the favorite, but Lloyd’s high four-star talent cannot be underestimated.

Blackmon suffered the torn ACL in the first practice of Vikings training camp. It’s a big blow to the Vikings secondary after Blackmon played in 15 games and started three as a rookie last season. Cornerback Duke Shelley was recently signed by the Vikings, but depth is shallow in the secondary. Entering his second season, Blackmon will now have to rehab to come back for 2025.

Love was entering the second season of a two-year, $12 million deal with the Seahawks, and is now extended for three more years. He cashes in after his first season in Seattle saw him tally four interceptions and 10 passes defended while receiving a Pro Bowl nod. Love spent four seasons with the Giants prior to signing with the Seahawks, becoming a starter in the secondary more recently while also playing some special teams. The three-year extension indicates the Seahawks are confident in Love continuing to hold down the back end of the secondary while they move on from Jamal Adams.

Patterson is dealing with a hamstring issue from offseason training and is considered day to day. Since he is not cleared to practice yet, the Steelers placed him on the non-football injury list until he can return. The 33-year-old was signed in the offseason to play a multi-faceted role. Coming over from OC Arthur Smith’s former team, the Falcons, Patterson is likely to be a return specialist for the Steelers. He may also mix in on offense due to his familiarity with Smith. Once Patterson returns from his hamstring issue, there will be more detail on his usage throughout camp and preseason.

Branch went on the PUP list ahead of training camp with a minor ankle issue but is good to go now. He started 9-of-15 games as a rookie in 2023. Branch proved to be an instant play-maker, tallying three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one sack. He took one of his picks to the house. His playing time should grow significantly in his second season.

The injury was initially believed to be a back issue and was later specified as a shoulder injury. He was placed on the NFI list ahead of camp. Per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, Olave was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. The fact that he was a full-go so quickly suggests the shoulder injury was extremely minor. As the clear WR1 for the Saints, Olave is in a great position to post a true breakout season this year. The third-year wideout has 159 career receptions for 2,165 yards but is still looking for his first 1,200-yard season. He currently goes off the board as a low-end WR1 in Best Ball drafts.

Reed was put on the NFI list with a minor toe issue at the start of camp but his stay didn’t last long. Per head coach Matt LaFleur, Reed was limited to individual work for his first practice back. LaFleur is hoping to have Reed back in team drills by Friday. Barring any setbacks, the issue should be behind Reed now. The second-year receiver is currently being drafted as the top Green Bay wideout. He led the Packers with 64 grabs, 793 yards, and eight receiving touchdowns as a rookie. Though the Packers will undoubtedly rotate their receivers more than fantasy managers would like to see, Reed’s electric rookie season makes him a high-ceiling bet heading into year two.

Left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) was also placed on the PUP list. Conklin suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 of the 2023 season and has been out ever since. Wills suffered multiple knee injuries in Week 9 and was out for the remainder of the season. Both players can be activated from the PUP list and return to practice at any time during training camp. When healthy, the Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league. The hope will be that both tackles are able to suit up in Week 1.

Fellow running back Nyheim Hines was placed on the active/NFI list with a knee issue of his own. Chubb is still working his way back from the devastating knee injury he suffered in Week 2 of the 2023 season. He can be removed from the PUP list at any time during training camp. If he remains on the PUP at the end of camp, the Browns will move him to reserve/PUP and he will be required to miss at least four games. The Browns have Jerome Ford and free agent addition D’Onta Foreman available to fill Chubb’s role at the start of the season. Ford should get the starting nod in Week 1, though Chubb’s eventual return could make him a non-factor midway through the fantasy season.

Indy waived WR Xavier White in a corresponding move. Treadwell bounced between the Ravens’ practice squad and active roster throughout the 2023 season. He appeared in five games and caught one pass for 16 yards. The former first-round pick will be a depth option for the Colts if he makes their 53-man roster.

Shanahan didn’t seem too worried about Williams’ absence. He told reporters discussions between Williams and the team have “been going on for a while.” Shanahan also noted that the veteran tackle will be alright missing a few practices. Williams’ contract situation isn’t as drastic as that of teammate Brandon Aiyuk, who is currently “holding in” while on the final year of his rookie deal. Williams is signed through 2026 but doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his contract. It may only take a restructure that adds more guarantees to the deal to get Williams back on the practice field.