NFL Player News

An feel-good undrafted free agent out of Arkansas, Jacobs announced his season-ending knee injury on social media Monday morning. Jacobs was Detroit’s highest graded cover corner, per Pro Football Focus. The Lions defense could be even more vulnerable without Jacobs.

According to Reed, both O’Connell and Minshew “got off to a rough start in OTAs,” struggling with accuracy and turnovers while offering little in the way of a vertical passing game. Given the profiles of both quarterbacks and what we saw last year, this isn’t all that surprising, as O’Connell and Minshew ranked 17th and 20th in ADOT last season amongst 30 quarterbacks (min. 300 dropbacks). It was reported in June by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that O’Connell “probably has the slight edge” over Minshew in the Raiders’ quarterback competition, but that’s to be expected with O’Connell being the incumbent to the newly-signed Minshew. Both quarterbacks are serviceable starters, but neither should be viewed as a long-term answer at the position. Barring an unexpected breakout from either signal-caller, Reed notes that “it wouldn’t be a surprise if both Minshew and O’Connell take the field at some point this year.”

Popper adds that he believes “secondary touches are open for competition, though if J.K. Dobbins is healthy, I think he wins that job.” Those drafting rookie Kimani Vidal would be interested in knowing that Popper believes Vidal is currently third on the running back depth chart. It’s about what we’d expect to see heading into training camp, as the Chargers brought in both Edwards and Dobbins via free agency this offseason, while Vidal is a sixth-round rookie. However, Edwards is entering his age-29 season and appeared to be on the decline at various times last season, and Dobbins has a lengthy injury history that includes a torn ACL suffered in 2021 and a torn Achilles suffered last year. While we’d expect the two veteran backs to get ever chance at earning the top two spots on the depth chart, the younger and likely more explosive Vidal could impress in the coming weeks.

Prescott is entering the last season of a four-year, $160 million contract. The Cowboys have waited to get a deal done with Prescott, who has leverage with Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence signing for over $50 million a year annually this offseason. Jerry Jones has his hands full with Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb in line for extensions. Prescott seems confident that his deal will get worked out while Lamb said he will not discuss his contract heading into camp.

Per Schefter, Fournette has also re-hired his agent as he continues to look for a home in the NFL. His agent, Ari Nissim, told Schefter, “Leonard’s in the best shape of his career and I expect he will have a new home soon.” Fournette signed with the Bills in the middle of the 2023 season but didn’t see much action. He totaled 12 carries for 40 yards and was released before the end of the postseason. Fournette’s experience may allow him to land a gig as a depth option, but his days as a fantasy-relevant player appear to be over.

Prescott was spotted in a boot while on a fishing trip last week. Prescott told reporters he had a “couple of hard days of training” before the vacation and wore the boot as a precaution. It was on the same ankle that he suffered a compound fracture and dislocation in nearly four years ago. Prescott was out of the boot while at his youth camp today and said he doesn’t expect it to be an issue for training camp. Backup quarterback Trey Lance could see a few extra reps if the Cowboys want to manage Dak’s workload early in camp, but the ankle issue should be a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

Patterson is arguably the greatest kick returner of all time and was signed shortly after the league amended its return rules. It’s clear his primary value will come on special teams. However, Kaboly points out that the Steelers gave him $6 million over two years. That’s more than just special teams money, even if he’s one of the best to ever do it. Patterson also found success in Arthur Smith’s system in 2022, rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns on 144 attempts. A thigh issue cost him a few games early in the 2023 season and he struggled to find a role upon returning. Though he still projects for distant RB3 duties in Pittsburgh, Patterson could be a minor thorn in the side of Jaylen Warren drafters this year.

Hughes will return to play in his 15th NFL season. The veteran pass rusher has spent the last two seasons in Houston, totaling 12 sacks in 34 games. Playing in a reduced role under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Hughes managed just three sacks on 474 snaps, playing on 215 fewer snaps than he did in 2022. He turns 36 in August and will likely be tasked with playing a similar role this season.

Sutton was arrested in March and charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic battery. After further investigation, the league determined that Sutton violated the personal conduct policy, which resulted in his suspension. Sutton signed with the Steelers back in June after spending 2023 with the Lions. The veteran corner started all 17 games he appeared in, totaling 65 tackles, one interception, and six pass breakups. Sutton will not appeal his suspension and is eligible for reinstatement on October 29.

It was announced earlier this month that Gipson would serve a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The veteran safety released a statement on Monday saying he took a substance on one occasion, which he “thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies.” But also added that he takes “full responsibility” for anything he puts into his body and will accept the suspension. Gipson, who spent the last two seasons with the 49ers, said he looks forward to returning for a 13th season after serving his suspension. Gipson started all 33 games he appeared in with the 49ers and can still provide valuable depth and starting to any secondary in need of help on the back end.

Tafur notes that the Raiders adding a running back would likely push rookie sixth-rounder Dylan Laube to the practice squad before the start of the season. Incumbent Zamir White is expected to remain as the team’s lead back, with free agent signee Alexander Mattison expected to spell him on occasional downs. The Raiders’ running back room is thin behind White. In his first and only season as a full-time starter, Mattison rushed for 700 scoreless yards while averaging 3.9 YPC and averaged just 4.2 yards per touch overall. Laube, in addition to his low draft capital, is a 24-year-old back from FCS New Hampshire who will likely need time to adjust to the competition he’ll see at the NFL level. While there’s a short list of serviceable running backs available on the open market, there are a handful of vets like Dalvin Cook and Jerick McKinnon who could provide valuable depth to the roster.