NFL Player News

Minshew and O’Connell are battling for the starting gig, and both will get a “legit quarter” according to Patra. Which quarterback gets the start is unknown, with Raiders HC Antonio Pierce telling reports that “it doesn’t matter” as both will get a similar number of reps in the contest. This is one of the only true quarterback battles happening in August, and the decision on who will get the starting nod will likely not be known until near the end of the month.

Miller was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2025 and did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts while seeking an extension. The Raiders got a deal done with their left tackle at the beginning of training camp, giving Miller $42.5 million guaranteed. He started all 17 games for the Raiders last season and achieved an 80.6 PFF Grade, No. 14 for offensive tackles. Miller now gets a deal that is not market-setting, but pays him like a top-15 tackle.

Mims has been expanding his “playmaking menu” this offseason as Sean Payton tries to involve him more after last season. the 23-year-old saw the bulk of his production last season come off a 28/434/6 line in the last seven games of the season. Now Kosmider observes that “Mims has seen his menu grow this offseason to include more opportunities in other areas of the field.” He has seen much of his usage come off screens and plays behind the line of scrimmage, but Payton looks to be expanding his development. Mims has a shot at the No. 2 wideout role in the Broncos’ offense and has upside as a late-round fantasy pick.

It is Darrisaw’s first time participating in full team drills since training camp began. The left tackle tore his ACL and MCL in Week 8 and was able to participate in position drills in minicamp. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, he took “roughly half of the first-team snaps” in Wednesday’s practice before Justin Skule came in. Darrisaw’s progression indicates he could be ready for Week 1, though Skule will start if he is not.

Jones left Sunday’s practice with a soft tissue injury. The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo confirmed the team’s starting left tackle is dealing with a groin issue and is working his way back. Jones worked during individual periods, but did not participate in the live-contact practice for the Steelers on Wednesday. There is no indication this is a severe injury just yet, but one to keep an eye on as camp progresses.

Schultz further downplayed the issue, saying it is not believed to be serious. With Taysom Hill likely out for much of the 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL, the Saints should have a relatively normal tight end room led by Johnson and Foster Moreau. Moreau is primarily a blocker but is also useful in the red zone, as evidenced by his five touchdowns in 2024. Johnson should run plenty of routes this year, but his fantasy outlook on one of the league’s worst offenses is bleak. He remains a low-end TE2 for now.

Blue has been a standout in the first week of camp, but that comes with the caveat that he was not playing with the starters for any of his reps. Getting upgraded to first-team reps is a step toward a meaningful role for the rookie. Even if he doesn’t see much work in Week 1, the good news is that he only has Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams ahead of him on the depth chart. Unless one of those two runners turns back the clock by about three years, Dallas will be in desperate need of a playmaker in their backfield once the season gets underway. Blue’s 4.38 Forty speed and excellent hands make him perfect for a change-of-pace role as a rookie.

The team also brought in D’Ernest Johnson. The 49ers have Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James parked behind Christian McCaffrey right now. The two workouts could be a sign that the rookie isn’t making progress, or Kyle Shanahan could just be looking for a veteran to give the team a few extra quality reps in camp. Wilson played the first four years of his career in San Francisco and was traded to Miami in the middle of his fifth year. He rushed 16 times for 57 yards in 2024.

Niang last started an NFL game in 2021. He did, however, play plenty of special teams snaps for the Chiefs during their consecutive Super Bowl runs in 2022 and 2023. The Chiefs cut him at the end of training camp last year. He will be a depth piece for the Commanders if he makes their roster.

Harbaugh also confirmed the prior reporting that stated Likely is expected to miss about six weeks. That timeline would have Likely returning after Week 1, though it’s too early to tell if he will be available for Baltimore’s opener or not. Either way, the injury should help Mark Andrews sustain his TE1 numbers into the start of his eighth season. Andrews’ role declined in 2024, but he offset the downturn in volume with touchdown proudction. Andrews led Baltimore with 11 receiving scores. He remains a high-end TE1 for the upcoming season, though Likely’s eventual return could hurt him down the stretch.

Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Flowers is expected to be back in a few days but didn’t give any details on the nature of the injury. The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer noted that Flowers seemed to be dealing with a leg issue at the end of Tuesday’s practice. Flowers didn’t participate in team drills at the end of the session and then missed all of Wednesday’s practice. It’s likely a precautionary absence, but one worth keeping an eye on for now. Second-year wideout DeVontez Walker has reportedly shown well in the first week of camp. He could move up in the pecking order for routes while Flowers is sidelined, giving him some extra run with the ones.