Pats, Gonzalez differ ‘on several key elements’

Fowler notes that the official depth chart will be set on Wednesday, so the decision could be delayed by two days. Regardless, media members will surely ask coach Kevin Stefanski about it during Monday’s media session. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe previously reported that the Falcons plan to start QB Michael Penix (knee) “eventually.” That said, QB Tua Tagovailoa could start a game or two early on.

Gonzalez is apparently “non-committal” about playing in Week 1 against the Seahawks. The Patriots, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared to make Gonzalez the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback by surpassing the $33 million-per-year mark set by Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon. The problem is that the two sides have “fundamental” disagreements over the deal’s length and structure. Kickoff is five days away. Stay tuned.

Okuayinonu totaled 30 tackles, 28 quarterback pressures and three sacks for the 49ers last season. He will be eligible to return in Week 5. Losing him softens San Francisco’s pass rush in the short term.

Washington, 24, is entering a contract year, coming off the best season of his career. He is reportedly expected to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. If Washington plays up to that standard, he will unquestionably be able to raise his asking price. Signing him to a deal right now could save the team money in the long term, but the front office evidently wants to see how he fares early in the year. Although this route could be costly, having a true No. 1 wide receiver affirm his financial value with top-tier play is a good problem to have.

The Broncos released him last week. A reunion is clearly possible. At 28 years old, he is likely best suited to a backup role while contributing on special teams.

According to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, Lawrence’s offseason “was about gaining a graduate-level understanding” of coach Liam Coen’s offense. Last season, Lawrence was rehabbing an injury while attempting to change his footwork and adjust to a new play caller. He is now calmer and “can play more freely the way he did in the second half of last season.” Lawrence was the overall QB1 in total scoring from Weeks 9-18. If Lawrence and his pass catchers can carry the momentum into 2026, Lawrence can once again finish as an elite QB1, this time from Week 1 onward.

Kareem spent the last two seasons as a Falcons backup, totaling eight tackles and nine quarterback pressures. He will now fly to Australia ahead of the 49ers’ Week 1 game against the Rams.

It’s a reasonable assessment for a rookie who missed valuable spring and summer practice reps due to a recurring hamstring strain. Lemon reportedly admitted that he should have been “more professional off the field” regarding the injury, and Eagles WR coach Aaron Moorehead eventually told him to do “whatever” WR DeVonta Smith did during his own hamstring rehab program. Per McManus, “coaches say Lemon attacked the mental part of the game with high intensity as he waited to get healthy.” McManus believes Lemon should get playing time right away, but Smith and WR Dontayvion Wicks will “receive the bulk of targets while the rookie gets his footing.” Lemon must be safely stashed on benches at this time.

Flannigan-Fowles, 30, could end up contributing to a special teams unit elsewhere in the NFL.

McManus adds that “the feedback internally has been positive” regarding Hurts’ development. Mannion’s West Coast-style system is a “heavy under-center operation” that will increase the team’s play-action rate, decrease its shotgun usage and require the quarterback and his pass catchers to be on time throughout the play. Hurts has thrown more interceptions than beat reporters are “accustomed to seeing” in training camp, but McManus believes “some” of them can be chalked up to the learning curve that comes with a new system, particularly one featuring passes thrown over the middle. McManus adds that the offensive line depth’s emergence has been the biggest under-the-radar development this season, boding positively for Hurts’ performance in both the short- and long-term.