NFL Player News

Ekeler will undergo imaging Friday to confirm whether there’s structural damage. The 30-year-old looked visibly upset after walking off following the injury, and it would be a surprise if his 2025 campaign isn’t over. Jacorey Croskey-Merritt will almost assuredly be the starting running back going forward, with Jeremy McNichols operating as his backup. This could also lead to more touches in the backfield from Deebo Samuel, as well, and it’s possible the Commanders will look at the trade market for a potential replacement.

Despite some discomfort during his first season in coach Ben Johnson’s offense last year, Williams increased his yards per passing attempt from 6.3 in 2024 to 6.9 in 2025. He is expected to take another step this season. Part of Williams’ increased comfort comes from knowing exactly what’s expected of him in the Bears’ offense, and “what to expect when the team returns for training camp in six weeks.” Williams admits to feeling like he was “drowning” while trying to learn the playcalls and verbiage last summer. That’s all in the past now. Johnson’s run-heavy tactics may lead to a few subpar box scores for Williams, but he remains firmly in the QB1 tier and possesses high-end upside.

Coker entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He missed Weeks 1-6 with a quad injury last year, but closed the regular season strong, scoring touchdowns in three of the final five games. The Panthers tendered Coker as an exclusive rights free agent earlier this offseason. He was set to make just $1.075 million this season. Per Rapoport, Coker can make up to $41 million via incentives. He is on the WR4/FLEX radar.

Running and cutting make up the next phase in Mahomes’ rehab program. The 30-year-old quarterback “would like to get a dress rehearsal run in preseason action, if he can.” Mahomes has participated in 7-on-7 drills, but has not yet progressed to 11-on-11 drills, nor has he been cleared for contact. These are the benchmarks. He seemingly has decent odds of clearing them in time for Week 1.

Maye and Brown have already begun generating highlight plays together against Patriots defenders. Coaches and players from both sides of the ball are highly complimentary of the new receiver, and Brown has taken on a leadership role within the offense. It sounds like things are coming together for Brown and the Patriots. Treat him as a WR2 with upside.

Per Shipley, Koziol “will earn reps” in the regular season if he keeps making plays. The Jaguars drafted Koziol in Round 5 and fellow TE Nate Boerkircher in Round 2 this year, but Shipley believes it’s been a ‘relatively quiet offseason for Boerkircher,” and Boerkircher missed Thursday’s practice for an undisclosed reason. He missed a practice last week as well. Koziol has shown “a real ability to make plays on the ball.” He is unlikely to garner a fantasy-relevant workload playing behind TE1 Brenton Strange, but Koziol is a name to know moving forward.

The Jaguars acquired Meyers via trade in Week 10 last year. He then led the Jaguars in targets (63) and receptions (43) until their season came to a close with a Wild Card Round loss to the Bills. Fellow Jaguars WRs Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. have generated buzz in recent weeks, but Meyers should not be overlooked. He still has a chance to repeat as the team’s target leader this season.

According to a report from NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk, the Vikings parted ways with senior personnel executive Jamaal Stephenson, assistant director of college scouting Pat Roberts and pro scout Salli Clavelle as well. The moves come shortly after the team hired Nolan Teasley as its new general manager.

Thompkins will likely just contribute on special teams, if he makes the roster. Through four NFL seasons, he has returned 45 kicks and 42 punts. The Bills also waived RB Desmond Reid with an injury designation. He will probably revert back to the roster after passing through waivers. The Bills also waived CB Dorian Strong with a non-football injury designation. In February, GM Brandon Beane said Strong (neck) was “going to have a procedure that will determine whether he can play.” Unfortunately, this could be the answer.

The Cardinals have made a habit of signing receiving tight ends who once generated mild buzz in dynasty circles. Yeboah, 27, fits the bill. He is unlikely to play much, if at all, this season.

Morrison missed time in his 2024 college season after injuring the labrum in his hip. He almost missed time as a rookie last year, after suffering a hamstring injury in October. He totaled three pass breakups, 23 tackles and two quarterback pressures last year. Hopefully, he can return before long.