NFL Player News

The 49ers keep pushing back Aiyuk’s return date and now Lynch isn’t even putting a timeline on it. The team hasn’t designated him to return from the PUP list yet, meaning he might not even be that close to taking the field. Aiyuk is recovering from the multi-ligament knee injury he suffered in the middle of the 2024 season. The injury was more complicated than a standard ACL tear and it’s unclear when he will be ready to suit up. The question Lynch was answering was whether this could be a redshirt year for Aiyuk. He rebuffed the idea, but then ominously ended his statement with, “But we’ll see, no absolutes there.” It sounds like the 49ers have at least considered the possibility that Aiyuk doesn’t play this year. Needless to say, it doesn’t sound like Aiyuk will be returning anytime soon.

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.

Norton is still recovering from the ankle injury that sidelined him last year. By placing him on the reserve/PUP list, the Falcons do not have to count him on their 53-player roster. He must, however, miss the first four games of the season. He will be eligible to face the Ravens in Week 5.