NFL Player News

Bo Nix locked onto Courtland Sutton in this game, peppering his No. 1 receiver with 10 targets. No other player on the team saw more than six looks, and five pass-catchers were stuck between four and six targets. Even with Pat Bryant out this week, Franklin couldn’t reclaim the WR2 role he held earlier in the year. Marvin Mims and Lil’Jordan Humphrey both ran more routes than Franklin. That alone will keep Franklin buried in the WR6 ranks for a Week 18 date with the Chargers.

This deal comes just as the Steelers are gearing up to begin training camp. Allar was selected with the No. 76 pick in this year’s draft and, if all goes to plan for the Steelers in their first year under Mike McCarthy, is expected to redshirt his rookie season. The Penn State product who threw for 7,402-61-13 in his career will spend plenty of time developing behind the scenes with his sights set on possibly earning the QB1 job for the Steelers next season. Allar has reportedly already undergone some serious overhauling, as it was reported in May that the team was “uninstalling everything” he learned about the position at Penn State. It sounds like Allar has a ways to go before being NFL ready, but it will be interesting to hear how he progresses throughout training camp and he’ll be a player to watch when the preseason starts up.

Vrabel was noncommittal about whether Gonzalez would participate in practice, instead saying he “would expect him to participate.” The fourth-year corner is in the midst of contract negotiations and could reset the cornerback market when he eventually agrees to an extension. Gonzalez reported to mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason but did not participate in full team drills, and there’s been some speculation he could opt to hold in at camp while waiting for a new deal. The Patriots will take the practice field for the first time on Saturday, whether or not Gonzalez joins them in full capacity will be something to watch for.

Hopkins said last month that he would “love to play for a competitor” at this point in his career, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told Reiss that Hopkins is considering a coaching career, but it was not specified whether he is looking to join the Patriots’ staff this season or is simply kicking the tires on a future career change. Hopkins, 34, caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in a limited role with the Ravens last season and wouldn’t be much more than a role player on any team he would join for this season.

Things are just getting underway for the Giants as they open camp, so there’s a lot that could play out between now and then. Beckham, 33, signed with the Giants this offseason after pleading for one more chance with the team that originally drafted him in 2014, and got his wishes when he inked a one-year deal in June. Beckham did not suit up for a team last season and caught just nine passes for 55 scoreless yards in the nine games he appeared in for the Dolphins in 2024. We never expected him to make much of a fantasy impact even if he were higher on the depth chart, but Beckham securing the final spot in the WR room would all but cement his status as a lightly-used role player for the Giants this season.

This was expected after it was reported on Thursday that Scourton suffered a torn ACL in the team’s first practice. Scourton reportedly sought a second opinion on his injury, but the decision to place him on injured reserve on Friday officially signals the end of his season. The second-year pass-rusher was expected to make a nice leap this season after popping up for five sacks as a rookie, but will now spend this season rehabbing in preparation for 2027.

Brissett reported to training camp and was practicing with the team on Thursday. Brissett is entering this season as the Cardinals’ QB1 but is currently set to play out the season on the final year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract he signed last season when he was backing up Kyler Murray. Brissett is reportedly seeking a pay raise for this season rather than an extension, and it sounds like a deal will eventually be reached by the two sides before the start of the season. Brissett was fourth in Thursday’s practice rotation, but that will change as he continues to get up to speed with the team after missing OTAs and minicamp.

Earlier today, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that “there will be no limitations” for Brooks (knee). First-team usage seemingly affirms that. The team hopes Brooks forms a one-two punch with RB Chuba Hubbard before taking over as the starter at some point. Backup RB Trevor Etienne “also got his fair share of reps, and he worked with the starters as well in the running back rotation.” This is somewhat surprising, and worth keeping an eye on. Regarding Brooks’ showing, Kaye says he “looked quick as he bobbed and weaved with the ball in his hands.” He notably took “a mild hit,” but “showed no signs of struggle afterward.” Brooks looks like a high-upside, risk-reward type of pick right now.

Great news. Wins were tough to come by for Brissett last year, but passing productivity wasn’t. During his Weeks 6-18 starting stretch, Brissett totaled top-four passing yards (3,366) and passing touchdowns (23) sums, while also tying for the eighth-most interceptions (eight). Brissett and the team are reportedly negotiating a pay bump for 2026. Getting him on the field is good news for Cardinals pass catchers.

This is the kind of thing we like to hear for QB Baker Mayfield and his pass catchers. Robinson did not feature play action during his two seasons as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator, nor did former Buccaneers OC Josh Grizzard, so Otton’s comments are reassuring. Per PFF, NFL offenses averaged 7.76 yards per pass play with play action and just 6.72 without it. Upping the play action rate should help the Buccaneers run a more efficient offense in 2026.

Robertson-Harris ruptured his Achilles tendon in May. He is expected to miss the 2026 season. The Giants also placed DL Sam Roberts and TE Thomas Fidone on the physically unable to perform list, though their injuries were not listed.