Browns’ Gabriel could still slow Sanders hype train during preseason
2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel became somewhat of a forgotten figure regarding the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition after 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders played well in Cleveland’s preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday. Neither Gabriel nor presumed Cleveland backup Kenny Pickett played in the Carolina game as they
Bills, James Cook agree to contract extension
Bills running back James Cook has the new contract he’s been seeking. Cook’s agents described it as a four-year, $48 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Although Cook has been present for training camp, he declined to practice for nine days and didn’t play in the preseason opener while he
Bengals coaches working to “showcase” Chase Brown’s tools this season
Quarterback Joe Burrow isn’t the only member of the Bengals who thinks running back Chase Brown has big things ahead of him this season. After a quiet rookie season, the 2023 fifth-round pick broke out with 1,350 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns for the Bengals in 2024. That left
Jermaine Johnson: I feel ready to go, but trust Jets’ plan for me
Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson ended a long wait to get back on the field when he was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Sunday. Johnson tore his Achilles in the second week of the 2024 season, so it has been nearly a year since he has
Dan Campbell motivated by talk of Lions struggling after losing both coordinators
The Lions lost their top two assistant coaches this offseason when offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became head coach of the Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn became head coach of the Jets. Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows that if his team struggles this season, questions will be raised about
Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy gets compared to future Hall of Famer
Before Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones shared a locker room with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Jones and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2017 through the 2022 season. Jones recently claimed that he sees some of Rodgers in McCarthy heading into what
Oklahoma QB John Mateer says he never bet on sports amid scrutiny of Venmo transactions
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is denying he has ever bet on sports after screenshots began circulating online showing he made and received Venmo payments with “sports gambling” listed as the reason for the expense. Mateer was at Washington State at the time and the Venmo transactions were with a teammate.
Falcons reveal concerning update on key wide receiver
The Atlanta Falcons could be without a top target for a portion of the regular season. On July 25, Darnell Mooney suffered an injury that was believed to be significant enough to keep the wide receiver out of practice for a “few weeks” during training camp. A few weeks later, Mooney
Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing: Stefon Diggs is where we want him to be
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs did not play in the preseason opener for what head coach Mike Vrabel described as a coach’s decision. But Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing says that decision in no way reflects any concerns about Diggs’ status as he recovers from a torn ACL. Diggs
NFL QBs under the most pressure to perform in 2025
Whether it’s based on the expectations of the fans, a new contract, a past track record or trying to re-write a narrative, quarterbacks are always under the microscope. Every NFL starting quarterback faces some degree of pressure, but that pressure is far from equal across the league. Now with the
Brian Gutekunst: Christian Watson ahead of the curve, but likely to start year on PUP
There was talk this offseason that wide receiver Christian Watson could make his return to the Packers lineup around the middle of the season, but it looks like the wideout might get back a little sooner than that. General Manager Brian Gutekunst was asked about Watson’s timeline during a press
Kelce makes admission about potential distractions after Super Bowl loss
Last fall, some members of the NFL community suggested that Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce was distracted by his much-publicized relationship with entertainment superstar Taylor Swift and his off-the-field business endeavors as he went six straight games without a touchdown reception. During a recent chat with Sean
Brent Musburger to take part in celebration of The NFL Today’s 50th anniversary in Week 3
Several NFL teams will be wearing throwback jerseys for games during the 2025 season and CBS will be throwing things back as well. CBS announced on Tuesday that they will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The NFL Today before Week 3’s games. The network also announced that one of the
Browns insider explains viral interaction with Shedeur Sanders
Shortly after Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders impressed in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, a clip of him confronting Browns insider Tony Grossi went viral. Sanders can be heard in the video accusing Grossi of saying only “negative stuff about me.” During Monday’s edition of “The
Aaron Rodgers dislikes his new helmet: It looks like a damn spaceship
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has to find a new helmet before the start of the season. The one he wore last season with the Jets, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, is now banned for failing to meet new safety standards. He has been practicing with a Schutt Air
The ’10+ Pro Bowl selections’ quiz
When Travis Kelce started dating music star Taylor Swift, he rocketed from NFL star to one of the most talked about people in the United States. But after a season with his fewest receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3) since his first season as a regular player in 2014, the
Aaron Rodgers returns to practice with leg wrapped after getting stepped on
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got looked at by members of the team’s training staff during Tuesday’s practice, but it appears he avoided any significant injury. Reporters at the session said that Rodgers got his right leg stepped on during a drill at Steelers camp. Rodgers appeared to have a cut
Dak Prescott needs bounce-back season more than any other QB
Quarterback Dak Prescott has indicated he plans to lead the Dallas Cowboys on a deep playoff run this season. He’d better. It’s easy to argue no QB needs a postseason run more than the Cowboys star. The Athletic’s Mike Sando published his annual QB tiers Monday. The survey featured thoughts from
Dolphins OL Bayron Matos expects to play again, but it’s unclear when he will return
Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos still hasn’t returned to practice after a scary incident during the first training camp session. His agent told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that Matos feels like himself again, wants to play again and expects to play again. It is unclear whether doctors will
Najee Harris may have role reduced after fireworks accident
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris still has yet to return to action after a July 4 fireworks accident, and it sounds like he does not necessarily have a job guaranteed to him when he does. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman admitted Tuesday that the team is planning a
Matt LaFleur: “Highly unlikely” Jordan Love plays more this preseason
Packers quarterback Jordan Love is undergoing surgery on his left thumb, but there is no concern about his potential availability for Week 1. Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters on Tuesday that Love got through Green Bay’s Monday practice without aggravating the injury, which was suffered during the team’s preseason
Jon Gruden wants to find ‘truth’ amid lawsuit against NFL
Jon Gruden sent another warning shot toward the NFL after scoring a major win in court. On Tuesday, Gruden welcomed a ruling that will force the NFL to litigate the circumstances of his firing in court rather than closed-door arbitration. The former Las Vegas Raiders coach made clear that he
Vikings place Rondale Moore on IR with season-ending knee injury
Vikings receiver Rondale Moore will not be able to play in 2025. Minnesota confirmed Moore will miss his second consecutive year after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the club’s preseason opener over the weekend. Moore went down after he was tackled on a punt return. Moore, 25, spent last
Odell Beckham Jr. linked to playoff contender after retirement spoof
The team needs depth at wide receiver, and OBJ makes sense in that regard. This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
Bears sign four defensive backs
The Bears added depth in the secondary, signing four defensive backs Tuesday. The team announced Millard Bradford, Mekhi Garner, Kaleb Hayes and Mark Perry have joined the team as free agents. The Bears waived receiver John Jackson and kicker Jonathan Kim and waived safety Major Burns with an injury designation.
Ravens Hoping To Extend Hamilton, Linderbaum, Likely Before End Of Season
The Ravens made a whopping 11 selections during the 2022 NFL Draft, nine of which are still in Baltimore and eligible for a contract extension. First-round picks Kyle Hamilton (No. 14 overall) and Tyler Linderbaum (No. 25 overall) have emerged as priorities for the Ravens, along with fourth-rounder Isaiah Likely.
Ohio moves to ban prop bets
At a time when sports gambling has been legalized, some believe not all forms of gambling should be legal. Via Alex Schiffer of FrontOfficeSports.com, Ohio wants to ban prop bets. The concern, as explained by Governor Mike DeWine, comes from the reality that prop bets relate to “highly specific events
Mike Vrabel raises eyebrows with cryptic comment on Stefon Diggs
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel raised some questions Monday with his cryptic comment about wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs did not play in Friday’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, but the move did not attract much attention. Diggs is still coming back from a torn ACL, and the
Report: Trevor Penning to miss a few weeks with foot injury
The Saints’ offensive line will be missing a piece for a bit. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, guard Trevor Penning is expected to miss a few weeks with a foot injury. Penning has been moved inside to guard from tackle this offseason. He was carted off the field on
Vikings WR gets brutal injury news for second straight season
A Minnesota Vikings wide receiver’s season is already over. The Minnesota Vikings announced on Tuesday that wide receiver Rondale Moore is being placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a leg injury that he suffered in the team’s first preseason game against the Houston Texans this past weekend. It is
Cardinals claim OL Roy Mbaeteka off waivers
The Cardinals were awarded offensive lineman Roy Mbaeteka off waivers Tuesday, the team announced. Mbaeteka replaces Valentin Senn as the team’s international player, with Senn now on injured reserve. He has spent time with the Giants, Bears and Browns since coming into the league in 2022. Mbaeteka, a native of
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/12/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the league: Arizona Cardinals Signed: WR Kelly Akharaiyi Placed on IR: WR Trishton Jackson Awarded via waivers: OL Roy Mbaeteka Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles Seattle Seahawks
There’s “no update” on Matthew Stafford
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was supposed to practice on Monday as he eases his way back from a back problem. When he didn’t, nerves became frayed. They’re still frayed today. Comments from assistant head coach/passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant will do nothing to un-fray them. “No, no update on Matthew,”
Super Bowl champion may have foreseen Caleb Williams’ early struggles
Caleb Williams was considered the top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, but a Super Bowl champion wasn’t wild about the Chicago Bears quarterback. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg shared excerpts from Seth Wickersham’s new book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,” set to release Sept. 9.
DaRon Bland hopes for contract extension before Week 1
The Cowboys are not in talks with star edge rusher Micah Parsons, but they apparently are with cornerback DaRon Bland. Bland said Tuesday his representation has had “some talks” about an extension with the team. He hopes for a deal before the season. “I do, but I’m not here to
Saints Lose OL Will Clapp For Season
The Saints have lost another piece of interior offensive line depth with center Will Clapp joining guard Nick Saldiveri on season-ending injured reserve, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Clapp, 29, is dealing with a Lisfranc injury, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. He was listed as the Saints’ second-team center
Jon Gruden: “I look forward to having the truth come out”
On Monday, only Jon Gruden’s lawyers spoke in the aftermath of a major victory over the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell in the Nevada Supreme Court. On Tuesday, Gruden issued a statement to his former employer, ESPN. “I’m looking forward to having the truth come out and I want to
Packers’ injury issues go well beyond just QB Jordan Love
The big injury news for the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday involved starting quarterback Jordan Love. That is not their only concern. While Love is expected to be sidelined for at least the next week, the Packers are also dealing with a growing list of injuries at wide receiver, and
Najee Harris returns to running, doing drills with a football after eye injury
Chargers running back Najee Harris isn’t back to practice, but he took another step in his return from an eye injury. On Tuesday, Harris ran and participated in drills with a football off to the side with an athletic trainer, Kris Rhim of ESPN reports. Harris, who was injured in
Klint Kubiak Helped Draw Sam Darnold To Seahawks; Drew Lock Entrenched As Backup
Not in the quarterback market until they traded Geno Smith days before free agency, the Seahawks immediately became a contender for the top QB prize in this year’s FA class. The offensive coordinator they hired quietly became a key component in this late-emerging pursuit. The Seahawks had seen Smith extension
Mazi Smith is his own worst critic after Cowboys’ first preseason game
The Cowboys expected more from Mazi Smith when they drafted him 26th overall in 2023. They expected more of the defensive tackle in his second season. They expected more in the 2025 preseason opener Saturday. He expected more, too. “I just have to keep getting better,” Smith said, via Patrik
Dan Campbell questions whether he set Lions up for failure
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell thinks he set his team up for failure last season with the messages he sent. The Lions won the NFC North and the top overall seed in the NFC Playoffs by going 15-2, but lost in their first playoff game to the Washington Commanders.
Greg Roman expects Mekhi Becton for Week 1, but isn’t “putting anything in concrete”
The Chargers lost left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season when he tore his patellar tendon in a training camp practice and they’ve been also without another starting offensive lineman for the last couple of weeks. Right guard Mekhi Becton has not practiced since late July due to an undisclosed
Offseason In Review: San Francisco 49ers
Reminding closely of the 49ers’ 2020 season, San Francisco’s latest NFC title defense skidded off track largely due to injuries. A difficult schedule, which came after two more late-summer contract sagas (Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams), ground up a depleted San Francisco roster, producing the same six wins the 2020
Anthony Richardson: Dislocated pinkie feeling better every day
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had to leave last Thursday’s preseason game with a dislocated right pinkie after taking a hit from Ravens edge rusher David Ojabo, but the injury didn’t keep him out of action long. Richardson tried gripping and throwing the ball on the sideline in an effort to
Broncos QB Bo Nix pumps the brakes on his own head coach's hype train
The Broncos starters didn’t look like Super Bowl contenders in their first preseason game. This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
Saints put OL Will Clapp on IR, sign three players
Word on Monday was that Saints offensive lineman Will Clapp was set to miss significant time with a foot injury. On Tuesday, we learned the injury is a season-ending one. The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that Clapp has been placed on injured reserve. He won’t be able to return
Bills highly touted rookie might end up on injured reserve
The Buffalo Bills avoided the worst-case scenario with Maxwell Hairston, but the first-round pick still looks unlikely to begin the season on time. How much of the season he misses now looks like the key question. Hairston suffered an LCL sprain early in training camp. While this represented a significant
Mike Tomlin downplays Aaron Rodgers being stepped on
During Tuesday’s practice, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was stepped on. After practice, coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the situation. “He just got stepped on,” Tomlin said, via Mike DeFabo of TheAthletic.com. “It was nothing of any significance. He finished his work.” That’s good news for the Steelers. It also underscores how
IR Stint In Play For Bills’ Maxwell Hairston
The Bills avoided the worst-case scenario with Maxwell Hairston, but the first-round pick still looks unlikely to begin the season on time. How much of the season he misses now looks like the key question. Hairston suffered an LCL sprain early in training camp. While this represented a significant break
















































