NFL Player News

Jackson is present Monday for the start of the Ravens' mandatory minicamp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Set to earn a $23 million salary in 2022 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- Jackson has been vocal about his desire for a long-term contract. Though the Ravens have yet to work out an extension with the 25-year-old, it apparently won't prompt him to hold out. Jackson was sidelined down the stretch late in the 2021 season due to a persistent right ankle injury, but he appears to be back at full strength as the Ravens gear up for the 2022 campaign.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Thursday that Lock is trailing Geno Smith in the quarterback competition following this week's mandatory minicamp, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Carroll also stated that Lock isn't too far behind and will have a good chance to claim the starting job during training camp and the preseason. Smith's main edge comes from his knowledge of the system after three years with the team. Neither quarterback has proven to be effective for long stretches in the NFL, but Lock is certainly capable of getting hot during the preseason and winning the job for Week 1.

Head coach Pete Carroll said following the last day of mandatory minicamp Thursday that Smith is ahead of Drew Lock in the quarterback competition, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Smith had the early edge heading into the offseason program because he had a three-year head start on Lock in Seattle's system. Nevertheless, Carroll reiterated that Lock isn't too far behind, signaling that this battle will extend into training camp. Neither Smith nor Lock is considered a difference-maker under center, so the Seahawks will need to protect the ball to win games this season. Whichever quarterback can avoid turnovers in camp and the preseason has the best chance to emerge victorious.

Beathard (groin) is expected to be fine for training camp, Eugene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Beathard was carted off the practice field with a groin injury Monday, but the issue isn't expected to be serious. Assuming he's ready to play by training camp, the 28-year-old is the frontrunner to serve as Trevor Lawrence's primary backup this year.

Brissett's chances of starting multiple games in 2022 appear to be increasing due to expanding legal issues surrounding Deshaun Watson in addition to the Browns' strained relationship with Baker Mayfield.

The news cycle has once again been busy on the Watson front in the early part of this week, with Sarah Barshop and Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reporting that two new civil lawsuits against the star quarterback have been filed. Brissett presumably appealed to the Browns as a backup option due to his previous experience of having to take on a starting role on short notice while he was a member of the Colts; a similar scenario could very well come into play in Cleveland, considering a league investigation into Watson may now expand given the latest legal developments.

The Browns have excused Mayfield (shoulder) from next week's mandatory minicamp, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Mayfield will remain away from team facilities during mandatory minicamp without being subjected to fines. The 2018 first-round pick also hasn't attended voluntary OTAs, as both he and the team remain in favor of a trade following Cleveland's decision to bring in Deshaun Watson earlier this offseason. Mayfield is continuing to rehab from January shoulder surgery, so it's possible he wouldn't be handling on-field reps even if he were motivated to participate in team activities.

Corral (personal) returned to OTAs on Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Corral spent time away from the team during last week's voluntary offseason work due to a family tragedy. The rookie third-round pick will now resume working to pick up Carolina's offensive scheme, and to potentially compete with Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback job.

Beathard's recent groin injury isn't expected to require surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Beathard was carted off the practice field Monday after suffering the injury, but the quarterback appears to have avoided a significant issue. The 2017 third-round pick is the favorite to be Trevor Lawrence's primary backup in 2022, but his recent injury may give Jake Luton and EJ Perry an opportunity to compete for a larger role.

Jones (neck) has been cleared for contact, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 campaign due to a neck strain, but he appears to have moved past the issue with new Giants head coach Brian Daboll saying the quarterback would suit up if the Giants had a game Tuesday. Regardless, health isn't the only concern for Jones, who sports a 22:17 TD:INT the past two seasons after throwing for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns across 13 appearances as a rookie.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Rodgers will participate in Tuesday's mandatory minicamp after skipping the team's voluntary OTAs, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

While Rodgers skipped OTAs, LaFleur noted that he still was in communication with the reigning MVP about the offseason game plan during the quarterback's time away from the team. Regardless, Rodgers' absence still sparked speculation due to his grievances with Green Bay's front office during the prior two offseasons. However, after signing a four-year extension in March, the veteran quarterback appears to be content with the current position of the Packers, even after they traded Davante Adams this offseason.