NFL Player News

Metcalf said at mandatory minicamp that while establishing a rapport with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the veteran signal-caller's "playmaking ability after a play breaks down" and "how quickly he releases the ball" have both stood out, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Since being dealt to Pittsburgh and signing a five-year, $150 million deal with his new team, Metcalf's outlook has improved significantly. The Steelers' signing of Rodgers to a one-year deal provides Metcalf with short-term stability at quarterback plus a signal-caller with the necessary timing to complement the strengths of his route tree. Moreover, the decision to trade George Pickens to Dallas leaves Metcalf entrenched as the unquestioned top target in the Steelers' passing game, with all of Robert Woods, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson and TE Pat Freiermuth as ancillary options. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also indicated that his usual run-heavy tendencies could shift in 2025, saying "we didn't bring [Rodgers] in here and sign [Metcalf] for all that money to go run the wishbone," and that "you try to play to the strengths of your team."

Reynolds showcased impressive chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields at mandatory minicamp and is the early favorite to secure the No. 2 receiver role behind Garrett Wilson, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Reynolds' early rapport with Fields and willingness to contribute as a blocker in the run game have made a good impression on head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, currently giving him an advantage over Allen Lazard for the top receiver gig behind Wilson. Of course, Glenn and Engstrand seem likely to import something similar to the run-heavy approach deployed during their time together in Detroit, which would be suited to Fields' skill set. That may leave few targets left up for grabs for wideouts other than Wilson, especially with Breece Hall's presence as a capable pass catcher out of the backfield and the addition of rookie second-round TE Mason Taylor. In deeper fantasy formats, locking up the No. 2 role will at least give Reynolds a realistic path to having spike weeks in 2025.

Johnston was running with the first-team offense during mandatory minicamp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Johnston took a step forward in his second pro season despite logging fewer snaps. However, his role in 2025 appeared to be in jeopardy after the team signed Mike Williams (undisclosed) and selected Tre Harris 55th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Popper, Ladd McConkey, Johnston and Jalen Reagor have been the trio of receivers running with the first team during mandatory minicamp. Harris will likely rise up the depth chart as training camp progresses, so Johnston's role is not yet secure, particularly if Williams can remain on the field.

Williams is expected to be ready for training camp after missing June minicamp with an undisclosed injury, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Signed to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, Williams is hoping to rebound from a down season in 2024 with his 31st birthday coming up in October. The odds may be against him, but it's at least worth noting that last season was his first year back from an ACL tear, which means he may actually be more explosive in 2025 even though he's another year older. Williams figures to compete with Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris for perimeter snaps.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Franklin had a good spring, looking "extremely explosive" and "about five pounds heavier," Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Franklin had 2,274 receiving yards and 23 TDs over his final two seasons at Oregon, but he fell to the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after checking in at just 172 pounds at the combine -- an unheard of weight for a 6-foot-2 wide receiver in the NFL. He's still among the thinnest players at his position, and coming off a low-impact rookie year with 263 yards on 53 targets, but Franklin may nonetheless be part of the competition this summer for Denver's Nos. 2 and 3 WR spots behind top target Courtland Sutton. The competition includes Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele and rookie third-round pick Pat Bryant.

Thomas (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday, SI.com's John Shipley reports.

He returned for the final offseason practice after exiting early a day before. With the shoulder injury confirmed to minor, Thomas should be a full go for the start of training camp, where he'll look to build on a phenomenal rookie season in which he caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 TDs on 133 targets. The Jaguars have a new coaching staff, led by Liam Coen, and a new-look WR room with Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown replacing Christian Kirk (Texans) and Gabe Davis (free agent).

Jennings dealt with a minor calf injury during the offseason program, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

It doesn't sound like something that will impact Jennings' availability for training camp, but this did leave the 49ers without their projected top three WRs during spring practices, with Brandon Aiyuk still rehabbing an ACL tear and Ricky Pearsall nursing a hamstring injury. In their absence, free-agent addition Demarcus Robinson and 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing reportedly stepped up and took more reps on the first-team offense.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Brown (undisclosed) will undergo an MRI, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Quinn did not specify the nature of Brown's issue, but the veteran wideout appeared to go down via a non-contact injury while making a catch on the ground at practice Wednesday. He was able to walk to the sideline under his own strength but then had to be carted into the building. If the MRI reveals a significant injury for Brown, Washington will have to count on one of Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Michael Gallup (hamstring), K.J. Osborn or Chris Moore to step up as the No. 3 receiver behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.

McMillan (leg) is not participating in Carolina's final session of mandatory minicamp Thursday as a precautionary measure, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said McMillan took a hit to the leg Tuesday while accidentally colliding with a defensive back, per Joe Person of The Athletic, causing the rookie first-round pick to be held out of the final two days of mandator minicamp. All signs are that McMillan's absence from on-field work is purely precautionary, but the next chance to see him at team practices won't come until training camp in July. A minor injury at this stage of the summer doesn't move the needle in terms of projecting McMillan's production Year 1, so if an abundance of caution causes his ADP to slide in early fantasy drafts it could be an opportunity to pounce.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said Thursday that Nabers (toe) is progressing but not quite ready to practice, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Nabers' toe injury reportedly dates back to college and then bothered him at times during his rookie season, but it isn't anything that led to missed games or required a procedure during the offseason. While yet to practice this spring, he's talking part in a walkthrough Thursday and may be ready for a full workload at the start of training camp in late July. It's unclear if Nabers has a chance to practice next week when the Giants hold mandatory minicamp June 17-19.