NFL Player News

Kupp (ankle) isn't taking part in the start of the Rams' OTA workouts, as he and his wife are expecting their third child soon, Skyler Carlin of USA Today reports.

Fantasy managers eager to see the star wideout return to the field after undergoing tightrope surgery for a right high-ankle sprain in November will have to wait a little longer, as Kupp awaits the arrival of a new member of his family. When Kupp does get back on the field for practice, he'll do so under the watchful eye of a new offensive coordinator (Mike LaFleur). Aside from subtracting Allen Robinson and gaining fifth-round draft pick Puka Nacua in the offseason, Kupp will be returning to a Los Angeles receiving corps that doesn't look dramatically different from when he suffered the ankle injury.

Cooper (abdomen) hasn't been practicing at OTAs this week, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Cooper had core muscle surgery back in February, and the procedure typically entails a recovery timeline of 6-to-8 weeks. While Cooper was in attendance for Wednesday's team workout, he was working off to the side with the training staff. There's no reason for the Browns to rush the 28-year-old wideout on the field ahead of training camp, and he should be back to 100 percent in time for padded practices.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Duvernay (foot) has been working hard and "kind of building his stamina back up" this spring.

Duvernay suffered a broken fifth metatarsal Dec. 20 and didn't resume running until the spring. He's been doing some on-field activities at the first few OTA sessions but still has limitations five months removed from the major injury. Duvernay averaged only 3.5 targets per game last season despite starting in 13 of his 14 appearances, and he's likely sliding down the depth chart after the Ravens added wideouts Odell Beckham, Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor this offseason. Duvernay is still likely to return punts and kickoffs once he's healthy, and the players in front of him for reps on offense don't have the best track records for durability or reliability.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Bateman (foot) is "right on schedule" in his rehab process and "chomping at the bit" to practice.

Harbaugh suggested trainers have been holding Bateman back from full participation during the first week of OTAs, six months after he had surgery to address a season-ending Lisfranc injury. The 2021 first-round pick will be more than eight months past the surgery when training camp starts and will face target competition from newcomers Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers in an offense that's expected to more receiver-friendly under new coordinator Todd Monken.

Ridley impressed new coach Doug Pederson during the first day of OTAs on Monday, Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union reports. "He's been here, he's been focused, engaged, doing the things we've asked him to do," Pederson said.

The 28-year-old was suspended for the entire 2022 campaign for violating the league's gambling policy and played in only five games during 2021 in order to focus on his mental health, but he now appears to be in top shape after being acquired by Jacksonville in November. Pederson also indicated Ridley has been active in the offseason program, which should put him in a strong position to establish an on-field rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence ahead of training camp.

Collins (foot) was on the field practicing during the first day of organized team activities Tuesday.

Collins' 2022 season was cut short in Week 13 due to a foot injury. With Brandin Cooks now in Dallas, Collins is in line for a bigger role next season alongside 10-year veteran Robert Woods as the Texans' top two targets. Behind them is Noah Brown and a slew of young receivers that have yet to play a game in the NFL, including 2022 second-round pick John Metchie (hamstring).

Mooney (ankle) isn't participating in the Bears' OTAs this week, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Mooney suffered an injury to his left ankle in Week 12 of last season and needed season-ending surgery. Coach Matt Eberflus said Mooney is "progressing," but it sounds like the wideout isn't expected on the field before the start of training camp. With DJ Moore now in town and Chase Claypool getting ready for his first full season in a Chicago uniform, Mooney's targets are going to take a hit, but he should also see less attention from opposing defenses. Look for him to serve as Chicago's top downfield weapon with Moore, Claypool and Cole Kmet handling the intermediate looks.

Chark (ankle) had his helmet at Monday's practice but didn't participate in team drills, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Chark signed with the Panthers in March while he was still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and it seems he's on track for full participation by training camp, even if he remains limited this spring. An ankle injury cost him six games last year in his lone season with Detroit, but Chark came on strong at the end nonetheless with 24 catches for 404 yards and two touchdowns over the final seven weeks. He then settled for a one-year, $5 million contract with Carolina after signing for $10 million the year before in Detroit, perhaps suggesting he won't automatically start over 2021 second-round pick Terrace Marshall and rookie second-rounder Jonathan Mingo. Fellow new addition Adam Thielen is easily the best paid of the group, getting 56 percent of his three-year, $25 million contract guaranteed at signing.

Metchie is recovering from a hamstring strain and hasn't been participating in offseason practices, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

A 2022 second-round pick, Metchie spent his rookie season on the reserve/non-football illness list after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia last July. He returned healthy for the beginning of Houston's offseason program in April, and the latest report suggests he should be fine for training camp later this summer. Assuming that's the case, Metchie will compete for WR snaps with Robert Woods, Nico Collins (foot), Noah Brown and Nathaniel Dell in a passing game expected to be helmed by 2023 second overall pick C.J. Stroud.

Philips projects as the Titans' primary slot receiver entering OTAs, Mike Moraitis of USA Today reports.

Philips was a standout in training camp and the preseason of his rookie season, though his 2022 campaign was ultimately derailed by shoulder and hamstring issues. Back to full health, Philips should have a relatively clear path to the slot role in Tennessee, as the team failed to make substantial additions to its wide receiver corps during the offseason while also losing Robert Woods. In addition to being unproven, Philips could be held back as the team often turns to two tight-end sets, and the offense still runs through Derrick Henry.