NFL Player News

Cooper (ankle) may not be ready for the beginning of training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

After undergoing surgery on his ankle in January, Cooper is apparently still dealing wth some residual irritation, according to Rapoport. The Cowboys don't seem overly concerned about Cooper's health at this juncture, as the wideout should be fully cleared by the time the regular season gets underway Sept. 9. Cooper recorded a career-high 92 catches to go along with 1,114 yards and five scores while playing in all 16 games in 2020.

Ridley recently underwent minor foot surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ridley wasn't present for the start of minicamp for an unspecified reason, but he apparently underwent a cleanup procedure on his foot recently. He won't participate in minicamp, but he could be ready for the start of training camp in late July. Even if the 26-year-old misses the start of training camp, he's "not in danger" of missing the start of the season, according to Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. Ridley is slated to begin the 2021 campaign as Atlanta's clear No. 1 receiver after Julio Jones was traded to the Titans over the weekend.

Darden (hamstring) participated in individual drills Wednesday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Darden missed practice Tuesday as a precautionary measure due to a hamstring issue, but he got work in just one day later. Head coach Bruce Arians also plans to give the receiver work Thursday, which suggests Darden's injury doesn't appear to be a significant concern.

Samuel (groin) missed practices Tuesday and Wednesday, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Samuel was first sidelined one week ago after noticing a "twinge" in his groin. There's still no indication of it being a serious injury, but he could be sidelined until training camp nonetheless, missing out on a few chances to build chemistry with his new team's quarterbacks.

Darden sat out practice Tuesday due to a hamstring injury, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Coach Bruce Arians said the decision to hold the rookie wideout out of practice was a precautionary measure, so it appears to be a minor injury. Darden is expected to get back on the field Thursday, and his status for the start of training camp shouldn't be affected, barring a setback.

Coach Mike McCarthy indicated Tuesday that Gallup "is taking the next step you look for in young players," and he's seen more reps in the slot this offseason, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gallup is heading into a contract season with questions surrounding his status with the Cowboys beyond 2021 following the first-round selection of CeeDee Lamb in the 2020 NFL Draft. Gallup saw his numbers take a slight downturn last season, but that could be, in part, due to a new coaching staff and Dak Prescott going down with an injury for most of the season. Gallup should play a key role in the Cowboys' offense again this season and, if his offseason reps hold any water, could be in line for some added work in the slot.

Reynolds' projected role has diminished since the Titans acquired Julio Jones, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Reynolds spent the first four seasons of his career buried on the Rams' depth chart behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, as well as Sammy Watkins and Brandin Cooks at various points. It appeared that he was destined for a bigger role after joining the Titans in the offseason, but the team's recent addition of Jones calls into question how many targets Reynolds may see as a member of a run-heavy offense. Even so, Reynolds should remain on the field regularly in three-receiver formations.

Brown (knee) will receive less attention from opposing defenses after the Titans acquired Julio Jones, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

The Titans had seen a number of pass catchers leave via free agency this offseason, the most notable of which was Corey Davis. Without any proven replacements, Brown was set to see massive volume, but he would also have been the singular focus of opposing defenses. With Jones now in the mix, Brown may see his projected volume decrease, but he also should have more room to operate by avoiding double teams and potentially being matched up against the opposition's second cornerback rather than the first.

Coach Vic Fangio indicated after Monday's OTA that Patrick sat with a "very, very slight hamstring" injury, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Fangio noted that Patrick probably could have practiced, so this was likely a case of the team just taking precautions to ensure nothing more comes of the issue. Barring a setback of some kin, Patrick could be back on the field for one of the upcoming OTA sessions.

Ridley is the clear No. 1 receiver in Atlanta with the team having agreed to trade Julio Jones to Tennessee, ESPN.com reports.

Ridley had 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns on 143 targets last season while playing in 15 games to Jones' nine. Jones eclipsed 143 targets in all but one of the previous six seasons, topping out at 203 in 2015, and Ridley also can expect to have the ball thrown his way more frequently as the undisputed No. 1 wide receiver in Atlanta's pass-heavy offense. Ridley will have to contend with the opponent's No. 1 cornerback more often with Jones no longer in town to take away attention, but the increase in volume should more than make up for the higher difficulty of matchups.