NFL Player News

Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on Thursday.

News broke earlier in the day that Rodgers had informed the Steelers of his intention to sign with the team and report for mandatory minicamp next week. However, the deal is now official, and he'll ascend to the top of a previously uninspiring quarterback depth chart in Pittsburgh. Though Rodgers is well past his prime both in on-field and fantasy contributions, his arrival should be good news for the likes of DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth.

Riley (undisclosed) is participating in OTAs.

The cornerback and fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft missed a rookie minicamp session in May because he was recovering from offseason surgery. Saints coach Kellen Moore did not reveal the specific injury, though he did say it was unrelated to the ankle issue from Riley's college career at Louisville. The rookie might have a chance to compete with Ugo Amadi for New Orleans' slot corner role in 2025.

Coker (undisclosed) continues to work off to the side during OTAs, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The wide receiver was also only getting in limited work in late May during OTAs. Though he's likely behind Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen on Carolina's depth chart, Coker is definitely in the mix after catching 32 passes for 478 yards and two scores as a rookie in 2024.

Alexander (undisclosed) worked on the side with trainers during Thursday's OTA session, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, coach Brian Daboll didn't comment on Alexander's status, with the team's OTAs slated to resume June 9. The 2025 third-rounder has size (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) and athleticism (4.95-second 40-yard dash, 31.5-inch vertical jump), though he didn't start until his fifth season at Toledo in college. In the pros, he'll have a chance for at least a rotational role once he can get on the field.

Smith-Wade is participating in OTAs after going on injured reserve with an illness in December.

The 2024 fifth-round pick took over the slot corner role late in the season before coming down with the illness. Smith-Wade should be in line to man the role again in 2025.

Jewell (head) is participating in OTAs, Jeff Hawkins of The Charlotte Post reports.

The linebacker had to miss the last two games of 2024 after suffering a concussion. He finished 2024 with 97 tackles (51 solo), including 3.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, including an interception, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games. Jewell recorded over 100 tackles in three of the four seasons before that, all with Denver.

Wheeler (knee) is participating in OTAs.

Wheeler signed with the Bears in May of 2024 as an undrafted free agent before landing on IR with a knee injury in late August. Now that he's back on the field, Howard will have a chance to compete for a depth role in a Chicago backfield that's currently led by D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

Johnson (quadriceps) is participating in OTAs, Patrick Finley of The Chicago Sun Times reports.

The cornerback suffered the quad injury in the third quarter of Chicago's season finale in January against Green Bay. The 2020 second-round pick of the Bears signed a four-year, $76-million extension with the team in March of 2024, and he has started all 70 games he's played in during his pro career. He was a Second Team All-Pro in 2023 when he finished with 10 pass breakups, including four interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Rakestraw (hamstring) is a full participant in OTAs, Jimmy Liao of USA Today reports.

The cornerback missed the final two months of the 2024 campaign with the hamstring issue. In the eight games he did play, Rakestraw recorded six tackles (four solo) on 95 special-teams snaps and 46 defensive snaps. A 2024 second-round pick, Rakestraw could compete for a larger role in Detroit's secondary this year.

Davenport (triceps) is a full participant in OTAs and is expected to be ready for the start of the season, Jimmy Liao of USA Today reports.

The defensive end suffered a triceps injury in Week 3 last year that ended his season, and he continues to wear a wrap on his left elbow, per Liao. Davenport has played in just six games over the last two seasons due to injuries, and he signed a one-year deal for the third offseason in a row in March. Despite his injury issues, Davenport is in line to start on Detroit's defensive line across from Aidan Hutchinson.