NFL Player News

Coach Dave Canales says Christensen (Achilles) "looked good" in his first practice back from injury, according to Kassidy Hill and Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site.

Christensen tore his Achilles in a Week 8 loss to the Bills last October. The right guard promptly had surgery and has been working his way back throughout the offseason. The 29-year-old has made 34 starts for the Panthers over the last five seasons appears on track to be ready to suit up in Week 1 of the coming campaign.

Jones will likely see an expanded role in the Panthers' defense following the injury to Nic Scourton (knee), Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Jones is now the No. 1 weakside linebacker on the depth chart after Scourton went down for the season with an ACL tear during the first day of training camp. The 27-year-old Jones played in just four games for the team in 2025 before succumbing to a back injury, logging nine tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed during his early-season stint in the lineup. Training camp production and additional signings could change the team's plan, but as of now it looks like Jones will need to step up to help the Panthers try and defend the NFC South title in 2026.

Coach Mike Vrabel says Gonzalez is expected to increase his participation during training camp after practicing in limited fashion during the Patriots' mandatory minicamp, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Gonzalez is seeking a contract extension after performing exceptionally in last season's Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. The cornerback had three passes defensed and four solo tackles in the loss, capping off a strong season with a gritty performance in defeat. As a premier player at his position, Gonzalez is looking to negotiate a longer deal despite being under contract through the 2027 season, although he doesn't appear willing to allow it affect his preparation for the upcoming campaign.

The Panthers signed Gill to a contract Friday.

This is not Gill's first stint with the Panthers, as he first suited up in Carolina in October 2024 after a stint on the Lions' practice squad. The linebacker spent this past spring in the UFL, where he led the league with 10.0 sacks in 2026. Gill will replace Nic Scourton (knee) on the active roster for the time being after the weak-side linebacker went down with an ACL injury during the first practice of training camp.

The Panthers placed Scourton (knee) on injured reserve Friday.

Scourton tore his ACL during the first practice of training camp, ending his 2026 season before it began. Cam Gill was added to the roster in the wake of Scourton's injury. The Panthers will also continue to monitor the edge-rusher market for additional help at the position.

Allar signed his four-year rookie contract with the Steelers on Friday.

Pittsburgh's rookie third-round pick is ready to roll ahead of training camp, which kicks off for the Steelers on July 28. Allar will compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard for the second spot on the quarterback depth chart behind Aaron Rodgers.

Conner (foot/ankle) participated in practice Thursday, Jess Root of USA Today reports.

Per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, Conner has recovered fully from the ankle injury that limited him to three regular-season games in 2025, though it's possible he'll be eased back in as training camp rolls along. The 31-year-old returns to a crowded Arizona backfield that now includes first-rounder Jeremiyah Love and free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, as well as 2024 third-rounder Trey Benson. With Love and Allgeier destined to see their share of touches, Conner doesn't appear to have a clear path to steady volume in 2026, though that could change if injuries hit.

Benson (knee) participated in practice Thursday, Jess Root of USA Today reports.

As did fellow RB James Conner, who is bouncing back from an ankle injury. Per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, while the returning backs are ready for camp, the team plans to "be smart" with them out of the gate. Looking ahead, Benson will look to secure slotting in a crowded Arizona backfield that also includes Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, as well as Conner. However, unless injuries hit, Benson doesn't have a path to steady volume in the offense as Week 1 approaches.

Though Nabers (knee) was not among the Giants placed on the active/PUP list Thursday, the team is expected to bring the wideout along slowly, Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports.

Nabers and the team's other veteran players are slated to report to training camp Tuesday, but Raanan notes that doesn't necessarily mean the wideout -- who initially underwent surgery Oct. 28 to address ACL and meniscus tears in his right knee and subsequently underwent a clean-up procedure this spring -- will be practicing immediately. In any case, assuming he remains off the active/PUP list, as expected, added context regarding Nabers' status will arrive once the Giants, who are hopeful he'll be ready for Week 1, re-take the practice field next week.

Brissett participated in Thursday's training camp practice and contract talks with the Cardinals are now ongoing and productive, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Brissett did not participate in spring workouts and held in at minicamp, so his decision to practice Thursday eases concerns about a potential hold-in at training camp. That said, the veteran signal-caller is still seeking a raise over his current backup-level starting salary, so his contract situation will warrant monitoring until it is resolved. Brissett is expected to open the regular season as Arizona's starting quarterback, with Gardner Minshew and rookie third-round pick Carson Beck filling out the QB room.