NFL Player News

Packers president Mark Murphy told a fan that Rodgers is present for the first day of training camp, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Murphy didn't respond when a reporter asked if he could be quoted, but it does seem he was being honest, considering Mike Renner of PFF and freelance writer Greg Bates got pictures/video of Rodgers entering the team facility. Recent rumors suggested the quarterback might retire if the Packers didn't trade him, while the more recent update from Monday points toward a resolution that will keep him in Green Bay for one more season before allowing for his departure next spring. His presence for the beginning of camp doesn't necessarily mean he'll practice right away, but it should at least protect him from the $50,000-per-day fines that could come with a holdout. Rodgers and the Packers appear ready to make things work, if only for one last season.

Rodgers and the Packers are close to an agreement that would keep the quarterback in Green Bay for 2021 but then set up his departure from the team next offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter notes that the deal is "not done, but it is close." Earlier Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported something along the same lines, saying Rodgers had "indicated to people close to him" that he planned to play for the Packers this season. The quarterback hasn't made any public comments in recent days, and team executives Brian Gutekunst and Mark Murphy didn't drop any big hints when they spoke at the annual shareholder's meeting Monday. If Schefter's latest report proves accurate -- as his usually do -- Rodgers presumably would want contractual assurance that he'd become a free agent next offseason (he's signed through 2023).

Team president Mark Murphy reiterated Monday that the Packers will not trade Rodgers and can't envision a scenario where they would, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Rodgers told "people close to him" he now plans to play for the Packers this season, though Murphy acknowledged Monday that he doesn't know if the star quarterback will report for training camp. The Packers' first practice is scheduled for Wednesday, and they technically can fine Rodgers $50,000 for each day he misses. Of course, the team probably will let the fines slide if the ultimate goal is to convince Rodgers to line up under center Week 1 at New Orleans. Murphy and GM Brian Gutekunst have made it clear that's their priority, but it's harder to say exactly where Rodgers stands, with rumors hinting at everything from trade demands to considering retirement.

Rodgers has "indicated to people close to him" that he plans to play for the Packers this season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The report is worded cautiously, leaving the door open for other outcomes. It does make sense that Rodgers would relent, considering retirement seems to be his other option if the Packers won't trade him. GM Brian Gutekunst said Monday that he's optimistic about working things out, though he didn't get into detail about what that means or when Rodgers might join the team. The Packers report Tuesday for training camp and are scheduled to practice for the first time Wednesday.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the team has been "working tirelessly" to resolve issues with Rodgers, adding that the Packers "remain hopeful for a positive resolution," Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Speaking at the annual shareholder's meeting Monday morning, Gutekunst relayed optimism without getting into details, failing to mention whether or not Rodgers is expected to report Tuesday for the start of training camp, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Team president Mark Murphy says the Packers are "committed to [Rodgers] for 2021 and beyond," though it's clear at this point the feeling isn't mutual. While the Packers can fine Rodgers for each missed day of training camp, they might choose to overlook it if they believe they can convince him to play in Green Bay for another year (or longer). If he refuses to play for the Packers and isn't traded, Rodgers could retire from the NFL to avoid additional fines.

Bengals president Mike Brown doesn't expect Burrow to play in any preseason games, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Burrow made a smooth recovery from Dec. 2 knee surgery and now has been cleared for 11-on-11 drills at the start of training camp. Even so, the Bengals are leaning toward holding him out of games until Week 1, relying on practice to ramp up his workload and evaluate his health and performance. While all reports on Burrow's rehab progress have been encouraging, we'll still need to monitor his practice participation in the coming weeks, considering he'll be just a little more than nine months removed from ACL repair surgery when the Bengals open their season Sept. 12 against Minnesota.

The Texans are willing to listen to trade offers for Watson, but it may take three first-round picks or more, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Watson still wants to be traded but decided to report for the start of training camp. While they may be hesitant to trade him, the Texans at least are listening to offers now, perhaps influenced by the reality of Watson facing 22 civil lawsuits that accuse him of sexual assault and misconduct. The NFL reportedly doesn't intend to place Watson on the Commissioner's Exempt List, though it's possible that changes if/when new information on the cases becomes available. The 25-year-old quarterback has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he should have a say if the Texans become intrigued by any trade offers.

Lynch signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL on June 28, Justin Dunk of 3DownNation.com reports.

Lynch failed to secure a spot on the Steelers' roster during camp in 2020, and he was unable to land a spot on another team's practice squad. It's not yet clear whether the 2016 first-rounder will return to the NFL at some point after he totaled 792 passing yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions across five games with the Broncos in 2016 and 2017.

Rush didn't participate at Sunday's practice due to back spasms, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Rush had the injury crop up Saturday and now has missed two straight practices due to the issue. The 27-year-old has less than two weeks to get healthy before the Hall of Fame Game versus Pittsburgh on Aug. 5.

Burrow (knee) is healthy and will be on the field for the start of training camp this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Bengals placed WR Riley Lees (undisclosed) and Renell Wren (quadriceps) on the PUP list Sunday, and Burrow apparently won't be joining them and will be ready to practice this week. The 2020 first-overall pick's rookie campaign was derailed after 10 games due to a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, but he's had no hiccups in his rehab over the past eight-plus months. Burrow still could be brought along slowly early in camp if the Bengals want to remain cautious, but at this point his availability for Week 1 isn't in doubt.