NFL Player News

Head coach Frank Reich noted Thursday that Dalton is slated continue to work with the second team during next week's minicamp, while rookie Bryce Young handles first-team reps, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The report notes that Dalton was listed as the starting quarterback during the first two weeks of voluntary offseason workouts and began each drill with the first unit, though Young saw more first-team reps . While Young has yet to be officially confirmed as Carolina's Week 1 starter, that's the expected outcome and his elevated responsibilities in practice represent "the next step" to that end, per coach Frank Reich. Dalton was brought in by the Panthers in March after starting in 14 games for the Saints last season, and assuming all goes as planned he'll serve as a veteran backup/mentor for Young this coming season.

Young handled all the Panthers' first-team reps QB during Thursday's practice, Joseph Person and Larry Holder of the Athletic report.

Previously, both Young and veteran Andy Dalton had been taking first-team reps during OTAs, but the report notes that coach Frank Reich and GM Scott Fitterer had been eyeing this week as the time to transition to the rookie working more extensively with the top unit. Though Young has yet to be officially named the Panthers' Week 1 starter, it would be a surprise if the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft doesn't land the assignment.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that Purdy (elbow) is "right on pace" with his recovery and is throwing three times a week, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Purdy resumed throwing last week and did some running on the side field during the first day of San Francisco's mandatory minicamp Tuesday. Sam Darnold and Trey Lance will continue to split first-team reps while Purdy rehabs from offseason UCL surgery, but the Iowa State product remains the frontrunner to claim a starting spot when he's back to 100 percent.

Cunningham, who joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent this spring, has been seeing work at wide receiver during OTAs, Nick O'Malley of masslive.com reports.

The Patriots reportedly signed Cunningham to a deal with $200,000 guaranteed, the most the team has ever spent on an undrafted player. During his college career at Louisville, Cunningham (who New England lists at 6-0, 188 pounds) played quarterback, but with Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley already in the team's signal-caller mix, the rookie's versatility could be his ticket to securing a roster spot this coming season.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers (calf) won't participate in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, but the veteran quarterback is cleared to do everything else, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

The Jets continue to monitor a minor calf strain that Rodgers suffered at the beginning of OTAs, but there hasn't been any indication it'll impact the quarterback's availability for training camp. Don't be surprised if Rodgers takes it easy for the remainder of New York's OTAs.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday that Brissett is still in the running for the starting job, even though Sam Howell has taken all the first-team reps this offseason, Matthew Paras of The Washington Times reports.

Last year, Brissett served as the Browns' starting quarterback while Deshaun Watson was suspended. The former completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 2,608 yards and a 12:6 TD:INT across 11 starts. He also rushed 47 times for 238 yards and two scores during that stretch. While Rivera may publicly call it an open competition, it sounds like the Commanders are going to give Howell every chance to prove himself before moving on to Brissett. It's a role the veteran has occupied numerous times during his seven-year career, so he should be ready to step up if called upon.

Howell has taken all the first-team reps this offseason, Matthew Paras of The Washington Times reports.

While Howell has the early lead to begin 2023 as a starter, coach Ron Rivera is still publicly calling it an open competition between the second-year quarterback and veteran Jacoby Brissett. Howell had a strong preseason as a rookie but posted mixed results in his lone regular-season start against the Cowboys in Week 18. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 169 yards, a touchdown and an interception while rushing five times for 35 yards and an additional score. If he can hold onto the starting job, Howell's mobility combined with Washington's talented wideout corps could make the 2022 fifth-round pick an intriguing option late in fantasy drafts.

McCoy (elbow) has been a full participant at OTAs, Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports reports.

McCoy injured his elbow last season and needed offseason surgery. He's been getting the bulk of the first-team reps this spring with Kyler Murray still recovering from his torn ACL. There's a good chance McCoy opens the year as Arizona's starter, as the prospect of Murray being available Week 1 is iffy.

Herbert (shoulder) plans to participate in 7-on-7 drills this week at OTAs, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Herbert underwent surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder following the 2022 campaign and resumed throwing in early May. He's set to take another step forward in his rehab this week, as he'll participate in team drills for the first time this offseason, and he remains on pace to be fully healthy by training camp. A lingering rib issue for Herbert coupled with injuries to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams made for a disappointing 2022 for the Chargers offense, but the quarterback got a new offensive coordinator (Kellen Moore) and a new wideout (Quentin Johnston) this offseason, so there's optimism Herbert can bounce back in 2023.

San Francisco general manager John Lynch said Wednesday that "the early returns are really good" after Purdy (elbow) resumed throwing this week, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will likely take most of the practice reps this spring and possibly into training camp, but both Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have suggested Purdy is the favorite to top the depth chart once healthy, with Lynch referring to the Iowa State product as the "leader in the clubhouse" on two occasions. Coming back from offseason UCL surgery, Purdy reportedly is a bit ahead of schedule and could be ready in time for Week 1 of his second NFL season.