NFL Player News

Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he is still targeting the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Rams in Week 1 as his return date, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Kittle acknowledged the challenge of completing his rehab in time for Week 1, though he noted that "I was told it's not a crazy goal." Optimism surrounding his recovery has remained steady throughout the offseason, aided by the fact that he suffered what surgeon and team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache described as a "best-case scenario" Achilles tear near the soleus muscle, as Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. GM John Lynch said in late March that he's "hopeful" Kittle will be available Week 1. Still, given the timing of the injury he suffered during San Francisco's wild-card win over the Eagles in January and how capable No. 2 tight end Jake Tonges (foot) looked across his spot starts in 2025, the 49ers are expected to take caution with Kittle's recovery process.

Jones agreed to terms Wednesday on a contract restructure with the 49ers that adds a $300,000 roster bonus for 2026, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Jones' contract for 2026 now stands at $3.55 million with another $2.25 million in incentives, a justified increase in salary after he went 5-3 as a starter in Brock Purdy's stead last year while completing 69.6 percent of his passes with an average attempt distance of 7.4 YPA, both career-high marks. After the 2026 campaign, Jones will be positioned for free agency. Jones has proven an ability to thrive in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense and stands as one of the top insurance options in fantasy formats that allow multiple starting QBs.

Brissett didn't report to Arizona's OTAs on Tuesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Brissett remained away from the team after already missing all of last week, which was the first week of the Cardinals' OTAs. The veteran quarterback is holding out in the hope of securing a restructured contract, as his current deal is worth a maximum of only $5.39 million, with just $1.5 million guaranteed. Per Weinfuss, Arizona has informed Brissett that he is the team's starting quarterback, though he'll obviously need to eventually join the team in order to accept that role.

James agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension with the Chargers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

James' extension includes $57.5 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $25.2 million, making him the highest-paid safety in league history. The 29-year-old has spent his entire seven-year career with the Chargers and is coming off yet another strong season, racking up 94 tackles (50 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three interceptions across 16 regular-season games.

Jacobs was arrested Tuesday and booked into Brown County Jail on five charges, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Jacobs' arrest and subsequent charges, which include felony strangulation and misdemeanor counts of assault, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim, per NFL.com, stem from an incident that reportedly occurred last Saturday morning, according to a release from the Hobart-Lawrence (Wisconsin) Police Department. A Packers spokesperson said only, "we are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs. As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment." Additionally, the NFL released a statement that it was "aware of the report" and has "been in contact with the club." Jacobs is coming off a 2025 regular season in which he rushed for 929 yards and logged 282 receiving yards while scoring 14 total touchdowns in 15 games.

Mahomes (knee) participated in Kansas City's opening OTA practice Tuesday, Nate Taylor of ESPN reports.

While the extent of his participation wasn't revealed, a video was posted on social media of the QB making a throw on the field while sporting a brace on his left knee. Mahomes is bouncing back from December surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL, and his participation in Tuesday's session, in any capacity, is encouraging. The two-time MVP's stated goal is to be ready for Week 1 action, and in recent weeks Kansas City has expressed optimism that Mahomes will be in uniform Sept. 14 against the Broncos.

Irving is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and while he isn't expected to take part in mandatory minicamp June 16-18, he'll likely be healthy during training camp, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Irving was present for the Buccaneers' first OTA on Tuesday but was merely a spectator, and afterward coach Todd Bowles said that the third-year running back is in line to return in "summer or fall," according to River Wells of Bucs Gameday. Last season, Irving sat out Weeks 5-12 due to a shoulder subluxation and sprained foot, but after getting back in the fold in Week 13, he took on a normal workload down the stretch (113 touches for 435 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs over the final six games). Tampa Bay let Rachaad White move on in free agency and replaced him with Kenneth Gainwell. Along with holdover Sean Tucker, Gainwell will handle most of the first-team reps during the offseason program and into training camp until Irving is good to go.

Head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters Tuesday that there's a chance Horton (shin/groin) can "do some stuff toward the end of spring," John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

The 23-year-old wideout missed the Seahawks' final 12 games last season, including their run to the Super Bowl, due to lower-body injuries. Horton had a promising start to his NFL career, catching 13 of 23 targets for 161 yards and five touchdowns in just eight regular-season contests. He also was an impactful special-teams contributor, tallying 238 punt-return yards and a touchdown. Once fully healthy, Horton will likely play a depth role in the Seahawks' receiving corps, but Rashid Shaheed may have supplanted him as the top return man.

Carter (knee) reverted to Houston's injured reserve list Tuesday, per NFL Communications.

Carter was waived/injured by the Texans on May 21, but after going unclaimed on waivers, he's reverted to IR. The Houston product underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week but should be able to return at some point during the 2026 season, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Carter appeared in just two regular-season games during the Texans' 2025 campaign, handling 36 special-teams snaps.

Nicholson (undisclosed) was waived/injured by the Browns on Tuesday.

The USC product posted 42 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and four passes defensed, with one interception, across 13 appearances during his final collegiate season in 2025. Nicholson, who went undrafted this past April, will land on Cleveland's injured reserve list if he goes unclaimed on waivers.