NFL Player News

On the subject of his Achilles rehab, Jones said Friday, "I'm doing everything. Cleared to do everything. I think it's just about, at this point, sharpening that," James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

That said, Jones acknowledges the injury he sustained Dec. 7 last year is still on his mind, noting on that front, "you're still thinking about it. I think (you) probably will until you get playing." An important milestone in the QB's ongoing recovery will be a return to 11-on-11 drills, with Coach Shane Steichen having previously noted that the plan is for Jones to resume work in those drills when training camp begins later this month.

Minshew's teammate Jacoby Brissett, who is in the midst of a contract dispute with the Cardinals, posted a recent photo Thursday on Instagram that showed him getting in some work with several teammates, Tyler Drake of Arizonasports.com reports.

That Brissett -- who didn't take a single practice rep during Arizona's offseason program -- connected with WRs Marvin Harrison and Simi Fehoko, TEs Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins along with fellow QB Kedon Slovis is a positive sign, but at this stage it's unclear if or for how long the signal-caller's contract issue lingers once the Cardinals re-take the field. In the absence of Brissett, the team's expected Week 1 starter, Minshew took the majority of first-team QB reps throughout the offseason, so this will be a situation worth monitoring closely once Arizona's training camp commences July 22.

Ahead of training camp, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site relays that Okonkwo (who signed a three-year deal with the team in March) and QB Jayden Daniels have already developed a strong connection through their work during OTAs and minicamp.

With Zach Ertz (knee), who drew 72 targets in 13 regular-season contests in 2025, no longer in the mix, Okonkwo tops a Washington TE depth chart that also includes returnees John Bates and Ben Sinnott, a duo that combined for 29 targets last season. During his fourth and final campaign with the Titans, Okonkwo put up a 56/560/6 receiving line on 79 targets across 17 regular-season outings. Given that the 2022 fourth-rounder has already developed chemistry with a signal-caller who Selby notes often likes to get tight ends involved in the offense, Okonkwo is a candidate to see an uptick in production in his new locale in 2026. It's a context in which the tight feels like he "can finally just unleash," while operating as one of Daniels' key pass-catching options along with top WR Terry McLaurin.

Deablo is set for expanded responsibilities on defense in the 2026 season, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Deablo has inherited the green dot from departed linebacker Kaden Elliss. Those communication duties not only keep him central to Atlanta's defense, but also create a path to steadier snaps and tackle opportunities. The 27-year-old impressed while healthy in his inaugural campaign with the Falcons last year, totaling 73 tackles (38 solo), including 1.0 sacks, plus seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery across 13 regular-season games. With his expanded role, Deablo's value in IDP formats figures to grow in 2026.

Arnold (shoulder) visited with Houston on Thursday and took a physical, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Arnold has cleared waivers after being cut by Detroit in late June, and Schefter reports the third-year pro has two upcoming visits scheduled with NFL teams. The 2024 first-rounder appears healthy enough to sign with a new squad after having undergone shoulder surgery last December. Arnold is awaiting trial on felony kidnapping and robbery charges.

Pinter will enter training camp with a chance to compete alongside Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock and Nick Dawkins for the Ravens' starting center gig, Ryan Mink & Clifton Brown of the team's official site report.

Pinter and Gwyn split first-team reps during spring practices, so those two currently look like the favorites to replace Tyler Linderbaum (now with the Raiders) in the starting lineup. Mink and Brown also note that Baltimore could still pursue a more experienced starter via trade or the free-agent market. Across five seasons with the Colts, Pinter started in 10 of his 77 regular-season appearances.

The Titans plan to reduce Simmons' (elbow) workload in 2026 to keep him fresh for high-leverage situations, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Coach Robert Saleh said during minicamp in June that Tennessee wants Simmons rested for crucial third downs and two-minute situations. Fewer snaps could slightly lower Simmons' tackle volume, but Saleh's aggressive scheme should also create more opportunities for disruption. Simmons totaled a career-high 11.0 sacks last season while earning All-Pro honors, and he's fresh off signing a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. Considering his talent level, a planned rotation shouldn't significantly damage Simmons' IDP ceiling.

Titans head coach Robert Saleh has praised Helm's physical development this offseason and named the tight end as a player who "hopefully" will "take a big jump" during the 2026 season, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Helm set a franchise rookie tight end record with 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns while suiting up for 16 regular-season games in 2025. Added competition may limit his fantasy ceiling, but a strong offseason would give Helm a chance to earn a larger role in Tennessee's offense, and the departure of Chig Okonkwo for the Commanders opens up notable receiving opportunities. Helm appears the favorite to win the No. 1 tight end job during training camp, with Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson fitting into complementary roles.

Gray is expected to reprise his complementary No. 2 tight end role behind Travis Kelce during the 2026 season, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Gray caught 21 of 37 targets for 178 yards without a touchdown while suiting up for 16 regular-season games in 2025, a notable step back from the 40-437-5 line he totaled in 2024. He remains a versatile contributor on offense and special teams, but Gray's limited receiving production will likely keep him of the fantasy radar. There's a chance Gray will carry greater relevance if Kelce is forced to miss time.

McPherson will again work as Cincinnati's primary kicker during the upcoming season following a bounce-back performance last year, John Sheeran of A to Z Sports reports.

McPherson struggled mightily in 2024, making just 16 of 22 FG attempts over 12 regular-season contests. However, he was much better last season, converting a career-high 89 percent of his field-goal tries (25-for-28), though he did miss three PATs. McPherson went 5-for-8 from 50-plus yards and 10-for-10 from 40 to 49 yards last year, giving the Bengals a reliable leg when they opted to kick from distance. Cincinnati has much higher aspirations after winning just six games last year, and McPherson figures to play a key role if the team is to rebound from a rough campaign.