NFL Player News

Speaking with the media Thursday, coach Ben Johnson said he's "buying Burden stock right now" after a strong start to the Bears' offseason program, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

"Yesterday, he had numerous explosive plays," Johnson continued. "I'm really happy with him." Burden has had one of the biggest hype trains of the offseason after Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Bills back in March. As a rookie last season, Burden averaged 2.69 yards per route run over 15 regular-season games, the highest mark for a first-year player since 2016, and only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted better yards-per-route numbers in 2025. With Moore out of the picture, Burden is expected to play in all two-wide sets alongside Rome Odunze this season. In one of the league's more explosive offenses, Burden's arrow is pointing upward in a big way.

Coach Aaron Glenn said Sadiq (abdomen) underwent a "minor procedure" and will miss OTAs this week, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Glenn said the first-round rookie will be ready for training camp later this summer after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. While listed as a tight end, Sadiq is expected to mainly line up detached from the line as more of a receiver with the Jets, allowing Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert to handle more of the traditional tight end duties.

Dell (knee) is not participating in OTAs this week, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Dell is on the field in uniform, but he's not sporting a helmet, as the Texans are taking a "patient, long term approach" with the wide receiver this offseason, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since tearing multiple knee ligaments in Week 16 of the 2024 season. While Dell may not participate in offseason workouts, there's a good chance he's on the field at training camp with an eye toward Week 1 of the regular season. If healthy, Dell should occupy a spot in three-wide sets alongside Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, with Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson available as sub-package wideouts.

Miller expects to sign with a team and play in 2026, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Miller remains a free agent ahead of what would be his 16th season in the NFL, but he stated that he is "for sure" playing for somebody this season. The 37-year-old has apparently attempted to lobby current Broncos head coach Sean Payton to bring Miller back to Denver this season, but nothing has materialized quite yet. Miller is coming off of a 2025 campaign during which he played in all 17 regular-season contests with the Commanders, compiling 26 total tackles (16 solo), including 9.0 sacks, which were his highest amount in a single season since 2018.

Kamara (knee/ankle) is still working out with his trainers daily in preparation for the 2026 season, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Kamara was absent from the Saints' OTA session Wednesday, as has been the case, while his future with the team remains in question. The running back missed the final six contests of the 2025 campaign while nursing both an MCL sprain and an ankle issue, and it's unclear if he's back to full health yet. Kamara recorded a career-low 471 rushing yards and one touchdown on 131 carries while also reeling in 33 of 39 targets for 186 yards over 11 regular-season games this past year. With the Saints signing Travis Etienne to a four-year, $48 million contract in March, Kamara would likely operate as the No. 2 option in the backfield with New Orleans this season, if he sticks around.

Nicholson (undisclosed) reverted from waivers to the Browns' injured reserve list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

It's not immediately clear what kind of injury Nicholson is working through, but he's now on track to spend the entire 2026 season on IR unless he's able to negotiate an injury settlement with the team. For now, his absence could free up additional opportunities for fellow rookie undrafted free agent cornerbacks Nate Evans and Michael Coats.

Ewers (knee) has been participating fully in 7-on-7 drills during OTAs, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Per Kelly, Ewers has been performing well, connecting with tight end Ben Sims and rookie undrafted free-agent wide receiver Donaven McCulley. As the offseason progresses, Ewers will continue to compete with 2025 sixth-rounder Cam Miller and rookie undrafted free agent Mark Gronowski for the Dolphins' backup QB role.

Coach Jesse Minter said Wednesday that Madubuike is "trending in a great direction" as he rehabs from the surgery he underwent in April to address a lingering neck injury, NFL.com reports.

Minter said that Madubuike was even participating in a limited fashion during the Ravens' offseason program, but there is still not a timeline for his full return to the practice field. Until he's fully healthy again, veteran free-agent acquisition Calais Campbell and 2025 sixth-rounder Aeneas Peebles could get more reps with the first team on the defensive line.

Coach Jesse Minter said Wednesday that Buchanan is ahead of schedule in his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in December, NFL.com reports.

While Buchanan's rehab seems to be progressing nicely so far, he's still less than six months out from the ACL tear he sustained in Week 15 of his rookie season, and there's still no timetable for his return to team activities. Until he's back to full strength, Trenton Simpson will be a candidate for increased reps at inside linebacker next to three-time All-Pro Roquan Smith.

Walley (knee) told reporters Wednesday that he's been fully cleared to return, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Walley, a 2025 third-round pick from Minnesota, has now fully recovered from an ACL tear that sidelined him for the entirety of his rookie season. With Kenny Moore's release from the Colts in early May, Walley is expected to compete for a starting secondary role as the offseason progresses.