Football is back. Kind of.
NFL OTAs (organized team activities) begin in earnest this week as all 32 teams begin laying the foundations for next season.
It’s an important time for all involved, especially rookies, new head coaches, and players who switched teams during the offseasons.
A lot of news comes out of spring practices, from injury updates to contract holdouts to notable quotes. Follow our updated tracker for all the latest developments from NFL OTAs.
Latest News and Notes from NFL OTAs
Arizona Cardinals
- Kyler Murray is already connecting with his new favorite target at OTAs, as rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. hauls in a pass during practice.
Heard y’all wanted a @K1 ➡️ @MarvHarrisonJr video? pic.twitter.com/yYJDjCfqXB
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 21, 2024
Atlanta Falcons
- Bijan Robinson should be ready to go by minicamp, per head coach Raheem Morris.
#Falcons coach Raheem Morris said RB Bijan Robinson (Ankle) should be ready to go by the veteran minicamp. June 10-12.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) May 21, 2024
Baltimore Ravens
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported safety Jamal Adams visited the Ravens on Tuesday.
Former Seahawks Pro-Bowl safety Jamal Adams is visiting today with the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/08Xtrt85rx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2024
- Head coach John Harbaugh is already impressed with newcomer Derrick Henry. Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday that the All-Pro running back not only sets an example in the weight room and meetings, but adds how Henry will ask questions to coaches via text message at night.
John Harbaugh said he has been totally impressed with RB Derrick Henry and his approach — in the weight room, the meeting room, the practice field. Says he will text coaches at night with questions. Called him a total pro.
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) May 22, 2024
Buffalo Bills
- Linebacker Matt Milano likely won’t practice until training camp, per WGRZ-TV’s Jon Scott. Tackle Spencer Brown will be limited during OTAs.
Matt Milano is on schedule, but likely won't see much of him in drill/field work until training camp.
Spencer Brown had shoulder surgery in offseason and will participate in OTAs in some capacity.#Bills
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) May 21, 2024
- The Athletic’s Tim Graham highlighted a change made to the team’s practice facility.
The Bills have taken down their Lombardi Trophy vision quest banner inside the fieldhouse. pic.twitter.com/voKeHEnkpd
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) May 21, 2024
Carolina Panthers
- Bryce Young is winning over new teammate Diontae Johnson. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver told ESPN’s David Newton that he’s accurate and smart, plus “he knows how to get his guys in position.”
Chicago Bears
- Bears head coach Matt Eberflus offered plenty of praise for new franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Eberflus compared Williams’ personality and arrival in Chicago to how players were drawn to Dak Prescott in Dallas after Tony Romo was injured.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Bengals first-round pick Amarius Mims is eager to learn from the veteran offensive tackles, according to Pro Football Network’s Jay Morrison. “Being a young guy, the fastest way to get on the field is knowing the plays,” Mims said. “And the quickest way to get off is not knowing. It’s my job. I’ve got to hone in on stuff like that.”
Cleveland Browns
- Deshaun Watson won’t throw Wednesday as part of his rehab plan following shoulder surgery. He did practice on Tuesday.
#Browns Deshaun Watson threw today during the first OTAs practice and isn't schedule to throw tomorrow, as part of rehab plan following shoulder surgery.
Media will be at practice tomorrow.— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) May 21, 2024
Dallas Cowboys
- Micah Parsons is not at OTAs, per Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr.
Micah Parsons is not at Cowboys OTA practice today. CeeDee Lamb was never expected to show up until at least minicamp.
But there was hope that Parsons would attend OTAs after skipping the offseason program as he did last year— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 21, 2024
- However, head coach Mike McCarthy addressed Parsons’ situation Wednesday. He told the Dallas media that he’s spent a lot of time with the All-Pro pass rusher and adds he’s in excellent shape when Parsons visited the team facility Friday.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he spent “a lot of time” with Micah Parsons when he visited the team facility Friday . “He’s in excellent shape.” McCarthy confirmed team knows how Parsons has been working, where he’s working. Not behind at all on install. https://t.co/WLPNpkLFM7 pic.twitter.com/qc59ETJqah
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 22, 2024
- McCarthy also addressed the development of Trey Lance. The head coach says he’s “very, very pleased” with the backup quarterback. He concluded how Lance will play “a large part” of the offensive snaps during the August preseason games.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he has been “very, very pleased” with backup QB Trey Lance. “His athleticism is top notch.” McCarthy made a broad reference to change in throwing fundamentals. “You can see the improvement in his timing.” Will play “large part” of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/mOBUHLvVvO
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 22, 2024
- Prescott, meanwhile, admitted to reporters that he’s carrying some envy — envious of seeing fellow Dallas franchises the Rangers, Stars and Mavericks all either win a championship or currently pursue one in their respective sports.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott admits being envious of success of the Rangers, Mavs and Stars:
Yeah. fires you up. Yeah. 100% I think any competitor should damn sure in my position, leader of the team would. Understanding what winning means here and not getting it done. And then… pic.twitter.com/y6wzdJO4CH
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 22, 2024
- Trey Lance shares that his mindset “really hasn’t changed.” “[My confidence] is much higher than when I got into the NFL … I feel great about where I’m at. Continuing to get better, continuing to learn, and just continuing to be a better quarterback.”
Trey Lance: “My mindset really hasn’t changed. Controlling what I can control. Continuing to learn the offense, continuing to get closer with (my teammates and coaches). Just working on that.”
“(My confidence) is much higher than when I got into the NFL. … I feel great about… pic.twitter.com/2saFOoqfsB
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 23, 2024
Denver Broncos
- Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders will be out six to nine months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon last month.
Detroit Lions
- After missing rookie minicamp due to personal reasons, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was spotted on the practice field as Detroit began OTAs.
- According to Campbell, WR Jameson Williams is a “Man on a mission.” He added that he is the most improved player since the start of spring.
Green Bay Packers
- Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love discussed the quarterback’s attendance at practice.
LaFleur said offseason attendance is higher this year than in any of his prior five years. Been almost 100% all offseason. That includes Jordan Love, who is awaiting a new contract.
LaFleur said Love’s attendance sets tone.
“To have him here, you can’t put a value on that.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 21, 2024
Jordan Love on attending OTAs without a new deal: “That’s just something that I’ve always done, trying to be here, get the reps in, get the work in with the guys and just start building that chemistry and getting ready for the season.”
Regarding his contract, he added:
“I don’t… pic.twitter.com/pzXjpmdkx2
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 21, 2024
Houston Texans
- Receiver Tank Dell, recovering from a fractured fibula, is attending Texans OTAs.
Tank Dell moving well out here. No noticeable limitations, which is a great sign pic.twitter.com/m1mQ2Wnixv
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) May 21, 2024
- KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports there were two key Texans not present on Tuesday.
#Texans voluntary OTA. Not present Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, lineman Tytus Howard, who's on pace for training camp after injury last season, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 21, 2024
Indianapolis Colts
- Anthony Richardson joked with reporters Wednesday that he was in elementary school when he saw new backup QB Joe Flacco win Super Bowl 47. Richardson also addressed reporters while sporting a Tyrese Haliburton Indiana Pacers jersey — showcasing his support of the franchise during the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson discussed Trevor Lawrence’s possible extension on Monday. “Obviously, the sooner you get it done, right, right, it’s behind everybody, and now we focus on football, so that’s not lingering and that’s not out there,” Pederson said.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Patrick Mahomes is in the building.
QB1 is back on site. pic.twitter.com/eaEkTXUAcQ
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 21, 2024
- Mahomes is already taking a liking to newcomer Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, saying how the presence of him is “a good addition to our offense.”
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on Hollywood Brown: “I’m giving him chances downfield and he’s making plays happen. The more plays he makes, the more we’ll continue to give him chances. It’s a good addition to our offense.”
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) May 22, 2024
- Xavier Worthy, though, injured his hamstring per head coach Andy Reid and added the prized first rounder didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Andy Reid said Xavier Worthy tweaked one of his hamstrings earlier this week. Worthy didn’t participate in today’s practice.
“He was only out there for a day and a half,” Reid said of Worthy.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) May 22, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers
- Chargers first-round pick Joe Alt was surprisingly working with the second-team offensive line during OTAs. Trey Pipkins III is currently starting at right tackle, as Alt works his way up the depth chart and gets acclimated to life in the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams
- Rams head coach Sean McVay discussed Kyren Williams’ injured foot.
#Rams HC Sean McVay on Kyren Williams’ foot:
“Kyren’s good. He had a little foot issue that we’re gonna be smart with him… He’ll be ready to go for training camp.”
McVay has a 90% reliability rating on injury coachspeak
When McVay says there’s “nothing to be concerned about,”… pic.twitter.com/j39YAsUKqr
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 21, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders
- Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore reported Davante Adams is at the team’s facility even though he’s not practicing.
Davante Adams is here at the facility. So absolutely nothing to read into him not being on the field https://t.co/QDM9QTpIrg
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) May 21, 2024
Miami Dolphins
- Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley reported quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not attend practice on Tuesday.
Tua Tagovailoa will not be at practice today but it’s not contract related
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) May 21, 2024
Minnesota Vikings
- Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold talked about transitioning from San Francisco to Minnesota.
Sam Darnold on whether the 49ers helped him learn this offense: “a lot of similar formations and motions but different verbiage but being in that system helped” pic.twitter.com/JsDIHnmGbr
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) May 21, 2024
New England Patriots
- Keion White remarks on the difference between Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.
“We don’t got Bill cursing us out every play anymore, but it’s still pretty similar,” White said Monday, via NBC Sports Boston. “I miss it. I like Bill. He’s my type of coach, like a hard-ass. I like that. I respond well to things like that.
“But Mayo’s done a pretty good job, too. It’s all different. Mayo’s doing a really good job of staying true to himself, not trying to fill somebody else’s shoes, but create his own path, and I really respect that.”
- Cole Strange is “month-to-month,” per Mayo, and reportedly could be out until midseason.
#Patriots starting guard Cole Strange, who is still dealing with a significant knee injury suffered late last season, is expected to miss the start of the 2024 season and may be out until the middle of the season, sources say.
Strange has started every game he's played in NE.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2024
New Orleans Saints
- NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett reported Taysom Hill was going through drills at a different position.
Notable from Saints’ first OTA: Taysom Hill spent time working with fullbacks in individual drills as well as tight ends. Can’t wait to see new coaching staff plans for him.
Also notable: Trevor Penning worked as starting RT with Taliese Fuaga still at LT, Nick Saldovero at LG.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) May 21, 2024
New York Giants
- Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers getting work in on Tuesday.
Malik Nabers clockin' in for Day 2 ⏰ pic.twitter.com/YF349H1vaJ
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 21, 2024
- Head coach Brian Daboll says that Nabers is learning “a couple different positions.”
- Daboll shares that neither Darius Slayton or Darren Waller are at OTAs. No update or clarity on either.
- Daniel Jones said he wasn’t “fired up” knowing the Giants make a quarterback on draft night. Said he was, however, fired up when the pick was Nabers
Daniel Jones said he wasn’t “fired up” on draft night knowing the Giants might take a quarterback. He said he was fired up when the pick was WR Malik Nabers. pic.twitter.com/ljLAOl7wJv
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) May 23, 2024
New York Jets
- Robert Saleh asked whether Aaron Rodgers is 100% back from a torn Achilles.
“That’s probably a better question for him,” Saleh said Tuesday, via Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “But as far as we’re concerned, his track and what he’s able to do, there’s no limitations to what we’re asking him to do at practice.”
- Aaron Rodgers throws 3 TD passes in first practice.
Aaron Rodgers is back at #Jets OTAs. He unofficially announced it with 3 TD passes. A quick overview of his first practice in front of media since torn Achilleshttps://t.co/LckAu1HJGk
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) May 21, 2024
- The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt shared an update from Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers said he feels like he can do everything right now.
Said he thinks if he and Garrett Wilson can stay healthy they can accomplish some special things together. #jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) May 21, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles
- New running back Saquon Barkley already has fallen in love with being in the offensive huddle, saying to reporters Wednesday that all it took was Wednesday’s 7-on-7 session to realize how much he likes the talent surrounding him.
Saquon Barkley: “Biggest thing that struck me was first 7on7 huddle and you see A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Jalen Hurts. That’s not a bad group.” 🔥pic.twitter.com/OzAhKTVxrR
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 22, 2024
- Following Davante Parker’s retirement, the Eagles signed John Ross to a one-year deal
We've signed WR John Ross to a one-year deal.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wNpO0X8D8z
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 23, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Justin Fields told reporters that he’s “nowhere near his ceiling” and is ready to compete for the starting quarterback job.
Justin Fields said he’s “definitely competing.. Russ knows that. We’re competing against each other every day.
“I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year.” pic.twitter.com/pzI9rj5ldi
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) May 21, 2024
Seattle Seahawks
- Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is embracing Sam Howell, despite the duo potentially competing for the starting job in Seattle. Smith mentioned that he isn’t worried about who starts or is the back-up, as the competition will only make the Seahawks better.
Geno Smith, Sam Howell throw to wide receivers and tight ends at #Seahawks OTAs @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/wNTp5V8JMu
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) May 22, 2024
San Francisco 49ers
- Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Christian McCaffrey’s absence during OTAs but doesn’t seem concerned about the situation. “It is voluntary. I’m not too concerned about Christian,” Shanahan said. “But no, he hasn’t been here.”
- NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported 49ers DL Nick Bosa is in attendance, while Brandon Aiyuk is not.
Nick Bosa, who usually does not take part in the non-mandatory part of the 49ers' offseason program, is here in Santa Clara. Phase III of the 49ers' offseason program (organized team activities) began on Monday.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 21, 2024
WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are not present for Day 2 of #49ers OTAs. Aiyuk is eyeing a contract extension, while Jennings has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender. At this point, Jennings cannot sign with any other team.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 21, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tackle Tristan Wirfs didn’t report to OTAs and doesn’t plan to amid his desire for a new contract, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
#Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs did not report to OTAs and doesn’t plan to in the immediate future, per source. The multi-year All-Pro seeks a long-term contract and does not want to risk injury. Sides have not made progress on a new deal. pic.twitter.com/efdZ7aKhv5
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 21, 2024
Tennessee Titans
- Titans running back Tony Pollard talked about adjusting to his new team.
RB Tony Pollard on he and Tyjae Spears as a duo pic.twitter.com/3bNYbEtzyf
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) May 21, 2024
Washington Commanders
- Bobby Wagner addressed the media in his first OTAs with the Commanders. Among the topics? His early thoughts on No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. Wagner said he’s seen lots of potential in the rookie quarterback.