2025 NFL Preseason Buzz: Bucs WR Jalen McMillan Has Main Neck Harm

Signings, accidents, followers getting mad at homeowners — between coaching camp and the official begin of the preseason, NFL information has been nonstop.

You’ll be able to comply with together with all the newest and most notable free agent strikes right here. 

Here is the newest on what’s taking place across the league this preseason.

Tampa Bay’s second-year receiver has a “severely strained neck” and can start the 2025 season on injured reserve, per ESPN. The report notes that McMillan may miss the primary 9 weeks of the common season. Final season (2024), McMillan totaled 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns in what was his rookie season.

Indianapolis is rolling with Jones over third-year quarterback and former No. 4 total draft decide Anthony Richardson as its starter to start the common season, per NFL Community. The Colts signed Jones, who was the first quarterback for the Giants from 2019-24, to a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason. Final season, Jones totaled 2,070 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 79.4 passer ranking in 10 begins (he was launched in November 2024), whereas finishing 63.3% of his passes. He additionally rushed for 265 yards and two touchdowns.

In the course of the Bengals’ preseason matchup towards the Commanders on Aug. 18, Hendrickson — who is not practising on account of hopes of signing an extension — mentioned the hold-up concerning an extension with Cincinnati is over “assured cash,” per ESPN. The star defensive finish expressed that the 2 sides are on the identical web page on the size of the deal and common annual wage. Hendrickson, who has totaled 17.5 sacks in every of the previous two seasons and been a Professional Bowler in every of the final 4 seasons, is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2025 season. 

Rams followers can breathe a sigh of aid after Stafford suited up for his first apply of coaching camp on Aug. 18. Whereas Stafford returned to the apply area with simply over two weeks left earlier than Los Angeles’ regular-season opener, there’s nonetheless concern about his well being, as he is been coping with a again challenge. There additionally wasn’t a ton of readability about his standing, as he remained sidelined by way of the primary month of coaching camp and into the preseason. 

Hunter was scratched by the Jaguars earlier than their preseason recreation towards the Saints on Aug. 17. The 22-year-old rookie — a uncommon, two-way participant — had missed apply in latest days due to what group officers have described as an upper-body damage. Hunter was the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and second total decide within the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter noticed motion on each offense and protection within the first half of Jacksonville’s preseason recreation towards the Steelers on Aug. 9. He began at extensive receiver on the sport’s opening drive, enjoying 10 of 11 snaps and recording two catches for 9 yards. He then debuted at cornerback on the Steelers’ second offensive drive, recording 5 snaps (zero defensive stats), and he returned later for just a few extra performs.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart impressing in preseason would not change group’s plan

One play into the Giants’ fourth possession of their second preseason recreation, head coach Brian Daboll referred to as in Dart with out warning. “Severe?” Dart requested, earlier than making a throw that was a 30-yard acquire and jogging again to the sideline, with Russell Wilson returning. It was all about placing the rookie in a scenario he may face in the end within the NFL. “You don’t know what’s going to occur,” Daboll mentioned. “Simply be able to go when your quantity’s referred to as.”

Dart handed that take a look at and has made a robust first impression as a professional because the Giants traded again into the primary spherical to draft him as their potential QB of the longer term. The group and its followers have loads of optimism about what’s to return, nevertheless it has not modified the plan for Wilson to begin and Dart to attend within the wings.

“Russ is our starter, and we’re going to maintain growing Jaxson,” Daboll mentioned. “We have now a plan. … We simply should maintain working with him and perceive there’s going to be plenty of downs. I do know there [are] some ups proper now, however there’s going to be plenty of downs and we simply bought to continue to grow and speaking, simply maintain getting higher.”

Regardless of the plan is, and every time Dart will get his first NFL begin, the 22-year-old Ole Miss product appears to be on board. “I belief them within the course of,” Dart mentioned. “I’ve nice guys round me, nice coaches who’ve gained and executed it on the highest stage, so I simply sit up for studying each day.”

Washington activated McLaurin off the Bodily Unable to Carry out record on Aug. 16. He was beforehand listed with an ankle damage. A two-time Professional Bowler, McLaurin is getting into the ultimate season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal and has been executing a hold-in on the group’s facility in hopes of signing an extension. He hasn’t taken half in group apply.

Sanders missed the Browns’ preseason recreation towards the Eagles on Aug. 16 with an indirect damage. The Browns are “optimistic” he’ll return to apply subsequent week and play of their preseason finale. As well as, they may consider fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who’s coping with a hamstring damage, previous to Saturday’s recreation. 

Throughout Atlanta’s joint apply with Tennessee on Aug. 13, the previous’s starter exchanged phrases with Titans defenders after a scoring play, with Penix getting pushed to the bottom by a number of gamers and a struggle breaking out.

“I wish to compete at a excessive stage and after I compete I don’t actually do an excessive amount of speaking,” Penix mentioned of the incident, in accordance with The Related Press. “So someone say one thing to me and … OK, I throw a landing. ‘Now what y’all speaking about?’ After which I assume not everyone take that the precise manner. And I believe that’s all it was.”

Gardner sat out the group’s joint apply with the Giants on Aug. 13 on account of a sore calf. “Sauce wasn’t out (there) at the moment,” head coach Aaron Glenn mentioned after apply. “We’ll proceed to judge him and see precisely the place he is at.” Gardner has been one of many Jets’ greatest gamers since being drafted fourth total out of Cincinnati in 2022. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the 12 months and was an All-Professional choice in his first two NFL seasons. The 24-year-old Gardner had a barely down season, by his requirements, final 12 months however continues to be thought-about one of many league’s elite cornerbacks.

Nabers didn’t take part within the Giants’ first two joint practices towards the Jets on Aug. 12, and head coach Brian Daboll was not forthcoming about particulars surrounding the highest extensive receiver’s standing. Nabers has been coping with a toe damage that brought on him to overlook spring exercises, although Daboll referred to as it “nothing severe.”

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor sidelined for the rest of preseason

Jets backup Taylor might be sidelined by way of the preseason after latest knee surgical procedure, however the group expects he must be prepared for the regular-season opener. Head coach Aaron Glenn introduced on Aug. 12 after the Jets’ joint apply with the Giants that Taylor had “a minor scope” on the knee that sidelined him the final week of coaching camp.

Inexperienced Bay’s signal-caller had a process for a torn ligament in his left thumb, in accordance with NFL Community. That mentioned, Love is predicted to be prepared for the common season. Final season (15 regular-season video games), Love totaled 3,389 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 96.7 passer ranking, whereas finishing 63.1% of his passes in what was his second season because the group’s full-time quarterback. The Packers completed the 2024 season at 11-6 earlier than shedding to the eventual Tremendous Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles within the NFC wild-card spherical.

Prepare dinner was current and taking part in Buffalo’s Aug. 12 apply, in accordance with a number of experiences. The fourth-year operating again, who’s getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, has been executing a “hold-in” together with his sights set on an extension. Final season, Prepare dinner, a two-time Professional Bowler, rushed for 1,009 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns. Prepare dinner beforehand sat out of Buffalo’s preseason opener towards the Giants. 

Garrett was reportedly cited for rushing on Aug. 9 after going 100 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone. This quotation comes nearly 3 years after he flipped his Porsche a number of instances and vowed to decelerate. Garrett, reportedly, pays a $250 tremendous and would not have to look in court docket. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan estimated that Aiyuk was “on monitor” to return from damage “round” Week 6 this season. Aiyuk sustained a torn ACL and MCL in his proper knee throughout Week 7 of the 2024 season, making his restoration timeline a couple of full 12 months. With Aiyuk out, the 49ers will depend on TE George Kittle and WRs Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.

Chiefs beginning cornerback Watson has been positioned within the concussion protocol following Ok.C.’s preseason opener towards the Arizona Cardinals. Watson missed a lot of the 2024 common season after breaking his tibia and fibula in a Week 7 win, however after present process surgical procedure, the fourth-year professional managed to make it again in time to assist the Chiefs on their playoff run. The Chiefs are nonetheless coping with accidents to defensive finish Janarius Robinson, who was making an attempt to make the group however broke his foot throughout the opener. WR Hollywood Brown continues to be not practising owing to points together with his foot and ankle and deal with Ethan Driskell was out of shape on Aug. 11 recovering from an appendectomy. 

Mattison injured his neck throughout Miami’s preseason recreation towards the Chicago Bears on Aug. 10 and underwent season-ending surgical procedure later that very same day, per ESPN. Mattison was tackled on a 21-yard go play, and at first was mentioned to nonetheless have soreness in his neck and shoulders after the sport by Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Mattison was then transported to an area hospital by ambulance and underwent surgical procedure, in accordance with the report.

Lions security Morice Norris in concussion protocol, “doing effectively”

Following a daunting damage in Detroit’s preseason opener, Norris is again with the group and is “doing effectively” in his restoration, in accordance with head coach Dan Campbel. Norris is in concussion protocol and might be reassesed in 10 to 14 days. After spending one night time in an Atlanta hospital following the exhibition recreation towards the Falcons that ended early due to the damage, Norris flew again to Detroit on Aug. 9 and returned to the Lions’ facility on Aug. 10.

[MORE: Preseason Game Between Lions and Falcons Ends Early After Serious Injury]

The inside of the Eagles’ offensive line may need suffered a brutal damage on Aug. 10. Dickerson was carted off the sphere after struggling an obvious damage to his proper leg throughout a apply at Lincoln Monetary Subject. The three-time Professional Bowler could not put weight on his leg as he bought off the sphere.

Jaguars Ok Cam Little hits 70-yard area objective in preseason recreation

Little made a 70-yard area objective to finish the primary half of Jacksonville’s preseason opener on Aug. 9, a kick that might have damaged the NFL document had it occurred throughout the common season. Little and the Jaguars celebrated broadly. He appeared to know his newest one was good from the onset. He watched intently and pumped his fist because it slid a bit left and cleared the crossbar by a number of yards — far sufficient that the ball boy caught it within the air. Rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of many first to greet Little on the sphere, body-bumping one another in midair.

Indianapolis’ quarterback competitors is again in full swing after Richardson returned to apply on Aug. 9, two days after he dislocated the pinkie on his proper hand within the Colts’ preseason opener towards the Baltimore Ravens.

Richardson was injured on Indy’s second possession when unblocked linebacker David Ojabo drove Richardson into the bottom. He tried to throw on the sideline however didn’t return.

Sanders accomplished 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two landing passes within the first half to Kaden Davis on Friday night time in his preseason debut towards the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8.

A highly-rated draft prospect who endured a dramatic fall into the fifth spherical in April, Sanders entered the sport fourth on the Browns’ depth chart however was pressed into beginning obligation due to accidents. His standing may change after he led three landing drives in almost three full quarters of motion, exhibiting great poise and consciousness within the pocket. After the sport, Sanders mentioned he isn’t anxious about how the depth chart shakes out.

[MORE: Browns Won’t Commit to Shedeur Sanders’ Role Next Week After Strong Debut]

Cowboys G Rob Jones goes on IR after breaking neck bone

Dallas put Jones on season-ending injured reserve on Aug. 8. The veteran had been competing with rookie first-round decide Tyler Booker to begin at proper guard earlier than breaking a bone in his neck on July 27. Jones beforehand mentioned he was taking a look at a two-to-three-month restoration, however the determination to place him on IR ends any likelihood of a return this season.

Jones signed a one-year contract in free company to provide the Cowboys added depth of their reconfigured offensive line. Booker, who was chosen twelfth total, was the favourite to begin, however Jones had been performing effectively within the first week of coaching camp and would probably have been a key reserve because the Cowboys search for enchancment up entrance.

Jets rookie TE Mason Taylor faces setback after spectacular begin to camp

Taylor’s spectacular begin to camp might be halted after he suffered a excessive ankle sprain that can sideline him for not less than every week. Taylor, a second-round pick of LSU, was one of many standouts all through the primary 9 camp practices. He is the son of Corridor of Fame defensive finish Jason Taylor and the nephew of Corridor of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. 

Prescott’s personal expertise coping with group proprietor Jerry Jones in a number of rounds of high-profile contract negotiations is why he stays assured star defensive finish Parsons might be a Cowboy for this season and past.

“No, not essentially,” Prescott mentioned on Aug. 7 when requested if his thoughts ever goes to a spot the place Parsons won’t be his teammate following the two-time All-Professional go rusher’s public commerce request. “… I’ve bought religion in Jones and the group, as I do in Micah and his group. … I’m going to proceed to consider and be optimistic. And 11’s a Cowboy.”

Gardner-Johnson appeared to endure a major leg damage on Aug. 7 throughout coaching camp. He tried to deal with receiver John Metchie and, after making contact, reportedly fell to the bottom and started writhing in ache. The medical workers tended to him because the group and coaches surrounded him. He was finally helped to a cart whereas it appeared that he couldn’t put any strain on his proper leg. Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t have an replace on his situation.

The Chargers are transferring on with out Slater after the offensive lineman’s torn patellar tendon sidelined him for the season. “It’s like a intestine punch,” head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned on Aug. 8. The 315-pound lineman was carted off the apply area on Aug. 7 after apparently injuring his left leg. The damage got here almost two weeks after Slater signed a $114 million, four-year extension that included $92 million assured.

With Slater out, Joe Alt will transfer from proper to left deal with, a place he performed at Notre Dame earlier than changing into the fifth total decide within the 2024 NFL Draft.

Titans HC Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy apply

The Titans turned in a sluggish efficiency on Aug. 3, incomes a profanity-laced tirade from Callahan because the session concluded. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 total decide this 12 months, adopted two strong practices with a tough exhibiting in group drills. The Titans additionally had penalties and a play that might have been a sack because the protection pressured the younger quarterback. Ward’s last rep of the day was a go that sailed far over the top of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That is when Callahan unleashed on the offense, however the Titans referred to as Callahan’s outburst warranted, although, due to a scarcity of focus and depth on offense.

Payments’ mounting record of accidents grows to fifteen gamers

Head coach Sean McDermott adopted the Payments’ day without work by opening his pre-practice information convention on Aug. 3 by itemizing 15 members of Buffalo’s 91-player roster as both being restricted or not practising. Beginning receiver Khalil Shakir was among the many newest additions and was listed week-to-week with a excessive ankle sprain after he was harm throughout the Payments’ annual Crimson and Blue scrimmage at their residence stadium on Aug. 1. Additionally injured Friday have been WR Josh Palmer (groin), one of many group’s prized offseason free agent additions, and linebacker Shaq Thompson (groin). 

Accidents have notably hit Buffalo’s receivers, with Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and backup Kaden Prather additionally sidelined. Keon Coleman is the one wholesome projected starter with Buffalo getting ready to open the preseason.

Cowboys followers shout ‘Pay Micah!’ at Jerry Jones amid ongoing stalemate

Cowboys followers are rising more and more impatient about the truth that the group has but to achieve a contract extension with All-Professional edge rusher Parsons, who’s getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal. They let Jerry Jones know precisely how they really feel about it too, shouting “Pay Micah!” as Dallas’ longtime proprietor addressed the gang throughout the opening day of Cowboys coaching camp on Saturday in Oxnard, California, per CBS Sports activities.

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7–10 marketing campaign. They exercised Parsons’ fifth-year possibility, conserving him beneath contract by way of 2025 for $24 million — effectively under market worth for simply one of many 5 greatest defensive gamers within the NFL. The 26-year-old Parsons, who earned Professional Bowl honors in every of his first three seasons within the league, stays the one participant in NFL historical past to document not less than 12.0 sacks in every of his first three years. 

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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