Eagles LG Landon Dickerson Undergoes Meniscus Surgery
AUGUST 13, 11:40am: Dickerson underwent surgery Wednesday, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz tweets. Although the All-Pro returning by Week 1 may be a longshot proposition, Schultz adds the team is aiming for a reemergence during the early part of the regular season.
AUGUST 11, 4:03pm: The best-case scenario has emerged for Dickerson and the Eagles. Minor surgery will take place soon, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. Depending on how Dickerson recovers, he could be available for Week 1. Even if not, a short-term timetable is in place for him to be back in the fold.
1:48pm: Landon Dickerson was carted off the field with a right leg injury during practice on Sunday, as detailed by ESPN’s Tim McManus. It quickly became clear testing would be needed on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. 
The latest update on the matter comes from McManus’ colleague Adam Schefter, who reports Dickerson is believed to have suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee. The next step for all involved will include additional opinions being sought out to determine the best course of action. That, in turn, will determine how long the Pro Bowler is sidelined.
Exact details are often critical in cases such as this. A meniscus trim includes missed time but would allow for a return to action during the regular season given the timing of Dickerson’s injury. A full meniscus tear could, on the other hand, result in season-ending surgery. That proved to be the case last year with Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whose tear occurred during the 2024 preseason.
Of course, any missed time on the part of Dickerson would be critical for the defending Super Bowl champions. The 26-year-old has operated as a full-time starter during each of his four Philadelphia seasons, and he has collected a Pro Bowl nod every year since 2022. Dickerson inked a four-year, $84MM extension last February; at the time, that deal was the most lucrative in NFL history for a guard. The former second-rounder is under contract through 2028 and will be expected to remain a foundational member of the Eagles’ O-line over that span.
In addition to the Dickerson extension, last offseason saw Philadelphia take a one-year flier on Mekhi Becton. The former Jets first-rounder struggled at tackle to begin his career, but a move to right guard produced the best season of his NFL tenure. Becton landed a raise on a Chargers pact this spring, but his departure created a first-team vacancy up front for the Eagles. Losing Dickerson for any extended period would test the team’s depth at the guard position even further.
Tyler Steen entered training camp as the favorite to replace Becton at right guard, but the Eagles’ plans up front could change depending on Dickerson’s prognosis. Philadelphia has veteran Matt Pryor as well as trade acquisition Kenyon Green in place as depth options along the interior. Pryor has 92 appearances and 39 starts to his name. Green – the 15th overall pick in 2022 – struggled as a rookie before missing the 2023 season and then failing to develop as hoped last year. Both Pryor and Green are pending 2026 free agents.
Injuries were a cause for concern during Dickerson’s time at Alabama. He has managed to avoid serious missed time so far at the NFL level, but that run of availability could come to an end in 2025 depending on how this situation plays out.
Bills RB James Cook Returns To Practice
9:10pm: McDermott confirmed after practice (via Buscaglia and colleague Janya Bardahl) today’s developments did not come with an assurance from Cook that his stance has permanently shifted. The Georgia product declined to speak to the media, so questions remain with respect to how he will proceed moving forward.
8:59am: After a brief hold-in period, James Cook is set to return to the practice field. The extension-seeking running back will suit up today, per Bills head coach Sean McDermott. 
Cook attended training camp and initially took part in practices before adopting a hold-in stance. That approach continued into this past weekend, when McDermott and Co. asked the two-time Pro Bowler to play in Buffalo’s preseason opener. Cook declined, leading to renewed speculation about when and how this situation will be resolved.
While no contract agreement appears imminent, McDermott said on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg) that “things have changed” with respect to Cook. The lines of communication have remained open in this case, with general manager Brandon Beane publicly confirming the team’s desire for a long-term pact to be worked out. That may not take place until next spring, though, especially if Cook’s asking price remains steady.
The two-time Pro Bowler named $15MM per season as his target early in the negotiating process. That figure would place Cook, 25, in a tie for third at the running back spot in terms of AAV. A more realistic figure could be the $11MM in annual money which fellow 2022 draftee Kyren Williams recently landed on his Rams extension. Indeed, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini predicted on the most recent edition of the Scoop City podcast (video link) Cook’s new Bills pact will check in near Williams’ in terms of average annual value.
Much of Buffalo’s future cap commitments were arranged this offseason when quarterback Josh Allen agreed to a short-term, high-priced extension to his pact moving him in line with the top of the QB market. Afterwards, extensions with receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, edge rusher Gregory Rousseau and cornerback Christian Benford were worked out. Cook would join that quartet on a raise brought about by a second contract in the event a deal were to be struck before a potential free agent departure next spring.
McDermott cautioned (via The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia) today’s development is not necessarily a sign the Cook hold-in is over for good. A day-by-day approach will continue for the time being, but Cook taking part in practice marks another twist in his ongoing attempt to land a long-term pact before Week 1.
Raiders Could Pursue CB Addition
The Raiders’ secondary will look much different in 2025 than it did last year. Further changes could be coming at the cornerback spot in particular. 
[RELATED: Recapping Raiders’ Offseason]
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes it would not come as a surprise if a cornerback addition were to be made prior to Week 1. Former Packers first-rounder Eric Stokes – added this spring via free agency – is in line to operate as a starter on the perimeter. The top slot job, meanwhile, looks to belong to Darnay Holmes, who handled a rotational during his debut Vegas campaign.
As for the other first-team gig on the perimeter, training camp has resulted in a number of corners receiving a look. Third-round rookie Darien Porter has enjoyed a strong summer so far, per Bonsignore, and he has a strong chance of beating out 2024 fourth-rounder Decamerion Richardson as a result. The team’s depth chart ahead of this week’s preseason action lists Porter as a starter and Richardson as a backup, although of course that does not offer any finality on the matter.
Per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Kyu Blu Kelly received a portion of first-team reps during today’s practice. The 2023 draftee has made only 12 appearances to date in his career, although four of those came with the Raiders last season. Kelly is listed as a backup on this week’s depth chart, but he has two more preseason contests to attempt to play his way into a starting gig.
The likes of Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas and Kendall Fuller remain unsigned at this point, and they could be added on a one-year deal to offer experience and starting-caliber play at the CB position. Vegas has nearly $35MM in cap space, so finances will not be an issue if a short-term addition is deemed necessary later this summer.
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor Undergoes Knee Scope
The Jets’ quarterback depth will be limited through their remaining training camp practices and preseason games. Tyrod Taylor is recovering from a knee scope, head coach Aaron Glenn said on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). 
Taylor is set to miss the rest of the preseason while rehabbing, but the Jets are hopeful he will be able to recover in time for Week 1. The 36-year-old is slated to handle backup duties behind Justin Fields in 2025, the first season of the new regime featuring Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. That duo’s success will be closely tied to Fields and his ability to provide stable quarterback play over at least the near term.
In the event of injury or poor play on the former first-rounder’s part, though, Taylor will be counted on to step in. He has 94 regular season games and 58 starts to his name, including a pair of brief appearances with the Jets last season. Taylor’s ongoing presence as a high-floor insurance option through this offseason helped inform the team’s free agent approach under center, which as expected did not include a long-term commitment to any of the free agent options.
Fields himself suffered a health scare late last month, but his toe injury proved to be a minor one. SNY’s Connor Hughes recently noted how Fields was wearing a larger shoe on the affected foot, adding the ailment may have been a contributing factor to his less-than-stellar showings early in camp. Improved play over the coming weeks will be key, and it will be interesting to see how much (if at all) the former Bear and Steeler plays during New York’s two final preseason contests given Taylor’s absence.
The Jets also have a pair of undrafted free agents in the form of Adrian Martinez (2023) and Brady Cook (2025) at quarterback. It would come as no surprise if both were to see an increased workload in the coming days with Taylor on the mend. The play of Martinez and Cook will decide how New York proceeds with respect to the third QB spot ahead of final roster cuts at the end of the month.
In other injury news, Glenn noted receiver Allen Lazard is dealing with a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old is set to miss roughly two weeks as a result, meaning he too is in line to be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason. Lazard was seen as a trade candidate in the wake of Aaron Rodgers‘ Jets tenure coming to an end, but a pay cut was ultimately agreed to allowing him to remain in New York. A role in the passing game awaits upon his return to full health.
49ers WR Demarcus Robinson Files Appeal Over Expected DUI Suspension
Demarcus Robinson concluded the legal situation related to a November 2024 DUI arrest last month. The veteran receiver entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge as part of an agreement which saw other charges dismissed. 
As a result, the expectation of a suspension has been in place since the case was closed. Standard practice around the NFL for a first-time offense regarding DUI instances is a three-game suspension. Vikings wideout Jordan Addison represents the most recent example in that regard. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan anticipates a Robinson ban, but an appeals process will play out first.
“(I’m) pretty anxious,” Robinson said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when speaking to the media about his situation. “Just waiting on the outcome to see what happens with that … I really don’t know the timeframe. Waiting to hear from them, honestly.”
The fact Robinson agreed to a misdemeanor charge could help his chances of avoiding a suspension (or at least receiving a ban of less than three games). An outcome of any kind on this front will be key for team and player considering the injury issues the 49ers are currently dealing with at the receiver spot. Brandon Aiyuk remains on track to start the year on the reserve/PUP list, with a return in the vicinity of Week 6 being named yesterday by Shanahan as a target. Meanwhile, fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is dealing with a high ankle sprain which could leave him sidelined for the regular season opener.
Robinson, 30, enjoyed a career year with the Rams in 2024 with 505 yards and seven touchdowns on 31 receptions. A depth role should await him in San Francisco behind Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings (who continues to seek an extension) and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall. Robinson is on the books for the next two years, but it remains to be seen when he will first be available for his new team.
Texans Place TE Brevin Jordan On IR
Brevin Jordan worked his way back from a 2024 ACL tear in time to take part in training camp with the Texans. The veteran tight end will not play this season, however. 
Jordan has been placed on injured reserve, per a team announcement. A serious leg injury suffered during practice yesterday raised concerns about a lengthy absence being possible (video link via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2). Now, not long after having returned to full health from the ACL tear, Jordan will be sidelined for the entire 2025 campaign.
The 25-year-old has spent his entire career with the Texans, occupying a depth role on offense along the way by chipping in as a run blocker and special teams contributor. Jordan was orginally set to reach free agency this spring upon seeing his rookie contract expire, but a one-year extension was agreed to in December. That pact marked a mutual commitment between team and player for another campaign with each other coming off the ACL tear months earlier. Given today’s news, though, things have not gone according to plan.
Jordan’s attention will turn to rehab once again, and he will do so as a pending 2026 free agent. The former fifth-rounder’s market will obviously take a hit given his absence for most of the 2024 season and all of the coming campaign. His loss will thin out Houston’s TE depth chart behind starter Dalton Schultz.
Wilson reports the Texans are expected to pursue a signing to help offset Jordan’s absence. Houston has Irv Smith Jr. along with Dalton Keene in the fold. The team spent Day 3 picks in the past two drafts on Cade Stover and Luke Lachey, and they could be in store for an increased role depending on how things shake out over the remainder of the offseason. The Texans entered Tuesday with nearly $15MM in cap space, so finances will not be an issue for any one-year signings which get worked out in the near future.
Darrelle Revis, Joe Briggs Among Potential Candidates For NFLPA’s Exec. Director Role
Lloyd Howell received a public show of support from the NFLPA not long before a growing list of scandals led to his resignation as the union’s executive director. Fellow key official J.C. Tretter departed shortly thereafter, creating two notable vacancies in leadership positions. 
Since then, David White has landed the executive director position on an interim basis. The search process for a permanent union leader is expected to begin soon, and White – having been the runner-up to Howell in 2023 – would make for a logical candidate regarding the full-time gig. No one has formally thrown their hat into the ring yet, but two potential candidates for the position have emerged.
Hall of Fame cornerback Darrelle Revis is a name to watch on this front, as first reported by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Interest is indeed in place amongst some players and agents in Revis taking charge of the union, Mark Maske of the Washington Post confirms. The 40-year-old has been retired since 2018.
Over the course of his career, Revis demonstrated a willingness to hold out during contract talks. That is no doubt a factor which would be viewed as a positive from the union’s perspective with respect to CBA talks and other interactions with the league’s owners. Revis’ uncle Sean Gilbert once made a push to unseat DeMaurice Smith as the NFLPA’s executive director. Especially if emphasis is placed on hiring an ex-NFL player for the role, Revis’ interest will be worth monitoring.
Meanwhile, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson notes that Joe Briggs’ name has also come up regarding candidates to replace Howell. Briggs has a lengthy legal background and has worked with the NFLPA by managing its financial programs department and later serving as the union’s public policy counsel; he was also the first person to lead the NFLPA’s government relations department. Briggs is currently a professor at Georgetown University.
NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin has made it clear representatives from all 32 teams will be involved in the voting process for a new full-time executive director when the time comes. It will be interesting to see if Revis and/or Briggs will be among the finalists to receive consideration.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Remains Absent From Practice
10:00pm: When speaking to the media after practice, McVay said (via Barshop) Stafford’s non-participation in today’s practice came about through an abundance of caution after his back “didn’t feel good enough.” When asked if surgery has received consideration, McVay added no discussions on that front have taken place. This situation remains one to watch over the coming days.
12:48pm: Monday was targeted as the day for Matthew Stafford to return to practice with the Rams. That will not be the case, however. 
Stafford is not in uniform for today’s practice, as noted by ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. She adds the 37-year-old is instead in a mobile Ammortal chamber, which helps with “restoration and rejuvenation” regarding injuries and pain management. A lingering back issue has increasingly become a storyline for team and player this summer, and today’s development will do nothing to quell further doubts about Stafford’s Week 1 availability.
The Rams have consistently remained confident the issue will not extend into September, and a Saturday throwing session took place without any setbacks. That appeared to set Stafford up for practice in individual drills today, with work off to the side potentially taking place during the following days as joint practices with the Chargers unfolded. Injuries to the Bolts led to those joint practices being canceled, something which could pave the way for an increased participation rate over the coming days in Stafford’s case.
At this point, however, it remains unclear when the Super Bowl winner will suit up. Stafford’s camp explored a trade this offseason before the latest restructure to his contract was worked out. The 2025 arrangement resulted in another short-term raise but also money being guaranteed for next season. As a result, a clean bill of health is crucial for the Rams’ outlook beyond the coming campaign.
Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett are set to continue taking reps in practice at the quarterback spot. Team and player will of course hope Stafford joins that group in the near future as evaluations of his back continue. After receiving treatment today, it will be interesting to see what his outlook becomes moving forward. Head coach Sean McVay has said Stafford would be available to play if it were currently the regular season, but this issue is clearly a point of concern as the countdown to Week 1 continues.
Titans Sign QB Trevor Siemian, Release QB Tim Boyle
The Titans have not looked to add a quarterback in the wake of losing Will Levis for the season. The team has nevertheless made a change at the position. 
Trevor Siemian was signed by Tennessee on Monday, per a team announcement. In a corresponding move, Tim Boyle was released. Siemian will now receive an opportunity to compete with Brandon Allen for the backup gig (or at least solidify the QB3 spot) over the remainder of the offseason. Boyle will hit free agency in a bid to find another opportunity before roster cuts.
The Titans selected Cam Ward first overall in this year’s draft, and the Levis injury further ensured he will handled starting duties right away during his rookie campaign. The free agent departure of Mason Rudolph has led to a number of moves for the team this offseason, though. That included signing Boyle in March; the journeyman has made 23 appearances and five starts in the NFL and played in Tennessee’s preseason opener. Boyle completed four of 13 attempts with one interceptions against the Buccaneers.
In the wake of that performance (plus his showings in practice, of course), the Titans have decided to move on. Siemian will now join the fold in time for the team’s final two preseason games. The 33-year-old has made 33 starts in his career, including three with the Jets in 2023; that doubles as his most recent regular season game action. Siemian spent much of last year with the Titans on their practice squad, being elevated to the gameday roster three times but never seeing the field.
The former seventh-rounder is thus a familiar face to head coach Brian Callahan and Co. The same is also true, however, of Allen based on his time with Callahan in Cincinnati. Both veterans will offer experience to Ward provided they survive roster cuts. If Siemian is released later this month, he will obviously be a practice squad candidate.
To no surprise, the Titans also activated center Lloyd Cushenberry from the active/PUP list today. The 2024 free agent signing has been rehabbing the Achilles tear which cut his debut Tennessee campaign short, but Callahan recently noted a return to practice was likely in store. Cushenberry will use the coming weeks to prepare himself for starting duties on an offensive line which has undergone a number of changes this offseason.
Austin Corbett Wins Panthers’ C Competition
Austin Corbett will remain a starter during his fourth Panthers season. Head coach Dave Canales announced on Monday Corbett has won the team’s center competition. 
Corbett joined Carolina on a three-year, $26.25MM deal in 2022. He managed to remain healthy during his debut Panthers season, but injuries limited the 29-year-old to a total of only nine contests across the past two seasons. A one-year deal was worked out to allow for Corbett to remain in place this campaign.
The Panthers also retained Cade Mays this offseason, though, setting up a training camp competition between he and Corbett. The two alternated time with the first-team offense during camp practices. Canales aimed to have a decision in place before Carolina’s upcoming joint practices with Houston, though (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic). That has proven to be the case with today’s call being made.
“I thought Cade did a fantastic job orchestrating the group when he was out there, getting his snaps off on time, moving people in the run game, anchoring the pass,” Canales said when speaking to the media (via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper). “It was a really close competition and I think Corbett just kinda brings a level of leadership that just kind of edged him out.”
A healthy season from Corbett would be key for his market value next spring. It would also allow for continuity up front in Carolina, of course. The team’s 2024 offensive line setup with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, left guard Damien Lewis, Corbett at center, right guard Robert Hunt and right tackle Taylor Moton will remain intact this fall. Improved play from quarterback Bryce Young is a central target for the Panthers in 2025, and better pass protection will be key in his development.
Mays filled in for Corbett last season after the latter went down. A sixth-round pick in 2022, Mays has 38 appearances and 15 starts to his name. Given today’s decision, he will now prepare for a backup gig at center as well as guard with the potential to see playing time in the event of injuries along the interior.