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.
Christian Watson Likely To Land On Packers’ Reserve/PUP List; Jayden Reed Uncertain To Play In Week 1?
AUGUST 12: When speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gutekunst confirmed (via USA Today’s Ryan Wood) Watson is expected to begin the season with a reserve/PUP designation. He added, though, a return as early as Week 5 could be in store given Watson’s steady progress in the rehab process.
AUGUST 10: Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is expected to be among Green Bay’s top pass catchers in 2025, just as he has been over each of his first two years in the league. Unfortunately, he is dealing with an injury that could jeopardize his availability for the start of the season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Reed is in a walking boot due to a sprained foot, and one source described his status as “day to day.” When asked about Reed following his team’s first preseason contest on Saturday, head coach Matt LaFleur said he hoped Reed would be on the field for Week 1. He added, however, “any time you see a guy in a boot that’s a concern” (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky).
Reed, a 2023 second-round pick, has produced a 17-game triple-slash average of 61/850/7 through the first half of his rookie deal, thus proving his importance to the Packers’ Jordan Love-led offense. He did struggle with drops (nine) in 2024, but after agent Drew Rosenhaus approached Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with questions about Reed’s role in the wake of Green Bay’s significant investment in the WR position in April’s draft, LaFleur suggested there should be no such concerns in that regard.
The rookie wideouts, Matthew Golden (first round) and Savion Williams (third) could be especially important in the early stages of the season if Reed is forced to miss time. Deep threat Christian Watson was already expected to be sidelined, perhaps until midseason, as a result of the ACL tear he sustained at the end of the 2024 campaign.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirms Watson is expected to be placed on the reserve/PUP list at the end of training camp, which would force the contract-year receiver to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 schedule. While both Fowler and Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s official website acknowledge Watson is moving well and has shown no lingering effects from his injury, Hodkiewicz cautions Watson is not “going full blast” just yet. Green Bay will exercise patience here, a decision made easier by Golden’s standout camp.
The news is better for linebacker Quay Walker, who will again serve as a starter in the middle of the Green Bay defense. Since the club declined Walker’s fifth-year option – which was not surprising, as the fifth-year number for all linebackers is inflated by the salaries of outside linebackers who rush the passer – Walker is, like Watson, entering a platform season.
Walker opened training camp on the PUP list, and though he was activated on July 23, he had not taken part in 11-on-11 drills until a few days ago. As Demovsky writes, Walker has returned to full participation after dealing with an ankle injury that impacted him most of last year and that caused him to miss the final three regular season games of 2024.
Walker, 25, underwent surgery on the ankle in late May, per Demovsky. Given his camp status, it sounds as if he has made a full recovery, and Gutekunst has expressed a desire to keep the 2022 first-rounder on the club for the foreseeable future. Player and team have recently engaged in extension talks.
Cameron Heyward Willing To Miss Games Over Contract Dispute?
Cameron Heyward‘s sudden hold-in could lead to regular-season absences. While speaking with reporters today, the Steelers defensive lineman hinted that he’d be willing to sit out regular season games as he pursues a revised deal.
[RELATED: Steelers DT Seeking Steelers Contract Adjustment]
“I think there are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” Heyward said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor).
“I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward added (via Pryor). “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
It was only a year ago that the Steelers tacked on a two-year, $29MM extension to the veteran’s expiring contract. Coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2023, Heyward reverted back to his All-Pro play in 2024. The likely future Hall of Famer finished last season with 71 tackles, eight sacks, and 20 QB hits, leading to an All-Pro nod.
Considering his resurgent campaign, Heyward is now dissatisfied with his current pact. While the player’s hold-in seemed to come out of nowhere, Heyward claims he warned the organization that he’d want to return to the negotiating table if he quickly outperformed his extension (via Mark Kaboly). Heyward said the front office “giggled” at this notion, providing motivation for his comeback performance in 2024.
Heyward’s hold-in kicked off last week, although he had primarily done work off to the side during the early phases of training camp. We heard at the time that the two sides had indeed discussed the 36-year-old’s issues with his contract, although it sounds like there hasn’t been any progress. The Steelers are coming off an offseason where they had to navigate T.J. Watt‘s extension, perhaps explaining why the Heyward showdown has only recently become public.
With a $14.5MM average annual value, Heyward’s contract only ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen. Even bumping those annual earnings to $20MM wouldn’t place Heyward in the top-10 of his position. The Steelers could perhaps explore increasing the player’s 2025 earnings, or the two sides could even pursue a divorce. Heyward was once open to exploring a post-Pittsburgh path last year, but it’s uncertain if his current problems with the organization would lead to this path.
The Steelers already put in some work finding a potential Heyward successor, as the team used a first-round pick on Oregon’s Derrick Harmon. The rookie could easily slide into the starting lineup if the veteran decides to sit out games.
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.
Kyle Shanahan Targeting Week 6 Return For Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk‘s eventual return to the field is starting to come into focus. While the receiver was previously operating without a return timeline as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL, coach Kyle Shanahan revealed today that Week 6 would be a rough estimate for the receiver’s activation.
“I kind of view all those guys around the same time,” Shanahan said while also referencing injured safety Malik Mustapha and quarterback Kurtis Rourke (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). “Whether it’s Mustafa, whether it’s Rourke or whether it’s Brandon. They’re all at different stages, but where they’re at, I always see ’em around Week 6, which means that could be Week 10, it means it could be Week 5, but that’s the area where I start thinking about it, which is a long way away. I know it’s not Week 1 or anything like that, so it’s something I’m not really thinking about too much.”
A Week 6 return would be just short of a year absence for Aiyuk, who suffered his season-ending knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. While we’ve seen a number of players return from this injury in less than a calendar year, Wagoner notes that Aiyuk didn’t suffer a “clean” tear. Still, the receiver is expected to make a full recovery.
Aiyuk is currently on the physically unable to perform list and is destined to remain there through the start of the regular season. As Wagoner notes, Aiyuk has been around the squad throughout training camp, with the veteran working with the team’s young wideouts.
Aiyuk’s absence will certainly be felt. Beyond the subtraction of mainstay Deebo Samuel, the 49ers continue to deal with injuries to their WR corps. Jauan Jennings is without a return date as he continues to nurse a calf injury, and Wagoner reported earlier today that fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is now sidelined with a high ankle sprain. That injury is expected to sideline the first-year receiver for a month, putting his status for Week 1 in doubt.
As a result, Brock Purdy is eyeing some questionable targets for the start of the regular season. 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is expected to initially lead the grouping, and the team could also lean on offseason acquisition Demarcus Robinson and 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing. Otherwise, the rest of the team’s depth consists of the likes of rookie seventh-round pick Junior Bergen, veteran Russell Gage, and former UDFA Terique Owens.
Dolphins Sign RBs Mike Boone, Aaron Shampklin
With Alexander Mattison done for the season, the Dolphins are adding some running back depth. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier today that the team was adding Aaron Shampklin, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that veteran Mike Boone is also joining the team. To make room on the roster, the team has officially placed Mattison on injured reserve and waived Monaray Baldwin (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston).
[RELATED: Dolphins RB Alexander Mattison Undergoes Season-Ending Neck Surgery]
Boone brings the most experience among the two additions, as the veteran has appeared in 72 games over the past seven years. Boone often found himself as a third-string RB in a Dalvin Cook-led depth chart in Minnesota, although he did finished the 2019 campaign with a career-high 290 yards from scrimmage. He’s bounced around the NFL a bit since leaving the Vikings, spending time with the Broncos, Texans, and Panthers. Over that four-year span, the veteran has added another 367 yards from scrimmage to his resume.
Boone has limited experience as a return man, tallying five kickoff returns. The 30-year-old has also garnered 738 special teams snaps during his career, so perhaps he could carve out a useful role in Miami.
Shampklin went undrafted out of Harvard in 2021 and has had stints with the Cowboys, Colts, Chargers, and Steelers. He made his NFL debut last season, collecting 17 rushing yards in three games with Pittsburgh. He was a relatively popular name in free agency in recent weeks, as the RB also auditioned for the Bears and Jets.
It’s uncertain if these two additions will represent Miami’s only solutions to replacing Mattison; the team notably worked out Jamaal Williams earlier today. Either way, the Dolphins still have plenty of depth at the position. De’Von Achane will still lead the grouping, with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright serving as a primary backup. The team also used a draft pick on sixth-round RB Ollie Gordon II.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/11/25
Today’s minor moves:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: RB Brittain Brown, CB Kaleb Hayes, S Mark Perry
- Waived/injured: DB Ameer Speed
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Christian Holmes, CB Darius Rush
- Waived: WR Luke Floriea, OT Roy Mbaeteka
Denver Broncos
- Reverted to IR: DL Matt Henningsen
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: DT Marlon Davidson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Marquez Callaway
- Waived: WR Kawaan Baker
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: TE McCallan Castles
- Waived/injured: TE Anthony Torres
Minnesota Vikings
- Claimed off waivers (from Falcons): G Michael Gonzalez
- Placed on IR: OT Matt Nelson
New England Patriots
- Signed: DT Kyle Peko
- Waived: DT Bryce Ganious
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Kevin Foelsch, DB Mikey Victor
- Waived: TE D.J. Thomas-Jones
- Waived/injured: DB Cameron McCutcheon
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DL Trevis Gipson
- Activated off active/PUP: OL Andre Dillard
- Waived: QB Tanner Mordecai
- Placed on IR: RB Ameer Abdullah
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Alphonzo Tuputala
- Waived: CB Kam Alexander
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: CB JayVian Farr, RB Jase McClellan
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Blake Lynch
A handful of players injured in the first week of the preseason were placed on IR today, effectively ending their seasons early. These players won’t be allowed to play for their current squads in 2025, although they could place elsewhere if they’re released from injured reserve (often via an injury settlement).
Among those who landed on IR includes Texans DT Marlon Davidson, who remained in his team’s preseason opener after suffering a biceps injury. Vikings lineman Matt Nelson also suffered a biceps injury that will land him on IR. The veteran just joined Minnesota last week.
In addition to bringing back old friend Jeff Wilson, the 49ers made a handful of additional moves today. This includes shifting veteran RB Ameer Abdullah to injured reserve. Abdullah suffered a rib injury that will prevent him from taking the field with San Francisco this season. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers also added defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, who started 19 games for the Bears between 2021 and 2022.