The 2024 NFL season is 100 days away! There are a bunch of news items to hit on, but be sure to check out our 2024 NFL expansion series, continuing today with the expansion draft.
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NFL OTA highlights
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs have both held out of voluntary workouts while seeking new contracts.
Rams running back Kyren Williams is dealing with a minor foot issue, but Rams head coach Sean McVay says they’re being smart with him and that he’ll be ready to go for training camp.
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields told reporters he’s “definitely” competing for the starting job. Many have speculated that Russell Wilson is the heavy favorite to start for Pittsburgh.
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
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa last lost 10-15 pounds this offseason in an effort to become more agile. This is another positive step for Tua after he did training last season to help avoid injury while taking sacks.
I’m told Tua Tagovailoa dropped 10-15 pounds — down to 220 pounds, his ideal playing weight this year — seeking more agility/escapability
Here’s why lower weight doesn’t mean more injury concern for Dolphins. Talking Tua w/ @TomPelissero & @judybattista @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/UL8Bxa9ejJ
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 21, 2024
Dolphins star safety Jevon Holland calls new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver a “complete 180” from last year under Vic Fangio. Holland added: “It’s the fact that he’s a good person that makes a difference.” It’s interesting and noteworthy that a few Miami players have not had nice things to say about Fangio since he left for the same position with the Eagles, including Jalen Ramsey.
More NFL news
Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL center Billy Price announced his retirement after dealing with a “terrifying” blood clot.
Steelers receiver George Pickens told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that sometimes he doesn’t even sleep, pulling “all-nighters” because he’s thinking about football.
Sticking with the Steelers, new linebacker Patrick Queen says he took less money to sign with Pittsburgh, noting a personal emphasis on winning.
When free agency began, around 15 teams were in on signing Patrick Queen, a couple of which were offering deals in the $17M APY range.
He quickly turned down more money to become a Steeler, with an emphasis on winning right now and earning another big contract down the line. pic.twitter.com/YzAKcJwBxx
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) May 25, 2024
Packers receiver Christian Watson hopes to put his frequent hamstring injuries behind him after pinpointing a previous asymmetry with his legs.
“For me, it really was the asymmetry between the legs.”
— #Packers WR Christian Watson, one of their most important players this season, breaks down the work to keep his hamstrings healthy https://t.co/zIvo6sChGm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 27, 2024
Injury updates:
- Former Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, currently a free agent, is expected to be ready for the 2024 season after battling knee issues in recent years.
- Patriots guard Cole Strange, coming off a serious knee injury, will miss time into the season.
- Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of the year, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby was given a pay raise for 2024, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Peyton Manning says he’s happy with an ambassador role for the Broncos as well as the Colts and University of Tennessee and that he doesn’t think running a team—as many have speculated as a potential future path—is on his radar.
McManus, Jaguars sued
Commanders kicker Brandon McManus, who spent last year with the Jaguars after playing most of his career with the Broncos, has been accused of sexual assault.
Two women are suing kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them during the team’s overseas flight to London last year, per @ESPNdirocco.https://t.co/3gwSNoUHCZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 27, 2024
Two women flight attendants for Jacksonville’s overseas trip to London last season have made detailed allegations against McManus. Per ESPN, they allege McManus acted highly inappropriately during the flight. The alleged victims are seeking over $1 million and want a jury trial.
Other Sports Updates
Basketball legend and unforgettable character Bill Walton passed away at 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
https://twitter.com/UCLAMBB/status/1795146453884514745
Golfer Grayson Murray died by suicide shortly after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. His family put out a statement via the PGA Tour.
We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. https://t.co/JWGJ6Tz2jy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 25, 2024
After a champion-filled history of over 100 years, the Pac-12 conference came to an end with Arizona beating USC in the Pac-12 baseball tourney final in its final sporting event.
It's the end of an era, but what a way to go.
Arizona walks off USC to win the Pac-12 tourney title. As it stands, this was the final sporting event ever for a conference that was formed more than 100 years ago. pic.twitter.com/Im1PD1okbD
— ESPN (@espn) May 26, 2024
Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the year with a torn ACL, the second torn ACL of his career.
TNT Sports will have College Football Playoff games for the next five seasons after a sublicense agreement with ESPN.
https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/1793375234600665492
Much-maligned MLB umpire Angel Hernandez has retired after three decades, according to multiple reports.
In Case You Missed It
- 2024 NFL Expansion Series, Part I: Staff
- 2024 NFL Expansion Series, Part II: Expansion Draft
- 2024 fantasy draft guide preview: wide receiver
- 2024 fantasy projections: top ten at each position
- Remaining NFL free agent fits
- Early 2024 NFL win totals
- 2024 best ball draft insight
- 2024 NFL bye weeks
- Pittsburgh hosting 2026 draft
- Latest MLB power rankings