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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, July 31

Jake Slaughter Sees Consistent Second-Team Reps at Training Camp

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Chargers offensive player Jake Slaughter has been consistently running with the second team throughout the offseason. This trend has continued through the first two days of training camp, indicating his current standing within the team's depth chart as preparations for the 2026 season progress.

Chris Olave Returns to Practice Following Contract Extension

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Following his recent contract extension, which ended his training-camp hold-in on Thursday, Chris Olave participated in his first session of 11-on-11 team drills during Friday's practice. Discussions regarding his market value relative to his 2022 NFL Draft peers continue to circulate, but the focus remains on his active involvement in the Saints' ramp-up period as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Caleb Williams Navigates Offseason Hype and Improved Bears Offense

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Bears quarterback Caleb Williams remains a focal point of offseason scrutiny, recently cited by Jaguars coach Liam Coen as a benchmark for national hype. While head coach Ben Johnson acknowledges the team is being labeled as a 'No. 1 regression candidate,' he is using the narrative as motivation. Internally, the Bears' offense is showing significant improvement; teammates and staff report a much more efficient operation compared to last year's choppy, inconsistent camp.

Arvell Reese Demonstrates Physical Potential at Giants Camp

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New York Giants training camp observations indicate that Arvell Reese is already making an impression on the coaching staff. Early reports from Friday’s practice session highlight that Reese's physical length is proving to be a notable factor on the field. The team is monitoring his development closely as he continues to adjust to the professional level during the ongoing training camp period.

Mike Evans Building Chemistry with Purdy and New Teammate Deebo Samuel

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Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is navigating his transition to the San Francisco 49ers during training camp, focusing on building on-field chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy, a long-time fan of Evans' work, shares a mutual respect with the receiver. Additionally, Evans has expressed excitement regarding the team's signing of Deebo Samuel, publicly praising the newest addition to the 49ers' receiving corps as he integrates into the team's offensive scheme.

Deebo Samuel Returns to 49ers Practice After Signing One-Year Deal

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Deebo Samuel has officially returned to San Francisco 49ers practice following the signing of a one-year contract. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, analysts note that if Samuel starts at the “Z” receiver position, the 49ers would become only the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to field such a veteran-heavy lineup at that spot. Teammate Mike Evans has publicly praised the signing, describing Samuel as a "really cool guy" and a valued addition to the roster.

Patriots Release Backup Linebacker Otis Reese

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The New England Patriots have released backup linebacker Otis Reese as part of ongoing roster adjustments. Reese, who joined the club in November of last year, was waived on Friday morning. The team is now working out additional defensive backs to fill the vacancy created by his departure. The veteran linebacker's release marks a shift in the team's defensive depth chart as they continue to refine their roster.

Tucker Kraft Activated Off PUP, Returns to Practice After Knee Surgery

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Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has been activated off the PUP list and returned to practice, less than nine months after undergoing ACL and LCL surgery. Kraft reports his doctor described his knee as looking 'spectacular,' noting unprecedented rehab progress. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Kraft is participating in individual drills on a limited basis to ramp up his workload. He remains on a clear trajectory to be available for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener.

Ted Karras Leads Offensive Line in Potential Final Season

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Veteran center Ted Karras is tasked with guiding the Bengals' offensive line, which is being touted as the best unit of the Joe Burrow era. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, questions are circulating regarding whether this campaign represents the "last ride" for Karras in Cincinnati. His leadership remains a critical component of the team's offensive stability.

Joe Burrow Advocates for Chase Brown Extension

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Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow is publicly supporting a contract extension for teammate Chase Brown, emphasizing the importance of retaining key players for the 2026 season. Burrow, who is also being guided by veteran Ted Karras on the offensive line, continues to receive high praise from around the league, with some peers drawing comparisons between his impact and that of Tom Brady. Burrow remains focused on team cohesion as the Bengals prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Drake Maye Stacks Strong Practices with A.J. Brown

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Following a breakout 2025 season, Drake Maye remains the focal point of the Patriots' offense. Maye has demonstrated sharp play throughout training camp, highlighted by a long touchdown pass to A.J. Brown during Friday's 11-on-11 period. Reports indicate their chemistry has improved significantly since the team began practicing in pads, fueling optimism for the Patriots' Super Bowl aspirations.

A.J. Brown Building Strong Chemistry with Drake Maye

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A.J. Brown is rapidly integrating into the Patriots' offense, showing significant chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye during training camp. Brown capped a sharp Friday practice by hauling in a long touchdown pass from Maye during 11-on-11 drills. Their connection has improved noticeably since the team transitioned to practicing in pads, fueling optimism for the Patriots' offensive potential as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Alex Highsmith Addresses Long-Term Future with Steelers

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Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith has broken his silence regarding his long-term future with the organization. Highsmith provided comments on his status with the team as the Steelers navigate their current training camp period, though specific details regarding contract negotiations or future commitments remain limited.

Travis Hunter Reports Increased Speed Despite 10-Pound Weight Gain

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Jacksonville Jaguars standout Travis Hunter is entering the season 10 pounds heavier than his rookie year, yet reports indicate he is faster than ever. Although Hunter initially expressed concern regarding how the added weight might impact his movement, he has found that his agility remains intact. He continues to impress during training camp with improved physical conditioning, proving that the added mass has not hindered his performance on the field.

Cam Skattebo Re-evaluating Backflip Celebration

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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is scaling back his signature backflip touchdown celebration following a viral video of a failed attempt. Skattebo admitted Friday to sometimes doing "dumb things" and confirmed he met with coach John Harbaugh to discuss the incident. He is now re-evaluating when it is appropriate to utilize the move during team activities, noting that he is learning from the experience.

Seahawks Host Tryout for Veteran Lineman Kion Smith

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The Seattle Seahawks held a tryout for offensive lineman Kion Smith. Smith brings NFL experience to the table, having gained his first career starting experience last season after spending five years in the league.

Ashton Jeanty Projected for Elite 2026 Fantasy Production

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Ashton Jeanty has been identified by PFF as a top contender for the overall RB1 finish in 2026 fantasy football. His elite status is supported by strong PFF grades and an offensive environment that suggests a significant workload. Following his selection as the sixth overall pick in last year's draft, expectations remain sky-high for the Raiders running back as he prepares to build upon his promising start in the NFL.

Rashee Rice Struggles in Practice During Knee Injury Rehab

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is being eased back into camp following knee surgery in May. Rice has been leaving practice early daily for rehab. Recent observations suggest he is not yet at full strength, with reports noting lumbering movement and slow foot speed during drills. The team continues to take a cautious approach to his workload to ensure he is prepared for the season, though his current performance remains a concern.

Darius Alexander Makes Highlight Interception at Giants Camp

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During Day 3 of the New York Giants' training camp, Darius Alexander delivered the play of the day. His performance was highlighted by a spectacular interception that effectively ended the team's practice session.

Malik Nabers Sits Out Friday Practice During ACL Recovery

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New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers did not participate in Friday's practice session. Nabers is currently working his way back from a torn ACL and lateral meniscus that ended his 2025 season early. While early training camp reports were positive, head coach John Harbaugh characterized this latest absence as simply "part of the process" as the team manages his recovery timeline.