At least two South Florida police associations are backing out of a Miami Dolphins ticket program after two players kneeled during the national anthem on Thursday.The Broward County Police Benevolent Association and Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association released similar statements Friday, urging their members to "no longer participate" in a ticket program with the Dolphins after receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson protested during the anthem.Stills has been a vocal supporter of Colin Kaepernick and those that fight against social injustice, and he also met with police last year at the height of anthem debate furor to foster relations between players and law enforcement.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Every game night during the preseason, theScore's Justin Boone gets you caught up on the most important fantasy performances from around the league.Vikings look unstoppableIt would have been understandable if the Vikings had gotten off to a slow start with a new quarterback playing behind a banged-up offensive line.But that certainly wasn't the case on Saturday night.Minnesota's first-team offense did whatever it wanted during an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that featured Latavius Murray punishing defenders (43 yards on four carries) and Stefon Diggs hauling in three receptions for 35 yards, including this difficult 28-yard grab down the sideline:

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay shed cautious optimism Saturday on the exhausting contract talks between the team and defensive tackle Aaron Donald."Let's put it this way: there's increased dialogue," the second-year coach said, according to Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams. "We feel positive about the direction that these things are going. I think there's a level of urgency that's being displayed from us. I know that they know how much we value him and appreciate Aaron. Hopefully, we'll see some things change on that front sooner than later, but it's still kind of in the same boat."Donald is embroiled in a holdout for the second straight year, and there's concern the reigning Defensive Player of the Year could extend his absence into the regular season. Last year, Donald reported to the Rams a day before they kicked off the regular season."I know there's a huge level of urgency from our side in terms of how important he is, wanting to be proactive about trying to find a solution, get this thing done," McVay added. "We'll see if we can get that situation handled."The 27-year-old Donald is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to earn under $7 million.McVay said a week ago that he didn't think Donald's holdout would end in the near future, though general manager Les Snead said Wednesday the two sides were in the same "ZIP Code" in extension talks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos exchanged 78-yard touchdowns in the span of about three minutes during the second quarter of Saturday's preseason game.First, Vikings rookie running back Roc Thomas took a screen pass to the house.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor would be in favor of the Cleveland Browns signing Dez Bryant when the free-agent receiver visits the team over the coming days."That would be awesome,'' Taylor said to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "I've said this before. We know what type of talent Dez brings to the football field. He's been a very, very good player in his time throughout this league and he adds talent to the wide receiver room."I hope it can get done, but like I said, that's up to management. I definitely think he could help this team."Bryant revealed Friday that he'll begin meeting with clubs, including the Browns, during the upcoming week. Earlier that day, Browns general manager John Dorsey said they were trying to schedule a workout with Bryant but he wasn't returning the their phone calls.Bryant, 29, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in April after eight seasons. The three-time Pro Bowler posted 838 yards and six touchdowns last year.Browns' receiver Jarvis Landry is also on board; he was seemingly trying to recruit the veteran Thursday via Twitter.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers star wideout Antonio Brown returned to practice Saturday after missing the first preseason game, reportedly due to a quad injury.Brown lost about a week of practice time, but whatever was bugging him was never considered more than a minor ailment.Brown wasn't the only one eager to get back on the gridiron, as he was apparently greeted at practice by a random person who wanted a chance to defend the four-time All-Pro receiver.

Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray's phones will apparently stay silent for now.Despite being the first team to lose its starting running back to a season-ending injury after Derrius Guice tore his ACL in his preseason NFL debut, the Washington Redskins won't look outside the building for his replacement."We have guys here that can play," head coach Jay Gruden on Saturday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "We drafted Derrius because he was the best player we thought at the time of the draft... not because we weren’t satisfied with the backs we have."Eddie Lacy and former Redskin Alfred Morris are among the other veteran runners still on the open market, but it appears Washington is comfortable moving forward with the trio of Chris Thompson, Samaje Perine, and Rob Kelley.Thompson will likely start, but the scat-back excels when used primarily as a pass-catcher - posting 510 receiving yards in 10 games last year - and is still recovering from a season-ending leg injury. Meanwhile, Perine and Kelley logged poor yards-per-carry averages of 3.4 and 3.1, respectively, in 2017.The Redskins took the talented Guice in the second round after questions regarding his character caused him to fall out of his expected first-round range.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For the first time since 2002, Jon Gruden stood on the sidelines of the Oakland Raiders as the storied franchise's head coach.The Black Hole greeted its returning star coach with a loud ovation as the $100-million man led Oakland to a 16-10 victory over the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener Friday."It was awesome," Gruden said after the game, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "I mean, I saw some recognizable faces that had got a little bit older, saw some old friends that mean a lot to me. Like I've said all along, it's a great responsibility. The nostalgia's worn off, so we have to do something with the opportunity, but it sure was great to see the Raider fans, and they stayed with us until the end, and I really appreciate it."

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Every game night during the preseason, theScore's Justin Boone gets you caught up on the most important fantasy performances from around the league.Kerryon is comingOne night after Derrius Guice was lost for the year with a torn ACL, another second-round running back helped restore our collective fantasy spirits with an impressive preseason debut.Kerryon Johnson is going to be a fantasy star in 2018.Reports that's he's been performing well in practice have been circulating throughout training camp, including above-average pass blocking, which can often be a problem for rookie backs.Despite playing behind LeGarrette Blount and Ameer Abdullah on Friday, Johnson was Detroit's standout offensive weapon. The 21-year-old tallied 34 yards on seven carries, with another 33 yards coming from four catches. Those numbers also don't take into account the biggest play of the night - a 57-yard highlight-reel run - which was brought back due to a holding call.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Extended car rides between August and December can be difficult for fantasy owners. At any moment, season-altering news can drop, resulting in a disappointing surprise when you park your car.My commute has become a little longer after a recent move, thus increasing the odds of one of those landscape-changing stories coming down during my drive.So, yes, I let out an expletive when I shut my car off, picked up my phone, and read the breaking news alert that Derrius Guice would be out for the season with a torn ACL - we are only human.It's a terrible turn of events for a promising rookie back who was poised to make a major impact in his first NFL season.While his preseason debut ended abruptly, Guice showed signs that he was ready to prove his critics wrong, including the front-office decision-makers who passed on him in the draft.The official box score states the LSU product rushed six times for 19 yards Thursday night, but it doesn't recognize a 34-yard run that was called back due to a holding penalty. On the play, Guice blasted through a massive lane opened up by the Redskins' offensive line, then spun away from one defender before stiff-arming another. Ultimately, it took several Patriots to get Guice to the ground.

New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell was taken to the locker room and evaluated for a head injury during Friday's preseason opener versus the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced.Crowell scored the first touchdown of the game on a 16-yard reception from Teddy Bridgewater but didn't last much longer before getting hurt.The 25-year-old signed a three-year contract with New York in March after four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He and Bilal Powell are expected to handle most of the tailback duties for the Jets in 2018,Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marlon Mack is going to need some time off after hurting his hamstring in the preseason opener Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks.The Indianapolis Colts running back is listed as week to week with the injury.Mack rushed four times for 9 yards while grabbing two receptions for 23 yards during the Colts' 19-17 victory.The 22-year-old was selected 143rd overall in the fourth round of the 2017 draft and finished his rookie year with three rushing touchdowns and 358 yards on the ground on 93 carries.Indianapolis has also ruled wide receiver Deon Cain out for the 2018 season with a torn ACL suffered against Seattle. Cain was taken in the sixth round out of Clemson in April's draft.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rookie running back Ronald Jones left Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter wanting more - quite a bit more, in fact - with his performance in Thursday's preseason opener."I thought Ronald was pretty average," Koetter said Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "I think Ronald was wanting to contribute in a big way. ... We've seen him doing that in practice. I think he was maybe pushing it a little bit. I thought he lined up too deep in the backfield a couple times."The Bucs selected Jones early in the second round of the 2018 draft with the hopes that the 21-year-old could put a stop to their revolving door in the backfield. The USC product received nine carries in his preseason debut, rushing for 9 yards and one touchdown. His longest scamper produced 5 yards.Jones is competing with third-year pro and former undrafted free agent Peyton Barber for the top spot on Tampa's depth chart. Veteran Jacquizz Rodgers should also factor into the equation.As a team, the Bucs managed just 2.6 yards per carry on 28 rushing attempts versus the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. Barber produced 21 yards and a touchdown on his four carries.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thanks to Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Bo Scarbrough will have a way to remember his first NFL touchdown.After Scarbrough scored on a one-yard run during the Cowboys' preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Elliott ran down the field to retrieve the ball for his teammate, catching him by surprise."That says a lot about his personality to me, most guys probably wouldn't do that," Scarbrough told Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News. "Coming from Zeke, it means a lot. He didn't really have to do that. He brought me the ball and was like 'Hey, that's your ball.' You know I'm not used to holding the ball. I'm used to giving it back to the ref and getting ready to play the next play."

Washington Redskins rookie running back Derrius Guice tore his ACL in Thursday night's preseason opener, the team confirmed Friday. Guice will miss the 2018 season.The powerful back suffered the injury while being tackled on a 34-yard run in Thursday's preseason opener versus the New England Patriots. He limped to the sidelines and was removed from the game.It was reported early Friday that the initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL, but a subsequent MRI revealed the full extent of the injury.Guice posted a positive message on Twitter after learning of the diagnosis.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle separated his shoulder during the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Kittle suffered the injury while trying to secure a deep throw from Jimmy Garoppolo in the first quarter.Rapoport also reports the second-year pro didn't suffer any tears or structural damage. NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco adds that Kittle is expected to miss a couple weeks.Kyle Shanahan said in his postgame press conference he'd be surprised if Kittle is available next week."It's going to be some time, I don't know how long. I have a feeling it's going to be some time," the head coach said, adding that he hasn't received an official update from team doctors.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss used his tie to make a powerful statement at the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Now he says he's been receiving hate mail because of it.In an interview with The Undefeated's Jason Reid, Moss estimated he's received between 150 and 200 hate messages since wearing the tie, which bore the names of 12 black men and women, most of whom were killed by police or died while in police custody."The black community praised me and thanked me for shedding light on African-Americans dying. Then on the flip side, you've got sites where people are slamming me, saying 'Hey, n—–, stay in your place,'" Moss said. "They're saying, 'You're a dumb black jock. You just need to stick to playing football, n—–.'"All of this hate mail I'm getting for wearing a tie and talking about the truth. But I can handle it because I've been dealing with racism my whole life. I've deleted a lot of hate mail. Probably 150 to 200 messages the last few days. But that's fine because I can speak out. A lot of guys don't feel comfortable doing that."

Summer optimism reigns supreme in the NFL, and going into the 2018 season it might be difficult to find a team more confident in its chances than the San Francisco 49ers.Yes, the team that finished a dismal 6-10 in 2017 with the 20th DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, is dreaming of the Lombardi Trophy.The good feelings in San Francisco center largely around the offensive genius of Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo becoming more comfortable in the 49ers offense, and Richard Sherman bringing stability to the secondary. Yet, while the rebuild is progressing smoothly, San Francisco still needs to improve in some key areas - particularly the defense.After finishing 26th in defensive DVOA last season, there's little doubt that 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s unit will improve in 2018. Another year in Saleh’s system means, in theory, the players will be more comfortable and able to play faster and more effectively. Furthermore, the addition of Sherman should positively impact the defense in coverage.If the 49ers defense does improve significantly in 2018, two players - Reuben Foster and DeForest Buckner - will almost certainly deserve the lion’s share of the credit.Foster, who is suspended for the first two games of the regular season due to some off-field transgressions, is coming off a noteworthy rookie year. He looked sensational when healthy, but battled a myriad of injuries, forcing him to miss more than 50 percent of the 49ers' defensive snaps.Foster immediately became one of the league's best young linebackers, finishing eighth in the NFL in run stop percentage, according to Pro Football Focus, with 37 stops and 61 tackles.Foster’s play speed and instincts give him the ability to shut down opposing offenses all over the field. This play is a great example of what makes him such a great linebacker so early in his career:Foster lines up directly, or “stacked,” behind the nose tackle at the snap, presumably responsible for the backside B-gap. After the snap, he immediately reads the first steps from the offensive line, quarterback, and running back, known as the “triangle read,” and begins to flow play side.Unfortunately for Foster, his nose tackle does a poor job of slowing the center’s path to the second level. That allows the center to approach Foster unimpeded, which typically sets the stage for a huge cutback lane, and in this case, a big gain for Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.Not this time.Foster quickly evades the block and advances into the backfield, tackling Elliott for a loss. The 24-year-old’s ability to put his foot in the ground, redirect his movement, and dip his inside shoulder to avoid the block against the best center in football, Travis Frederick, illustrates unique athletic ability and upper-body control. Even more impressive is Foster’s skill to read the situation and react quickly with the proper movement patterns.Foster thrives against the run, and he's strong against the pass, too. The second-year linebacker is surprisingly well-rounded for his age, and will only get better if he can stay healthy.If Foster is the main pillar of the 49ers' defense, Buckner isn’t far behind.Listed at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds with 34.75-inch arms, Buckner is an anomaly in the NFL. The Oregon product uses his considerable size and length to batter and bruise opposing interior offensive linemen.Much like Jacksonville’s Calais Campbell, Buckner’s favorite way to beat blockers is with the swim move, just like he did here:The swim move is an effective one for taller defensive linemen because it allows them to utilize their height advantage.However, it also tends to expose the defender's chest. That's why it's critical for the player to have powerful technique, which allows him to clear contact prior to executing the arm-over, just as Buckner does in the above clip with a violent chop move using his right hand.Buckner has primarily played in odd-man fronts since college, so switching to an even front in 2017 was an adjustment. With that year of experience under his belt, Buckner should be comfortable with the alignment, angles, and technique of the new defense, allowing him to fully unleash his freakish skills and become a force on every down.With the regular season on the horizon, optimism will soon give way to reality. And if the 49ers’ do somehow manage to meet their lofty preseason expectations, Buckner and Foster will be two of the main factors.John Owning is an NFL writer at theScore. He has written for Bleacher Report and Football Insiders. He was also the lead NFL content editor at FanRag Sports. John provides analysis on the Dallas Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News and edits for The Quant Edge. Find him on Twitter @JohnOwning.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins rookie running back Derrius Guice was initially diagnosed with a sprained MCL after suffering a knee injury in Thursday night's preseason game, according to a source who spoke to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Guice will undergo an MRI on Friday to confirm the extent of the injury.Guice exited with 19 yards on six carries. He suffered the injury on a burst through the New England Patriots' defense. He gained 34 yards on the play but injured his knee during the tackle. The run was called back due to a holding penalty.Though Robert Kelley took the first two carries of the game for the Redskins, Guice took over from there until he was sidelined. He's battling Kelley and Chris Thompson for the starting job.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Shaquem Griffin made a strong first impression in his first-ever appearance in an NFL game.In Thursday night's preseason opener, the Seattle Seahawks' fifth-round draft pick - who had his left hand amputated at age 4 - led the team in tackles with nine.Griffin entered the game on the Indianapolis Colts' second offensive drive and proceeded to make four consecutive tackles.

Ed Hochuli, one of the NFL's most recognized - and buff - officials retired in March after 28 years. But his legacy lives on in son Shawn Hochuli, who was promoted to referee for the 2018 season.Shawn made his debut during Thursday night's preseason game between the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, and Twitter was quick to point out that he needs to lift more to match his dad's biceps.

To combat league-wide protests, the NFL instituted a new policy allowing players to remain in the locker room during the anthem.The policy was put on hold as the league and NFLPA agreed to search for a compromise on the matter, but it didn't stop a collection of players from trying it out Thursday night.Four members of the Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Fournette, Jalen Ramsey, Telvin Smith, and T.J. Yeldon - remained in the locker room during the anthem before their game against the New Orleans Saints, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.Related - Trump: 'Stand proudly for the anthem or be suspended without pay!'"This is not going to become a distraction for this team. I've got beliefs. I did what I did," Smith said after the game."I don't know if it's going to be every week; can't answer if it's going to be every week. But, as a man, I've got to stand for something."The Jaguars' stud weakside linebacker also wore his "Salute to Service" cleats during the game in honor of the military.Fournette, the team's star running back, didn't get into specifics about the protest."It's a personal thing, and I don't want to get into it, but everyone has their own beliefs in certain things," he said.Three members of the Seattle Seahawks - Duane Brown, Branden Jackson, and Quinton Jefferson - did the same ahead of their game against the Indianapolis Colts."It was a decision based on the injustices in this country against black and brown people and I feel like there hasn't been much progress made, so I chose not to take part (in the anthem)," Brown said, according to the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta. "I didn't want to kneel but I did want to be inside."Brown met with the team to explain the decision and the three players gained the support of head coach Pete Carroll."We chose to support every individual," Carroll said. "That's how we have gone about it and we are going to continue to do that. ... There are some people who have their personal issues and we recognize that."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It had been nearly 600 days - 585, to be precise - since Andrew Luck last played in a football game.The Indianapolis Colts' franchise quarterback made his long-awaited return from a shoulder injury on Thursday night in the team's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Luck led two drives and went 6-for-9 for 64 yards in the appearance. Most importantly, he came out of the game unscathed."I had a lot of fun out there," Luck said postgame, according to Michael Silver of NFL.com. "There's a lot to clean up, but that's part of the process. This was a big step."Luck first underwent surgery for a partially torn labrum in January 2017, and the lengthy recovery forced him to miss the entire 2017 season.The three-time Pro Bowler tested his throwing shoulder early on Thursday night, and he did it while taking some licks."That was probably the most excited I've ever been to get hit," Luck said. "It was pretty cool ... take the hit, realize I'm OK, then just get up and go."That's a positive sign for Colts fans who have been promised Luck's return since the early part of last season. Instead, the team ended up trading for New England Patriots backup Jacoby Brissett to hold down the fort in Luck's absence.Luck will likely be on the field longer during the Colts' next preseason game on Monday, Aug. 20 against the Baltimore Ravens.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Protests during the national anthem continued into the first week of the NFL's preseason, and U.S. President Donald Trump took note.Related: Protests continue in preseason; NFL reiterates no discipline amid anthem talksTrump took to Twitter early on Friday morning to again demand that players "find another way to protest" during the national anthem "or be suspended without pay."

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Every game night during the preseason, theScore's Justin Boone gets you caught up on the most important fantasy performances from around the league.Barkley flashes elite skillsIt only took one preseason snap for Saquon Barkley to dazzle prospective fantasy owners. The second overall pick in April's draft took the Giants' opening play 39 yards, showing Le'Veon Bell-like hesitation in the backfield before breaking outside at the second level and racing down the sideline.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin maintained he wasn't concerned with whatever Cam Newton had to say when the Carolina Panthers quarterback confronted him before Thursday's preseason game."Just moving on from it," Benjamin kept repeating when pressed by reporters about what was said in the exchange, per Panthers insider Max Henson.Benjamin verbally dismantled his former teammate in an interview last week, questioning the one-time MVP's intellectual abilities and accuracy as a passer. Newton met him on the field pregame, getting into the receiver's face and following Benjamin when he tried to walk off.

The San Francisco 49ers were given a rude welcome to the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, as five players had their night end in the first half.George Kittle, expected to be the team's starting tight end, left the game due to a shoulder injury.Sophomore running back Matt Breida also sustained a shoulder injury and was ruled out shortly after.Linebacker Malcolm Smith was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. He limped off the field following the opening kickoff.Defensive end Solomon Thomas had his night end along with Kittle late in the first quarter. He was diagnosed with a head injury.Offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, re-signed to a two-year contract this offseason, was the lone member of the four to make it into the second quarter. He was also ruled out with a head injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns set the stage to show off their No. 1 pick from April's draft in Thursday's preseason opener against the New York Giants.And Baker Mayfield delivered.Here are the rookie's five best throws from an impressive NFL debut.Back shoulder throw for 1st completion

Tyrod Taylor was perfect Thursday night, while No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield also shined in the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener versus the New York Giants.Taylor, acquired during the offseason in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, led the Browns at quarterback for two series and wrapped up his evening 5 of 5 for 99 yards and a touchdown.The Browns had already declared Taylor their preferred choice to start before training camp commenced, and the 29-year-old did nothing in his debut to lose his stranglehold on the job. His top highlight came on a 36-yard touchdown pass up the seam to tight end David Njoku.

Several NFL players continued last season's rampant protests during the national anthem prior to Thursday's preseason action.Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson each took a knee, while others around the league, including Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, raised a fist.In light of Thursday's demonstrations, the league released the following statement:"The NFL has been engaged in constructive discussions with the NFL Players Association regarding the anthem and issues of equality and social justice that are of concern to many Americans. While those discussions continue, the NFL has agreed to delay implementing or enforcing any club work rules that could result in players being disciplined for their conduct during the performance of the anthem."Meanwhile, there has been no change in the NFL’s policy regarding the national anthem. The anthem will continue to be played before every game, and all player and non-player personnel on the field at that time are expected to stand during the presentation of the flag and performance of the anthem. Personnel who do not wish to do so can choose to remain in the locker room."We remain committed to working with the players to identify solutions and to continue making progress on important social issues affecting our communities."The league initially responded to last year's controversy by introducing a new anthem policy in May, giving the players an option to remain in the locker room but requiring them to stand and "show respect for the flag and anthem" while on the field. The new policy was met with substantial criticism in the weeks that followed, and the NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement last month indicating the two sides would work together on new resolution and that no rules would be enforced in the meantime.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins rookie running back Derrius Guice will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of a knee injury he suffered in his preseason debut, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Guice took six carries for 19 yards Thursday night against the New England Patriots before exiting. He's a prime candidate to earn Washington's starting running back job out of training camp.The 21-year-old didn't appear too concerned about the ailment postgame, telling NBC Sports' JP Finlay in the Redskins' locker room, "All is well."Guice rushed for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry as a junior at LSU last year. He was selected by the Redskins in the second round of the NFL draft after sliding down the board, reportedly because of character concerns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wide receiver Dez Bryant revealed Thursday he will begin taking free-agent visits next week, and plans to meet with the Cleveland Browns.Earlier in the evening, Browns general manager John Dorsey told reporters the team was attempting to schedule a workout with the three-time Pro Bowler but he wasn't returning their phone calls.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Xavier Rhodes say their skirmish in Tuesday's practice session is in the rearview mirror.The two were benched for Wednesday's practice with head coach Mike Zimmer explaining, "they did not make me happy.""We go at it, but it’s all love," Diggs told reporters Thursday, according to John Shipley of the Pioneer Press. "It’s a family thing here.""It was just the competitive nature in us," said Rhodes. "I didn’t want to lose. He didn’t want to lose. ... It’s stuff like that if you have a sibling you grow up with and he does something you don’t like and then something tends to go off."The Vikings and two of their biggest stars can begin taking frustrations out on opposition when they open their preseason Saturday against the Denver Broncos.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey acknowledged Thursday he's interested in signing Dez Bryant, but said the free-agent wide receiver "won't return any phone calls," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com."Maybe he's still thinking about other stuff," Dorsey added.The Browns, Dorsey said, will host several receivers for workouts Monday and want Bryant to be among them.Bryant, a three-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in April after eight seasons with the club. The 29-year-old posted 838 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.He later tweeted that he's open to the idea:

Former NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino commented on the widespread concerns regarding the league's new rules for helmet contact ahead of Thursday's slate of preseason action.Related: NFL refs leaning toward calling penalties for new helmet rule

Sometimes, all it takes is a little time.Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan feels his team is better prepared heading into its second season with offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian."Continuity in this league is sometimes hard to come by," Ryan told Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt in an appearance on the SiriusXM NFL Radio camp tour. "There’s lots of change, but going into Year Two with Sark, his comfort level with our personnel, how to utilize guys and from a players standpoint, our comfort level with him, what he’s going to call in certain situations, I think we’re way ahead of where we were last year."The Falcons finished third in the NFC South last season with a record of 10-6, one year after winning the division title and making an appearance in Super Bowl LI.The team ranked 15th in points per game and eighth in yards per game in its first season under Sarkisian's direction. They ranked first and second, respectively, in those categories in 2016 with current San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan at the helm of the offense.But Shanahan also had his initial struggles figuring out the best way to use the Falcons' offensive pieces. They finished tied for 21st in the league with just 21.2 points per game in 2015, Shanahan's first year with the team.Ryan expects a similar leap now that players and coach are more familiar with each other."I think that’s going to benefit us when we get into those in-game situations, of having a comfort level of what to expect ... So it’s going to be huge for us this year," said Ryan.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Odell Beckham Jr. is not expected to play in the New York Giants' preseason opener Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns, barring a change of mind, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported, citing sources.Beckham's last action took place in October 2017, when he fractured his ankle in a Week 5 game and missed the rest of the season.Teammates have said Beckham appears to be at full health.It should be noted the receiver suffered an ankle injury in a preseason game against the Browns last year. The injury held him out for the final two exhibition contests and Week 1 of the regular season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Remember this story from back in 2014?Then-Detroit Lions tight end Joseph Fauria suffered a mysterious injury - one that was first reported to have taken place at home. Days later, Fauria blamed his sprained left ankle on an adorable puppy.Fauria said he slipped while trying to prevent the pup from peeing in the house. It was a smart move, because who could get mad at this little guy:

The New England Patriots will adjust quarterback Tom Brady's contract, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Brady will receive up to $5 million in performance-based incentives on top of his current deal, according to Schefter.The five-time Super Bowl champion is scheduled to make $15 million in 2018. He's only the 16th-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual value, per Over the Cap, but the incentives will bring him closer to his peers in the market.New England is expected to officially add the performance-based incentives in the next 24 hours, according to Schefter.The adjustment to Brady's deal is similar to what the Patriots did last offseason with star tight end Rob Gronkowski. The reworked contract made Gronkowski the league's highest-paid tight end.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has no problem wading into the political realm, at least when it comes to President Donald Trump's involvement in the NFL's national anthem controversy.Trump has been vocal about his disdain for any protests during the national anthem, and his criticism of players and the league led to a debate over a new anthem policy. The president's opinions on league matters get the attention of players, team owners, and league executives - and that's part of the problem, according to Rodgers."I think that the more that we give credence to stuff like that, the more it's gonna live on," Rodgers told NFL.com's Michael Silver."I think if we can learn to ignore or not respond to stuff like that - if we can - it takes away the power of statements like that."Trump recently turned his attention to LeBron James, questioning the NBA megastar's intelligence in a tweet last week after James opened his I Promise school in Ohio.Rodgers called James' lack of a response "absolutely beautiful."He continued, "At a time when he's putting on display his school, which is changing lives, there's no need. Because you're just giving attention to that (tweet), that's what they want. So just don't respond."Rodgers said tweeting his support of James was unnecessary as the basketball star "knows he has the support of his contemporaries, in his own sports and in other sports."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two star Minnesota Vikings weren't at practice Wednesday.Wideout Stefon Diggs and corner Xavier Rhodes were both held out by head coach Mike Zimmer after heated interactions during Tuesday's session."They did not make me happy," Zimmer said, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "Just undisciplined stuff."The source of Zimmer's discontent appeared to be trash talk between the two players after Diggs caught a long touchdown against the All-Pro corner. The teammates were seen jawing at one another, according to Cronin, and Diggs threw the ball into the stands after scoring.The interactions reportedly continued into Wednesday morning's walkthrough, and Zimmer finally decided to keep both Diggs and Rhodes out of practice.The Vikings will get to go at someone in a different jersey Saturday when they face the Denver Broncos in their preseason debut.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL tight end Martellus Bennett suited up for both the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots during the 2017 season, which also meant playing alongside two of the game's top quarterbacks.While making an appearance on FOX Sports Radio's Doug Gottlieb Show, Bennett wouldn't say whether he thought the league's top signal-caller is Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady."I think that no one has more arm talent than Aaron (Rodgers)," he said. "Aaron can pretty much do anything with the ball. (But) I feel like Tom Brady is precise, easier to play with. It was easier to play with Tom than anybody else."The former second-round pick, who spent 10 seasons in the NFL, believes Brady possesses the leadership players want in a quarterback, which sets him apart from his peers."He makes the game easy, what he expects," Bennett said. "Where he wants you to be, where he's putting the ball, he does so many repetitions with you, mental reps, physical reps, walk-through, he's always letting you know."He communicates the best of what he expects. The communication between him and the receiver is on the highest level: What you like to do, what he likes to throw, if you ask him to do something he’ll try it."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It took a long road to get here, but Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Andrew Luck will make his return Thursday in the team's first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.The former No. 1 overall pick missed the entire 2017 season recovering from shoulder surgery. The injury, however, can be dated all the way back to the 2015 season.Below is a timeline of Luck's injury, setbacks, and recovery:Sept. 27, 2015 - Sprained shoulder vs. Titans Here's where Luck's injury saga began. Though it's not certain when exactly the injury was sustained, it occurred during the Colts' 35-33 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 of 2015. Luck finished the game, leading an exciting comeback, but missed the next two weeks as a result.Indianapolis conducted further tests a week later, but found no structural damage to the quarterback's throwing shoulder. He returned in Week 6, but suffered a lacerated kidney and a partially torn abdominal muscle in November, ending his season.The quarterback admitted last summer that his shoulder surgery stemmed from the injury he suffered in 2015.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors, including Mike Alessandrini, Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, and Arun Srinivasan.1. Philadelphia EaglesAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan1111Underdogs no more, the Eagles won't be underestimated in 2018. And they have four weeks left to ensure Carson Wentz is right for the season opener. - McClymont2. Minnesota VikingsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan2234The Vikings have no weaknesses on their roster and upgraded at quarterback by signing Kirk Cousins. Translation: Watch out, NFL. - Alessandrini3. Los Angeles RamsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan3423The Rams are all-in on winning a Super Bowl. The only thing left for them to do is pay Aaron Donald what he's demanding. This could be the NFL's most fun team - again! - Srinivasan4. New England PatriotsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan4352Julian Edelman's suspended, wideouts are dropping like flies, and first-round draft pick Sony Michel will miss the preseason with an injury. Uncharacteristically, the Patriots have too much offseason drama to warrant a top-three spot. - McClymont5. New Orleans SaintsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan5776Mark Ingram's four-game ban stings, as it might require either Drew Brees or Alvin Kamara to shoulder more work early on than the Saints would prefer. Still, New Orleans should survive and then thrive with one of the league's best rosters. - Browne6. Atlanta FalconsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan8585With the Julio Jones contract saga in the rear-view mirror, the Falcons can focus on dethroning the Saints. That'll require a big leap in performance, particularly from second-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. - Browne7. Pittsburgh SteelersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan7667The Triple Bs are back for what could be their final year together. Pittsburgh's defense has to improve, though. Allowing 45 points to Jacksonville won't cut it. - Alessandrini8. Jacksonville JaguarsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan10848The Jaguars are arguably the most talented AFC squad, but as they displayed in the second half of the conference title game, all the great defensive plays in the world won't make up for a QB who can't get it done in critical situations. - Browne9. Kansas City ChiefsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan6111310Kansas City's bid for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance relies on the arm of second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a talented but volatile prospect. - Srinivasan10. Green Bay PackersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan991112After missing nine games in 2017, Aaron Rodgers is ready to unleash his anger in the form of elite quarterbacking. That's terrifying news for opponents. - Alessandrini11. Carolina PanthersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan151299Kelvin Benjamin's criticism of Cam Newton was harsh, but it is fair to question how the former MVP's skill set will mesh with new OC Norv Turner's system. - Browne12. Los Angeles ChargersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan12101511The Chargers have all the tools to become Super Bowl contenders, but they need to finally be better than the sum of their parts. - Srinivasan13. Houston TexansAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan17131013The Texans may be the biggest boom-or-bust team in the league. If Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney are all fully healthy, Houston's ceiling is title contention. If they're not, though, this top-heavy roster could struggle. - Browne14. Tennessee TitansAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan13141214Marcus Mariota is finally free of Mike Mularkey's ill-fitting system. The time is now for the exciting young pivot to show the rest of the league his talent. - Browne15. Detroit LionsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan11161416After adding LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson, a Detroit running back may surpass 100 yards in a game for the first time since Nov. 28, 2013. - Alessandrini16. San Francisco 49ersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan16152017Arguably the most polarizing team in the NFL, the Jimmy Garoppolo-led 49ers need to prove that last season's late surge wasn't a fluke. - Srinivasan17. Dallas CowboysAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan18191715If everyone stopped talking about the anthem for a minute, the Cowboys might realize they're about to open the preseason with perhaps the worst receiving corps this side of Buffalo. - McClymont18. Baltimore RavensAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan23171618Baltimore's future is in Lamar Jackson's hands. Its present, however, remains in Joe Flacco's. Hang in there, Ravens fans. - Alessandrini19. Washington RedskinsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan14202122There are plenty of new faces in D.C. - first and foremost, Alex Smith - making Washington a team to watch this preseason to see how all the new parts meld with the old guard. - McClymont20. New York GiantsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan21181823The pain of 2017 has been washed away like a bad Ben McAdoo hairstyle. Odell's healthy, Eli's revitalized, and Saquon's the savior for what's been a perennially poor running game. - McClymont21. Denver BroncosAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan19242220Von Miller can steal games by himself and the Broncos' defense remains star-studded. Until the offense shows signs of life, though, Denver can't move further up. - Srinivasan22. Oakland RaidersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan22231921Can the $100-million man lead the Raiders back to glory? It's certainly an uphill battle after an offseason of negativity. - Srinivasan23. Seattle SeahawksAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan24222319These aren't the dominant Seahawks of yesteryear and the defense will have to adjust to several new pieces, but Russell Wilson is good enough to keep the team somewhat competitive. - Srinivasan24. Chicago BearsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan20212424Old-school John Fox is out. Enter new-school Matt Nagy. Chicago's 2018 success, however, lies squarely on second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky's shoulders. - Alessandrini25. Arizona CardinalsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan26252525There isn't much to look forward to, but Larry Fitzgerald remains one of the NFL's true delights. - Srinivasan26. Miami DolphinsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan25272826Head coach Adam Gase messed with the media this week when he listed both Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore as his starting RB. No, you're not an a------, Adam. You're simply as confused as we are by this roster. - McClymont27. Indianapolis ColtsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan27262628If you haven't heard, Andrew Luck is practicing again. The Colts lack talent all over the field, but a fully functioning Luck has masked that in years past. Can his shoulders bear that weight after more than 18 months on the sidelines? - Browne28. Cincinnati BengalsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan28282727Death, taxes, and a Marvin Lewis/Andy Dalton-led Bengals team. - Alessandrini29. Tampa Bay BuccaneersAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan29302930Teams that start 0-3 almost always miss the playoffs, and the Jameis Winston-less Bucs begin the year against the Saints, Steelers, and Eagles. Tampa could be looking to 2019 before the QB even steps back onto the field. - Browne30. Cleveland BrownsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan30293032With a plethora of changes this offseason, Cleveland may finally be ready to emerge from the NFL's basement. We'll have to see it to believe it, though. - Alessandrini31. Buffalo BillsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan31323129The Bills' QB competition cleared up a little last week when Johnny Manziel was traded east of Buffalo to Montreal. - McClymont32. New York JetsAlessandriniBrowneMcClymontSrinivasan32313231The Jets' three-way quarterback battle will be one to watch in preseason - that is, if you want to see whose passes Terrelle Pryor is dropping. - McClymontCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry continues to be hot on the recruiting trail despite saying last month that his new team already boasts the talent to win the Super Bowl.Landry seemed to extend an offer to free agent Dez Bryant Wednesday night after Bryant showed appreciation for Landry's inspiring speech in Tuesday's premiere of HBO's "Hard Knocks," which follows the Browns' preparations for the 2018 season.

The NFL's new rules for contact involving helmets caused an immediate stir in last week's Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens.Referee Brad Allen says that may continue to be a theme of the preseason as the league and its officials try to prioritize player safety ahead of the regular season."Frankly, like we alluded to with the preseason, we’re going to have the opportunity to see these plays," Allen said Wednesday, according to Doug Kyed of NESN. "Up until now, we haven’t seen these plays. OK? The players haven’t experienced this rule. We’re going to have to get a library, and frankly, in preseason, we may throw and then go back and say, 'No, this is really not what we want.'"Related: Ravens unsure what to make of new helmet rule enforcementAllen added: "In the preseason, we want to err on the side of putting the flag on the ground and then evaluating if it’s correct. We want to be right by the time we get to the season. So, will it be subjective to some degree? I think it will. We have to remember that safety is a priority, but there are a number of fouls that are subjective."Penalties can be assessed for plays in which players lower their helmets to establish linear body posture, have an unobstructed path to their opponent, or when contact was clearly avoidable and the player had other options.The regular season will open Sept. 6 when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks rookie linebacker Shaquem Griffin is leaving an impression on defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. early in his first NFL training camp."He's playing surprisingly really good," Norton said, according to Nate Davis of USA TODAY. "I mean, this kid is fast, he's really smart, he's really physical, he doesn't make the same mistake twice, and he shows up every day. He's for real."The UCF product, who shocked the NFL world at the scouting combine after receiving a late invitation, had his left hand amputated at age 4 due to a birth defect."We understand that he's missing a hand - and everybody focuses on that note - but he's a real football player. He's a joy to coach," said Norton.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.The preseason isn't just a time for NFL clubs to evaluate their talent; it's a time when fantasy owners become fantasy scouts - watching games, doing research, and forming opinions that'll guide them on draft day.Exhibition games may not mean much overall, but they provide us with our first live-action look at rookies and offer a glimpse of veterans in new situations. Knowing when an aging star is on their last legs is just as important as figuring out if a young player is ready for a breakout.With that in mind, let's take a look at 12 players whose preseason performance could have a major impact on their draft stock.Andrew Luck, ColtsThe Colts would probably like to keep Luck in bubble wrap for the preseason, instead of risking his health and the team's hopes of competing. But fantasy owners desperately want to see Luck in live action to know whether he's still the elite QB1 he was prior to his shoulder injury, or if expectations need to be lowered.Michael Gallup, CowboysThe third-rounder is turning heads in camp while trying to carve out an immediate role in a receiving corps lacking proven weapons. Gallup is a pro-ready prospect, who at worst should play in three-wide sets with Allen Hurns and Cole Beasley. If the rookie can emerge as the Cowboys' top pass-catcher, he offers a massive ceiling at his current late-round ADP.Tarik Cohen, BearsJordan Howard is the lead back in Chicago, but it's Cohen who will enrage defensive coordinators in 2018. The Bears' former coaching staff inexplicably limited Cohen's touches despite the fact he broke 100 total yards in two of his first three games, including back-to-back eight-catch outings to start the season. The new regime is using him all over the field at practice, which we should see replicated during the preseason.Anthony Miller, BearsCohen isn't the only Bear generating hype in training camp. His rookie teammate Miller has the look of a veteran playmaker and is one of my favorite targets in the late rounds. We saw a similar story unfold with Michael Thomas in 2016, who was also a second-round receiver that stood out before the season for his performance and hard work. Like Thomas, Miller has a chance to be exceptional right away.John Ross, BengalsThe release of veteran Brandon LaFell would indicate the Bengals are pleased with Ross' development. After drafting him ninth overall last year, Ross was held catchless in his debut season, leading many to wonder if he was heading toward bust territory. With some practice highlights making the rounds, Ross appears to be getting his shot at the No. 2 spot across from A.J. Green. His world-class speed is exciting, as long as his hands don't prevent him from reaching his potential as an NFL wideout.Kerryon Johnson, LionsJohnson is checking all the right boxes en route to a breakout season. He's excelling in every facet of the game, including pass protection, which is often an issue for young backs. He also has a direct path to the starting job, with 31-year-old LeGarrette Blount and perennial pass-catching back Theo Riddick representing his main competition. And finally, Johnson is playing in an explosive offense behind a much-improved line. If he answers the bell in the preseason, his draft stock will skyrocket.Patrick Mahomes, ChiefsWith a lineup filled with talented offensive weapons, Mahomes has as much upside as anyone at the quarterback position. Unfortunately, we haven't seen enough of the sophomore passer to definitively say whether he'll be a star in 2018. Another solid preseason from Mahomes would send the fantasy world into a frenzy to secure his services.Mike Williams, ChargersAnother member of the disappointing 2017 wide receiver class enters his second season with the hope that stardom is still in his future. The Chargers have a clear first option in Keenan Allen, but the battle behind him will pit Mike against Tyrell Williams and isn't likely to be decided until well into August. With tight end Hunter Henry lost for the year due to a torn ACL, Mike's red-zone skills could help him earn more snaps.Rashaad Penny, SeahawksThe Seahawks' backfield has created plenty of debate over the last few weeks, with the fantasy community divided over who will see more touches between Penny and Chris Carson. Seattle's investment of a first-round pick makes Penny seem like the logical choice, and his success as a pass-protector only furthers his cause. However, Pete Carroll's consistently glowing remarks have led some to conclude Carson will start. There's still time for this to play out, but given the draft capital involved, Penny would need to be severely outplayed for the Seahawks to sit him.Jordan Reed, RedskinsUnlike most of the names on this list, Reed's talent is not in question. His health is the major issue that has sidelined him for parts of all five of his pro seasons. Coming off a career-low six appearances in 2017, he underwent a procedure on his toes and claims he's feeling much better. Even if Reed looks like his old self in the preseason, it will be difficult to trust him as your lone fantasy tight end.Jordan Wilkins, ColtsOpportunity is everything for running backs, and despite being a Day 3 pick, Wilkins has a chance to vault up the depth chart with a strong exhibition campaign. Wilkins has impressed with his physical running style, a trait that the other members of the Colts' backfield don't bring to the field. Fellow rookie Nyheim Hines is a dynamic pass-catching threat, while incumbent Marlon Mack is an explosive player who hasn't been able to deliver drive-sustaining rushes. All three backs are worth monitoring over the next month.Jordy Nelson, RaidersAfter looking like he was on his last legs in Green Bay, Nelson is garnering positive headlines in Oakland. It's possible the 33-year-old steps into a Michael Crabtree-esque role for the Raiders, but you should be very hesitant about putting a fantasy chip down on Nelson this season. His preseason performance will go a long way to telling us if there's anything left in the tank.Others to scout

Linebacker K.J. Wright thinks the Seattle Seahawks' changing of the guard on defense this offseason could inspire those left on the roster."Which is more dangerous, a fed lion or a lion who's hungry? This defense is hungry. There's so many guys that want to prove themselves, whether it's contracts, whether they want to prove they can be a starter in this league - so many guys are on a mission," Wright said, according to Nate Davis of USA TODAY.Wright, 29, was a Pro Bowler in 2016 and has started all but one of the Seahawks' regular-season games over the past four seasons.He watched several high-profile faces leave the team this offseason when Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, and Cliff Avril departed. Kam Chancellor unofficially retired due to injury, and Earl Thomas' future with the team is uncertain amid a contract dispute."I think that as we won a Super Bowl, had guys going to Pro Bowls - I won't say the hunger left, but we're just bringing it back to its former level."Wright hinted a rejuvenation is coming. The 28-year-old is expected to lead the new-look defense along with fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner."I remember when I first walked into the doors and guys like Kam were still considered the young guys - you watch them become the old guys. Now me and K.J. are the old guys," said Wagner. "I think it's fun and an exciting challenge."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.