Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden indicated Saturday that he hasn't been impressed with wide receiver Martavis Bryant in training camp thus far."He's got to get out here and play better," Gruden told the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Michael Gehlken. "He's in a competitive situation. Right now, a lot of the other receivers have had a nice camp. He's just got to learn the offense. He's got to stay out here. He's had some illnesses. He's got to get on the field. He's got to master the offense and become more versatile, and that's the key to making this team better."Bryant was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 2018 NFL Draft in a trade that cost the Raiders a third-round pick. He was one of the few signature pickups Oakland made this offseason.The Raiders landed Bryant with the expectation that he would serve as a perfect complimentary piece to Amari Cooper. So far, though, it's been 33-year-old veteran Jordy Nelson who's been generating most of the buzz among the Raiders' receivers."Nothing is going to be given to anybody," Gruden said of Bryant. "It doesn't matter how you got here and what your history card says. We need everyone to understand the best players are going to play, and he's got to be more consistent. And I'm confident he will."The talented - but often troubled - Bryant is entering a contract year. He caught 50 passes for 603 yards and three touchdowns last season, and asked out of Pittsburgh after his role in the offense was reduced.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony took place Saturday, honoring some of the game's legends.This year's class includes several of the most influential players of the modern era in Brian Urlacher, Brian Dawkins, Randy Moss, and Ray Lewis, standouts from yesteryear in Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile, and one of the NFL's most prolific general managers in Bobby Beathard.Here is a roundup from Saturday's ceremony.Terrell Owens Year on ballot: Third

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Even with fantasy owners entering drafts more prepared than ever, some players still slip through the cracks.In an effort to shine a light on the unnoticed or outright ignored, we've built a list of players way off the fantasy radar who could become relevant if things fall their way during the season. Keep them on your watch list and be ready to pounce when their opportunity arises.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.More from this series

Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey isn't fretting over wide receiver Josh Gordon's prolonged absence from training camp while he works on his health, including reported counseling for anxiety."I told you all he would be here, and he will be here,'' said Dorsey, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.Gordon missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and he's played just 10 games over the past four years due to substance-abuse suspensions. He returned for the final five games of the 2017 season, recording 18 receptions on 42 targets for 335 yards and one touchdown.Teammate Rashard Higgins said he's been keeping in touch with Gordon, and the team will support him upon his eventual return."It will be like Josh never was gone when he comes back," said Higgins, according to ESPN. "That's how we're going to treat things. I feel like the team is a good supporting cast for him, just him knowing that we're here for him and we've got his back, no matter what.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay gave a strong endorsement of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, even though franchise pivot Andrew Luck seems to be on track for a return to the starting role.The Colts acquired Brissett from the New England Patriots in early September of last year, sending wide receiver Phillip Dorsett the other way. Brissett started 15 games in 2018 when Luck sat out the entire season due to a shoulder injury.Dorsett was the Colts' 29th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Irsay says Brissett's acquisition cost has likely gone up if another team comes calling for his services."All of a sudden, we have the best backup quarterback in football," Irsay said, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. "I don’t think we’d accept a (first-round pick in a trade) for him, we think he’s that good."Brissett was selected 91st overall by the Patriots in the 2016 draft, starting two games as a rookie. He completed 61.8 percent of his passes that season with no touchdowns or interceptions.The 24-year-old appeared in all 16 games for the Colts last season, replacing Scott Tolzien as the starter following Week 1. He led the team to a 4-11 record while completing 58.8 percent of 469 pass attempts for 3,098 yards, recording 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 260 yards and an additional four scores.Brissett is the Colts' insurance policy behind Luck for the 2018 season. He has two years left on his rookie contract and will carry a cap hit of just $760,076 for the upcoming campaign, according to Over The Cap.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Terrell Owens took the unprecedented step of conducting his Hall of Fame speech outside of the official enshrinement ceremony and did not disappoint his fans at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.Owens arrived to the event in style, then proceeded to criticize sportswriters along with the Hall of Fame for constantly ostracizing him during his career and for his decision to hold his speech at his alma mater.

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is expected to miss the entire preseason due to a procedure to repair a knee injury, sources told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.It's also possible that Michel could miss the beginning of the regular season as a result. Michel will be getting his knee drained, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter.Michel was selected 31st overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and is expected to be a major component of the Patriots' offense, working alongside Rex Burkhead, James White, Jeremy Hill and Mike Gillislee. While the Patriots are known to rotate their running backs frequently, Michel was widely expected to become the starter.The 23-year-old starred at Georgia, rushing for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns on 156 carries during his senior year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's safe to say wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is happier as a member of the Buffalo Bills than he was with the team that drafted him - the Carolina Panthers.Benjamin had some choice words for his former team, claiming he was a poor fit in the Panthers' offense."Looking back on it, I should've just been drafted by somebody else," Benjamin told The Athletic's Tim Graham. "I should’ve never went to Carolina. Truly, I just think Carolina was bad for me. It was a bad fit from the get-go."The Bills receiever did not stop there, taking a shot at his former quarterback, Cam Newton. Benjamin felt that he would have been a more productive receiver in another situation."If you would've put me with any other quarterback, let's be real, you know what I'm saying?" Benjamin posed when asked about why things went south in Carolina. "Any other accurate quarterback like (Aaron) Rodgers or Eli Manning or Big Ben (Roethlisberger) - anybody - quarterbacks with knowledge, that know how to place a ball and give you a better chance to catch the ball. It just felt like I wasn't in that position."Benjamin defended himself via Twitter shortly after his comments were made public.

Oakland Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley pleaded guilty to three charges in June, including driving under the influence, stemming from his April arrest, according to online court records obtained by ESPN.Worley was charged with multiple offenses while a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after he was found passed out in a car outside the team's practice facility. He also pleaded guilty to carrying firearms in public and resisting arrest, while his felony charge of carrying a firearm without a license was dropped.Worley could be disciplined by the NFL under its personal conduct policy, but the cornerback told reporters last week he has yet to hear from the league.The 2016 Carolina Panthers draft pick was cut by the Eagles shortly after his arrest. He signed with the Raiders a week later.Worley will compete with Gareon Conley, Rashaan Melvin, Leon Hall, and rookie Nick Nelson for snaps in Oakland's secondary this upcoming season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took to the podium for the first time since his ankle injury abruptly ended his 2017 season nearly 10 months ago.Beckham, currently in the final year of his rookie contract, is seeking a new deal. He never intended to hold out of training camp due in large part to his confidence that an agreement will eventually be reached."I'm optimistic it will all work itself out," Beckham told reporters Saturday, via NJ.com's Ryan Dunleavy. "I don't believe in any of that stuff. I feel like they will get it done when they get it done. Let my agent and them figure it out. I just come out here and try to get all the plays down."Who doesn't want to get more money? You just have to be realistic with yourself. You see what happened over the offseason. You can't really worry about anybody else. Just let them figure it out."The Giants have reportedly opened negotiations with their star receiver, and Beckham insisted the reported frustration was solely created by the media."(The offseason trade rumors were) just noise, rumors," Beckham said, via NFL Network's Kimberly Jones. "I don't know. I remember I used to say all the time, 'don't take it personal,' and stuff, but I took things personal (at first). And I've really gotten out of my heart to not take things personal."Beckham carries a cap hit of nearly $8.5 million, according to Over The Cap. The former first-rounder is confident he is fully healthy and ready to dominate in 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans have announced the signing of free-agent safety Kenny Vaccaro.Vaccaro, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, fills a void after starting safety Johnathan Cyprien tore his ACL Thursday.The Titans planned on bringing Eric Reid in for a visit, but multiple flight cancellations kept him from meeting with the team, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Vaccaro had his 2017 season cut short after being placed on injured reserve in December due to problems with his groin and wrist. The 27-year-old claimed he was fully healthy entering free agency.The Saints selected Vaccaro No. 15 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He accumulated 48 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble as a do-it-all defensive back in 2017.Vaccaro should slide in next to free safety Kevin Byard to round out an impressive Titans secondary.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens will receive a boost to their offensive line as they continue preparation for the 2018 season.The team announced offensive guard Marshal Yanda will be activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.Yanda, one of the NFL's top offensive linemen, was placed on the PUP list to open training camp. The former All-Pro guard broke his ankle in Week 2 of the 2017 season and missed the rest of the year.Yanda appears to be on track for Week 1. His insertion into the lineup would provide a big boost to quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Alex Collins.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Andrew Luck hasn't played football since Week 17 of the 2016 season, but Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay believes his quarterback can be an all-time great upon his return."I think he has a chance to be one of the greatest players to play the game going forward," Irsay told reporters Friday, according to ESPN's Mike Wells. "Turning 29 during the season and moving forward for the next 10 years, I really do. He is a special guy in a number of ways."The former No. 1 overall pick resumed throwing in mid-June after missing all of last year with a shoulder injury stemming from a 2017 surgery. He has stated he will "absolutely" play in Week 1 of the upcoming regular season.Luck hasn't suffered any setbacks in training camp thus far, and head coach Frank Reich anticipates his star pivot playing 'a little bit more' than normal in the team's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks Thursday.Any quarterback returning from a 19-month layoff faces an uphill battle in their return to the field, but Irsay knows Luck is no ordinary player."Colts fans should feel fortunate they are to have a guy as gifted as he is because he has a fire burning deep in his heart and his soul to win and to really kick some butt deep inside of him," Irsay said. "That's what you look for. That is what you want in guys like that, who have that yearning. He loves to play football and would play it for free, and he is excited about going out and proving just how great he can be."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel admitted his CFL debut on Friday was a "humbling experience" after throwing four first-half interceptions against his former team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in a 50-11 defeat."It went just about as bad as it could possibly go," said Manziel, according to TSN.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.It's impossible not to let emotions get involved in your fantasy decision-making. If a player let you down last year, you'll likely pass on drafting them this season - but that's not always a wise choice. Here are seven players coming off disappointing campaigns who we expect to rebound in 2018.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.More from this series

The 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class has officially gone gold.Former NFL stars Brian Dawkins, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss, and Brian Urlacher were among those to receive their iconic gold jackets Friday prior to Saturday's induction ceremony.

Preseason football may be meaningless to fans and of little significance to seasoned NFL veterans. But it’s an important time for rookies, coaches, fringe roster hopefuls, players coming back from injuries, and veterans who changed zip codes and need to learn new playbooks.The Hall of Fame Game is in the books, and the rest of the NFL begins its preseason slate next week. Here are four players worth watching during the exhibition season as they adjust to new schemes, new coaches, or both:Giants safety Landon CollinsThe former Alabama star thrived in Steve Spagnuolo’s 4-3 scheme that positioned Landon Collins closer to the line of scrimmage, where the safety’s instincts and nose for the ball resulted in far more impact plays, including five interceptions and 13 pass breakups in an All-Pro 2016 season.But new Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher is implementing a 3-4 front and transitioning Collins into the "moneybacker" role he originally designed for Arizona Cardinals safety Deone Bucannon. The moneybacker is a hybrid safety-linebacker who plays near the line of scrimmage and not on the perimeter as much in coverage, which isn’t Collins' strength. Bettcher needs solid man-cover defensive backs for his blitz-heavy playbook, but Collins doesn’t fit the mold.The 24-year-old is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and needs to thrive in Bettcher's system to earn a big payday with the Giants or in free agency.49ers RB Jerick McKinnonFantasy football experts are buzzing about Jerick McKinnon’s potential during his first year with the San Francisco 49ers, when he'll be the lead back in head coach Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. It's the same scheme Kyle and his dad, Mike, have used to churn out plenty of 1,000-plus yard rushers in Denver, Washington, and Atlanta.McKinnon may have a small frame at 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, but he has good vision and is fearless up the middle, which are important skills in a zone-blocking scheme that asks ball carriers to make quick decisions precisely timed up with developing blocks. McKinnon's burst to the outside also blends perfectly with Shanahan's scheme.The major question: Can McKinnon withstand the punishment that comes with being the primary ball carrier in a run-oriented system? The Vikings either criminally underused McKinnon, whose highest single-season workload in Minnesota was 159 carries, or were right to keep his load light.Bears QB Mitchell TrubiskyGone is the conventional, vanilla, under-center offense installed by the previous Chicago Bears regime and head coach John Fox. It's been replaced by the flashy, crafty, multiple-option system used by new head coach Matt Nagy.Mitchell Trubisky will feel like a college kid again in Nagy’s spread- and shotgun-based schemes designed to lighten boxes and capitalize on mismatches. Look for Nagy to implement the run-pass option plays sweeping through the league, but only if Trubisky demonstrates the intellect to read defenses quickly, the ability to freeze linebackers when necessary, and the accuracy to make rapid-fire throws across the middle.Cowboys DT Jihad WardAcquired from Oakland in a trade for slot receiver Ryan Switzer, Jihad Ward is now under the tutelage of defensive line mastermind Rod Marinelli, and he'll have to learn a one-gap, upfield scheme fast.Ward lacks elite athleticism and technique, but he has ideal size and length (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) for the three-technique spot. He should benefit from both Marinelli’s coaching, and from playing alongside Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.Ward can capitalize on his potential by improving his form and handwork. The Cowboys need a contribution from him after defensive tackle David Irving received his second four-game suspension in two years for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.The Cowboys are known for using twists and stunts to create pass-rushing mismatches against guards and tackles. Plenty of lunch-pail defensive linemen have emerged in Dallas during Marinelli's tenure, and Ward could be next.Geoff Mosher is an award-winning sports reporter, radio host, and TV personality with more than 20 years of experience covering all major sports and leagues. He also hosts regularly on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia and co-hosts "The Sports Shop" on Facebook. You can find him on Twitter @GeoffMosherNFL.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nearly a year after tearing his ACL, Julian Edelman is still working his way back into full health as the New England Patriots prepare for the season at training camp."I feel like I got to get my legs under me a lot more. I don't have my camp legs, I don't have football legs, and it's evident out there," Edelman said Friday after the team's eighth practice of training camp, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.Edelman has been participating fully at camp, which he described as a "grind." The pass-catcher won't need to push himself to be ready for Week 1, as he's set to serve a four-game ban for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy."You get tired, you create bad habits, you don't run your routes right and you get yelled at in meetings for it. I'm expecting to do that because I got to pick it up," Edelman said. "I wasn't as good as I want to be today and feeling that's because I'm not in the best shape right now."With a receiving corps that's in flux after the losses of Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola, the Patriots need Edelman to regain the form that helped him produce three 90-plus-catch seasons from 2013-16.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jameis Winston will no longer be endorsed by Nike.A Nike official told ESPN on Friday that its deal with Winston has expired, and the company won't be renewing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback.Winston's contract expired before the NFL announced his three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, a source told ESPN's Darren Rovell. However, the suspension still influenced Nike's decision not to renew the deal.It's been an eventful summer for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. In addition to the suspension, Winston parted ways with his agent in July, and reports surfaced that he won't be featured on murals at the Buccaneers' stadium.The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner will miss Tampa Bay's contests against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers to open the 2018 season. He'll return for a Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aside from football, Ray Lewis' greatest talent is his gift of the gab.The ex-Baltimore Ravens linebacker will get to use that skill on Saturday when he gives the traditional speech while being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Usually, players are asked to limit the length of their speeches to around 15 minutes. However, Lewis admitted on Friday there's no way he's hitting that mark."Let’s stop that now," Lewis said with a smile when asked of the time limit, adding that he expects it to come in between "22 to 25," according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.Lewis warmed up his vocal cords by holding court with reporters for nearly an hour:

It's been 579 days since Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck took an NFL snap. He's had a number of well-documented setbacks following shoulder surgery in 2017, but he's participated in training camp after missing all of last season.Luck has a few more hurdles to pass before he's cleared to start the 2018 NFL season, but he's pleased with his current progress."My arm continues to feel stronger and stronger," Luck told reporters Friday, according to the Indianapolis Star's Zak Keefer. "I'll get tired and I'll recover and I'll bounce back, and I feel like I’m on a great plan. It's been a lot of fun so far."Even though eight days have passed since his first practice of the year, the star signal-caller feels miles ahead from when training camp opened."The first practice was like, 'What is going on? How do you hand the ball off? Where is everybody?' I left practice feeling like I didn't know what I just did," Luck said. "Then the second practice it started to feel like (I was) getting back into a groove."The feeling has gotten more comfortable, more comfortable each day. I still have a few head-scratching moments in practice. I'll throw a ball – I threw one the other day to T.Y., a deeper one – and I was like, 'Alright, I have no idea where this ball is going. Let's hope it ends up in the right place.' I hadn’t thrown that route in a long time. There are still moments like that."Colts head coach Frank Reich said Luck would play "a little bit more than he would normally" in his team's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Before that point, the former No. 1 overall pick is focused on the mental side of the game and cleaning up his technique."I'm trying, it's a work in progress," Luck said. "There are times when I revert back to some old habits I've created... it's easier to do in drills, before practice, routes vs. air, throwing to wideouts. When you get into a team situation, you can't think, 'Is my back foot placed perfectly?' Then you're hit in the head or sacked. Translating that so it becomes second nature is a big part of practice."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo seemingly has a response to the NFL's new helmet rule.During a training camp practice Friday, Sendejo donned a hat with the phrase "Make Football Violent Again."

Terrell Owens won't attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, where he'll officially becomes a member of the prestigious group.Owens won't receive an individual spotlight during the ceremony, as he'll attend a party at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, instead.The former NFL wide receiver stands by his decision, and took a shot at the Hall of Fame's voting system in the process."I understand why I've made my decision," Owens told ESPN's Vaughn McClure on Friday. "I don't expect everyone to agree with me. But again, obviously the criteria and the system put in place for the Hall of Fame in order for guys like myself to be inducted, there are guidelines that the writers - the sportswriters - are supposed to adhere to."This is not (about) not being inducted the first or second ballot, but it's about the process in which guys are nominated and ultimately inducted. There is a flaw in that system. So this is not only about me, but it's about the guys that went before me, that's going to come after me. And I can make a stand for those guys so they won't have to go through this situation.''Owens is grateful for his time in the NFL, but isn't pleased with the hall's voting process or the degree of media scrutiny he's received since announcing his decision."I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish," Owens said. "I don't expect a lot of people to agree with what I've done. I know what I'm doing. I know who's more important."For me, it wasn't about the Hall of Fame. I never played this sport to be in the Hall of Fame. Everything that I've accomplished was a lot of hard work. It was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. And when I feel like there are certain people put in position to not really adhere and honor and respect what I've done for the game, then that's an issue."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer revealed Friday the team is trying to keep standout linebacker Anthony Barr in the fold long term."We're trying to get him signed," Zimmer told reporters, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "Hopefully, we can. That's between upstairs (front office) and his people. We'd love to have him here. Like I said, he's my guy, first guy I drafted. I want him to get the best deal he can possibly get, but in a selfish way I want him to be here, too."The Vikings have locked up a number of core players since the end of last season, but Barr, who's entering the final year of his rookie deal, isn't one of them.There's been speculation, given the money Minnesota has tied up in other players, that the Vikings could dangle Barr in trade talks. Zimmer said his club isn't looking to move the three-time Pro Bowler and denied any rumors claiming the contrary."I was made aware of an erroneous report about Anthony Barr," he said. "Anthony is my guy. No. 1, we are unequivocally not trying to trade Anthony. He was my first draft pick we have ever had with me. He's helped this defense go from 32nd or 31st or whatever it is to being pretty good, and so there's no, none whatsoever, truth to that rumor."Barr said in June he was hoping to ink a contract extension with the Vikings, but added that the decision was up to the team. The 26-year-old piled up 75 tackles and a sack in 16 regular-season outings last season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite selecting Baker Mayfield first overall in the 2018 draft, Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey is open to extending veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor during the season."I just want to see Tyrod do what he's done in the past," Dorsey told Kevin Clark of The Ringer of Taylor's prospects for the upcoming campaign. "He's a natural-born leader. He's had an excellent camp so far. I want to see it unfold. There may come a point here where I call his representatives in October and say, 'Let's strike something up.'"Taylor, who has one year remaining on his contract, was acquired by the Browns from the Buffalo Bills via trade early in the offseason.Dorsey added that if he plays well enough to warrant an extension, it wouldn't necessarily be an indictment on Mayfield's progress, or lack thereof.Taylor was criticized in Buffalo for not playing aggressively enough, but in three seasons with the Bills, the 28-year-old committed just nine interceptions. He led the team to its first playoff appearance since 1999 last season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has not participated in training camp team drills for five days as the team eases him back after his December ACL tear.Despite the lack of activity, head coach Doug Pederson insists his star pivot is making progress."No setbacks. Not at all. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing," Pederson told reporters Friday after practice, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "What you see out here is considered backwards. What we see in the building, and what he does with our strength and conditioning staff is still progressive."It doesn't have to be every snap, every football situation for him to go forward. What you see out here is only one small tidbit of what he's doing collectively inside this building too."Wentz has thus far been limited to individual and seven-on-seven drills during camp. Pederson noted this is "still part of the plan" and the team is "not going to subject" him to team activities with defenders flying around near his rehabbing knee.The Eagles coach claims there is a planned progression for his quarterback as he works toward being cleared for the team's Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons - the 2018 season opener."Carson's out here working his tail off every single day," Pederson said. "He's throwing individual routes. There is going to come a time when we game plan, and we are game-plan-specific, and he gets a chance to be in there, then we work. But right now, seven-on-seven, and the things that we are doing with the starters and Carson and all that is preparing him for that day we cross that bridge."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga was activated from the physically unable to perform list Friday, only nine months after tearing the ACL in his right knee."He just passed his physical today, so Bryan Bulaga will practice in a limited-return mode," head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I know he's excited about the news that he got this morning from Dr. (Pat) McKenzie."It typically takes closer to 12 months for players to return from a torn ACL, making Bulaga's speedy recovery a very pleasant surprise for Green Bay.Bulaga's been a steady performer throughout his career when healthy, but he's battled numerous ailments over the years. The 29-year-old played in just five contests in 2017 before suffering the season-ending knee injury.With Bulaga cleared to practice, it's plausible he'll be ready to take his starting spot at right tackle for the team's season-opener Sept. 9 against the Chicago Bears.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., will host the Pro Bowl for the third straight year in 2019, the NFL announced Friday.The game will be played Jan. 27 and broadcast by ESPN.There's been some conversation about finding a permanent home for the Pro Bowl in recent years. Between 1979 and 2015, Aloha Stadium in Hawaii hosted all but two installments of the game.The AFC claimed a 23-22 victory in last year's Pro Bowl, while the two conferences played to a 22-22 draw in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robert Griffin III made his return to the NFL as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game victory over the Chicago Bears.The contest marked Griffin's first NFL action in 19 months, having not played since Jan. 1, 2017 as a member of the Cleveland Browns. After his long layoff, the quarterback was emotional upon his return."(Thursday) was an emotional day for me, just coming back out here," Griffin said, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I know it's the preseason, it's the Hall of Fame Game, but to have an opportunity to come back out here and play football is something that I really cherish."People don't understand that once you're out of the league for a year, it's really hard to get back in, especially if you're a quarterback and a high draft pick. It's just really hard to do."With Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco not playing, Griffin started against the Bears, completing 7 of 11 passes for 58 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The signal-caller was pleased with his efforts and the support from his team."You know, a lot of hard work went into it," Griffin said. "When you're out of football for a year, sometimes things come into question, and sometimes doubt can start to seep in, and luckily I had the right people around me, and that never happened, and I was about to continue to push through, and that's why I'm here today. I thank them a lot."The former No. 2 overall pick signed a one-year contract with Baltimore in April. He'll compete with 2018 first-rounder Lamar Jackson for the team's backup quarterback position.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A new book detailing 2015's infamous "Deflategate" states that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell offered New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a $1 million fine and an admission as punishment for the quarterback's apparent involvement, ABC News reports."(Goodell) demanded that Brady state publicly that former Patriots equipment guys (John) Jastremski and (Jim) McNally had purposely tampered with footballs, even without his knowledge," authors Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge wrote in "12: The Inside Story of Tom Brady’s Fight for Redemption."Brady declined Goodell's offer, which led to a four game suspension to open the 2016 season."There's no way I'm gonna ruin these guys for something I believe they didn't do," Brady told NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith, according to the book.Sherman and Wedge's book not only details the Deflategate scandal, but also the tension between Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft during Kraft's press conference accepting the veteran quarterback's suspension."Kraft's star quarterback Tom Brady watched the news conference along with millions of others on television," the book states. "He was devastated and angry. Brady grabbed his cell phone and punched in the contact number for DeMaurice Smith."Sherman said that while tension remains in Kraft and Goodell's relationship, stemming from the 2015 incident, Brady and Kraft have made peace.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens walked away from their preseason opener Thursday night perplexed over the NFL's new helmet rule and the officials' enforcement of it."I feel like they're trying to harp on it a lot more in preseason, so they're going to throw flags even on times when it's not necessarily head to head, just to make people aware of it," said safety Bennett Jackson, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensely. Jackson was penalized for leading with his helmet on a tackle. "I spoke to the ref. He even said, 'Hey, it's preseason, we got to throw the flag.'"In an effort to reduce head injuries, the NFL implemented a new rule for the 2018 season that prohibits a player from lowering his head to initiate contact on an opponent. A violation of the rule calls for a 15-yard penalty, potentially an ejection, and the possibility of a fine from the NFL.The Ravens drew three flags against the Chicago Bears for leading with their helmets on tackle attempts, including Jackson's hit, which he thought displayed "perfect" technique.Related: NFL's new helmet rule already causing controversy in HOF game"I'll wait to see the TV copies and see what they look like," head coach John Harbaugh said postgame of the penalties. "So I really don't know. If I knew, I would give you an opinion on it. I don't know enough about the rule to understand it right now."Ravens linebacker Kamalei Correa was also flagged for leading with his helmet in the third quarter."It's really about a reaction," Correa said. "It's all up to the refs and what they call. At the end of the day, us as players, we're really just trying to go out and play as hard and as fast as we can."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie safety Derwin James confirmed he was robbed at gunpoint in June while leaving a Hollywood restaurant with his uncle.TMZ Sports reported in July that James was approached June 23 by two men with handguns who took his necklace and Rolex watch as he was walking back to his Rolls-Royce. The vehicle's tires were also slashed, according to the police warrant, preventing James from chasing the robbers down. A criminal investigation is ongoing."I wouldn't wish that upon anybody," James said of the incident, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN. "It happened. It was just one of those things that you never expect to happen to you, but it happened, and I'm just happy to be out here playing football."James, drafted 17th overall by the Bolts, was activated from the non-football injury list Thursday after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered a week before the start training camp.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is implementing a new helmet rule for the 2018 season. And based on the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens, the league still has significant kinks to work out.Under the new rule, it's a penalty if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with the helmet of an opponent.Several such penalties were called during the first preseason game of the 2018 season, even though the hits didn't appear to be intentional helmet-to-helmet collisions.

Insane.That's the word Johnny Manziel’s agent used to describe the Montreal Alouettes’ "premature" decision to name his client as their starting quarterback for Week 8 of the CFL schedule after limited practice time."If you saw what he was doing in practice and the way he (commands the group), not only on the field but off the field, and how the guys are responding to him, I think it would be natural to think that he should be playing," Als offensive coordinator Khari Jones countered in an interview with theScore."I understand the concern, I understand all of that, but I think (head coach Mike) Sherman is correct in thinking that he’s ready to go."The difference of opinion between agent and team is a window into the polarizing commentary preceding Manziel’s first regular-season snap. Everybody - football insiders, media, fans - seems to have an opinion. Few, however, can offer insightful football advice to the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.Jones, a former longtime CFL quarterback, is certainly qualified to give guidance. Same goes for four-time Grey Cup champion Damon Allen, who is inarguably one of the greatest QBs in league history, and Canadian Football Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan, who threw for 43,000-plus yards.theScore spoke to all three this week to discuss Manziel’s debut. Consider the following a cheat sheet for Manziel as the 25-year-old takes a giant step forward during his so-called Comeback Szn.Channel your inner Johnny FootballAbove all, the experts say, the "very excited" but "not nervous" Manziel must fall back on his natural abilities Friday at Percival Molson Stadium."If you watch any of his video highlights from wherever he played - whether it was in the NFL in Cleveland, whether it was for Texas A&M, whether it was in high school - he brings a lot of creativity and athleticism to the table," said Dunigan, now an analyst for TSN."He’ll be working with a small package, a limited package of offensive plays that he’s familiar with, and with a very limited understanding of the CFL game because he’s only been here for a short period of time."Manziel, the key name in a seven-player trade between the 2-4 Hamilton Tiger-Cats and 1-5 Alouettes on July 22, has been around the league for months, not years. After settling a contract dispute, the 2014 NFL first-rounder watched five Ticats games from the sideline before doing the same last week during the Als’ loss to the Edmonton Eskimos.Practice and exhibition games have provided the 6-foot, 210-pounder with his only Canadian reps."Calmness," Allen said when asked for a takeaway from Manziel’s one-touchdown, 21-for-37 showing over two preseason games. "It was his ability to buy time and still throw on the run."Toss in a smile and that competitive drive, and you have vintage Johnny Football.Allen points out coaching can be incestuous across the nine-team, three-down league, with sometimes as many as half the clubs running identical or similar plays. Theoretically, then, Manziel’s inexperience with the Als' playbook - only 12 days will pass between the trade and his debut - does not guarantee failure, especially since his skill set suits the pass-happy CFL. Plus, the Als are facing Manziel’s former club on Friday."The difference in all of the teams is the terminology," said Allen, one of the greatest QBs in league history. "Really, they’re the same route combinations and the (Ticats) defense isn’t changing. It’s just a matter of getting comfortable with the terminology and going from there."If Dunigan were running the Als, he’d advise Manziel to “trust your eyes, have fun, and pull the trigger. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.” Similar sentiments have been stressed internally during the lead-up to the Tyler, Texas native’s first pro start since Dec. 2015."I think, the biggest thing is, he doesn’t have to carry this team and he doesn’t have to do anything other than the things he knows how to do," Jones said. “I want him to just go out and enjoy himself, and have fun playing football. That’s the key."One of the things that people love about Johnny, and how plays the game, is that he plays it with a joy that you don’t often see."Embrace the (flawed) environmentOn Friday, Manziel will become the 14th QB to start a game for the Als since franchise legend Anthony Calvillo hung up his cleats in January 2014. This season alone he’ll be the club’s fifth starting pivot over just seven games.It’s a messy situation, but Manziel has the on-field knowledge, mined from a decade living under the microscope and 15 games with the Browns, to compartmentalize this latest challenge as crucial to reaching the top of the mountain again, yet minor compared to previous pressure-filled environments he's faced."He’s been in bigger situations than starting for the Montreal Alouettes after four days of prep. This won’t be too big for him,” Dunigan said. "But, I’m not just concerned he won’t have enough ammunition at his disposal, I’m afraid that he could be set up for failure."Montreal is the league’s lowest-scoring team, having accumulated only 92 points in six games, and there is no overnight fix. Easing in Manziel - who has become better known for his laundry list of off-field issues rather than playing football - by giving him the odd series as a backup, and getting him more comfortable with the playbook, his receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen in practice, would have been the safest approach.Throwing him into the fire against his old teammates is a whole different animal.“If you can’t get up for this game, I don’t know if he can get up,” Allen said, laughing. “I know I would be motivated. … I guess we’re all going to see what the hype is about.”The starting role, snatched from Vernon Adams Jr. amid "we want Johnny!" chants, is basically Manziel’s to lose. The Als have stated repeatedly this week they expect Manziel to go through growing pains. Gaffes are expected by both Manziel - “there's going to be some mistakes made, that's just the facts of this,” he told reporters, according to The Associated Press - and the coaching staff."We don’t want to put any more undue pressure on him. Everybody in the world is talking about him," said Jones, whose boss, Sherman, coached Manziel at the NCAA level."Fortunately for him, he had that in college and in the NFL, so he’s used to that kind of hype. I don’t think that’s affecting him, and now it’s about going out and playing every play. Regardless of what happens, he’ll be fine. He has the ability, and that’s the biggest thing."(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

EA Sports apologized for Colin Kaepernick's name being edited out of a song in Madden 19, calling it "an unfortunate mistake" and confirming the error will be rectified in an update.Kaepernick is named in YG's song "Big Bank" which also features 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj, but EA Sports omitted the reference.The video game company released the following statement on Thursday:

Big Sean is defending Colin Kaepernick, calling it "appalling" that the quarterback's name was edited out of the rapper's song in the "Madden 19" video game.The song, "Big Bank" by YG featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj, features the lyrics, "feed me to the wolves now I lead the pack and s--t. You boys all cap, I'm more Colin Kaepernick."

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is currently fending off a quad strain but is expected to return to practice in a few days, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin listed Brown as day-to-day but refused to specify the nature of his injury.Brown led the NFL with 1,533 receiving yards in 2017, catching 101 passes for nine touchdowns, while spearheading the Steelers' prolific offense alongside running back Le'Veon Bell.The superstar wide receiver previously dealt with a quad injury in October 2016.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid is scheduled to visit the Tennessee Titans on Friday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The NFLPA filed a grievance on Reid's behalf in May as he remained a free agent after protesting during the national anthem in previous seasons. Reid visited the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this summer and owner Mike Brown reportedly asked about his current stance on demonstrations during the anthem.Reid would fill an immediate void for the Titans after safety Johnathan Cyprien tore his ACL and was ruled out for the entire 2018 season Thursday.The 26-year-old Reid spent the first five seasons of his career with the 49ers, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection during his rookie year. Reid recorded 67 tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games during the 2017 season.Kenny Vaccaro is also scheduled to visit the Titans.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr unwittingly became the subject of one of last season's biggest controversies when his hit on Green Bay Packers superstar Aaron Rodgers went unsanctioned.Barr hit Rodgers as he was releasing the ball and the Packers quarterback suffered a broken collarbone. Green Bay missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, with many pointing to Rodgers' absence as the primary reason why.The NFL is implementing new measures for player safety ahead of the 2018 season, and official Pete Morelli explained that Barr's hit on Rodgers would be deemed a penalty if it occurred this fall."Players will have to kind of roll to the side when they make that tackle, instead of plopping down on them," Morelli said to Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Thursday. "So yeah, Aaron Rodgers would be a foul this year. As long as he's out of the pocket, established, and all that. If he's running, that's not going to be the same."Here is the hit in question:

The NFL is running it back.After recent declines in both the valuation of college running backs and the presence of true franchise rushers in the pro game, the position is entering another golden era.For a while, it appeared the premier back - the position popularized for decades by Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Adrian Peterson - would fade away like the fullback, in-line tight end, and pure box safety - made obsolete by the passing game's growing prominence.In 2014, no running backs were drafted in the first round for the second straight year - a first in the event's 82-year history. Before 2013, there was only one draft in which a running back didn't go in Round 1, in 1963.In 2015, a wide receiver led the NFL in yards from scrimmage for the first time since 1969. Running backs had claimed the distinction for 45 years until Falcons star Julio Jones racked up 1,871 total offensive yards.Even more mind-boggling: Steelers receiver Antonio Brown finished second with 1,862 total yards, over 150 more than the third-ranked Peterson (1,707). Not since 1987 had the NFL's leading running back finished with fewer than 1,800 total yards.However, there was a shift in 2017, with predominant ball carriers seeing a significant uptick in carries. The running back and running game were re-emphasized.Four running backs either carried the ball at least 320 times or averaged 20 carries per game (on at least 100 attempts). The 20-carries-per-game average would equate to 320 carries over the course of 16 games.Not since 2010 had the league produced more than two running backs who averaged more than 20 carries per game. In fact, only three NFL running backs averaged more than 20 carries per game in 2015 and 2016 combined: Peterson, Le'Veon Bell, and Ezekiel Elliott.So does that mean the running back is back?"Oh, sure," 11-year veteran rusher Jonathan Stewart said at Giants camp Wednesday."For a while I think, actually probably since my (2008) draft class, really the value of a running back ... people kind of kicked it to the curb a little bit," the 2015 Pro Bowler added.New school taking overThe running back revival has been driven by the stellar young rushers dominating the league.Rams running back Todd Gurley, 23, led the NFL last season with 2,093 yards from scrimmage and was one of six rushers to average at least 18 carries per game.Elliott's average of 24.2 carries per game was tops in the league, although he missed six games due to suspension. Still, he averaged 21.5 carries in 2016 as a rookie, so it's unlikely his average would've dipped in those six games.Bell's 321 total carries led the league. The three-time Pro Bowler averaged more than 21 per game in each of the last two seasons.Last year also marked the second straight season in which a rookie finished as the league's top rusher and two rookies placed in the top 10 in rushing yards.Elliott and Bears rookie Jordan Howard placed first and second, respectively, in 2016. The Chiefs' Kareem Hunt led the NFL last year, while Jaguars rookie Leonard Fournette finished eighth - each helping their team make the playoffs.League taking noticeYoung NFL running backs making the position vogue again likely influenced this year's draft. Six RBs were taken in the top 50, and three in the first round.There hadn't been three running backs selected in the first round since 2012, and not since 2008 had six running backs left the board in the top 50."I think that (the re-emphasis on the franchise back) has something to do with it," said an NFC front-office member who asked to remain anonymous. "I think that plays a factor in it. And with this last draft there was a much stronger running back class than we've had in a long time, so I think that played a factor in it as well."But I think we just kind of went through some trends for a while where the running back was somewhat phased out and now it's re-emerging and teams are saying, 'We need a strong running game to win, especially late in the season and late in games.' It's just constantly evolving. It goes one way sometimes and then goes the other way."Rookie and second overall pick Saquon Barkley, Stewart's new teammate, became the first running back taken in the top two this April since the New Orleans Saints drafted Reggie Bush second overall in 2006.In total, 10 running backs were selected in the top 50 over the past two drafts - one more than the four drafts from 2013-2016. Six running backs taken in the top 50 this year equals the number of running backs selected in the top 50 of the prior two drafts combined.The offensive game is still centered on the passing attack, but the recent shift back to franchise running backs has also influenced the number of 4,000-yard passers. The 2017 season produced only six quarterbacks who threw for 4,000 yards, down from nine in both 2015 and 2016 and the fewest since 2010, when four quarterbacks passed for 4,000 yards.Money talksThe financial value of running backs also appears to be rebounding. Last month, Gurley signed an extension with the Rams reportedly worth $60 million over four years, with $45 million guaranteed.That's good news for Bell, who rejected an extension offer from the Steelers that reportedly offered only $10 million in guaranteed money. He'll play this season under the one-year franchise tag.Gurley and Bell each average more than $14 million a year on their current deals, a major boost from the 2016 extension signed by Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, whose five-year deal averages only $8.25 million annually, according to Spotrac."The guys like Zeke and Le'Veon Bell out there are showcasing their talents in ways that either we've never seen before or (are) kind of a reminder of certain running backs in the past or whatever it is," Stewart said. "It's a good thing. It's actually really cool to see Todd Gurley get paid the way he did, too, so running backs get what they deserve in the future."If this era is any indication, Gurley won't be the last running back to be paid his due.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans safety Johnathan Cyprien joined a long list of players already ruled out for the 2018 season as head coach Mike Vrabel announced Thursday that the 28-year-old tore his ACL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The New England Patriots are expected to sign free-agent wide receiver Eric Decker to a one-year contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Decker will join the reigning AFC champions a day after they released Jordan Matthews, who injured his hamstring early in training camp. Injuries and a four-game suspension to Julian Edelman have depleted the Patriots' receiving depth, leading them to scour the market for help. Decker reportedly worked out for the team on Monday.Decker spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, collecting 54 catches for 563 yards and one touchdown. He identified New England as a potential landing spot in June, saying at the time the Patriots would be "a good fit" for him.The 31-year-old has split his eight NFL seasons between the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Titans, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark three times.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich provided more information on the team's intention to have quarterback Andrew Luck play in the preseason opener in Seattle next Thursday."The plan is to play him a little bit more than he would normally if he’d had a normal year last year,” Reich said, according to Albert Breer of the MMQB. “But I don’t want to overreact. He’ll get enough snaps in, we’ll recreate enough out here in practice by the way we practice and the speed at which we practice, and all the situational stuff we practice."We’ll build a confidence (level) there. And sure, he needs to get his snaps, and maybe a little bit more. But I’m not gonna be dramatic with it."Related: Luck's shoulder 'responding well' in QB's return to campLuck resumed throwing in mid-June after missing all of last year with a shoulder injury. He said then that he would "absolutely" play in Week 1 of the regular season.Evidently, Reich and the rest of the coaching staff seem intent on having him fully warmed up by then.Related: How good can the Colts be with healthy Luck in 2018?Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran wide receiver Brandon LaFell on Thursday after he asked the organization to make him a free agent."We have been lobbying for his release for some time now and appreciate the Bengals granting our request," his agent, Jonathan Feinsod, told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.LaFell spent two seasons in Cincy, tallying 52 receptions for 548 yards and three touchdowns last year. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said earlier in the week that the 31-year-old LaFell was "feeling the heat" from the team's other receivers pushing for a roster spot.LaFell, a veteran of eight NFL seasons, posted his best statistical output in 2014, with 74 catches for 953 yards and seven touchdowns as a member of the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, who finally signed his rookie deal Monday, is looking to compete for the team's starting position under center in training camp.He knows he has his work cut out for him against veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, and acknowledges it's not entirely up to him."Obviously, it's a coach's decision," Darnold said, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "The competitor in me, yeah, I want to start, but it's whatever is best for the team ... With Josh and Teddy, it's a huge challenge."Now 39 years old, McCown tied a career high with 13 starts for the Jets last season, leading them to a largely surprising 5-8 record. He completed 67.3 percent of 397 pass attempts for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns. He rushed for an additional five scores.Bridgewater, 25, attempted just two passes for the Minnesota Vikings last season after missing more than a year due to a knee injury. He was named to the Pro Bowl following a 2015 season when he led the Vikings to the playoffs.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL executives believe the Seattle Seahawks will ultimately resolve their standoff with six-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas by trading him, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Thomas, 29, is holding out of training camp while demanding a contract extension or a trade. He explained his hard-line stance in an article posted Thursday morning via "The Players' Tribune." He has one season remaining on his current deal.Thomas racked up 88 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games last year. He has recorded 642 tackles and 25 picks in 121 career games.The Seahawks were rumored to be discussing a Thomas trade with the Dallas Cowboys around the NFL draft, but a deal never came to fruition.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants started discussions on a contract extension for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earlier this week, a source told Jordan Raanan of ESPN.Giants co-owner John Mara said last week that the two sides would start working on a new deal "pretty soon."Beckham is set to play the 2018 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. He'd carry a cap hit of nearly $8.5 million, according to Over The Cap, which has him tied for 22nd among receivers.The three-time All-Pro, who turns 26 in November, made waves in March when it was reported he wouldn't set foot on a field without an extension. He apparently wanted to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL at an annual value of $20 million.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.Gambling with your fantasy picks can be stressful, but it can also be exhilarating. If you're willing to take some chances, here are the players who could deliver league-winning performances in 2018 - as long as they don't sink your team first.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.More from this series

Had the Baltimore Ravens not come calling, Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin believes Robert Griffin III could have enjoyed success as a member of the U.S. track and field team.Griffin, who competed in track during high school and college, spent time training with Gatlin at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., following his release from the Cleveland Browns in 2017. While there, he spoke to track coach Brooks Johnson about preparing for the decathlon or 110-meter hurdles, according to Sam Fortier of the Washington Post."He didn't look at himself as RGIII," Gatlin said. "He looked at himself as Robert. He was hungry, and he had another a shot to get back out there."Gatlin and Johnson agreed that Griffin, who placed 11th in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, could have contended for a spot at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan."He is an Olympic-level talent," Johnson said. "It didn't take a lot to get him technically sound."Despite the high praise, Griffin considered the Ravens offer "a message from God.""I know what God's called me to do," Griffin added. "He's called me to play football at a high level, inspire men, lead men. That's why I didn't have any doubt in what I was doing."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For the first time since 2006, the Cleveland Browns enter training camp with questions at left tackle.Shon Coleman was expected to get the first crack at replacing franchise legend Joe Thomas. However, in Wednesday's training camp practice, guard Joel Bitonio was given first-team reps at left tackle, according to Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com.With Bitonio at tackle, the Browns moved rookie Austin Corbett to guard to fill in for the four-year lineman.Despite playing at guard for his entire career, Bitonio apparently held his own against Myles Garrett, the team's top pass-rusher.