The New England Patriots are looking for a team interested in trading for wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.After a strong rookie season in 2016 when he caught 32 passes for 401 yards and a touchdown, helping the Patriots win Super Bowl LI, Mitchell missed the entire 2017 season due to a knee injury.With Mitchell reportedly on the trade block, it appears Jordan Matthews, Chris Hogan, and Kenny Britt will compete for increased reps to begin 2018 as Julian Edelman sits out four games due to a suspension.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fifth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition.Scroll down to see his 2018 rankings for both standard and PPR leagues.Standard

Sitting behind Tom Brady, perhaps the greatest quarterback ever, would likely diminish the confidence of most players. But Jimmy Garoppolo is apparently not like most players.Garoppolo opened up about his three-and-a-half seasons backing up the Patriots' five-time Super Bowl champion in an in-depth interview with Bleacher Report's Joone Lee. The 26-year-old said he arrived in New England with the mindset that he could beat out Brady for the starting job."I knew that (Brady) was better than me in my first day in the NFL," said Garoppolo. "Naturally, you're the rookie and he's the veteran, but you have to have that mindset, that you want to be the starter.""Even when I was a little kid, my brothers, whenever we would play, I would literally always think I was going to win. I wouldn't, but I would always think that. It's like when I go to New England, when I first got there, I thought in my head, 'I'm better than this dude.'"Asked if he truly believed he was the superior player, Garoppolo said that "it was always a quiet confidence." But when pressed further, Garoppolo added: "Yeah, you believe in yourself. That's the best way to put it."Of course, just like when every quarterback in the draft says they're the best in the class, Garoppolo is unlikely to admit he felt inferior to Brady. Still, it speaks to Garoppolo's mental fortitude that he wasn't intimidated by going head-to-head in practice with an NFL legend.And now that Garoppolo has escaped Brady's shadow and is set for his first full season as the San Francisco 49ers' starter, he can attempt to prove his confidence wasn't misplaced.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy will report to training camp Wednesday with the rest of his teammates despite ongoing legal issues, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.McCoy's ex-girlfriend, Delicia Cordon, said she suspects McCoy was involved in her attack at a residence in Georgia the two legally shared. McCoy was reportedly in Florida at the time.Related: Attorney for McCoy's ex-girlfriend details 'horrendous attack' in statementNeither the NFL nor the Bills have offered an update on McCoy's playing status, while the running back has denied any involvement in the attack.The 30-year-old rushed for 1,138 yards and six touchdowns last year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Madden NFL gets its fair share of complaints from players about their ratings, but Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford has a different bone to pick with the EA Sports product.Crawford took to Twitter on Sunday to voice his displeasure with his player model:

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson reported to training camp Monday despite previously skipping mandatory minicamp due to his contract status.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon announced Monday he'll miss the beginning of training camp while continuing to work on his personal health.The 27-year-old is taking the absence to proactively seek additional counseling for anxiety and his mental health, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.Gordon, who played just 10 games over the previous four seasons because of suspensions related to substance abuse, said in a statement via Twitter that he's "doing great" both physically and mentally:

Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray could be ready for the start of the regular season after a doctor nixed a planned surgery on his ailing wrist, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and James Palmer.Reports in early June claimed Ray, who was struggling to recover from a previous surgery, required another procedure. However, the doctor slated to operate on Ray determined it was unnecessary, and Ray has been rehabbing ever since.Had he have gone under the knife, Ray was all but guaranteed to miss the opening portion of the season. He still might have to sit out the beginning of the campaign, but he should return earlier than initially expected.Ray tore a ligament in his wrist last year and struggled thereafter, managing just one sack in eight outings. He tallied eight sacks in 16 games the year prior.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson snuck in a jab at the Chargers while dining at a steakhouse in Miami on Sunday.Johnson left a $260 tip on his $140.45 bill as a reminder to his server that he "once had 260 yards against the Chargers."

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.A rising tide lifts all boats, and a star at quarterback, running back, or even occasionally at receiver can make his offensive teammates better and therefore elevate their fantasy values.Conversely, a lack of talent at key positions - especially at quarterback - can sink the fantasy values of every player in an offense.Below are three offenses you should consider avoiding entirely in your fantasy drafts this season:Buffalo Bills2017 passing yards: 2,825 (31st in NFL)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have traded former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel to the Montreal Alouettes following recent injuries to Drew Willy and Jeff Mathews, the two teams announced Sunday.Hamilton will send Manziel along with offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice to Montreal in exchange for defensive end Jamaal Westerman, wide receiver Chris Williams, and a first-round pick in both 2020 and 2021.Manziel has yet to step foot on a CFL field during the regular season, as the Tiger-Cats have started Jeremiah Masoli in all five games, winning two and losing three.However, Manziel should have a much easier route to playing time in Montreal, as Mathews is set to miss four-to-six weeks with a foot injury, while Willy left Saturday's 25-8 loss to the Calgary Stampeders due to a hand ailment that required stitches. Matt Shiltz replaced Willy against Calgary, continuing a seemingly never-ending carousel under center for Montreal.The Alouettes sit at 1-4 and own by far the worst offense in the league, putting up a paltry 13.8 points per game.Manziel, a former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, is attempting to jump-start his career and will now reunite with Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman, who was in charge of Texas A&M during the quarterback's first year with the program.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Flacco remains the Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback, but his rookie backup appears to be heating up his seat as training camp gets underway.Lamar Jackson has impressed his coaches to the point where the Ravens are considering putting two quarterbacks on the field at times this season, which offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg attributes to the former Louisville standout's great work ethic."He's done an outstanding job up to date," Mornhinweg said Sunday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "He's way ahead of the curve now."Jackson slipped to the end of the first round in this year's draft, mostly due to the amount of work it was assumed it would take to turn him into a legitimate NFL passer. However, the 21-year-old has been turning heads with passes like this:

The New York Giants signed running back Saquon Barkley to his rookie contract, the team announced Sunday.The deal is worth $31.2 million over four years and is fully guaranteed, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It reportedly contains a $20.76-million signing bonus, with $15 million of it being paid out to Barkley immediately and the rest coming by October.The $31.2-million guarantee is the second-largest ever given to a running back, trailing only Adrian Peterson's deal he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2011, according to Spotrac.Barkley and the Giants hammered out the deal Sunday, the day New York's rookies report to training camp.The Giants used the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft to select Barkley, a very talented three-down tailback out of Penn State.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL community came together Sunday to mourn the loss of Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano, who died unexpectedly at the age of 56.Sparano spent time with several teams over his 19-year NFL coaching career, but was known mostly for his four-year stint as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2008-11, and a 12-game tenure as interim head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2014.

Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died unexpectedly early Sunday morning at the age of 56, the team said."Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony," owners Mark and Zygi Wilf stated. "Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony's presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony's family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts."Sparano served on the Vikings' staff for the last two seasons, and was expected to be with the team at the beginning of training camp on Tuesday for his third year.The veteran assistant was known by NFL fans primarily for the four years he spent as head coach of the Miami Dolphins between 2008 and 2011. He led the Dolphins to an AFC East title in his first campaign, popularizing the Wildcat formation along the way.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans donated $11,000 to the family of a man shot and killed by police in 2014, according to ESPN.The family of the victim, Gregory Hill, unsuccessfully sued the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in May, with the jury ruling in favor of the police department. Hill was shot after police responded to complaints about loud music. Police claimed he greeted them with a pointed gun.Thanks to the sizable donation from Evans, Hill's family has raised nearly $100,000 via GoFundMe as of Sunday morning.After signing an $82-million contract extension in March, Evans said he wanted to use his newfound wealth to "help a lot of people."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jon Gruden told Oakland Raiders fans Friday that one way or another, the franchise will woo its star pass-rusher back to the team."We're going to find a way to get Khalil Mack back," the head coach said at a fan appreciation event, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to stay away from the Raiders while awaiting a new long-term contract. The 27-year-old is headed into the final season of his rookie deal.While the Raiders would like to sign him long term, Gruden acknowledged the situation with Mack is complicated by Oakland's salary cap issues."That might be the toughest decision I have to figure out right now," he said. "We're not the only team that’s faced with that. It's tough. It's part of this business and we'll just keep our fingers crossed."Mack posted 78 tackles and 10.5 sacks last year and has tallied double digits in sacks for three straight campaigns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The majority of NFL teams are set to open training camp over the final week of July, and it's inevitable that coaches and general managers will quickly realize their squads aren't as strong as they once thought.If they decide to search for help, there are five veterans still on the free-agent market they ought to consider bringing aboard:NaVorro Bowman, LBInjuries have taken a toll on Bowman, but the 30-year-old still possesses value as a run-stopping linebacker. He was productive over 10 games with the Oakland Raiders last season, collecting 89 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.Tre Boston, SBoston enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers, ranking among the top five in tackles and interceptions for safeties in 2017. If he replicates those stats in 2018, the 26-year-old will be a steal for whichever team adds him.Johnathan Hankins, DTHankins helped the Indianapolis Colts, but he was still cut one season into a three-year, $30-million deal amid schematic changes ushered in by the new coaching staff. Between his time with the Colts and New York Giants, Hankins has five years of experience stuffing the run on his resume.Kenny Vaccaro, SIn a system where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage and avoid coverage duties, Vaccaro can be a real factor. The hard-hitting safety had an up-and-down career with the New Orleans Saints, but was thought to be in line for a lucrative contract at the beginning of free agency on the heels of a solid 2017.Dez Bryant, WRBryant struggled to gain separation against defensive backs last year and has never been regarded as the most precise route-runner, but he can still win jump balls and serve as an asset in the red zone. His 838 yards and six touchdowns from 2017 would look good in somebody's lineup, so long as he's not leaned on to be a No. 1 wideout like he was with the Dallas Cowboys.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's the final weekend before all NFL players are due at training camp, and the athletes celebrated their final moments of freedom in different ways.New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. joined NBA champ Draymond Green, former NFL receiver Victor Cruz, and others at a celebrity soccer game in West Hollywood.

Malik Jackson has set the bar high for the Jacksonville Jaguars.Speaking to TMZ Sports earlier this week, the defensive tackle said the Jaguars will go undefeated this season."I think we're going 16-0," Jackson said. "I'm callin' it, 16-0. I don't think anybody can beat us as long as we stay healthy and do what we're supposed to do."Jackson also predicted a 16-0 finish, along with a Super Bowl championship, last season. The Jaguars ended up finishing the regular season atop the AFC South at 10-6 and advanced to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers have yet to settle on a replacement for injured tight end Hunter Henry.The expected starter for 2018 tore his ACL during OTAs and will miss the upcoming season. The team had planned to move on from franchise legend Antonio Gates, but the injury to Henry may have changed those plans.But for all the talk of a reunion, Gates remains a free agent."There's no update right now," Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said on the "Petros and Money Show" on AM 570 Thursday, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN. "We'll see where things go next week. We've got a couple different possibilities."We had talked about one obviously with Antonio Gates, and we'll see where that goes. We've got some time here next week, so we'll see what happens."The Chargers' training camp opens Friday and seven-year vet Virgil Green currently sits atop the depth chart at tight end.Gates, a veteran of 15 seasons, currently sits sixth in career touchdown receptions, 14 scores behind Marvin Harrison.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran free-agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland will meet with the Oakland Raiders on Sunday and Monday, then the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports.Breeland signed a three-year, $24-million contract with the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. It was voided after he failed a physical, reportedly due to an infection that occurred when he cut his foot while in the Dominican Republic.The 26-year-old spent the first four years of his career with the Washington Redskins. Breeland recorded 50 tackles, 19 pass deflections, and an interception in 15 games during the 2017 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterbacks might be having nightmares on Saturday evenings this fall after Houston Texans edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney told reporters he's recovered from December knee surgery."I'm ready, man," Clowney said to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "I'm very excited. I’m looking forward to the season."Clowney was selected first overall in 2014 and entered the NFL as one of the most highly touted defensive prospects of his generation. While his early career was marred by injuries, leading some to prematurely label him a bust, Clowney has become one of the NFL's most dangerous pass-rushers over the past two seasons while recording 15.5 sacks.Ahead of his fifth professional campaign, Clowney can't wait to take the field."I'm looking forward to it, I'm ready," Clowney said. "It seems like it's been so long. This is the longest offseason ever. I just hope everybody will be healthy. Stay healthy, that's our key this year."Clowney was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl in 2017 after recording 59 tackles, 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 16 games, the first time he's played a full NFL season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In 2017, Jared Goff steered the Los Angeles Rams to their first playoff appearance since 2004. But he knows there's more work to be done.The Rams were aggressive this spring, adding Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, and Brandin Cooks to a roster that already features Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley.Although the Rams are widely considered a Super Bowl contender, Goff was quick to concede LeBron James is the new king of Los Angeles after signing with the Lakers during free agency.“There’s so much that goes on in this city,” Goff said to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “People want to label it ‘somebody’s.’ I don’t think it is anybody’s.”"That guy (James) that just came into town - it might be his now."Although Goff refuses to embrace his growing celebrity, his teammates are raving about the 23-year-old's work ethic and preparation entering his third season."He knows what (Rams head coach Sean) McVay is thinking," Rams receiver Robert Woods said. "The year of experience definitely helped him. He’s firing it on the money every time.""Everyone wants to talk about like, 'Oh, he’s growing into a leader and he's changing,'" receiver Cooper Kupp said. "But he’s a leader. That’s who he is."LeBron may be the king of L.A., but Goff and his teammates won't be far off if he leads the Rams to a Super Bowl.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas came up with a creative solution to his Twitter pledge to buy fans a game-worn and signed NBA jersey.Thomas made the promise in May while attempting to one-up his ex-teammate Damarious Randall, who also vowed to buy jerseys for anyone who retweeted him if the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.At its core, fantasy football is simple: Figure out which NFL teams will score the most points and draft players on those teams.It's not always quite that simple when drafting receivers, though. Target-hog pass-catchers on bad teams can deliver elite fantasy totals, just as multiple members of a deep receiving corps can eat into each other's targets and value. But generally, the fantasy teams left standing at the end of the season are the ones with the most shares in the NFL's best passing attacks.Below are five passing offenses we expect to produce multiple pass-catchers worth drafting:Green Bay Packers2017 passing attempts: 562 (14th in NFL)

Matt Ryan will apparently remain the NFL's highest-paid player, for now.Despite training camp being right around the corner, the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers have made "no meaningful progress" toward a long-term contract extension, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The deal is widely expected to put the superstar quarterback above Ryan's $30-million-per-year mark.Rodgers has two years and roughly a combined $40 million remaining on his current contract, far below the market value for one of the league's truly elite passers.Related - Packers CEO: Rodgers 'wants to be here,' both sides interested in extensionNearing his 35th birthday, Rodgers could be signing the last big-money extension of his career.The two-time MVP recently said he'd "love" to play until he was 40, following in the footsteps of Tom Brady and fellow Packers legend Brett Favre.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft and subsequently starting 12 games, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a mostly forgettable rookie season, especially when compared to the likes of Alvin Kamara, Deshaun Watson, and Kareem Hunt.However, with offensive wizard Matt Nagy now in charge of the Bears, and a plethora of new weapons at his disposal, Trubisky is expected to show the kind of talent that made him the first quarterback off the board last year.As the Bears kick off training camp, Trubisky is already turning his new coach's head despite a two-hour downpour of rain at Friday's practice."There was zero complaining," Nagy told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "The next time that play was called, it was under center again, we were walking toward each other and I was getting ready to tell him, 'Hey, go to the gun,' and before I could say that, (Trubisky) goes, 'I'm going to the gun.' I was like, that's what I'm talking about."We're going to have some fun with him. We're going to let him cut it loose. He's going to live and learn a little bit. And that's OK. It's good for him. There's going to be some scars that he gets. But I just want him to be him. Be Mitch. Be the best Mitch you can possibly be. Know we got your back and we support you. Cut it loose, have fun and let's go win some games."Chicago added wide receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel and tight end Trey Burton this offseason to an offense that already boasted running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, giving Nagy the depth and variety of skill sets that he used so successfully with the Kansas City Chiefs.Trubisky, of course, will be the key to unlocking the unit's explosive potential, and guard Kyle Long believes the young quarterback is growing into his role as the team's leader."He's a grown man now," Long said. "He's got some facial hair. He's got some bass in his voice. And he's really taken ownership of this locker room. And it's not something that's forced. It's organic and the guys believe in him and we're lucky to have him."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With fantasy draft season underway, theScore has the award-winning rankings and expert advice you need to dominate your league. Make sure to check back for updates right up until the regular season kicks off.2018 Fantasy RankingsStandard

Manuel Orrego-Savala pleaded guilty Friday to driving drunk in a crash that killed former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver in February, according to The Associated Press.The 37-year-old was charged with two counts of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more, causing death. The Guatemalan had been living illegally in the U.S. after being deported twice.Orrego-Savala, who faces up to 16 years in prison, had a blood alcohol content of 0.19 percent at the time of the crash, which is more than twice the legal limit in Indiana.His truck crashed into Uber driver Jeffrey Monroe, 54, and Jackson, 26, as they stood outside Monroe's car on the shoulder of Interstate 70 after the linebacker had fallen ill.Related: Former Colts LB Edwin Jackson awarded posthumous degreeCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is revisiting its policy on protests during the national anthem, and so too is President Donald Trump.As the debate has returned to the foreground, Trump took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to offer his resolution.

Tom Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots veterans aren't due at training camp until July 25, but the 40-year-old quarterback intends to get there early.The team is counting down the days until all players are expected at camp on its Instagram page ...

The Edmonton Eskimos have reportedly dropped former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens from their negotiations list, according to TSN's Farhan Lalji.Owens activated his 10-day clause Monday after the Eskimos added him to their negotiations list in June.The 44-year-old recently claimed he isn't actively seeking opportunities to return to football, but believes he can still play at a high level if he did.Owens hasn't played pro football since the 2010 NFL season, when he featured for the Cincinnati Bengals.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has been suspended for the first game of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, the team announced Friday.The ban stems from Fowler's July 2017 arrest for battery. He was sentenced to probation and fines after pleading no contest to three misdemeanor charges in March.Fowler missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, but bounced back in 2017, racking up eight sacks as part of the Jaguars' league-best pass-rush.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch does not agree with how United States President Donald Trump is handling the NFL's national anthem protesting controversy - or the fact that Trump is addressing it at all."Hopefully he'll have much more going on that he's going have to deal with and should deal with and must deal with than worrying about what NFL players do," Tisch told Mark Malkin of The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. "He has no understanding of why they take a knee or why they're protesting. When the new season starts, I hope his priorities are not criticizing the NFL and telling owners what to do and what not to do."Trump has been very vocal regarding the league's new anthem policy and protesting players. In May, he said players who do not stand for the anthem "shouldn't be in the country," and reportedly suggested punishing the NFL for its protesting players as part of a GOP tax reform.The Giants co-owner said he stands behind his players if they choose to protest during the 2018 season, despite potential fines from the league."We support our players," Tisch said. "They are not going to be punished. There is not going to be any punitive action taking place against them."Tisch made his comments before the NFL and NFLPA announced Thursday that they're working on a "resolution to the anthem issue." No new rules about demonstrations during the anthem will be enacted or enforced while those discussions continue.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Andrew Luck appears to be on track for a return to the football field.Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Friday that Luck will be "good to go" when the team opens training camp next week and will have no limitations during practice, according to 1070 The Fan's Kevin Bowen.Ballard added that his star quarterback will take planned days off during camp to mimic the regular-season schedule and rest his arm. He will take normal first-team reps when the Colts begin practicing July 26."He's throwing the ball pretty well," Ballard said, per Indy Star Sports' Zak Keefer.Luck missed the entire 2017 season due to a setback suffered following his 2016 shoulder surgery. He resumed throwing in June and has claimed he will "absolutely" be cleared for Week 1.Having Luck back at full strength should be a huge boost to a Colts offense that tallied the third-fewest passing yards (181 per game) in the league last season. Indianapolis finished the campaign 4-12.In 2016, Luck threw for 4,240 yards with 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The former No. 1 pick went to the Pro Bowl three straight seasons from 2012-14.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The emergence of the Jacksonville Jaguars' fearsome defense, nicknamed "Sacksonville" for its dominant pass-rush, was one of the major surprises of the 2017 NFL season.Few doubted the Jaguars' talent on that side of the ball, especially after adding Pro Bowlers Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye in free agency. But in recent seasons Jacksonville has too often been less than the sum of its impressive parts.However, after finishing 2017 with the league's second-ranked defense (allowing only 286.1 yards per game), and with the nucleus of the unit intact, Campbell believes the sky is the limit."We don't have a weak spot," Campbell told Sky Sports' James Simpson. "We're very smart on every level, we're very talented at every level. From our safeties, our cornerbacks to our linebackers and our D-line - everybody has ridiculous speed, everybody's very tough and plays with a physical nature. We want to strike fear into teams."I really think we have six or seven guys who could be defensive player of the year on this defense."Campbell was in the conversation for the award last season thanks to a 14.5-sack performance. Jalen Ramsey was considered as well after emerging as a premier shutdown corner. He was ranked second among cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus and given a coverage grade of 91.8.Beyond Campbell and Ramsey, the likes of Bouye, pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, and linebackers Telvin Smith and Myles Jack are among the most productive players at their respective positions.All of the Jags' top veterans will need to have career years for the defense to reach Campbell's ultimate goal."You go back to the '85 Bears, the 70s with the Vikings, the Oakland Raiders, some of those really good teams that the Steelers had, the 2013 Seahawks, the Broncos in 2015," said Campbell."Those are some really good defenses that have done incredible things and I really hope that this season we have coming up can compare to those teams."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's been over five months since the Eagles triumphed over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, but Philadephia's Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce aren't prepared to let sleeping dogs lie.Johnson has led the offensive all summer against the AFC champions' ethos and continued the charge Wednesday, claiming Patriots defensive tackle Geneo Grissom dismissed a handshake prior to the Super Bowl despite the fact that the two were collegiate teammates."(Grissom) said, 'No, we’re not friends.' I was like, 'What the f--- are you talking about?" Johnson said, according to Alex Prewitt of Sports Illustrated. "I don’t know if his coach told him to do that or what. I thought it was chickens---.'"Kelce, for his part, fanned the flames with a dig at New England's defensive ranks."The last defense we had seen was Minnesota's, and we were like, 'These dudes have got some players,'" Kelce said. "Then we see (the Patriots) and we're like, 'These dudes have got some ... coaches.'"Prior to last February's Super Bowl, there wasn't much of a natural rivalry between the Eagles and Patriots. As the summer marches on, it seems apparent that two of the NFL's elite are now intertwined in a budding clash.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Harrison's storied time with the Steelers didn't get a fairytale ending, as the recently retired pass-rusher forced his way out of Pittsburgh over playing-time issues before joining the rival New England Patriots.Having played under two of the most successful active head coaches in the league in Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin, Harrison is uniquely positioned to evaluate their skill sets - or in Tomlin's case, point out his flaws."Mike Tomlin is good as a head coach," Harrison said during an appearance on FOX Sports 1's "Undisputed" on Thursday. "He's a players' coach. I think he needs to be a little bit more disciplined."The big thing with Belichick is he's very regimented, he's disciplined, everyone is going to be on the same page, there's not going to be anything as far as someone doing their own thing. I think over there (in New England) their whole coaching staff is like that."Tomlin claimed one Super Bowl and had another title-game appearance during his first four seasons in charge of Pittsburgh, but despite arguably being one of the most talented teams in the league since 2014, the Steelers have yet to come close to adding to their championship collection.With Ben Roethlisberger turning 37 next year and Le'Veon Bell's future uncertain due to a contract standoff, time may be running out for this iteration of the Steelers to fulfill their potential - and if Harrison is to be believed, the key could be a change in philosophy from their head coach.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the eve of the 2018 season's first full-team practices, a number of players vying for starting positions are looking to impress their coaches, while many others are preparing to fight for their football futures.Here are the top five training-camp battles to monitor in the coming weeks:Bills QBsContenders: AJ McCarron, Nathan Peterman, Josh AllenThe Bills are in the midst of a rebuild despite making the playoffs last season for the first time this century. Sean McDermott's team enters a new era with three seemingly uninspiring options at quarterback - two of which have little or no NFL starting experience.McCarron was signed as a free agent in March after spending three seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals' backup, but the value of his contract guarantees him nothing. The former fifth-round pick has just 11 appearances and three starts to his name. Even if he wins the quarterback camp battle, he'll just be keeping the seat warm.Peterman, Buffalo's second option, started two games in 2017 to mostly disastrous results, including a five-interception game against the Chargers. Still, after being thrown into the fire as a rookie, he's reportedly a serious contender to start Week 1.Then there's Allen. The Bills traded up to No. 7 overall in April's draft to select the strong-armed passer, and expectations for the future face of the franchise will be sky-high. Allen, however, is seen as a raw prospect and may have to spend part (or most) of his rookie campaign on the bench. He does possess the most upside, though, so Buffalo may throw him in the deep end early on to lead a team that isn't expected to contend.Projected starter: McCarronCowboys WRs Contenders: Allen Hurns, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup, Deonte ThompsonDez Bryant's release was one of the NFL's top stories this spring. The Cowboys must now replace their most productive receiver in quite some time, and their options don't exactly instill fear into opposing defenses.Dallas brought in Hurns as a free agent, but the former Jacksonville Jaguar has battled injuries and inconsistency since his breakout 2015 season. He's still the team's most talented receiver, though, and he'll be heavily favored to start.The Cowboys drafted Gallup in the third round. The rookie wideout's physicality will impress his coaches, but he's also an impressive route-runner with strong hands. He's a dark horse to emerge as the club's top pass-catcher in 2018.Beasley will likely retain his role as Dallas' primary slot receiver, as Ryan Switzer was traded to the Oakland Raiders in April. Williams will also have a role as a deep threat, but he hasn't made much of an impact over the last two years.The Cowboys also have Noah Brown and rookie Cedrick Wilson as young receiving options, but neither is expected to have a large role. Dallas signed Thompson in March, too, but he could be a victim of the numbers game in camp.Projected starters: Hurns and Gallup out wide, Beasley in the slotPackers CBsContenders: Tramon Williams, Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Quinten RollinsGreen Bay's pass defense has struggled in recent years, but the team now possesses a plethora of young talent at cornerback. It's a good problem to have, but it will lead to an intense camp battle.Williams was surprisingly stellar with the Cardinals in 2017, intercepting two passes and providing excellent coverage. He returns to the team he spent eight seasons with, and a starting spot could be his to lose. King, a second-round pick last year, struggled as a rookie and landed on injured reserve in December, but the former Washington Huskie possesses the size, speed, and athleticism teams covet at the position. A second offseason will benefit him.Rollins may be the odd man out. He's flashed talent during his three-year career, but has mostly battled injuries and inconsistency. His best chance at a job may be in the slot.The Packers spent their top two 2018 draft picks on cornerbacks. The first was Alexander, who lacks size but makes up for it with athleticism, quick feet, and shifty speed. Then there's Jackson, who was a steal at No. 45 after being projected as a first-rounder. His ball skills are elite for a first-year defensive back, but he may need more seasoning than Alexander.Projected starters: Williams and AlexanderJets QBsContenders: Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam DarnoldJets training camp will feature the most interesting quarterback battle in the NFL. The favorite to start Week 1 is McCown, who's entering his 16th campaign. The 39-year-old had his best statistical season in 2017, setting career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. McCown led New York with accurate short passes and effective deep passes in John Morton's first season as offensive coordinator.The veteran's main competitor may be the first-round rookie Darnold. The former USC pivot already possesses starting-level talent, and the Jets didn't draft him No. 3 overall to have him sit on the bench. Most quarterbacks selected in the top 10 start early on, but Darnold has the perfect mentor in McCown in case that doesn't happen.Bridgewater is the real wild card in this camp battle. After suffering a horrific knee injury in 2016, the former Minnesota Viking played in just one contest in 2017 after opening the season on the PUP list. Before the injury, Bridgewater was an efficient, if unspectacular, passer. All reports indicate the former first-round pick has looked solid this spring. Time will tell if it translates to preseason games.Projected starter: DarnoldLions RBsContenders: LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick, Kerryon Johnson, Ameer AbdullahNo Lions running back has rushed for 100 yards in a game since Thanksgiving 2013. That's a span of 68 games. It's not surprising, then, that general manager Bob Quinn prioritized the team's rushing attack this offseason.Detroit signed Blount to a one-year deal to kick things off. The bruising back may not have replicated his 18-touchdown 2016 season with the New England Patriots, but he was an excellent role player in the Eagles' backfield rotation.The Lions drafted Johnson in the second round this April, and believe he can be a three-down back. Even if he doesn't win the starting role Week 1, he'll play an important part in his team's 2018 rotation.Though not a starter, Riddick will retain his role as Detroit's pass-catching back. The veteran played in 45 percent of his team's snaps last season, and 41 percent the year before. Expect his duties to be more of the same.Abdullah will have a shot at earning a role in the Lions' crowded backfield, but he could be on the roster bubble after an inconsistent first three years in the league.Projected starter: LeGarrette Blount(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady and Julian Edelman are good friends, but the receiver reportedly won't follow the quarterback's lead when it comes to his recent suspension.Edelman won't sue the NFL over his four-game ban for using performance-enhancing drugs after an arbitrator upheld the league's ruling, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The 32-year-old missed the entire 2017 campaign due to a knee injury.In Edelman's absence, the Patriots are expected to rely more heavily on the likes of Chris Hogan and Jordan Matthews.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement Thursday regarding the league's policy on protests during the national anthem.The statement says no new rules relating to the anthem will be enforced while the two sides work on a resolution to the controversial issue.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had his rookie campaign cut short by a torn ACL, doesn't expect to be limited as the team reports to camp next week."I feel great," Watson told NFL Network's Kay Adams on Thursday. "I'm getting ready for next week when we report to the Greenbrier. I'm going to be full go.""I'm going 50-plus (touchdowns)," he added. "I'm going for it all."In addition to being healthy, the young pivot said last month he was "light-years" ahead of where he was mentally at the end of last season.Watson exploded onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 2017, accumulating 1,699 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns through just seven games.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.Fantasy owners who miss out on the top four tight ends often wait until much later in the draft to address the position, confident they'll find the next breakout star.It's a good plan, if you can pinpoint which tight ends will return value in the later rounds.Who will exceed expectations?

Russell Wilson's first signature lifestyle sneaker, the Nike DangeRuss 1, made its debut at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, and will now be auctioned off for a good cause.While walking the red carpet, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback announced he would be auctioning off the ESPYs-worn shoes on eBay to benefit his Why Not You Foundation.

James Harrison arrived in Foxboro prepared to hate Tom Brady, but he's now a big fan of the New England Patriots quarterback.The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, who joined the Patriots for the stretch run of the 2017 season, shared his thoughts on Brady during an appearance on FOX Sports 1's "Undisputed" on Thursday."To be honest with you, listen, I wanted to hate this dude," Harrison said. "The whole time I'm playing in Pittsburgh I'm like, 'I hate Brady.' Everyone's like, 'Oh, he's such a great guy, he's such a nice guy.' We got LeGarrette (Blount), he came over and I'm like, 'Man, what's up with Tom Brady?' He's like, 'Aw man, he's a great guy,' I'm like, 'Stop lying to me, no he's not.'""So as soon as I get there, who is the first person I see smiling, happy face? I'm like, 'Yeah he's just doing this cause he got to do it, right? Yeah, he's just faking.' So you watch how he move in the locker room, how he communicates with guys, different guys, guys that'd been there forever, guys that are just getting there, and dude, he's a great guy."He is the ultimate teammate, person," Harrison added. "There's nothing I can knock him for."Harrison announced his retirement from the NFL in April after 15 seasons.Watch his full interview below.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Under the NFL's new national anthem policy, teams can punish protesting players as they see fit, and it appears the Miami Dolphins are taking an aggressive approach.Dolphins players who protest on the field during the anthem could be fined and/or suspended up to four games by the team, according to a private document provided to The Associated Press. Anthem protests are classified as "conduct detrimental to the club" in the document.The NFL and Miami officials declined to comment. However, sources told ESPN's Jeff Darlington that the team only submitted its annual discipline schedule, and has not finalized any such measures regarding the anthem. All teams submit a discipline schedule prior to training camp, and the Dolphins are among the first to report in 2018.Last season, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross withdrew his support for his players' decision to kneel during the anthem after the protests were perceived as anti-military.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans president and CEO Steve Underwood says the team will speak to Jurrell Casey regarding how fines are handed out to anthem protesters during the 2018 season.The star defensive lineman said Wednesday he'll continue to demonstrate during the national anthem and is fully prepared to accept any fines. Under the new rules, however, teams will be fined for protest infractions, not players."I think our head coach (Mike Vrabel) and general manager (Jon Robinson) are interested in having a conversation after he gets back from the United Kingdom," Underwood said Thursday, according to Joey Garrison of The Tennessean. "We think there may be some misunderstanding on his part. Because the new league policy does not provide anywhere that fines are made against players. If a player doesn't stand, the teams can be fined, but not the players."The Titans can, however, set their own policies and fine their players as they see fit.Casey was one of several NFLers who raised a fist during the anthem last season to protest social injustices throughout the country.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh amusement park Kennywood is giving Steelers fans an area to call their own.Kennywood announced Thursday that it's collaborated with the Steelers to open "Steelers Country," a themed area with exclusive merchandise, skill games, and a roller coaster called the Steel Curtain. The ride will feature a North American-record nine inversions - including a 197-foot-tall loop - and will be the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania at 220 feet."Steelers County" is expected to open in 2019.

More than five months after being named Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles remains atop the NFL mountain.The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback led the NFL Players Association's official Top 50 Players Sales List for all merchandise sold from March 1-May 31, with Tom Brady in second and Foles' teammate, Carson Wentz rounding out the top three.Foles' previous highest ranking was No. 18 in the third quarter of 2015.Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley finished the period with the most jersey sales "by a wide margin." Other items considered official merchandise include bobbleheads, youth apparel, socks, wall decals, cake decorations, and more.The NFLPA's top 10 among all licensed products sold can be viewed below, while the entire top 50 can be seen here.