NFL

McVay’s comments don’t give us much to go on at this time, but it sounds like the Rams are still working through things with their star linebacker. It was reported on Sunday that the Rams granted Jones permission to seek a trade as he reportedly seeks a new contract. Jones wasn’t seen at practice on Monday, but it doesn’t sound like a parting between the two sides is imminent at this time. This won’t be the last we hear about this situation.

Lamb becomes the second-highest-paid receiver in the league on a per-year basis and will receive a $38 million signing bonus — the largest ever for a receiver, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Lamb was one of three receivers sitting out camp hoping for a new deal and becomes the first one signed, leaving Brandon Aiyuk and Ja’Marr Chase still to go. Lamb caught 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns last season — all career highs — and should flirt with similar totals this season playing in a Cowboys offense that appears short on running back talent. Fantasy managers who were worried about him potentially missing the start of the season can rest easy, as Lamb should have more than enough time to get up to speed before Week 1’s opener against the Browns.

Breida wasn’t expected to be long for the 49ers after signing with them earlier this month. His signing came following an injury to Isaac Guerendo, and the Niners are already deep at running back with Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason sitting atop the depth chart. In addition to Breida, the 49ers also released RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn and waived P Pressley Harvin, OL Lewis Kidd, and WR Jontre Kirklin.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bucs are holding a practice spot for Shepard, meaning he’ll likely revert to the practice squad after cutdowns are finalized on Tuesday. Shepard caught on with the Bucs this offseason, thanks in part to Baker Mayfield, who recruited him to the team after the pair spent two seasons together at Oklahoma. Shepard did not play a snap in the Buccaneers’ preseason.

Warren was seen doing some light running at Steelers practice on Monday, a good indicator that he’s on track to recover by the team’s Week 1 opener. As far as fantasy is concerned, Warren’s return likely has more of an impact on Cordarrelle Patterson than it does Najee Harris, as Patterson figured to work in on pass-catching downs as long as Warren was out. A multi-year knower of Arthur Smith’s system, Patterson could still see some work, making Warren a risky fantasy option to start the season. He shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a high-end RB3 with RB2 upside.

It was reported earlier this month that Nacua should be ready for Week 1 after suffering a knee injury in camp. His return to practice with more than a week to go before the start of the season is a good sign he’ll be ready when he and the Rams kick off against the Lions on September 8. Nacua enters 2024 with sky-high expectations after going for 105-1486-6 in his rookie campaign. He has low-end WR1 and high-end WR2 upside but would project as a week-to-week WR1 if Cooper Kupp were ever to miss time.

This is good news for Gibbs, who was first reported to be dealing with a hamstring injury back on August 12. With nearly two weeks to go before the start of the season, it doesn’t sound like there’s any real concern around Gibbs and his Week 1 availability. Assuming he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, fantasy managers wondering whether or not they can take Gibbs in the late first/early second round of drafts can do so with confidence. Gibbs finished as the RB8 in fantasy points per game last season in full-PPR leagues and should have another high-end RB1 fantasy season in him heading into his second year as a pro.

Anderson was dealing with what the team initially called a soft-tissue injury back on August 7. We haven’t seen much from him since, but we now know the injury is related to his ankle. While he hasn’t practiced in weeks, Ryans appears optimistic about Anderson’s availability for Week 1. Anderson totaled 45 tackles, 10 TFLs, and seven sacks as a rookie and is expected to take a big leap forward in his second season as a pro.

Corral continues to struggle to stick on rosters, although his signing by the Vikings late in camp was enough to suggest he wouldn’t be long for the roster. In addition to Corral, the Vikings also waived RB DeWayne McBride, TE Sammis Reyes, RB Mo Ibrahim, CB Jaylin Williams, TE Neal Johnson, WR Justin Hall, LB Owen Porter, OL Chuck Filiaga, OL Doug Nester, OL Matt Cindric, OL Spencer Rolland, and DL Tyler Manoa.

It would be easy to conclude from this quote that Maye is the frontrunner in the competition to be the Patriots’ Week 1 starter, but Mayo then added, “Now in saying that, we have to take in the full body of work, going all the way back to the spring and beginning of training camp. And we’ll see where we end up.” Later in the day, Mayo conceded that Maye has been better in-game than Brissett but once again reiterated that it “is the total body of work” throughout the offseason that will determine who the starter is. Maye undoubtedly gives the Patriots more upside, but whether or not the team wants to risk starting him for a full season in what is a rebuilding year is an entirely other thing to consider. It doesn’t sound like a decision will be reached on the starter today, but Maye has undeniably closed the gap in a competition that felt largely decided entering camp.