NFL mandatory minicamps: Wrapping up biggest storylines of past couple weeks
NFL mandatory minicamps have come and gone, and now all 32 teams break until meeting again for training camp in July. The news cycle will ratchet back up then, but it's not like these past couple weeks were quiet. Here's your guide to everything of significance that happened. Click on the storyline to jump to that section.
What do you get for the Ravens who have everything? Jaire Alexander
Advertisement
Travis Kelce's decision to return 'wasn't very tough'
Brian Daboll: 'No' concern Malik Nabers will be ready for training camp
Shedeur Sanders' next Browns reps will come at training camp
Micah Parsons dishes on Cowboys waiting to sign him
Shemar Stewart brings messy Bengals negotiation public
Bengals, Trey Hendrickson are talking again
Aaron Rodgers practices with Steelers as T.J. Watt holds out
Anthony Richardson dealing with injury, uncertain Colts future
Terry McLaurin among high-profile minicamp holdouts
Will Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey and/or Jonnu Smith?
NFL training camp schedule
Ravens add Jaire Alexander to stacked roster
There's not a lot of significant player movement left to be done this offseason, but Baltimore pounced when the Packers released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. Lamar Jackson played with Alexander at Louisville and stumped for the team to sign him. There aren't many weaknesses on this Ravens roster, and it's one of the early favorites to win the Super Bowl. Adding Alexander to an already talented secondary only helped.
Travis Kelce: 'I just felt like I failed my guys'
The Chiefs mostly went about their business at mandatory minicamp, but Travis Kelce did talk to the media about his decision to return for another season, which he said "wasn't a very tough one." Kelce is 35 and in his 13th season, and he's coming off a down year. Almost every NFL tight end ever has had a significant dropoff when they enter the same career stage. "I just didn't make the plays I feel like I should have made," the future Hall of Famer said. "I didn't get open in certain situations. ... Motivating my guys to get the energy and the focus and the confidence we needed during that game. In that area, I just felt like I failed my guys." Kelce decided to try to rectify it.
Advertisement
Malik Nabers expected to be ready for Giants camp despite toe injury
A toe injury could seriously hinder a player, especially a speedy receiver like Malik Nabers, who burst onto the scene as a rookie last season. Giants head coach Brian Daboll, however, told the media there's no concern over Nabers being ready for training camp with the toe injury, even though he didn't participate on field at OTAs or mandatory minis. Good news for a budding star.
Shedeur Sanders, Browns QB battle will reconvene in July
"Everybody's got to earn their keep," Browns general manager Andrew Berry told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein this month Berea. That includes all four quarterbacks competing for the starting job, from current favorite Joe Flacco to much-discussed fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders, from veteran presumptive backup Kenny Pickett to third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. The next look we'll get here is at training camp, and while Sanders' chances of starting Week 1 still seem very slim, the path does exist. Though they probably weren't helped by a reported speeding ticket for driving over 100 miles an hour.
Micah Parsons: Waiting 'is going to cost (Cowboys) more'
After participating in mandatory minicamp and speaking diplomatically about his quest for a mammoth contract extension, Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons said "it's going to cost them more eventually," according to Clarence Hill of DLLS. It's not exactly a controversial comment, but it does mark a slight departure from how cordial both sides were being. Let's see how it further unfolds, and when the Cowboys — who notoriously slow-play retaining in-house talent — finally get the extension done.
Bengals making mess of Shemar Stewart rookie contract
Cincinnati and its first-round pick are at an impasse, and Shemar Stewart decided he's done letting it mostly play out in private. "I'm 100 percent right. I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before,' Stewart said. 'But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games." Stewart took other pointed shots at the Bengals before leaving minicamp early, and is reportedly asking for the same first-round rookie contract past Bengals picks have received. The team, for whatever reason, is unwilling to agree. Unless there's something else going on, it's time for the Bengals to stop this ridiculous haggling.
Bengals resume talks with Trey Hendrickson
After taking care of the Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins deals early in the offseason, the Bengals have let their next big contract situation linger. Pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is the reigning NFL sack king and one of the few reliable pieces on Cincinnati's defense. Hendrickson sat out of mandatory minis, but he and the Bengals are at least talking again, according to reports, so there's that. Will an extension get done?
Aaron Rodgers debuts with Steelers as T.J. Watt doesn't report
Aaron Rodgers has officially practiced with the Steelers, and even revealed he's a married man. And while T.J. Watt missed mandatory minicamp in search of a new contract, the Steelers that Yahoo Sports' Jay Busbee talked to while in Pittsburgh didn't sound too concerned. All's well and good in Western PA. In mid-June, at least.
How bad is Anthony Richardson's shoulder injury?
Richardson still has no clear timetable to return from a sore AC joint in his throwing shoulder. And then news broke that he visited renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles about it. ElAttrache operated on that same shoulder in 2023, which sidelined Richardson for most of his rookie season. Richardson needs to beat out Daniel Jones for the starting job and show progress this season, or his time with the Colts could come to an early end.
Terry McLaurin holds out of Commanders minicamp over contract
Washington's top wide receiver is entering the final year of his deal and looking for a long-term extension. He caught 13 touchdowns last season and developed great chemistry with Jayden Daniels, and while McLaurin does turn 30 in September, there's no reason to think he'll slow down anytime soon. There doesn't seem to be much that could derail the Commanders' forward momentum, but if this contract situation doesn't get resolved, it might.
Will Dolphins find trade partners for Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith?
Both Ramsey and Smith missed minicamp, and Ramsey's absence was excused, per head coach Mike McDaniel. Ramsey turns 31 this season but also a seven-time Pro Bowler who has the game and versatility to age well. Smith, meanwhile, turns 30 in August and made his first Pro Bowl last season after either tying or setting career highs with 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. So far, there doesn't seem to be much of a market for either player, at least at Miami's asking price. Will that change this summer?
NFL training camp schedule
Rookies start reporting on July 12, and the first full-squad reports are the Chargers on Thursday, July 17 and Lions on Saturday, July 19. Most teams report on Tuesday, July 22. Check out the full schedule of NFL training camp report dates for rookies and veterans, plus team locations, right here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Chivu's Tactical Changes At Inter Milan Promising – But Physical Condition Still Sorely Lacking At FIFA Club World Cup
Chivu's Tactical Changes At Inter Milan Promising – But Physical Condition Still Sorely Lacking At FIFA Club World Cup Tactical changes from Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan are promising, but physical condition is still sorely lacking at the Club World Cup. This according to today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Cristian Chivu took charge of his first match as Inter Milan coach against Monterrey this week. The Nerazzurri's Club World Cup group stage opener saw them line up in a very familiar 3-5-2 shape. However, that does not mean that Chivu did not make some tweaks to the team. In particular, the midfield looked to be working a bit differently than it had under Simone Inzaghi. Chivu looked to provide more support to the forward line. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and then Nicola Zalewski, played very attacking roles in the central trio. Moreover, Inter experimented with 3-4-1-2 and 3-4-2-1 shapes in the second half. Chivu Tactical Changes Promising At Inter – But Physical Condition Still Lackin LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Head coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale Milano after disembarking at Los Angeles International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) As the Gazzetta note, however, it was still clear to see that Inter Milan are struggling to put the long season behind them. Advertisement The Nerazzurri played their sixtieth match of the campaign against Monterrey. And that was evident in a lot of the players' legs. This is a problem for Chivu particularly considering his apparent desire to see the team press higher. The Romanian tactician is relying more on the team being aggressive when they lose the ball. One midfielder at least steps higher than the two-man united behind him. And there is more man-to-man marking. That type of defensive intensity requires a lot of energy and athleticism. Something in somewhat short supply for Inter at the moment. Meanwhile, on set pieces there are also mixed signs. Advertisement The opening goal by Monterrey exposed Inter's lack of familiarity with the zonal marking that Chivu wants them to transition to. But on the other hand, the Lautaro Martinez's equalizer for the Nerazzurri showed that Cristian Chivu may have a few new tricks up his sleeve in terms of free kick routines.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rays pitcher carted off field after foul ball strikes him in dugout
Hunter Bigge of the Tampa Bay Rays is carted off after getting hit by a foul ball off the bat of Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. -Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field in a frightening scene Thursday night after he was struck by a foul ball in the dugout. In the top of the seventh inning, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman fouled a pitch into the Tampa Bay dugout and it hit Bigge, a 27-year-old right-hander currently on the injured list. Advertisement Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived to attend to Bigge. After several quiet minutes as Rays players knelt in the field, Bigge was placed on a backboard and carted off. Bigge, on the 15-day injured list with a lat strain, gave a thumbs-up gesture as the Steinbrenner Field crowd rose for a standing ovation. The game resumed after an eight-minute delay with Baltimore leading 4-1. Bigge was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round of the 2019 amateur draft from Harvard and made his major league debut for them on July 9 last year. He was traded 19 days later to Tampa Bay along with Christopher Morel and minor leaguer Ty Johnson for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. In 32 career appearances, including one start, Bigge has a 2.51 ERA and one save. This season, he has a 2.40 ERA in 13 relief outings covering 15 innings. Advertisement The Rays told CNN in a statement: 'Hunter Bigge was struck in the cheek but is conscious and speaking with doctors. He will undergo further testing tonight and will continue to be monitored.' For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Lionel Messi: The player who's bigger than the club… and the FIFA Club World Cup tournament?
There's a well-worn cliché in soccer: No player is bigger than the club. At the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday in Atlanta, with the event still in its infancy, that old saying was tossed to the side and replaced by a question on the lips of the 31,783 in attendance – can a player be bigger than the tournament? The soccer star in question, of course, was a certain Lionel Andrés Messi, for whom the masses had made their pilgrimage to worship, as his Inter Miami took on Portuguese giant FC Porto in the second matchday of Group A. But until a magical Messi moment in the 54th minute, the match was in danger of becoming a mere sideshow to supporters expressing their admiration – actually, more like unbridled passion – for the 37-year-old who has long cemented his status as one of the greats of the sport. And let's face it: winning nearly everything of note for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – as well as his country of Argentina, who is the reigning World Cup champion – doesn't exactly hurt his case. Ahead of kickoff outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it was evident how the pull of Messi knows no limits – or rather miles. While there were supporters from Atlanta in attendance, CNN Sports spoke with families from Louisiana, Alabama, Charleston, Washington DC, and Buffalo, as well as Puerto Rico and Dublin, Ireland. They had made the journey for one reason, despite one fan doing his best to convince all in earshot, including himself, that 'we are here for the football!' Inside, when Messi was introduced 30 minutes ahead of kickoff, the roar from the fairly sparse crowd resembled an environment more in keeping with a sold out stadium. It went up a couple of notches when he walked out again to a fuller house, as the players made their individual entrances to the field, seemingly a nod towards the Americanization of the sport – as FIFA President Gianni Infantino told CNN Sports' Coy Wire recently, this tournament will deliver '63 Super Bowls in one month.' Upon kickoff, with seemingly every touch of the ball from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, the sounds from the stands ranged from 'ooh's' to whistles, with the 'Me-ssi!' chant the most popular. It was bordering on surprising that the crowd didn't serenade the Argentine with a chorus of 'Happy Birthday' given the Barça legend turns 38 on Tuesday. The match was a slow-burner, but exploded into life in the second half. Inter Miami found itself a goal down at the break, courtesy of an early penalty from Porto's Samu Aghehowa. After the spot kick was converted, Messi's reaction from near the center circle was to keep his hand firmly on his hip and not move a muscle for a good 10 seconds in a manner which suggested: 'This wasn't the plan.' Perhaps, then, it was Porto which didn't plan on Inter Miami's rapid response. Just two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia's smart finish flew past goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos to level the score, and seven minutes later, Messi stepped up. In every way. A free kick on the edge of the box, which the Argentine star won, brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. A sense of inevitability hung in the air as the maestro marked his territory and figured out the exact angle to place a whipped shot into the corner of the net. You almost had to feel for Ramos, who couldn't lay a glove on either strike. The goal was a thing of beauty, as we have been treated to so frequently over the years, with Portuguese defender José Fonte lauding Messi on the DAZN broadcast: 'Touched by God, isn't he? Incredible. What a player.' The stunner ended up not just being the match winner but resulted in the first time a team from the CONCACAF region has defeated a European side in a competitive fixture. It was Messi's 50th goal for the team as well. Not too shabby for a Thursday afternoon in the middle of June. A point in the final group game against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras next Monday will guarantee Inter Miami's place in the knockout phase. Cutting through the noise and one wonders what the powers at be in FIFA make of it all. The sport's governing body essentially fast-tracked Inter Miami into the 32-team tournament, not by virtue of winning the MLS Cup, but rather the regular season Supporters' Shield, which may have come with a trophy, but is ultimately a pathway into the postseason. Messi and Miami were shockingly bounced last year in a best-of-three playoff series by the team which can normally be found playing at this stunning 70,000-capacity stadium, Atlanta United, with the MLS Cup eventually hoisted aloft by LA Galaxy. But the Seattle Sounders and LAFC completed the contingent of the three MLS sides in the Club World Cup, leaving the Galaxy on the outside looking in, gazing enviously at the brightest star of them all. And with the Club World Cup finally finding its feet, thanks to Messi's left foot resulting in one of the tournament's first signature moments, the reality remains that he is what has drawn the crowds here on Thursday, and last Saturday to boot, with the opening game of the tournament attracting over 60,000 fans to Hard Rock Stadium in Messi's American base of Miami. Inter Miami is a relatively new MLS franchise, with co-owner David Beckham – who may have felt a modicum of sympathy for his former club, the LA Galaxy, not getting an invite to FIFA's party – the original reason for this franchise gaining relevance in 2018. Whether the Club World Cup – which is set to take place every four years, the same cycle as the slightly more established FIFA World Cup, which will be 96 years old next summer – can grow in stature remains to be seen. In the here and now, Messi and Messi alone is on the mind of everyone fortunate enough to witness him in action. And that extends to the players as well. When CNN Sports speaks with Messi's teammate Fafà Picault after the match, the three words the winger associates with the soccer superstar are 'leader, winner, and winner again,' before noting, 'Sometimes, it's not always said with words but just with signals and body actions, so we try to read off of that. Obviously, we have conversations behind doors, but there's a lot more than just talking that can show signs of leadership.' And on Thursday, Lionel Messi's actions spoke far louder than words.
