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Brock Purdy on pace for season opener after surgery

6/7/2023

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy recently began throwing after his elbow surgery. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he hasn't specifically seen Purdy throw yet, but that he's "on pace."

Kyle Shanahan expands on Brock Purdy’s progress, who now is throwing three times per week pic.twitter.com/H04NjeHnPd
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) June 6, 2023

It is not yet known if Purdy will be recovered enough to participate in training camp, but if he's truly on pace, he should be ready to start come September. Trey Lance and Sam Darnold are the other QBs on the 49ers' roster.

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Trevor Lawrence had his best season as a pro in 2022, giving new light to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have been searching for a franchise quarterback for what seems like...forever. Lawrence is eager to build on last year and he says keeping the same staff is a big plus. "To have the same staff, to have a lot of the same players, to have the carryover, and the system, that feels good having that and being able to focus on little parts of my game instead of just making sure I got the installs and know the plan coming into practice."

Even though the Detroit Lions drafted rookie QB Hendon Hooker in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jared Goff is the locked-in starter at the start of the season. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson says training camp will be the first test for the QBs sitting behind Goff. "I love the QBs room right now. There's a great camaraderie in there and I think that's really important when you define that backup quarterback position... We've got a really good group. They're learning, they're growing."

The Washington Commanders are committed to second-year QB Sam Howell for 2023, but head coach Ron Rivera said veteran Jacoby Brissett will also get first-team reps before they name a starter in September.

Ron Rivera’s presser:
• Chase Young “absolutely” remains a starter
• Rivera is confident Young’s knee is healthy but “the proof will be in the pudding”
• Rivera still considers it a competition between Howell and Brissett and it’ll be discussed whether to get JB 1st team reps pic.twitter.com/2YPbnvnDsU
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 6, 2023

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said QB Aaron Rodgers will do everything other than 11-on-11 drills during this week's practice after tweaking his calf last month. Even though he'll practice in a limited fashion, Saleh said of Rodgers, "There's been some wow moments."

Justin Herbert gets to next step after shoulder surgery

6/6/2023

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent shoulder surgery this offseason (non-throwing shoulder) and has been slowly working his way back to the field. Herbert said he plans to participate in team drills this week after he had just been working on the side. Herbert returning to team drills already is a good sign that he'll be ready to go for training camp next month.

Justin Herbert said the plan is for him to work back into 7-on-7 drills this week during OTAs. Would be his first team drills of the offseason. Herbert has been rehabbing from labrum surgery he underwent in January on his non-throwing shoulder.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) June 5, 2023

On top of returning to the field, Herbert is also due a huge payday soon and head coach Brandon Staley acknowledged that those talks and negotiations are ongoing.

Herbert didn't exactly give a straight answer when asked if he would play this upcoming season without a new contract. "That's a good question. I think that's something you have to address and you have to think about."

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New England Patriots QB Mac Jones had a down season in 2022 but is committing to getting back to his rookie-season-form. "I'm going to do everything I can to earn the respect of everybody in this building again. Sometimes the most confident people come from a year where they might not have been their best. I feel like that's where I'm at. Really great people are formed through ups and downs. Some of the learning experiences I had last year will really help. There's a lot of things I can do better as a person, as a player."

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith cashed in this offseason and now has a rare sense of security with the team. Smith says although he welcomes this change, he's not really doing anything different than he had been doing before. "So I was leading these guys when I was the backup. Leadership doesn't have a title. You're either a leader or you're not. Leadership, to me, it's something I've been about my whole life. I just continued to do the same things, I haven't changed anything."

A few Dallas Cowboys are patiently waiting in line for a contract extension, QB Dak Prescott included. Team owner Jerry Jones says those other contract-eligible players don't "necessarily" have to happen before Prescott's turn comes.
- The Cowboys worked out QB Jacob Eason on Monday.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said “it is not imperative” to ramp up contract extension discussions with players before training camp. Does Dak Prescott deal need to be done before others, given its scale? “Not necessarily. …Pollard has nothing to do with Dak.” pic.twitter.com/QaecRZoGID
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 5, 2023

Arizona Cardinals backup QB Colt McCoy has been dealing with a slew of injuries since the end of last season, but said he's determined to continue playing as long as he can.

“I still want to play. I’m still confident I can play.”

Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy says he evaluated if he wanted to continue to play or retire this offseason. @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/QOCbikFyCl
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) June 5, 2023

The San Francisco 49ers worked out XFL QB Jack Coan.

Tom Brady insists (again) that he's retiring for real

6/2/2023

Tom Brady is once again reiterating that he does not intend to return to playing football. Rumors about his return will swirl forever, but recently resurfaced because of his involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders. I won't believe it until I see it, personally.

Tom Brady is not coming back, from Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/1DrYsyfAkl
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) June 1, 2023

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The Tennessee Titans have a new offensive coordinator this season and with that comes learning a new offense. QB Ryan Tannehill says the team is going through the motions - and that includes making mistakes. "A lot of new stuff, terminology, concepts, blocking schemes, the whole thing. There are a lot of mistakes being made, but they're good mistakes. We're growing from them."
- Rookie QB Will Levis is also not beating himself up over mistakes. "I know I have more opportunities tomorrow and the next day, so I'm not going to beat myself up. High standards is the name of the game."

Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell is heading into his first season as a full-time starting quarterback. And with that, comes leadership. Howell is wearing a microphone at practice so the coaching staff can hear him making plays and engaging with teammates. "It's real interesting to watch the way you can see him stepping into the huddle," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He's taking charge, taking command."

The New England Patriots landed free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason, giving QB Mac Jones a new weapon. Jones says himself and Smith-Schuster are already gaining chemistry on and off the field. "He just came off a Super Bowl team, so what a great value to our offense. Obviously, when he gets on the field, that's going to be great because he has the experience and he loves talking about football."

The Kansas City Chiefs are highly optimistic about second-year receiver Justyn Ross, with head coach Andy Reid saying he already has the trust of QB Patrick Mahomes.

“Justyn is coming along. He feels good, his foot feels good (and) the surgery that he had worked out well up to this point. He’s made some nice plays for us out here. I know Pat’s (Mahomes) got trust in him, so that’s good to see.” - Andy Reid. https://t.co/GEwuwOWWf0
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) June 1, 2023

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love and wide receiver Romeo Doubs are starting off the offseason on the right foot with a constant connection. In a two-minute drill, Love and Doubs connected on four passes during Thursday's practice.

While the San Francisco 49ers appear committed to QB Brock Purdy when he's healthy, general manager John Lynch is also impressed with Trey Lance and how he's progressed this offseason. "We're extremely high on Trey... Trey came back off a broken and dislocated ankle, and he's out there, has had a really, really quality offseason. So we still remain very high on Trey."

Houston Texans rookie QB CJ Stroud is taking first-team reps at OTAs and is in line to start come September. New head coach DeMeco Ryans is impressed by Stroud thus far. "CJ is progressing well. Each day, he continues to get better, continues to get more comfortable with the verbiage of the offense and his command of the huddle."

Aaron Rodgers still limited in Jets OtAs

6/1/2023

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tweaked his calf during last week's OTA workouts, and he'll remain limited for a little bit longer, head coach Robert Saleh said. The hope is that he's back to full strength next week.

Robert Saleh says Aaron Rodgers is “fine,” but will be limited today. They’re working to get him full by next week #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 31, 2023

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The Washington Commanders are going all-in with second-year quarterback Sam Howell in 2023, and he has the support of the organization and his teammates. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin says his leadership is one of the best things about Howell's growth. "I think Sam has a real quiet confidence about him. He's not gonna tell people what to do, but he knows what he's doing when he gets out on the field."

Since undergoing elbow surgery this offseason, questions about the timeline of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's recovery have risen throughout recent weeks. Purdy started throwing last week in a limited session and General Manager John Lynch said the team is encouraged by his recovery and hopes he can be ready in time to kick off the 2023 season. "As for best-case scenario, we'll take it as it comes. The hope is he's ready for training camp. The hope is he's ready for the regular season."
- Lynch also reiterated that Purdy is likely to be the starter in September (if he's healthy), saying, "Brock is the leader in the clubhouse, as we said, but it's open for competition."

The Cleveland Browns offense was less than explosive in 2022, mostly due in large part to QB Deshaun Watson's suspension. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt spoke about the improvement that the passing game needs to make in 2023.

#Browns OC Alex Van Pelt on making improving the deep passing game a priority. pic.twitter.com/v4XbVOAgp6
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) May 31, 2023

Trask and Mayfield to split reps for Bucs

5/31/2023

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be under the microscope this offseason as they determine who will start at quarterback come September. Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield will be splitting reps for most of the summer. Head coach Todd Bowles discusses the process.

"It's constant analysis from now up until we name a starter."

□️: HC Todd Bowles on the QB competition pic.twitter.com/74qTliLksf
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 30, 2023

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Joe Burrow is due a lucrative contract extension any day now, but the numbers are still being worked out. Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin says he doesn't know how it'll end up, but that it's going to be big. We know this.

"Joe Burrow will be paid well and he's earned it..

He's great to work with and we know we'll get a deal worked out" ~ Duke Tobin #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nPoQHckHh5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 25, 2023

As the Cleveland Browns get ready for Year Two with QB Deshaun Watson (after a small sample-size from Year One), head coach Kevin Stefanski says Watson is on track to improve from 2022. "I would just tell you he's done a really nice job throughout this entire offseason of being diligent about understanding the playbook, understanding his teammates every single day. There are always going to be things that you want to get back and do a little bit differently. That's no different than every player at every position, but he's right where he needs to be."
- On possibly acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins? Watson says, "He's always been a brother of mine since I was coming out of high school. Our connection, our relationship has always been great. And I know there's a lot of things swirling in the media about him possibly coming to Cleveland. For me, my answer to that is, of course we'd love to have him."

The Miami Dolphins were noticeably better with wide receiver Tyreek Hill in 2022, and he believes QB Tua Tagovailoa will continue to get even better in 2023. "Having Tua at quarterback and having the offensive guru we have in our head coach is wonderful. Having those weapons at his disposal, he's going to go crazy."

New York Giants rookie center John Michael Schmitz practices the "dead snap" technique of snapping the ball to the QB, and while he has stated that he'll change his way of doing things if QB Daniel Jones prefers otherwise, Jones says, "As long as it gets back to me."

Jimmy Garoppolo had foot surgery in March

5/26/2023

During Las Vegas Raiders OTAs, new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo did not participate in practice, as he has not been cleared.

.@Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo has not been cleared to practice due to foot injury. Could be out until training camp
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) May 25, 2023

Garoppolo had surgery on his foot in March and is expected to miss Raiders OTAs. Garoppolo's rehabilitation timeline is uncertain, but the feeling in the building is that he should be ready by the beginning of the season at the latest. Head coach Josh McDaniels refused to comment on Garoppolo's surgery on Thursday, the severity, and the timeline of recovery.

By focusing on his recovery, Garoppolo aims to strengthen his foot and regain full mobility - however less time with new teammates and being on a new team in general is likely not going to be beneficial for him.

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Trey Lance and Patrick Mahomes were spotted working out together earlier this offseason. The young San Francisco 49ers QB and the reigning Super Bowl MVP are both known for their athleticism. Lance says he took away a lot about what Mahomes taught him. "I learned a ton. I was able to focus on the right things. Just having a better idea, even better this year coming into year three of what is expected of me, how to run the offense, being able to watch Jimmy [Garoppolo] and Brock [Purdy] play at such a high level."

Indianapolis Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson is splitting first-team reps with Gardner Minshew so far in OTAs. While it's expected that Richardson will be the starter in September, it looks like he'll have to earn it.

Colts have wrapped up today's OTA practice. Coach Shane Steichen says he had Gardner Minshew and Anthony Richardson split first-team QB reps because it is major step in their evaluation of Richardson.

"Everything is an evaluation," he said.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 25, 2023

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson showed up to OTAs looking noticeably thinner and leaner. While he didn't go into details about how much weight he lost, Wilson is likely aiming to enhance his agility, speed, and overall performance on the field for the upcoming season.

Russell Wilson looks slimmer: "I feel great. I feel lean and mean ready to go. And focused. ''
How many pounds has he dropped?
"I'm not worried about that, I'm not counting. All I know is I'm excited to play again."#9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) May 25, 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed WR Allen Robinson this offseason, and so far, he's impressed with second-year QB Kenny Pickett. "I was impressed when I got here. Watching somebody from the outside looking in, you definitely see the talent. Once you actually get in the facility and are able to be around Kenny, you see why he is successful."

Aaron Rodgers has minor calf injury during otas

5/24/2023

Aaron Rodgers is in attendance for OTAs with the New York Jets, but he wasn't doing much work on Tuesday due to a potential ankle injury. Rodgers was seen limping on the field where he then went to speak with the strength and conditioning staff. The good news? It's May. The best time to get injured.

The injury appeared to be only a "tweak," although it's something worth keeping an eye on as the offseason progresses.

Aaron Rodgers may have hurt his ankle during a drill; he was limping a little bit. He’s off to the side and not working out with the other QBs. #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/tJ1T8tsHfT
— Justin Walters (@JustinWaltersTV) May 23, 2023

It was later determined that the injury for Rodgers was a calf strain.

I’m told Aaron Rodgers has a strained calf, per sources. It’s considered minor as of now. The anticipation is he should be back fairly quick. #Jets
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 23, 2023

While the initial issue seems to minor, it's worth monitoring as calf injuries can tend to linger. But the fact that this happened now is better than it happening later.

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Geno Smith had a career year in 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks and is looking to continue the trend. Smith secured a three-year, $105 million contract this offseason, but Smith says he's still taking his career one year at a time. "It's still year-by-year. I've got to look at it like that. It's one year at a time for me."

The Carolina Panthers picked QB Bryce Young with the first pick in the 2023 draft, but they also made sure to have strong veteran support for Young as he heads into his first season as a professional. One strong supporter is veteran QB Andy Dalton, who will take over as the mentor role as Young transitions to the NFL. And so far, Dalton likes what he sees from the rookie. "Bryce's been great from the day he got here. I think that's the reason why we picked him, because of his makeup. Smart kid - nothing seems too big for him."

The Houston Texans drafted rookie CJ Stroud with the second pick in this year's draft, but QB Davis Mills says he's still working on competing for the starting spot.

Davis Mills: “I’m still competing for that starting job.” pic.twitter.com/yiz9rcOqP7
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) May 23, 2023

Lamar Jackson reported to Baltimore Ravens OTAs on Day 2 of workouts.

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said earlier this offseason he was going to incorporate martial arts training, specifically jiu-jitsu into his workout routine. Now, head coach Mike McDaniel says the team has involved martial arts-style training into all the Dolphins' QBs' workouts. "We've incorporated it into some of the drill work we do with the quarterbacks."

Jordan Love has entered his first offseason as a starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur sees some things he can work on - but there are things he's doing well, too.

Matt LaFleur on Jordan Love’s first two days of OTAs: “A lot of good things and a lot to clean up.”

Also added “We’ve got to see what everybody else around him can do, too.”
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 23, 2023

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went on a podcast saying he wasn't initially rooting for second-year QB Kenny Pickett because he didn't want the fans to forget about him. Eyeroll city. Pickett took the high road. "We'll continue to build that relationship, and I'll reach out if I have any questions. I'm excited to go into Year Two with another guy in my corner pulling for me."

The San Francisco 49ers' QB battle has begun. Enter Brock Purdy and his elbow. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy's plan is to begin throwing sometime next week, putting him in the clear to return for training camp.
- While the plan is for Purdy to be ready to go for the season opener, Purdy says he's "feeling good and taking it one day at a time. I feel good. Arm is feeling good. So, to say I'm going to be ready by this time or this time, we're not trying to label any kind of timeline like that."

#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan says Brock Purdy will be allowed to start throwing sometime next week.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) May 23, 2023

Steelers extend backup Mitch Trubisky

5/18/2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed backup QB Mitch Trubisky to a two-year contract extension. General Manager Omar Khan announced a deal was close on the Pat McAfee Show, and a confirmed deal was announced shortly thereafter.

Details: It’s a 2-year extension for Mitch Trubisky that also lowers the QB’s cap number for the 2023 season (previously $10M). The two sides have agreed, as Omar Khan said on @PatMcAfeeShow. https://t.co/LdE6gNvY3J
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2023

Trubisky started for the Steelers for a short time before the team handed the keys to Kenny Pickett, who will be the expected starter in 2023. Trubisky is a solid backup who can win you a game or two if needed, but probably isn't consistent enough to be a starter in the NFL.

Pittsburgh also re-signed third-stringer Mason Rudolph earlier this week, giving Pickett a strong sense of continuity in the quarterback room for September.

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The Indianapolis Colts picked QB Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in this year's draft, and he's impressed the organization thus far. Including QB Gardner Minshew. "He's making the right checks, doing that kind of stuff. And that's how you kind of gradually earn respect, and, eventually, earn that kind of leadership spot. I think he's coming out with a great attitude, very humble, willing to learn, willing to admit he's wrong. Those are all very important things in the process of getting better."

Matt Ryan recently inked a new broadcasting deal with CBS, but he isn't officially retiring. Ryan says he has learned not to "shut any doors" when it comes to the NFL and has no plans to retire as of right now. Translation: He gets $12 million from the Colts for not playing.

Former #Falcons and #Colts QB Matt Ryan to ⁦@SiriusXMNFL⁩ on possible return: “All the stars would have to (align). I've just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I've played, to just not shut any doors.”

Story: https://t.co/SIYW7316UR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2023

Orlando Brown will be protecting a new quarterback in 2023, and so far, he's a fan of Joe Burrow. "He's just cool. Very easy to talk to. Very personable. Very much himself around every single setting that I've been around. Friends, people on the team, whatever it is. As a man, it's easy to respect another man like that. When you've got a quarterback like that, the sky's the limit."

Josh McCown has been a strong presence in the Carolina Panthers' coaching rooms as of late, attending prospects' Pro Days and working directly with the QB room. McCown said his main job right now is to translate rookie QB Bryce Young's skillset to the NFL.
- The Panthers released QB Jacob Eason.

Panthers QB coach Josh McCown on Bryce Young's footwork: "He has a playmaking capacity to him that's special to his game, and we want to honor that. But at the NFL, we have to help him mold what he does best to the NFL. That's a fun process."
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) May 18, 2023

Josh Allen takes batting practice with Blue Jays

5/17/2023

Buffalo Bills quarterbacks Josh Allen, Matt Barkley, and Kyle Allen attended Toronto Blue Jays practice on Monday, where they hit nine home runs between the three of them. The Blue Jays tweeted a video of Allen taking batting practice before the game against the New York Yankees.

ROSTER MOVE: QB Josh Allen has been recalled from Buffalo.

He homered FOUR times ? #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/fHr7JQG9XG
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 15, 2023

"It was fun to get out there," Allen said. "I was telling some of the coaches I miss shagging balls [no idea what that means] and spitting seeds and just talking with the guys. That's some of the best memories I had in high school."

more qb news:

A lot can be said about good wide receivers - if their quarterbacks are the reason they are productive, for example. Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams wants to make it clear he is not in this particular category. "A quarterback doesn't make me... I make me... And I can do it consistently at this level... That's why last season meant a lot. Even if I went and played like dog shit next year, they can't say it. Because now I've already proved it throughout the course of a season, played every game, and put together a resume that says I do not need... you can erase all the numbers. You can just write in: He didn't need Aaron Rodgers."

Speaking of Packers quarterbacks... Green Bay's offense will undoubtedly look different in 2023 with Jordan Love at the helm instead of Rodgers. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich says his entire playbook is up for grabs when it comes to Love. "Obviously he doesn't have the playing experience that Aaron had, but from a playbook standpoint, I think pretty much all of it's on the table. He's been around for three years and has really attacked it."

The New Orleans Saints signed fourth-round QB Jake Haener.

Matt Ryan heads to the booth

5/16/2023

Current free agent QB Matt Ryan hasn't announced his retirement yet, but based on his latest career venture (and to be honest, last year's performance), it seems like it may be a reality soon. Ryan announced he will be joining CBS Sports as an analyst, both in studio and in-game. Ryan says in a Twitter post that he is not retiring - because he's still owed money from the Indianapolis Colts.

Excited to join the @NFLonCBS family! Looking forward to breaking down the game this season.

P.S. - this is not a retirement post □ pic.twitter.com/4fCTVpFxK0
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) May 15, 2023

If Ryan does decide to retire, he will do so with zero Super Bowls.

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The Carolina Panthers are determined to make rookie QB Bryce Young earn his starting job. Head coach Frank Reich says veteran Andy Dalton will be taking first-team reps in OTAs, but plans for Young to get more reps. "When he's ready, when it's best for the team, that's when we'll look to make the transition. But when we come back out Monday, Andy will be taking reps with the ones, Bryce will be with the twos. But Bryce is gonna get a lot of reps. He'll likely even get a few more than Andy just as the new guy." If you're confused, so am I.

QB Mason Rudolph agreed to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers after two months as a free agent. Rudolph did not like being inactive for the majority of the season in 2023, but it appears that may be the best it's gonna get for Rudolph.