Category: Baltimore Ravens - LINDSEYYOK.COM

THE DROP-BACK: OCTOBER 15 - Daniel jones has limited practice thursday

10/15/2021

giants

After being knocked out (literally) of the game last weekend, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones returned to practice on Thursday on a limited basis. Jones' status is still up in the air, as he is currently progressing through concussion protocol and has to be cleared in order to play this week.

Giants HC Joe Judge is on a call with LA media this morning (“LMK what you guys need to get the job done”).

On QB Daniel Jones: Progressing thru concussion protocol and will participate in non-contact practice today.

On QB Stafford: “There’s really not a throw he can’t make.”
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 14, 2021

STEELERS

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling this season, but they finally snapped their losing streak last week. Could this be the spark they need to keep things going? Roethlisberger says they still have a lot of work to do. "We're not by any means going to sit here and say we're fixed; we're this great offense. We're not there yet. We still have a long way to go." Well, at least he's aware.

OLIPOP - A new kind of soda.

chargers

In probably one of the best quotes I've heard this entire season, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert... well, I'll just leave it here.

Ravens DC Wink Martindale on Justin Herbert: “He’s one of those guys that could throw a strawberry through a battleship.” pic.twitter.com/QNEVPhMFPI
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 14, 2021

- other notes -

Lamar Jackson missed practice on Thursday with an illness.
Kyler Murray was limited again at practice on Thursday.

THE DROP-BACK: Friday, October 1 - Lamar Jackson misses practice for second straight day

10/1/2021

ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent from practice again on Thursday, making it the second straight practice missed. While it was said that he was just dealing with some back soreness, it is somewhat alarming that he's missing yet another day of work. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman gave an update on his status.

Ravens OC Greg Roman said Lamar Jackson is dealing with "a little back flare-up."

"I don’t think it’s anything serious," Roman said. "But we’re just going to have to kind of wait and see. I think he’s going to be in good shape. We’ll wait and see."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 30, 2021

cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are currently undefeated, and a lot of that is due to quarterback Kyler Murray. While he's currently being talked about within the ever-elusive "MVP Conversation," Murray says he's not really thinking about that right now. "It's a long season, and I was always raised and taught that if you win as a team, the individual accolades will come. That's how I treated it in high school, that's how I treated it when I won the Heisman, same thing for now. I'm not really worried about MVP or anything like that."

washington

Earlier this week, Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera said that he wants quarterback Taylor Heinicke to calm down a little bit and focus on managing the game better. In other words: Stop doing too much. Heinicke says he takes no issue with Rivera's comments. "I have no problem with it. That's what every quarterback should be - game manager. You take what's there, take what's given, and you move the ball down the field."

falcons

I know he's supposed to say this stuff, but Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera is really buttering up his opponent for next week. Rivera kind of over-did it when it came to talking about Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. "I mean, this is a savvy guy, this is a guy that's been doing it a long time and has had a lot of success. He's a league MVP. So you know, he's a really good football player. He's got a good arm. He still makes all the throws. He is a little older, but with that comes wisdom and experience. And that's what you see from Matt." Is it, though?

raiders

Oh no. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had some strong words to say about this week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers and I'm just going to leave them here and call it a jinx. "It was always looked at as another home game and that's no disrespect, it's a fact. The way you practice, the way you meet, it felt like a home game. I fully expect Raider Nation to take over the majority of the stadium again. They usually do." Oh no.

- other notes -

Derek Carr was named AFC offensive player of the month for September.
Sam Ehlinger returned to practice on Thursday.
Carson Wentz was limited in Thursday's practice.
Justin Fields practiced fully for Bears on Thursday, while Andy Dalton was limited.

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday September 15 - Lamar Jackson unhappy with mnf performance

9/15/2021

ravens

Lamar Jackson had two fumbles for the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, and it probably goes without saying that he's pretty unhappy with himself. In a wild showing against the Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson's two turnovers contributed to the Ravens' putrid performance. While most of the loss is probably due to the offensive line not being able to block and the "world-class" defense giving up an infinite number of points, it didn't stop Jackson from putting some blame on himself.

□Fuck azz fumbles#Can’thavethatbraFUCK‼️
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) September 14, 2021

patriots

This weekend, rookie quarterback Mac Jones lost his first game with the New England Patriots but he's not letting it discourage him. Jones took full responsibility like a vet and detailed the process to "clean up" some things and move on to Week Two. "We've watched the film, and we're just excited to move forward. It's one game. It sucks to lose. Nobody wants to lose. We're doing everything we can to not have that happen. Opening day, rookie year, check box by that, and we're going to keep working."

packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't play his best game this past weekend (and that's an understatement), but he had a pretty valid excuse. At least when it came to the interception.

"There's some interceptions you want back.. some that aren't your fault.. but the first one on Sunday was entirely due to the DOUBLE nut shot I took" □□ @AaronRodgers12 #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/Itef4xBPTe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 14, 2021

- other notes -

Washington put Ryan Fitzpatrick on injured reserve.
Raiders fear backup QB Marcus Mariota suffered a long-term injury on Monday night.

THE DROP-BACK: TUESDAY 08/10 - If I have to hear "it's a personal choice" one more time

8/10/2021

Ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to the practice field on Sunday and spoke to reporters for the first time since his second bout with COVID-19. Of course, he was going to get asked this (and it's a fair question, so don't act like it isn't), but when asked if he was going to get the vaccine, he responded, disappointingly, "We'll see. I feel it's a personal decision. I'm just going to keep my feelings to my family and myself." Dangerous. Indefensible. Irresponsible -- just a few of the first words that came to my mind. Hoping he talks to these supposed doctors and they convince him to do the safe thing. Otherwise, we could see one or more games without Jackson this season for something that could have been avoided.

Another hot topic regarding Jackson right now is his looming contract extension. Especially after fellow 2018 first-round quarterback, Josh Allen got a monster deal over the weekend. Head coach John Harbaugh said they're not there yet with Jackson.

Asked how Josh Allen’s deal impacts Lamar Jackson’s potential contract extension, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said: “There’s really not a hurry for us. He’s going to be our quarterback for years to come.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 9, 2021

BROWNS

Speaking of Allen's contract, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield joins Jackson as one of those up next. Mayfield was, of course, asked about how he thinks Allen's deal will affect his turn whenever it rolls around. "Yeah, it is good for the quarterback position overall. I would be lying if I said otherwise. I am worried about winning right now. I don't know the timeline of it." Fair enough!

raiders

Derek Carr is still the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, but backup Marcus Mariota still has his sights on being a starter -- whether with the Raiders or elsewhere. When asked if he was keeping tabs on teams who may need a starter soon, Mariota responded, "Absolutely. It is my goal, so I do keep tabs on what's going on. For us as players, it's kind of important to see what the landscape is." Hello, Colts?

jets

New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson hasn't really started his first training camp with a bang. That doesn't mean he won't ever be good in the future, but the expectations are high. New head coach Robert Saleh isn't panicking yet, either.

Robert Saleh references Peyton Manning while evaluating Zach Wilson's game:

"It's going to get worse before it gets better. There was a Hall of Famer that was inducted that had a 71 quarterback rating his rookie year" pic.twitter.com/KJi5fLmbAz
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 9, 2021

Steelers

We all scoffed when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he was paying attention to what he eats and losing weight this offseason. However, Roethlisberger is taking this one step further, saying while he is, in fact, eating healthy, he's not going the Tom Brady route and eating avocado ice cream. "I'm almost 40 years old. So you've got to take care of yourself. And nothing against Tom, but I'm not eating avocado ice cream. Yeah, you have a chef, and you try to eat healthy. But you're eating healthy because you want to feel good."

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday 08/04 - Stafford is tough tough

8/4/2021

rams

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking it easy after banging his thumb on a helmet following Monday's practice. The original thought was that he would miss a few days even though his x-rays were negative, but Stafford was out on the field doing some light work during Tuesday's practice. Peep the bandage on his thumb. Brace yourselves for reports of him being "so tough."

Rams QB Matthew Stafford warming up throwing to the end zone. There’s a small bandage on his right thumb after his hand collided with a helmet yesterday. pic.twitter.com/f0RuBondC6
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 3, 2021

dolphins

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hopes that jump in Year 2 sets his career rolling a la Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Whether he does that or not has yet to be seen, but his teammates seem to be on board. Safety Eric Rowe said, "I just believe it's that year-two jump that everyone needs to make from their rookie year... Now seeing training camp, a lot more deep routes, they're allowing him the opportunity to throw it deep."

vikings

While the rest of the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks are on the COVID-19 list, Jake Browning, a practice squad guy, is prepared to take advantage of his opportunity. "I've been preparing like that for two years, so the opportunity presented itself. I felt like I was ready."

bears

I mentioned yesterday that Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields was highly professional during his presser, something guys can struggle with during their first year. He was super honest and forthcoming in explaining how he's been preparing, and mentioned that having two 10-year QBs in Andy Dalton and Nick Foles only helps him get better. So I'm here to gush about him some more. "I'm constantly growing," he said. "A lot of people are anxious to see me play, but greatness doesn't happen overnight." Food for thought.

broncos

The Denver Broncos are still trying to decide who will start at quarterback for the season. Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock are still neck-and-neck for the position, but offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur says he's seeing a push from both. I think it would be more beneficial if one was better than the other, but what do I know?

Does OC Pat Shurmur see separation between Lock/Teddy B? "I've seen both guys getting better. This is the best version of Drew I've seen. He's done a really good job. And I expected Teddy to come in ... Teddy's got experience, he's got experience in multiple offenses." #9sports
— MikeKlis (@mikeklis) August 3, 2021

colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz had surgery on Tuesday for a foot injury that's apparently been plaguing him for years. While he has to sit out anywhere from one month to three, the good news is, it's one and done. There are no other concerns with Wentz's foot, and it's onto recovery followed by the rehab process.

ravens

The Baltimore Ravens expect their starting quarterback Lamar Jackson to be off the COVID-19 list this weekend after testing positive for the second time in less than a year. To make things seem better and to get the heat off of the anti-vaxxer, Harbaugh mentioned that the backup QBs are getting a ton of reps and are getting better. "The fact that those two guys have gotten those reps, they've had to deal with all these pressures, all these blitzes, they've been in there with the ones and twos. It's got to be good for us from a depth standpoint, developing those guys." Well yeah, but it really doesn't help if your starter isn't getting reps with the wide receiver group that he desperately needs to practice with.

steelers

I feel like every year, we're thinking, "Is this the year when Ben Roethlisberger is outta here," and we never really get our wish. While it's been widely speculated that 2021 could either be it for Roethlisberger in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform or in an NFL uniform in general, the team is saying that they haven't ruled out a return in 2022. "It's not written in stone that this is his last year," owner Art Rooney II said.

Speaking of Steelers quarterbacks, reports from Pittsburgh have been very complimentary on former Washington QB Dwayne Haskins. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been very favorable of Haskins as well.

THE DROP-BACK: Monday 08/02 - carson wentz probs

8/2/2021

colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz is hurt (again). The team is hoping for a minor setback and not a major one, but the more reports come out, the worse they get. It started with just a "twinge" at practice and then escalated into "might need surgery" in about an hour. Wentz will visit with a foot specialist (what a title), Robert Anderson, to determine the injury's severity.

Update on #Colts QB Carson Wentz: He will see noted foot specialist Robert Anderson in the near future, sources tell me and @RapSheet. A firmer timeline for his return will be established at that point. For now, the team is taking solace in Week 1 still being 6 weeks away.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 30, 2021

UPDATE: Wentz will not have surgery right away, and will rest the injury for now and hope it improves. If it worsens, Wentz could risk surgery and won't be available for the season opener.

#Colts QB Carson Wentz plans to try to rest and rehab his foot injury over the next few days, source said, rather than have immediate surgery. If all goes well, Week 1 is in play. If it doesn’t improve, the answer may be surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2021

Browns

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. haven't been able to precisely get on the same page since they've been together due to various things. This could be the year when they click. Mayfield said the two are working on building on more chemistry in year three. "When it comes down to the chemistry stuff, every rep matters for us, but then just the terminology and speaking outside the building, not just about football. That goes such a long way when it comes to chemistry and that trust factor, and we've made huge strides." Cleveland is coming off their best year in a (very) long time, and OBJ could be a piece that elevates them even higher.

Browns GM Andrew Berry is also counting on another good season for Mayfield and depends on him to build upon last year's success. "He's made a ton of growth both on and off the field. We're looking forward to him having another fantastic season."

Patriots

The New England Patriots are a team heading into the 2021 season with a question at the quarterback position. Cam Newton is the current starter, but there's still a (minimal) chance that rookie Mac Jones could settle into that spot. That could create some tension between the players, but not in this case. Newton spoke about his support of Jones during the first few days of camp.

Cam Newton says he’s impressed with Mac Jones, including his knowledge of rap music. pic.twitter.com/lUaf6KWm0l
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) July 30, 2021

Jones returned the sentiment, saying Newton has been a "great teammate. He's helped me and made it a lot of fun. Your first practices as a rookie are going to be hard, so he just tries to stay positive with me."

Newton is working hard on improving this season is his decision-making and rhythm while running the offense. "It's just taking the brain longer at times. But hopefully, with a lot of repetitions, it'll be good."

One quarterback who is OUT of the New England QB competition thus far is Jarrett Stidham. He had back surgery Friday and is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks. Damn, have to put my Stidham jersey on ice for a little bit.

#Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to repair a back injury, sources say. Stidham should be able to return in roughly 12 weeks or so, as the procedure was not season-ending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2021

jets

While he did sign his rookie contract late, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is present and accounted for at training camp. And in true Jets fashion, he was underwhelming in his first practice. I'm going to consider the fact that he took a red-eye across the country, and it's his first day before I start actively making fun of him. Wilson agrees.

“It’s going to be a process.” Zach Wilson says. He doesn’t feel he was behind. It was just first day in a while with “live bullets” #Jets
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) July 30, 2021

ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is currently sidelined with COVID-19 for the second time and is missing quality time meshing with his wide receivers and the rest of the team. While Jackson can't get that time back, offensive coordinator Greg Roman says Jackson is still with the team, only mentally. That's like when I mean to respond to a text, and I respond mentally without actually responding to the person.

Ravens OC Greg Roman on Lamar Jackson's absence: "It's certainly not a positive. But we got to create a positive out of this thing. We got to get a great plan when he does come back on how we can try to make up for the time as best we can. That's really the game we have to play."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 30, 2021

buccaneers

As if we need to talk about Tom Brady some more, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's knee is one of the hot topics of conversation, and he's sure to be asked about it approximately 650 more times this summer. Brady said Friday that his knee "feels good now." So can we stop?

Bucs' QBs coach cannot, in fact, stop. Clyde Christensen says he thought everyone knew Brady had a torn MCL. "It kind of surprised me; I thought everyone knew. When I first met him, he said, "Hey, my knee's not 100 percent..." No, we all just assume Brady will be great with any sort of injury ever. Thanks, Clyde.

There are actually other quarterbacks on the Bucs' roster. Rookie Kyle Trask likely will not start until Brady says he's had enough, but they don't want him to do nothing and not develop. "You know, we try to get our little extra sessions, him and I. That'll be a challenge all season," Christensen said.

cardinals

Many people have been talking about Aaron Rodgers' comments lately, including Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who said he appreciated the MVP's honesty.

Kyler Murray was a big fan of the Aaron Rodgers press conference, although he said Rodgers has earned that right.

“People like to sugarcoat s**t. I Iove how honest he was.”
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) July 30, 2021

Speaking of personnel decisions and involving your QB in those decisions, the Cardinals consult Murray from time to time, which is why Rodgers is pissed. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury explained why it's essential to involve your players; it gives them a different perspective. "Those guys have as good a feel for players, players' personalities, and talent as any of us because they have been on the field, and they have worked with them. I do think that goes a long way."

cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off of a horrendous ankle injury. The good news is, his ankle is okay. The bad news is, he has a shoulder injury now. The severity of the injury isn't known, but it's not expected to be that serious. Prescott thinks he could have strained it due to not warming up properly.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on shoulder: “I don’t necessarily know if I warmed up properly before I made a certain throw on one of the days.” A long throw. “I wasn’t as warm as I probably needed to be when I threw that.” pic.twitter.com/OM0Xc6BAPh
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 30, 2021

bears

With quarterbacks Justin Fields and Andy Dalton poised to take the Chicago Bears' starting and backup jobs (respectively), what will happen with Nick Foles? Head coach Matt Nagy says he expects teams needing a veteran QB should be calling the team to ask about BDN. "I mean, anybody that's had the career he has is somebody that's always going to be... for all teams, as a third-string guy, teams are going to look at guys like him." Translation - please call about him because we don't know what to do with him.

vikings

After all but one Minnesota Vikings quarterback decided to take the initiative to get vaccinated, the team is working out QBs for the week after rookie Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19. Minnesota will work out some guys named Case Cookus and Jackson Erdmann on Monday. Get vaccinated.

lions

And, for a feel-good story of the weekend: Detroit Lions players had a watch party for backup quarterback David Blough's wife, Melissa Gonzalez, advance in the Olympics (because she's a badass). The best part to me was their good luck video before the race.

We're pulling for you, Melissa❗️ pic.twitter.com/sGuB3sqlR7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 30, 2021

The Drop Back: Tuesday 07/13 - breaking: NFL Qb tries to be normal person; is on a basketball court; more at 11

7/13/2021

We have the annual (Insert QB here) shouldn't be allowed on a basketball court take! Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was seen hanging out with kids in his hometown playing football on an asphalt basketball court, which is considered a no-no. I don't have an issue with it, as professional athletes are people who are allowed to have fun. But it's also something I'm sure the Ravens won't like. Keep in mind most guys with big deals have this kind of stuff as forbidden in their contracts. Here's the video:

Lamar does it all □

MAN OF THE PEOPLE

(via @JJeantm) pic.twitter.com/3MOGsXhWBq
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 12, 2021

Washington Football Teams quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is mainly known as a "bridge guy" since he's played on virtually every team in the NFL at this point. However, he has a great attitude and brings it every year, and leads every team he's on. As the likely starter this season, it doesn't look like this year doesn't look like it will be any different. "It's going to be a tough offense to defend just because of all the pieces we have," he told NBC Sports Washington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on his way back from a season-ending injury, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can return to form. As someone who knows what it's like to return from a severe injury, recently retired QB Alex Smith thinks Prescott will have a banner season. "He is such a strong, powerful, such a good athlete. So I really expect him to come back and be rolling. Then you add that on to his fortitude and mental perspective? I think he's going to have a huge, huge year."

Return of the Sanchize. FOX Sports has hired former NFL QB Mark Sanchez to call NFL games this season. This is certainly a step up from the Butt Fumble.

NFL Notes: Tuesday 06/22 - Eli Manning is back back

6/22/2021

Former starting quarterback and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning is re-joining the New York Giants -- but not in the way you would think. Manning is taking a "business operations and fan engagement role" with the team. "Staying involved with this organization is very important to me. I love the organization, love the Giants and the fans, and so I want to do anything possible to help them out and be a part of it," he said in a statement. Add this to the list of Things Eli can do that Brady can't.

As if we need more Tom Brady in our lives, the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB is in a new episode of The Shop: Uninterrupted on HBO. In the trailer for the episode, Brady talks candidly about his time bout with free agency last offseason, specifically with one team that supposedly did not want to sign him in the end: "One of the teams, they weren't interested at the very end. I was thinking, you're sticking with that motherfucker?" I'm manifesting that this is about Derek Carr, but it could also be about Mitch Trubisky. And no, he isn't going to be talking about his pal â€‹Jimmy Garoppolo â€‹like that.

Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert will be learning a new offense this year under new head coach Brandon Staley. Herbert is looking to build upon his explosive rookie season and is spending "a few hours" each day studying his new scheme. "The tough part is memorizing and learning it all. That's where it's tough because you have to go in there and spend a lot of time watching film, practicing and repping it."

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is getting a new quarterback this year, and it's one he can't stop gushing about. Experience is vital for McVay, who is looking forward to seeing what Matthew Stafford can do this year. "Bro, this dude is a bad MF-er. Whatever people say about him, as good as it can be, he's even better than advertised. It makes sense to him." We're going to learn a whole lot about Stafford this season.

Today in Things We Love To See, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib came out as openly gay on Monday. But better than that, he also donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project, which focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Check out his message:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carl Nassib (@carlnassib)

I feel like rookie New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has been shit-talked lately. But his teammates are keeping the faith, which I guess, they kinda have to do. Vet safety Devin McCourty thinks he has enough leadership skills to make it work at the position. "That's a different position being a young guy because you're automatically in that leadership role. But I think he's used to that."

The Baltimore Ravens ranked at No. 32 in passing yards and passing attempts last season, so it's not a secret that that's a significant need for improvement heading into the 2021 season. QB Lamar Jackson agreed, saying they need to focus on consistency. "We hit some of them, but we're just trying to be more consistent this year. That's where the strides happen. It starts in practices, and hopefully, it transitions to the game."

Despite a previous report, Buffalo Bills fans no longer have to be vaccinated to attend Bills games this season. Erie County is basing this info off of low hospitalization rates and good vaccination rates. Tell that to Cole Beasley.

Based on few new COVID-19 cases (0 on Friday and 4 yesterday out of thousands of tests), low hospitalizations, and good vaccination rates, we are rescinding the vaccination requirement to attend Bills games and stadium events. We will revisit in future if circumstances warrant. pic.twitter.com/DO9echOulB
â€” Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) June 20, 2021

NFL Notes: Tuesday 06/08

6/8/2021

Greg olsen's son gets heart transplant

Starting things off with a feel-good story: Eight-year-old TJ Olsen, son of recently retired tight end Greg Olsen, received a heart transplant over the weekend. He is currently still in recovery but is in good spirits.

Someone has an update pic.twitter.com/L1Zk2AgHpd
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) June 7, 2021

TJ was born with a heart defect and has had multiple heart surgeries throughout his life. Olsen's foundation, The HEARTest Yard, focuses on care for children who have conditions like his son. You can find more info or even donate here.

jalen ramsey wishes rams went after julio jones

Los Angeles Rams corner Jalen Ramsey has never shied away from speaking his mind. Now he's questioning why his team wasn't more "in" on star wide receiver Julio Jones before he was traded to the Tennessee Titans over the weekend.

Imma have myself a good Sunday but this is all it took for a generational guy & we were “out” of the Julio sweepstakes!? Wow □□‍♂️ we woulda been unstoppable forreal with all them weapons lol! Julio to the 615 fye tho! https://t.co/MGp8HxbyKl
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) June 6, 2021

Many players (and fans) can probably relate to this sentiment, especially since the payback for Jones looks to be so cheap in terms of getting said "generational guy." In the Rams' case, they already have plenty of financial commitments to big-name players, including Ramsey. Newly acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford is one of them, along with Aaron Donald. Los Angeles did ask about Jones (likely asked the price, if I were to guess) early on, before saying, "no thanks, we're good."

ja'wuan james signs with ravens

This one is, for lack of better words, puzzling. After filing a grievance against the Denver Broncos for cutting him after he tore his Achilles working out away from the team's facility, the Baltimore Ravens have signed James to a two-year deal, even though he won't see the field this year.

Ja'Wuan James’ agents, Bill Johnson and Matt Pope, negotiated the two-year deal with the Ravens that includes $500,000 in guaranteed money this year, per source. So the Ravens are paying him $500k to rehab this year and to have him under contract north of $8 million next year. https://t.co/xXe4ESwqYm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2021

Fans are raving about this and calling it "genius," but they do that with every move the Ravens make these days. I'm still filing this one under "a head-scratcher."

bills have no update on josh allen's contract

Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen is in the group of QBs due their first "big" contract extension following their rookie deals. While it's something Buffalo wants to get done sooner rather than later, GM Brandon Beane gave no updates on Monday when he was asked about a likely extension.

Brandon Beane on Josh Allen’s contract:

“No, there’s really nothing to give you on that. If something were to happen this summer, we’re definitely let you know and hopefully it’s coming from us and not being broke somewhere else. Other than that, there nothing I can give you."
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) June 7, 2021

There are no doubts that this will get done, but I can't lie when I say I'm interested to see these Numbers. With a capital N.

aaron rodgers won't show up for minicamp, as expected

This was expected (at least for me), but Aaron Rodgers is not expected to attend Green Bay Packers minicamp, after no-showing at OTAs.

Source on #Packers star QB Aaron Rodgers: “No change.”

So the expectation, barring any developments overnight, is the NFL MVP won’t be reporting for minicamp.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 7, 2021

Everyone from the team to the coaches to the front office crossed all their fingers and toes that Rodgers will swallow it up and show up, but alas. It's a no-go. I'm not going to break down the entire feud between him and the team (if you're reading this, you likely already know), but basically, Rodgers is making a point here.

Green Bay can still fine Rodgers a pretty penny for not attending (over $90,000) minicamp, in addition to the $500,000 workout bonus that was voided when he didn't show up for OTAs. Rodgers is saying he's choosing winning over money and wants to be in on certain decisions and generally just wants to be heard.

NFL Notes: Thursday 05/20

5/19/2021

marquise brown switches to no. 5

Another Baltimore Ravens player is switching his jersey number. Wide receiver Marquise Brown is switching from No. 15 to No. 5. Linebacker Patrick Queen announced he was changing numbers earlier this week.

5 - Symbol Of Gods Grace!

Back in that Cinco □□ For everyone who copped that 15 I love and appreciate you , I will make that 5 worth it .... #GodsChild #CallGod pic.twitter.com/2Kasahf8eA
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) May 19, 2021

Brown wore the No. 5 in college BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, elite quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Joseph Vincent Flacco wore the No.5 for his career in Baltimore and is the basis of its legendary symbolism.

I'm not nearly as bothered by this as most people would assume I would be. It's just a jersey, and I'm sorry to say, but Hollywood Brown at this moment is not nearly the player Flacco was for the Ravens, so it's all good for me.

daesean hamilton clears waivers, is added to broncos nfi list

The Denver Broncos were planning on trading wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton last week until he, unfortunately, tore his ACL working out (away from the team's facility, might I add). The team ended up waiving him earlier this week. Hamilton was not picked up by any of the other 31 clubs, so he lands on Denver's non-football injury list.

WR Dae’Sean Hamilton went unclaimed on waivers, meaning he now reverts to the Broncos’ Reserve/Non-Football Injury list.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 19, 2021

This situation is eerily similar to the Broncos' other current player-gets-injured-away-from-team-facility-and-its-therefore-not-our-problem case. Tackle Ja'Wuan James faced a similar problem, except he was released from the team. James may file a grievance as well, and players are keeping an eye on this one.