2024 NFL OTA Updates: Notable Moments from Around the League
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The 2024 NFL offseason is in full swing, and with 31 teams now underway with OTAs, there’s plenty to discuss. From injuries to contract disputes, we’ve got you covered with the latest updates from around the league.
Kyren Williams Sidelined with Foot Injury
Los Angeles Rams star running back Kyren Williams will miss the offseason program due to a foot injury, according to head coach Sean McVay. While this is a setback, Williams is expected to be back in time for training camp. Last season, he rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games played.
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams
Calvin Ridley Looking Fast
The Tennessee Titans have a new offense, and one of the key weapons is former Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley. Ridley is viewed as one of the better route-runners in the league, and it’s easy to see why.
Tristan Wirfs Holding Out
Two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not report to OTAs and does not plan to as of now, per ESPN. Wirfs is seeking a long-term contract and doesn’t want to risk injury.
C.J. Stroud Picking Up Where He Left Off
The Houston Texans may have found a star in C.J. Stroud, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. Stroud appears to have different handshakes with all of his running backs and also fired a pretty nasty no-look pass to veteran Robert Woods on Tuesday.
QBs Losing Weight
We have some quarterbacks entering 2024 a bit lighter. According to The Athletic, Ravens quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is now down to 205 pounds, which is 25 pounds down from his 2022 weight, and 10 pounds less than his 2023 weight. So the 2024 Lamar could be the fastest Lamar we’ve ever seen.
Per NFL Media, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is down to 220 pounds, which is 10-15 pounds lighter than his 2023 playing weight. He wants to be more agile and more prepared to handle pressure in the pocket from an escapability standpoint.
Tee Higgins Not Eligible for OTAs
The Cincinnati Bengals kick off OTA workouts a week from Tuesday, and one player who’s not expected to be in attendance is Tee Higgins. The wide receiver has not signed his franchise tender, according to ESPN, and is not expected to do so by next week. That makes him ineligible to report for organized team activities.
Bryce Young Doing ‘Fantastic’ in New Offense
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft didn’t have a great first season. However, he may now have some stability with Dave Canales in charge. On Monday, Canales told reporters that Young is really showing potential in Carolina’s new offense.
“He’s doing fantastic with it,” Canales said, via ESPN. “So, for us the formations are pretty vanilla so we can just teach the concept we want out of each route, the depth, the footwork we want.” As I expect him to do, he’s really mastered that part of it."
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Jerod Mayo and Drake Maye Mic’d Up
The New England Patriots are truly entering a new era in 2024 that includes a new head coach, new general manager, and new quarterback. The Patriots gave us some insight into coach Mayo and Maye Monday, with a mic’d up video.
Daniel Jones Participates in 7-on-7 Drills
The New York Giants passed on selecting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, and will give Jones another shot to prove he’s the future of the franchise. Jones injured his neck in Week 5 last year, then returned in Week 9 just to tear his ACL. On Monday, he took a step forward in his recovery and participated in 7-on-7 drills, according to the Giants’ official website.
Kirk Cousins Ready to Unlock Kyle Pitts
The Atlanta Falcons went out and paid Cousins to be their new franchise quarterback, and with a supporting cast that includes the likes of Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, maybe the Falcons could be a sneaky team in the NFC.
Some are anticipating a big season from former No. 4 overall pick Pitts, who is now playing with the best quarterback he’s ever played with. Check out this catch he made on Monday.
Aaron Rodgers Throws TD to Garrett Wilson
Rodgers is back under center as the quarterback of the New York Jets after tearing his Achilles last September, and he’s looking pretty good out on the practice field. Imagine what a receiver like Wilson can do with a quarterback like Rodgers. More touchdowns to come in 2024.
Justin Jefferson Not Present at OTAs
Minnesota Vikings star wideout Justin Jefferson is expected to break financial records when he signs his next contract, and he was not present at the start of OTAs this week, per ESPN. The 24-year-old pass-catcher skipped most of Minnesota’s voluntary offseason programming in 2023 before reporting to mandatory minicamp and training camp. We’ll see what happens this time around.
Rashee Rice Present at OTAs
Kansas City Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is facing multiple charges related to a high-speed car crash plus a police investigation into an alleged nightclub assault, but he was reportedly present at OTAs on Monday. ESPN previously reported Rice is expected to receive a multi-game suspension due to his actions this offseason.
Panthers Respond to Zero Prime-Time Games
The Panthers were the only team in the NFL to receive zero prime-time games when the 2024 schedule was released last week. Quarterback Bryce Young was asked if getting no prime-time games was a slap in the face.
“It’s out of our control …” Young said, via Steven Taranto. “If someone slights me or slights us, I don’t hold onto it.”
New Panthers head coach Dave Canales was also asked for his reaction to receiving zero prime-time games, saying, “You’ve got to earn it.”
Brian Thomas Jr. Establishing Chemistry with Lawrence
The Jacksonville Jaguars may have lost Calvin Ridley this offseason, but they gained a wideout with potential in Brian Thomas Jr. The LSU product led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns last season, and was selected by Jacksonville at No. 23 overall.
Derrick Henry in His New Threads
Tennessee Titans fans, look away.
Day one of OTAs, let’s get it
