Player Notes

How the Jonathan Taylor saga can impact the value of RBs. 'That's just how the market goes'The Texans coaching staff would normally at this time of year be poring over film searching for ways to stop Jonathan Taylor. Instead, the Colts' All-Pro running back, who has averaged 124.6 rushing yards per game against the Texans and has never lost to his AFC South rival, will spend his second of four weeks ...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — When you throw up on the sidelines of your first rookie minicamp practice for all the media to see and write about, there’s nowhere to go but up, right?That’s the inauspicious way the NFL career began for Browns rookie right tackle Dawand Jones — pressed into service as the Browns new starter now that Jack Conklin is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL.But if it ends the way ...

It didn’t take long Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium to see why Lamar Jackson gave the nickname “Joystick” to rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers.On the third play of the Ravens’ second possession against the Houston Texans, Flowers, the 22nd overall draft pick out of Boston College, lined up in a bunch formation wide left along with tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar to his right at the Texans’ 28-yard-line. ...

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield impressed many people in his debut with the Bucs.He led his team to a road victory against the NFC North champions from a season ago, the Minnesota Vikings. Mayfield threw for two touchdowns, no interceptions, and 173 yards, but he did something more impressive on the field that didn't show up in the box score.According to running back Rachaad White, ...

TAMPA — Baker Mayfield took off running with the football, planting his left hand into the sternum of Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy. It was first down on the Minnesota 33-yard line in the fourth quarter with the game knotted at 17-all.The blow sent the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Murphy flying. Popping up off the ground, Mayfield then landed something that hurt more than that stiff-arm Sunday.“Get that ...

Jason Peters was putting on his shoulder pads for his first Seahawks practice. It was another, countless practice of his seemingly endless football life.A new locker neighbor came over to the 41-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro and Super Bowl champion.“Hi, I’m Noah Fant. I play tight end,” Peters’ new teammate and neighbor on Seattle’s offensive line said. “Nice to meet you.”Then the 41-year-old ...

Keep an eye on the ambitious, free-spending Super Bowl contender that just created the most 2023 cap space in the league, is known for splashy midseason moves and has one or two obvious positions that could use significant improvement.Or put another way: Never discount Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch and Jed York’s enthusiasm for keeping all of their personnel options open, especially the expensive and creative ...

SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk joined Jerry Rice and Anquan Boldin as the only 49ers wide receivers to win an NFC Player of the Week award via a season-opening showcase.Aiyuk drew that career-first honor Wednesday for his spectacular showing in the 49ers’ 30-7 win Sunday at Pittsburgh.“It was definitely cool,” Aiyuk said. “Do I get something for that?”Nothing other than a line on a growing resume. For ...

SANTA CLARA — Tackle No. 699 of Fred Warner’s career was unlike any other. It came with speed, power, force and a season-opening message.“That was the one you dream of, to set the tone,” Warner said of slamming Najee Harris for a 2-yard loss early in Sunday’s 30-7 win in Pittsburgh.With all due respect to the 49ers’ overall dominance, and without diminishing Drake Jackson’s three-sack outburst in Nick ...

It’s been a whirlwind seven months for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts since his team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in February.Hurts, who was the runner-up for the NFL MVP award, has gone from promoting a drink called Lemon Perfect to representing the Jordan Brand — and, as of Wednesday, Beats by Dre. He also went from earning a master’s degree to earning a Sports Illustrated cover. ...