Month: July 2025

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Alec Anderson (70) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bills OL Alec Anderson (knee) out week-to-week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Alec Anderson is considered week-to-week after undergoing arthroscopic surgery, the team said Thursday.

Anderson proved to be a capable backup last season and he made four starts at tackle while playing all 17 regular-season games. He also saw action in all three of Buffalo’s playoff games.

Anderson played 27 percent of the offensive snaps for a Buffalo position group that allowed the fewest sacks (14) in the NFL.

Anderson, 25, went undrafted out of UCLA during the 2023 draft and hooked on with the Buffalo practice squad.

Also Thursday, tight end Dawson Knox was on the practice field for the first time this season. Knox (hamstring) began training camp on the active/non-football injury list.

Knox, 28, caught 22 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown in 16 games (13 starts) last season.

Overall, Knox has 193 receptions for 2,277 yards and 23 touchdowns over 85 games (71 starts) in six seasons with the Bills. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Aug 18, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) blocks against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Seahawks LT Charles Cross (finger) has surgery, eyes Week 1 return

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Seahawks starting left tackle Charles Cross is recovering from finger surgery and hopes to be ready for Week 1, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

Cross underwent a procedure Wednesday to repair a dislocated finger on his right hand after initially trying to play through the injury with a splint, per ESPN.

The expectation is that Cross, 24, will be ready for the Sept. 7 season opener against the visiting San Francisco 49ers.

A first-round pick (ninth overall) by Seattle in 2022, Cross started all 17 games last season and all 48 of his games through his first three NFL seasons.

In April, the Seahawks exercised the fifth-year option on Cross that will pay him a guaranteed $17.56 million for the 2026 campaign. He carries a $6.8 million cap hit in 2025.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon (37) takes the field for a game against the Baltimore Ravens at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Colts sign veteran CBs Tre Herndon, Duke Shelley

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The Indianapolis Colts addressed their thinning secondary by signing free agent cornerbacks Tre Herndon and Duke Shelley on Thursday.

Indianapolis also placed cornerback David Long Jr. on injured reserve and released tight end Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.

In addition to Long’s groin injury, the Colts have been navigating training camp hamstring injuries to cornerbacks Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents.

Herndon, 29, saw action in one game for the New Orleans Saints last season. He has 243 tackles, 32 passes defensed and three interceptions in 84 games (34 starts) for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-23) and New Orleans.

Shelley, 28, appeared in one game for the New York Giants last season. He has 93 tackles, 14 passes defensed and one pick in 53 games (11 starts) with the Chicago Bears (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023) and New York.

Long, 27, played in 13 games (no starts) with the Colts in 2024. He has 96 tackles and one interception in 79 career games (12 starts) with the Rams (2019-22), Las Vegas Raiders (2023), Carolina Panthers (2023), Green Bay Packers (2023) and Colts.

Okwuegbunam, 27, spent part of last season on the Indianapolis practice squad and last appeared in an NFL game in 2023. He has 54 catches for 546 yards and four touchdowns in 30 career games (seven starts) with the Denver Broncos (2020-22) and Philadelphia Eagles (2023).

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Rutgers Scarlet Knights helmet during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rutgers introduces Keli Zinn as new athletic director

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Rutgers has named former LSU executive Keli Zinn as its new athletic director.

Zinn had been the deputy athletic director and chief operating officer at LSU since 2022. Before that, she worked in the athletic departments at West Virginia and Maryland and for the Big East Conference.

“Keli Zinn brings the strategic drive, operational excellence, and championship pedigree we need right now for Rutgers Athletics,” said William F. Tate IV, the new Rutgers president who also came over from LSU, in a statement issued Wednesday. “Her leadership style resonates deeply with Rutgers’ mission — competitiveness on the field, integrity in our practices, and excellence in the student athlete experience. She will guide Rutgers into a new era, with forward-looking leadership, tapping into the Rutgers Edge.”

Zinn officially begins her tenure in Piscataway, N.J., on Aug. 6. Her five-year deal makes her the highest-paid AD in school history, with a base salary starting at $1.35 million and rising to $1.55 million. Bonuses are available based on the performance of the football and men’s and women’s basketball teams.

“I am honored to join Rutgers at this exciting juncture, and I want to thank President Tate and the Board of Governors for this incredible opportunity,” Zinn said. “Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities, and I look forward to working with our campus leaders, student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, and fans to build on Rutgers’ strong tradition, amplify opportunities to support our athletic programs, maintain top tier compliance, and pursue excellence both on and off the field. We will compete with the nation’s best and we will represent the university with integrity and pride in all we do.”

Zinn will oversee 24 varsity sports programs with more than 730 student-athletes competing in the Big Ten.

Among her first priorities will be expanding Rutgers’ name, image and likeness program, as she did at LSU.

The AD position had been vacant since Pat Hobbs resigned under a cloud last August. He cited health reasons for his departure but a later investigation revealed an improper relationship with a gymnastics coach.

Ryan Pisarri served as the Scarlet Knights’ interim AD before taking the same position at Tufts earlier this month.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) rushes against New Orleans Saints cornerback Travion Fluellen (26) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

49ers sign RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Andy Isabella

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The San Francisco 49ers are signing running back Ameer Abdullah and wide receiver Andy Isabella to the training camp roster on Thursday after they completed tryouts on Wednesday.

Abdullah is expected to provide depth behind star Christian McCaffrey. Isabella, drafted 62nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, also can return punts and is expected to work primarily as a slot receiver.

With 2024 leading rusher Jordan Mason gone, the 49ers had Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor and fifth-round rookie Jordan James in the mix at running back during training camp.

Abdullah, 32, rushed for 311 yards with two touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 261 yards with three scores in 16 games (three starts) with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

He has rushed for 1,994 yards with eight touchdowns and added 203 receptions for 1,468 receiving yards and 11 scores in 141 career games (26 starts) with the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Raiders. He was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Isabella, 28, most recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks (UFL). He spent time on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in 2024 and was last on an NFL roster with the Baltimore Ravens (2022) and Buffalo Bills (2023).

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC defensive back Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears (1) catches the ball during the Satisfying Catches event at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coach claims Bears CB Jaylon Johnson (leg) could be back Week 1

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Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson conceivably could return to the field in time for the team’s season opener against the visiting Minnesota Vikings, head coach Ben Johnson said on Thursday.

Jaylon Johnson injured his leg during offseason training, according to Bears general manager Ryan Poles. The two-time Pro Bowl selection remains on the non-football injury list.

“I think there’s a scenario where he’ll be ready for Week 1,” Ben Johnson said. “That’s really the target date. I know he’s working hard and diligently to get there for that. With those types of injuries that he’s got, you just never know. You never know. It’s still early in that process. I know he’s attacking that rehab really well.”

Johnson, 26, started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024 while playing in the first season of a four-year, $76 million contract. He started all 70 games in which he has played since being selected by Chicago in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Johnson recorded 53 tackles and two interceptions last season and 214 and seven, respectively, during his five seasons with the Bears.

–Field Level Media

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; United States olympian Michael Phelps and his son Boomer attend the Washington Redskins game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Ravens to take swimming lessons from super-fan Michael Phelps

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When it comes to taking swimming lessons, the Baltimore Ravens are going to learn from the best.

Michael Phelps, a Ravens super-fan who happens to own 28 Olympic swimming medals, committed Wednesday to sharing his expertise with the players who don’t know how to swim.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey posted a video to Instagram on Tuesday, asking the 23-time gold medalist for his assistance. The Ravens added a recovery pool when they renovated their Under Armour Performance Center, and not everyone on the team can take advantage because they aren’t proficient swimmers.

In the video, Humphrey and teammates Ronnie Stanley, Kyle Hamilton and Charlie Kolar made a collective appeal to Phelps, 40. Each recited a line.

“Mr. Phelps, we have a problem. Did you know that one in three Ravens cannot swim? We have a solution for you, sir. Come to Ravens training camp and this beautiful aquatic center and teach us how to swim,” they said.

On Wednesday, Phelps replied in the affirmative: “I got yall!!! Let’s do it!!”

Phelps, who graduated from suburban Towson High School, represented the North Baltimore Aquatic Club in his competitive days. He long has been a Ravens fan.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Report: TE Noah Fant expected to sign with Bengals

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Free agent tight end Noah Fant is expected to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, NFL Network reported Thursday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fant was released by the Seattle Seahawks on July 20 and likely will slot behind starter Mike Gesicki in Cincinnati.

Fant, 27, recorded 48 catches for 500 yards and one touchdown in 14 games (nine starts) last season. He spent three seasons with Seattle after being acquired from the Denver Broncos in the Russell Wilson deal.

Fant has 300 receptions for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns in 95 career games (83 starts) with the Broncos and Seahawks. He was selected by the Broncos with the 20th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) reacts after the Raiders were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers 34-20 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Report: Raiders LT Kolton Miller agrees to 3-year, $66M extension

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Las Vegas Raiders starting left tackle Kolton Miller agreed to a contract extension, the team announced late Wednesday night.

While the Raiders did not disclose the terms of the deal, multiple media outlets reported it was a three-year extension worth a total of $66 million, with $42.5 million guaranteed.

Miller signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension in 2021 and was due to earn a $12.2 million base salary in 2025, the final year of the deal. That contract contained no guaranteed money for the upcoming season.

Miller, 29, started all 17 games last season and 107 of the 109 career games in which he has played since being selected by the Raiders with the 15th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of UCLA.

–Field Level Media

July 15, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze speaks in the Main Media Room during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Auburn’s Hugh Freeze keeps cancer on periphery as fall camp kicks off

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Hugh Freeze hit the ground running as Auburn opens fall camp even as the Tigers’ coach takes the field knowing he will likely need surgery for prostate cancer.

Freeze, 55, said he hasn’t felt this good physically to start a season in years.

“I don’t think anything about the health right now,” said Freeze. “Whether that’s right, wrong or indifferent. I talk to docs. I had three of them text me yesterday. They’re awesome. I’ve got a great team around me, but I just don’t have any … I mean, I don’t feel sick.”

Freeze made similar comments in March, when he decided he could postpone any medical procedure until January.

Auburn went 5-7 last season and Freeze said earlier this month at SEC Media Days he’s confident his third year will bring a breakthrough. He has 14 losses — nine against conference teams — in two seasons.

An avid golfer, Freeze has gotten some attention for the amount of time he’s spending around the greens as the Tigers look to close the gap in the SEC. This isn’t the first health concern for Freeze. He had a staph infection in his back while coaching at Liberty in 2019, and said he still experiences some pain. Freeze worked through that serious medical issue, coaching from the press box on game day.

Auburn originally disclosed the diagnosis in February and doctors told Freeze the form of cancer he’s fighting is “treatable and curable.”

“My wife’s got me taking all kinds of natural things that — supposedly — may cure prostate cancer,” Freeze said. “We hope it does. We’ll recheck it in January and see where things are. But other than an old back, I feel great. Sometimes it gets a little tight. But I had that deal at Liberty where I had the infection get in, and I’m always going to have some arthritis there. But my energy is good. I feel great and excited about camp.”

–Field Level Media