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Aaron Rodgers beats back Mike Tomlin critics

Wed Jul 30 3:59pm ET
Field Level Media

Mike Tomlin might stop short of embracing his critics, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach has said the unsolicited assessments of his performance come with the territory in his profession.

New Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has other ideas about slinging arrows at Tomlin.

"Mike T is the man. Any hate, disrespect and the ilk is complete and utter bullshit," Rodgers said Wednesday in a live interview at training camp with the visiting "Pat McAfee Show."

"Mike T is the man. From Day 1 that we talked on the phone in the offseason, I was never talking to a head coach. I was talking to a friend. I respected the hell out of that. The way that he leads the room, the way that he talks in the team meeting, the way he is in practice. The surprise has been, just, what a great dude he is. What a great leader he is, on top of what I already expected, which was already high based on what I thought from afar, but being able to see it in person is incredible."

Rodgers took his time coming to terms with the Steelers after two painful seasons with the Jets. He tore his Achilles on the opening series of his tenure with the team in 2023 and the redemption tour never left the runway in 2024 after a slow start that led to New York firing head coach Robert Saleh.

Rodgers was released by the Jets, who signed former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields to start this season.

Tomlin told McAfee on Wednesday there was no hesitation in signing Rodgers after their initial conversation proved they were in alignment on their goals and mission.

"He's here and here in a mindset that's aligned with us. He's here and here to win a world championship for this group," Tomlin said.

Rodgers won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010, beating Tomlin and the Steelers for his only Lombardi Trophy.

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Player Notes
Jordan Whittington Jul 30 5:40pm ET
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittingon, who is battling with Tutu Atwell for the team's No. 3 wideout role in training camp this summer, has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. "This dude's just flat out tough, mentally and physically," LaFleur said. The Rams took the 24-year-old in the sixth round out of Texas, and he finished with just 22 receptions on 28 targets for 293 yards and no touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (three starts). It's the second straight year that he's impressed in training camp, although he should have a much better shot at contributing in L.A.'s passing attack in 2025. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will be the Rams' unquestioned top two wideouts, so for Whittington to surface on the fantasy radar, he will likely need Nacua or Adams to miss time with injury. He has the physicality to be intriguing out of the slot, but not a lot of targets will be expected.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Jul 30 5:20pm ET
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue saw his first decent run with the first-team offense at training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. There was a report that surfaced before the start of camp suggesting that Blue was "borderline lazy," but he has so far dispelled that narrative this summer and has impressed head coach Brian Schottenheimer with his "dynamic playmaking ability." Things are going well for the 21-year-old back early on, but the fact remains that veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders will both likely be positioned ahead of him in the backfield pecking order to begin the 2025 season. He's also small at 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds, so it's unlikely that Blue will ever be a bell-cow back in the NFL. However, the fifth-rounder could push for a pass-catching role in Dallas sooner than later in his rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Jul 30 4:00pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has seemingly dealt with nagging injuries throughout the last few offseasons, which has contributed to the team's 1-9 record in Weeks 1 and 2 since he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2020. However, the two-time Pro Bowler stated previously this offseason that he is feeling healthy, and he said Wednesday's practice was the "best I've thrown in years." Burrow was fantastic a season ago, completing over 70% of his passes for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His confidence heading into the new NFL campaign is promising, and if the Bengals do not dramatically improve on defense, he'll continue to have to pass at a high rate to stay in games. While quarterbacks without rushing floors and upside aren't as "safe" in fantasy football, Burrow should be at least a midrange fantasy football QB1 again in 2025 if he, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase stay relatively healthy.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jul 30 4:00pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee/leg) did not practice on Wednesday, but head coach John Harbaugh said the Pro Bowl wideout had "camp-like" stuff pop up and will get a day or a few days off. It sounds like Flowers is dealing with a minor ailment, so fantasy managers should not be concerned at this point. In his second NFL season last year, Flowers secured 74 of his 116 targets for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. The former first-round pick out of Boston College has been excellent to start his NFL career, but high-end WR1 upside for fantasy football is likely out of reach thanks to the Ravens' dominance on the ground. Either way, he's a solid WR2/3 or flex option and has the big-play ability to produce spike weeks. His competition for targets in the wide receiver room remains weak entering 2025.

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Cam Ward Jul 30 3:50pm ET
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward has struggled in the first two padded practices of training camp. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Miami has been off-target and has thrown several interceptions during team periods. The 23-year-old said the team's offense has been "very mid" so far, but he did not deflect blame. "At the end of the day, it all starts with me," Ward said. "I just don't think we're where we need to be, but we've got a little bit of time." Rookie quarterbacks often struggle mightily early in their first NFL offseason, especially No. 1 overall picks with limited weapons. Ward is an interesting dynasty asset, but he's unlikely to be worth a firm roster spot in 12-team redraft leagues this season. Tennessee lacks proven playmakers behind Calvin Ridley, and plenty of growing pains are expected. Ward will kick off his regular-season career in Denver against one of the league's best defenses.

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Shedeur Sanders Jul 30 3:30pm ET
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is working behind veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel, saw action against the first-team defense for the first time during Wednesday's training camp practice. According to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, he was leading the second-team offense during this period. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Colorado has an opportunity to prove himself in the absence of Kenny Pickett (hamstring), so this could be a promising sign for his development. That said, Flacco remained the clear QB1 on Wednesday, and Sanders seemingly has an uphill battle to see any playing time in 2025. Dynasty managers in deep leagues can continue to stash him, but he's unlikely to be on the fantasy football radar in redraft leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller

Maxwell Hairston Jul 30 3:30pm ET
Maxwell Hairston

Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee) is considered week-to-week after suffering a knee injury that forced him out of Tuesday's practice, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The rookie first-round pick out of Kentucky is expected to compete for a starting role right away, and the injury is much less serious than it could have been, considering it was a non-contact injury. The 21-year-old's development could be slowed down by his absence, but it sounds like he should be ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. In three seasons at Kentucky, Hairston tallied six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns, so the organization is hoping he can bring that playmaking ability to the next level.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jul 30 3:20pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is week-to-week with a back injury, but head coach Sean McVay said he is "very confident" the veteran will be ready for the Week 1 matchup with the Houston Texans. McVay originally said the 37-year-old will miss just one week of practice, but that turned out not to be the case. "At this point, there is a plan in place, but what I don't want to do is give you guys a date," McVay said. "If that does change, then there's assumptions that I imagine I would have if I was in your guys' shoes that can lead you to think something's really up. We are week-to-week with him." Stafford has appeared in 57 of the possible 68 games since joining the organization, but he isn't getting any younger, and it's fair to be concerned about his status heading into the new campaign. Should Stafford miss any action in 2025, Jimmy Garoppolo would presumably start in his place. There are worse backup quarterbacks than Jimmy G, but the overall ceiling of the offense would be dramatically impacted. Those considering drafting Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tyler Higbee, Kyren Williams, or other Rams' offensive weapons should continue to follow along with updates on the former No. 1 overall pick.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Jul 30 3:10pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are still unsure when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will return to action. The 2023 All-Pro selection was the talk of the offseason last year as he negotiated a new contract following a 1,300-yard campaign, and unfortunately, he tallied just 374 receiving yards and no touchdowns in seven games before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. The 27-year-old could be set to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), which would require him to sit out at least the first four games. Dynasty fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and his cost in preseason redraft leagues is likely to continue to decline. Aiyuk could have a productive finish to the 2025 campaign if he can return to form, but it would be a surprise if he's a solid fantasy contributor early in the season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall stand to gain the most value in Aiyuk's absence.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Jul 30 2:13pm ET
Cordarrelle Patterson

Dynasty | The Steelers have released utility man Cordarrelle Patterson. Dynasty Analysis: Patterson spread the news himself on social media. While not a total stunner, Patterson does provide any team with depth at running back, receiver or on special teams. He'll likely find another team later on in training camp here, but his dynasty value is all but used up at this point unless he gets on one last hot streak.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Bo Nix Jul 30 2:13pm ET
Bo Nix

Dynasty | The Broncos have signed wide receiver Courtland Sutton to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Sutton gets a four-year, $92 million extension that will run through 2029. The contract includes $41 million in guarantees. It's a welcome deal for Sutton, who proved to be Bo Nix's best target last year as he posted a solid 81/1,081/8 line. Now 29, this is likely Sutton's last big contract and could keep him in Denver his whole career. He's a solid target for contending dynasty team as a solid WR1/2.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Treylon Burks Jul 30 2:13pm ET
Treylon Burks

Dynasty | The Titans have waived wide receiver Treylon Burks. Dynasty Analysis: The writing was on the wall earlier this week when Burks broke his collarbone. His tenure in Tennessee was littered with injuries and inconsistency since famously being a first round pick in 2022. In the end, Burks was only able to post 53 catches for 699 yards and one touchdown in his time in Music City, a far cry from what the Titans expected from him when AJ Brown was traded for the pick they used on him. Burks honestly belongs on dynasty waiver wires at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Mark Andrews Jul 30 2:13pm ET
Mark Andrews

Dynasty | Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will be out a few weeks. Dynasty Analysis: It's actually the best case scenario for Likely after he was carted off at practice. In the end, it was determined he has a small foot fracture, but not something that's going to keep him out for the season. Instead, Likely will work to get back for week one. While missing time is never a good thing, it's hard to see this really affecting the long-term dynasty value of Likely or Mark Andrews.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zack Moss Jul 30 2:13pm ET
Zack Moss

Dynasty | The Bengals have cut running back Zack Moss. Dynasty Analysis: Moss was supposed to form or even lead a 1-2 punch with Chase Brown last season but he broke his neck in three spots and that opened the door for Brown to take over as the lead running back. Moss was quoted as saying he turned into a couch potato after being hurt last season and that likely didn't sit well with the Bengals. Moss will look to latch on elsewhere as Tahj Brooks should move up the rookie sleeper list in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sam Darnold Jul 30 1:20pm ET
Sam Darnold

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a four-year contract extension on Wednesday with president of football operations/general manager John Schneider, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. The deal will keep Schneider around through the 2030 NFL draft and will take him through at least his 20th draft with the organization. Schneider has been Seattle's GM since the 2010 season and added the title of executive vice president in 2013. The 54-year-old also gained the title of president of football operations after former head coach Pete Carroll was fired after the 2023 season. Schneider made some big moves this offseason, trading away both quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf while also signing quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Jul 30 1:20pm ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson has ended his holdout and has reported to training camp, but FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz says it's his understanding that Hendrickson plans to stay engaged in meetings and around the team as he continues to wait for a new deal. The 30-year-old four-time Pro Bowler has ended his holdout, but now he's holding in and won't practice with the team until a new deal is reached. The hope is that now he's back with the team, it will ease contract talks and the two sides can finally get something done ahead of the 2025 regular-season opener. It remains to be seen if Hendrickson is serious about sitting out regular-season games if he still doesn't have a new deal by then. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his current deal and is scheduled to make $15.8 million in base salary in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Renfrow Jul 30 1:10pm ET
Hunter Renfrow

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (hamstring) was held out of training camp practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury that isn't considered serious. Head coach Dave Canales said that Renfrow told him he could have played this week if needed. The 29-year-old former fifth-rounder by the Raiders in 2019 out of Clemson missed the entire 2024 season due to health issues but is now hoping to bounce back in 2025 in a depth role for the Panthers. He was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and had 1,038 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 103 receptions, but he caught just 61 passes for 585 yards and two scores in 2022 and 2023 combined as he began to do deal with health issues. Renfrow could be more productive now that he's healthy, but he's off the fantasy radar while working behind Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Jul 30 12:40pm ET
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle) is out of Wednesday's training camp practice after injuring his ankle on Tuesday, according to Chiefs beat writer Matt McMullen. In addition to Brown, receivers Xavier Worthy (concussion) and Skyy Moore (hamstring) are out after they also were hurt in Tuesday's practice. The good news for the Chiefs receiver room is that none of their injuries appear very serious, so hopefully they will be back sooner than later. Brown suffered a shoulder injury in camp last year that ended up limiting him to just two regular-season games in his first year in KC. The 28-year-old was able to play in three playoff games, too, but he didn't really stand out. When both Rashee Rice and Worthy are healthy, Brown will probably operate as the WR3. He has missed 23 games due to injuries in the last three seasons.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jul 30 12:30pm ET
Anthony Richardson

ESPN's Stephen Holder writes that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones remains tight in training camp, with neither signal-caller putting distance between them. Head coach Shane Steichen called the QB battle "neck and neck." The Athletic's Zak Keefer writes that Richardson "was sharper during the team's first two padded practices." Richardson, the former fourth overall pick, has been a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons due to injuries and inconsistent performances. The young QB has missed 17 games due to injury and was benched midway through 2024 in favor of Joe Flacco. His completion percentage was a league-low 47.7%. Despite the early disappointment, GM Chris Ballard has faith in Richardson long term, even if he loses the battle to Jones this summer. Richardson's rushing upside is elite, but he must become a more complete QB to realize his QB1 potential.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jul 30 12:20pm ET
Xavier Worthy

The Kansas City Chiefs are saying that wide receiver Xavier Worthy (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after he suffered a head injury during Tuesday's training camp practice. It's unclear how much time Worthy will end up missing, but the good news is he has plenty of time to get cleared before the start of the regular season in early September. Marquise Brown (hamstring) was also injured in Tuesday's practice, so it wasn't a great day for KC's wideouts. Worthy was used as a receiver and running back in his rookie season in 2024 and finished with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns on 98 targets and added 20 carries for 104 yards and three more TDs on the ground in 17 regular-season games (13 starts). Target competition could be a concern when Rashee Rice and Brown are both on the field, but Worthy remains an intriguing WR2 in fantasy in this offense.

From RotoBaller