NFL Player News

Lemieux (biceps) participated in OTAs last week, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Lemieux missed most of the 2023 campaign with a ruptured biceps, but he was able to take the field last week with his new squad and saw first-team reps during OTAs. Although he could earn a starting role, the Oregon product is ultimately expected to be a depth option at guard for the Saints behind projected starters Cesar Ruiz and Nick Saldiveri.

Kpassagnon suffered a torn Achilles at some point during the offseason, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

It's unclear exactly how or when Kpassagnon suffered the injury, but it will certainly impact his ability to be ready when the 2024 season starts. However, according to head coach Dennis Allen, the Villanova product may be able to return at some point during the season, Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune reports.

Higgins and teammate Ja'Marr Chase are not present at voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, Ben Baby of ESPN reports.

Higgins still hasn't signed the franchise tag Cincinnati placed on him back in February, and with Chase also eligible for an extension, both of the Bengals' top wideouts appear to be vying for new deals. Until Higgins signs the franchise tag, he won't be eligible to report for organized team activities. He formally requested a trade after having the franchise tag placed on him but has since indicated he anticipates suiting up for the Bengals for the 2024 season, and coach Zac Taylor plainly stated that he's not worried about the absence of either Higgins or Chase at this time.

Chase and teammate Tee Higgins are not present for voluntary OTAs on Tuesday as they continue to negotiate potential contract extensions, Ben Baby of ESPN reports.

Chase hasn't yet participated in voluntary workouts for Cincinnati this offseason, and he's now eligible for a contract extension. The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option. Higgins, meanwhile, has yet to sign his franchise tender after Cincinnati placed the one-year tag on him back in February. Coach Zac Taylor stated that he's not worried about the absence of either wideout, saying "they'll be ready and focused when it's time to come back." For now, though, Joe Burrow (wrist) will be taking reps without either of his top receivers present.

Slayton (thumb) participated in Tuesday's OTAs practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Slayton is working toward a hopeful contract extension with the Giants, but he's on the field for voluntary workouts at OTAs. The 2019 fifth-round pick still appears slated for a starting gig, though rookie first-rounder Malik Nabers should be the top man in this wide receiver corps, with Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson also in the mix. Slayton appears fully healthy after having dealt with a thumb injury down the stretch in 2023.

Stidham said he's "super excited" to compete with Bo Nix and Zach Wilson for quarterback reps at OTAs and believes he could win the starting job, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

Stidham said he's "very confident that I can be the guy for us next year.'' The 2019 fourth-rounder isn't unaccustomed to such situations, noting that he "dealt with this before" when New England drafted Mac Jones in the first round. Now, Stidham finds himself in the veteran role of an offseason competition, with Nix having been selected 12th overall in April's draft and Wilson still coming along in his development. Coach Sean Payton has made clear that the Broncos are approaching the offseason as a three-way competition for the starting gig, per Legwold.

Branch recently underwent a cleanup procedure on his lower left leg and will likely be sidelined until training camp, Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reports.

The Lions initially thought Branch's lower left leg injury would heal on its own, but he elected to undergo a procedure so he could rehab ahead of the regular season. However, coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Branch is progressing well and will likely be able to do some work before the regular season begins, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Branch was recently seen on a knee scooter around the team's facility. The 22-year-old was solid as a rookie last year, tallying 74 tackles (50 solo), including a sack, along with 13 pass defenses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a touchdown.

Judon (biceps) is back to full health and expected to be at the Patriots' mandatory minicamp in June, Karen Guregian of The Springfield Republican reports.

Judon tore his biceps early in the 2023 season and subsequently underwent season-ending surgery. It appears his recovery has gone well, and he will be ready to participate in New England's offseason program. Barring any setbacks with his health, the 31-year-old -- who racked up 15.5 sacks in 2022 -- is expected to start at outside linebacker, where he'll reprise his role as a key pass rusher for the team.

Jones (knee) is hopeful to be ready for Week 1 in the upcoming season, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Jones suffered a torn MCL and missed the final five games of the regular season, plus the Browns' wild-card loss to the Texans. He is not participating in OTAs yet, but doctors originally told him he could be back practicing as early as June. Thus, he could start ramping things up soon. He projects to back up Jack Conklin (knee) at right tackle when healthy this season.

Bass (elbow) is participating in the Cowboys' OTAs, Mickey Spagnola of the team's official site reports.

Bass underwent elbow surgery following the 2023 campaign. The undrafted rookie earned a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster but spent most of the season backing up Tyler Smith at guard. However, Bass did start two contests. His participation at OTAs indicates his health is back up to par heading into his second season.