Tag: OTAs

Chiefs postpone Thursday’s voluntary OTA practice due to a medical emergency

#Chiefs postpone Thursday’s voluntary OTA practice due to a medical emergency | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs were set to conclude their third week of voluntary OTA practice on Thursday before a medical emergency involving a player canceled the session.

According to The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the unnamed player is in stable condition and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

“The Chiefs have postponed their OTA practice for today, one that was set to be the open reporters, after a medical emergency. I’m told a backup player was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. He’s in stable condition.” posted Taylor on his X account. “The Chiefs are planning to practice tomorrow.”

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports that a backup defensive lineman suffered a seizure during the special teams meeting.

“The Chiefs canceled all team activities today after a backup defensive lineman had a seizure in a special teams meeting and went into cardiac arrest, per sources,” said Pelissero on his X account. “The team’s medical staff worked quickly, an ambulance was called, and the player is currently in stable condition.”

The Chiefs will hold practice on Friday, with the expected media availability to follow as initially planned on Thursday.

Wednesday’s practice represented another step in Jayden Daniels’ development

Wednesday’s practice was the latest step in Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ development.

The Washington Commanders have only one Organized Training Activity (OTA) remaining after Wednesday’s open practice. Washington has Thursday off before wrapping up OTAs on Friday.

The next challenge for the Commanders is the mandatory minicamp which runs from June 11-13.

During Wednesday’s OTAs, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels worked in 11-on-11 drills for the first time in front of reporters since he was drafted in April. That represented the latest stage in his development as he previously faced the defense in 7-on-7 work.

There were reports of Daniels having at least one rough series on Wednesday, according to JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Washington.

Relax. We haven’t even made it to training camp yet.

Zach Selby of commanders.com offered the following update on Daniels in 11-on-11 work:

The Commanders went through 11-on-11 drills today for the first time in front of reporters, marking the first time we’ve seen Daniels go against something resembling an NFL style pass-rush. He had to scramble out of the pocket a couple of times, but Daniels remained calm as blitzers closed in around him. He went through his progressions, had impressive footwork and zipped the ball to his targets. It’s still just June, but it’s a good sign of his development.

Aside from Daniels’ pocket presence, the most noticeable difference was how loud practice was during 11-on-11 drills. The defense was being vocal, communicating their reads to one another, while the offense was making checks at the line of scrimmage. Clearly, being on the same page has been a focal point for the new coaching staff, and that extra attention is paying off.

This is when you want Daniels to struggle — and then shake it off with a strong series. That’s apparently what happened on Wednesday. Daniels is going to take his lumps for several reasons. For as talented as he is, he’s only now facing an NFL defense for the first time. Secondly, the entire offense is learning a new offense with several new starters, including Daniels.

Finally, the defense is always ahead of the offense at this point in the offseason.

Washington has one more OTA practice (Friday) and holds its mandatory three-day minicamp next week, which will mean more good work for Daniels.

Commanders finally get rid of long-dormant artificial turf practice field

Josh Harris does something else Dan Snyder would’ve never done.

If you’ve attended a Washington Commanders training camp practice over the years, you’d quickly notice one of the practice fields closest to the team’s facilities: It was artificial turf and rarely used.

That is no more. As reporters descended on Ashburn on Wednesday, all noticed that crews were removing the turf. As JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Sports Washington noted, it was long overdue.

In recent years, others in the organization wanted the turf field removed, but former owner Daniel Snyder reportedly thought it cost too much.

New owner Josh Harris said in an interview earlier this year that he isn’t an “F-minus guy.” Harris was referring to the NFLPA grades handed out regarding the team’s poor facilities. Harris has committed millions to improving Commanders Field (formerly FedEx Field) and the team’s Ashburn headquarters.

Head coach Dan Quinn praised Harris.

“The good news, the turf field had been here a long time; we didn’t utilize [it],” Quinn said. “Let’s give some props to Josh and to his team for recognizing when things have to change for the betterment of these players and that he’s going to find a way to do that. And that’s his pact to the guys that knowing if there’s a way to dig in to let them know that he’s going to turn over every rock, so to speak, to make this experience as strong as it could be. Man, we are appreciative of that. So, it’ll be another grass field that we’ll have here and hopefully, it’ll be by the end of training camp. That’s the timeline for that going forward.”

Harris continues to stand by his promises to make things better for the players and coaches.

Not only will the Commanders have multiple grass fields, but they also have the indoor practice bubble that was built at the urging of former coach Mike Shanahan. Before Shanahan convinced Snyder to build the bubble, Washington had no way of practicing inside.

Times have certainly changed.

Former Washington player and current analyst Ross Tucker wanted a piece of the field for old times’ sake.

 

 

Commanders coach Dan Quinn talks allegations against former kicker Brandon McManus

Quinn discussed McManus and the new kicker.

The Washington Commanders had their first open OTA practice in two weeks, the first time since they released veteran kicker Brandon McManus. News of a lawsuit against McManus, accusing him of sexual assault in an incident that occurred in September while he played for the Jaguars, emerged on Monday, May 27.

The Commanders released a short statement after the news broke. Earlier this week, Washington made the expected move to release McManus.

Here’s Washington’s initial statement on the allegations against McManus:

Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media and, no surprise, the McManus was a primary topic of conversation.

“We did release Brandon,” Quinn said Wednesday. “I found out some of the information on May 27th. And then we released him on June 3rd.

No surprise, Quinn didn’t reveal much because it remains an ongoing investigation regarding the allegations against McManus.

However, he did reveal a bit about what he told his team.

“This is under investigation,” Quinn said via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “So I can’t comment a lot. But what I can say is a little bit about what I told the team. And I think like most things, not necessarily related to this but as a lesson, let’s make sure you always let somebody know and tell. There’s usually a whole bunch of people that want to be part of the solution. And so when you have that, whether that’s for this team or any team or a parent, that kind of communication allows you to come up with some solutions.”

Someone asked about the franchise’s history with similar allegations played a part in Washington releasing McManus and wisely Quinn did not comment.

McManus’ replacement, Ramiz Ahmed, was on the field Wednesday. Quinn didn’t say Ahmed would be Washington’s kicker in 2024, stressing he would be competing for the role. This is not different than anything he has said about every other position: Everyone will be competing. So, it sounds like the Commanders will likely bring in another kicker to compete with Ahmed this summer.

WATCH: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels connects with Zach Ertz at OTAs

Zach Ertz has already become a favorite target of Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz in free agency to not only bring stability to the tight end room but also serve as a safety valve for their eventual young quarterback.

That young quarterback turned out to be Jayden Daniels. During Washington’s Offseason Training Activities two weeks ago, Daniels quickly recognized what a weapon Ertz could be for him, connecting multiple times during the open portion of practice.

The Commanders were back in Ashburn for their final week of OTAs on Wednesday and, again Daniels was looking for his tight end.

If Ertz can stay healthy, he should have a big season. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury expects to run a lot of 12 personnel this season, keeping multiple tight ends on the field.

Daniels and Ertz are off to a good start.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr.: ‘We don’t have 11 starters’

The defensive coordinator is not ready to talk about a starting lineup.

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. became an instant fan favorite during his introductory press conference back in February. Whitt’s motto is simple: He wants his players to arrive violently.

Since then, we hadn’t heard from Whitt until Wednesday. In discussing his defense during the final week of OTAs, Whitt wasn’t interested in saying who was starting where. It’s all about depth.

“We don’t have 11 starters,” Whitt said. “You’re going to put this down, so don’t ask me who’s starting here. We have 17 to 18 guys. We’re going to go out there, we’re going to roll a deep crew and go out there and whoop people. We don’t have 11 guys, we have many personnel groups, and now can they own those positions when we put them in there? When that comes, don’t ask me about who’s starting, please.

Whitt is no-nonsense and fiery. He’s exactly what this defense needs. He isn’t going to play favorites. He will not play guys because of draft status or contract status. The best players will play.

It’s a new time indeed.

WATCH: Patrick Mahomes completes insane behind-the-back pass in practice

Check out this video of Patrick Mahomes completing an insane behind-the-back pass to Carson Steele in practice at #Chiefs OTAs.

Patrick Mahomes’ famous behind-the-back passes made another appearance at the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field as the defending champions worked out Wednesday.

Rookie running back Carson Steele was on the receiving end of the impressive throw, and managed to make a one-handed catch to cap off the exciting play.

Performances like this are common for Mahomes in practice, especially during OTAs and training camp when he can let loose without interfering with Andy Reid’s agenda.

Wednesday’s display of unconventional prowess by Mahomes is sure to be followed up by more impressive showings as Kansas City’s offseason practices continue ahead of training camp in July.

For his part, Steele’s outstanding catch may earn him favor with the Chiefs’ coaching staff, which is sure to appreciate his sure-handedness out of the backfield.

Stay tuned to see what other kinds of unique plays Mahomes makes during the rest of Kansas City’s offseason program this summer.

Sean Payton expects Courtland Sutton to attend Broncos’ mandatory minicamp

“I think he’ll be here for minicamp,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Courtland Sutton. “I mean, it’s mandatory.”

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been skipping the team’s organized team activities as he seeks a new contract.

Sutton, 28, is set to have a base salary of $13 million this season. ESPN recently reported that he would like to be paid in the $15-$16 million range.

So far, everything Sutton has skipped has technically been voluntary. After Tuesday’s practice session, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked if he expects Sutton to attend mandatory minicamp next week.

“Yeah, I think he’ll be here for minicamp,” Payton said. “I mean, it’s mandatory. When I’ve been asked about Courtland — and I’m going to say this — man, I just know his work ethic. I know the player.

“There’s a list of things that race through your mind this time in the offseason as a head coach. And, respectfully when I say this to him — because he and I have talked — I think that will work itself out. So I think he’ll be here, yeah. But I don’t know that for sure.”

Payton was then asked if it’s a contract situation for Sutton.

“Well, it’s not that he doesn’t like our new uniforms,” the coach quipped.

If Sutton skipped all three days of minicamp, he would face up to $101,716 in fines. Payton did not want it to sound like a threat, but when asked if the receiver would be fined if he skipped mandatory minicamp, the coach indicated there’s no wiggle room.

“Don’t come away from this with, ‘He’s threatening to fine [him],'” Payton said. “It’s just the mandatory part of the offseason is the minicamp, and then training camp’s mandatory and there we go.”

Denver will hold mandatory minicamp from June 11-13. After that, players will get a summer break before training camp begins in late July.

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Panthers RB coach Bernie Parmalee shares early impressions of Jonathon Brooks

Panthers RB coach Bernie Parmalee on Jonathon Brooks: “Oh shoot, he’s what you want in a back.”

Although they may be bonded by their own unfortunate experiences, Carolina Panthers running back coach Bernie Parmalee and rookie Jonathon Brooks have made an early connection.

Parmalee spoke about the team’s second-round pick after Tuesday’s outing of team organized activities. He was asked what he saw from Brooks out of college as well as what he’s currently seeing during his transition into the pros.

“Oh shoot, he’s what you want in a back,” Parmalee replied. “I mean, he’s got good size, vision, playmaker, can do it all, position flexibility, plays hard. And when the ball’s in his hand, he makes things happen. So that’s all you ever want for guys in your position.”

Brooks’ move into the NFL isn’t exactly a normal one, as the 20-year-old remains sidelined from practices as he continues to heal from an ACL tear. But that’s a familiar obstacle for Parmalee, who also tore his ACL back in his playing days.

“We bonded that way because I had the right knee, he had the right knee,” he said. “So, I know what you’re thinking. And some of the things by my experience, I say, ‘Don’t think it. Don’t do it.’

“I know what you’re thinking about, but you gotta stay focused—because it’s still a process. As much as our mind says I wanna get out there, your body’s gonna tell you when you can get out there.”

Brooks has previously stated he expects to be out there by training camp.

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Panthers coaches talk about the importance of having Jaycee Horn at OTAs

Whether it’s at practice or during the regular season, having CB Jaycee Horn on the field is quite important for the Panthers.

Unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, they haven’t had Jaycee Horn at their disposal much over his three-year NFL career. But they’re hoping Year No. 4 is different for the standout cornerback, who does make his presence known when he’s healthy.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following today’s outing of team organized activities. He was asked about the importance of having Horn on the practice field.

“It’s been really great just to have him out there,” Canales said. “We’re being really smart about how we transition him in, especially during this phase. But when he’s out there—I think the cool part I didn’t know about Jaycee, which has been fun for me to see—is he’s vocal. And he loves to talk and he loves to kinda bring that edge and that energy.

“Defense makes a couple of good plays and Jaycee’s kinda lettin’ everybody know. And I think it’s just a really cool part of the personality of this team that I’m looking forward to. And Jaycee, he feels like he’s in a really good place.”

Jaycee hasn’t been in a really good place, at least health-wise, since entering the league. The 2021 eighth overall pick has dealt with numerous injuries and already missed 29 of a possible 51 games.

The 22 games he has played in, however, have shown how effective he can be—something defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley made note of on Tuesday.

“I think having Jaycee—like, a player like that—he affects a lot of people around him,” Cooley replied. “So it allows us to put more pressure on him, to take away one side of the field and it allows other guys to grow within a role that we can see express. You don’t have a lot of guys that are blessed with what he has in his body and if he’s available, he’s one of the best.”

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