Shane Steichen provides injury update on Colts' LB Zaire Franklin
After undergoing offseason ankle surgery, Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Zaire Franklin hasn't practiced during training camp yet. But Shane Steichen believes he is close to returning.
"Really close," Steichen said of Franklin's return on Monday. "Hopefully we can get him at some point this week out there. That's the hope. But he's progressing well. Obviously, he's running and doing stuff. Hopefully, we get him back out there this week, is the hope."
Along with missing the start of training camp, Franklin also missed OTA and minicamp practices due to the offseason surgery as well.
With the Colts not placing Franklin on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp, that was a sign that they didn't expect him to be out long.
With Franklin sidelined, Cameron McGrone has been seeing his share of starting reps alongside of Jaylon Carlies.
Franklin is coming off a career year, which included leading the NFL in tackles, along with setting career-highs in interceptions, sacks, and quarterback pressures.
As a result, Franklin would make his first Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro.
Playing next to Carlies, who brings a coverage presence to the position as a former college safety, along with operating within Lou Anarumo's defensive scheme, where there will be a greater reliance on defensive backs in coverage situations, Franklin could see more opportunities this season to play closer to the line of scrimmage, which is where he is at his best.
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USA Today
5 minutes ago
- USA Today
Trey Hendrickson contract: Timeline of dispute with Bengals over long-term deal explained
Trey Hendrickson wants the Cincinnati Bengals to show him the money. The star pass rusher is in a familiar spot as the ramp-up for the 2025 regular season begins – without a new contract. It's an issue that has spanned multiple offseasons now, before rearing its ugly head this time around. What he wants, the Bengals aren't willing to give. Hendrickson wasn't just on the sidelines as training camp began, he wasn't even in the building – or the state. The All-Pro went home to Florida while waiting to see who blinks first. Ultimately, it's him. In a gesture of good faith, the Bengals star reported to training camp on July 30 without a new contract in place. It comes less than a week after Cincinnati signed first-round pick Shemar Stewart to his rookie contract – ending one dispute along its defensive line. It remains a mystery when, and if, Hendrickson will receive a new contract, but perhaps the best way to understand the current situation is to look back at how we arrived here. Trey Hendrickson contract timeline After spending his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Hendrickson hit the open market and elected to sign with the Bengals in free agency. He inked a four-year, $60 million deal coming off a 13.5-sack season at age 26. Hendrickson was tasked with replacing Carl Lawson, who departed for the New York Jets. The former Saint delivered in a big way, outplaying his contract by a large margin, recording 57 sacks in 65 games. Coming off two consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, it was clear that Hendrickson's production didn't match his salary. He posted 22 sacks and six forced fumbles in just 31 games over his first two seasons in Cincinnati. The Bengals awarded him with a one-year extension worth $21 million, including $8 million guaranteed, keeping Hendrickson in Cincinnati through the 2025 season. Hendrickson told the Associated Press at the time that he wanted to remain with the Bengals. "They gave me a tremendous opportunity two years ago, there was a lot of question marks around my name," Hendrickson said, via the AP. "They believed in me. And I still have the same desire to prove them right in the way they've invested in me. And that's not something I take lightly. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them. And the way they handle things, the organization, the way they care about people, like I said earlier, so just staying in the building personally for me is important." Hendrickson responded in a big way after earning the one-year extension, recording 17.5 sacks during the 2023 season – a new career-high. That put the pass-rusher in a position to seek some more long-term security, but the Bengals weren't willing to entertain those talks. The team already extended Joe Burrow the year prior and then faced the looming reality of new deals for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Hendrickson opted to rejoin the team in May after requesting a trade in late April. "When you're told 'no,' it's something that I want to explore all options," Hendrickson said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, of why he requested a trade. "If it wasn't going to happen long-term here for the security of my family, exploring the option where they would have a benefit also in potentially looking elsewhere but I'm also humbled by the experience that they want me to be here. The communication is very open and transparent, very respectful so I have nothing but good things to say. At the end of the day, it was a decision for my family." He ended up playing under the contract, as constructed, during the 2024 season. By this point, it was clear that Hendrickson's performance was no fluke. He followed up a dominant 2023 season with an even better year in 2024. He led the league with 17.5 sacks and was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. Hendrickson finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, putting an exclamation point on a dominant season. Without a new contract looming, the star requested a trade for the second time in as many years and this time, the Bengals granted him permission to seek employment elsewhere. "I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn't think he'd be happy at," Blackburn said via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I think some of it is on him to be happy at some point, and if he's not, you know, that's what holds it up sometimes. So, you know, it takes him to say yes to something, and also, we have all the respect in the world for him. He's been a great player. We're happy to have him. And so maybe we'll find a way to get something to work. We're just gonna see where it goes." Blackburn's comments can be seen as somewhat of a turning point in the saga, sparking a war of words in the media. One day later, Hendrickson made an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," where he detailed his disappointment in Blackburn's comments and the situation as a whole. Chase and Higgins both received their extensions by this point, leaving Hendrickson as the last remaining star on the team without one. "Communication has been poor over the last couple months," Hendrickson said at the time. "They have not communicated with my agent directly. It's been something that's been a little bit frustrating." Hendrickson said his understanding was that a deal would get done this offseason and added that he had no desire to be the highest-paid. Over a month later, Hendrickson showed up to the team's voluntary workout as a spectator and opted to hold an impromptu press conference – where he expressed that he won't play the upcoming season without a new contract. He said that the situation had become personal and was asked if he wanted to remain in Cincinnati. "That's a tough question too," Hendrickson said via WPCO 9's Marshall Kramsky. "You try to not let the business become personal, I think over the last week or so it's become personal unfortunately. When there's a lack of communication in any relationship, if it's business or personal relationship, lack of communication leads to animosity. That leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction." Hendrickson later elaborated on his decision to start speaking out publicly. "I think a lot of players in the past have been silent or didn't stand on values where telling the truth will set you free," Hendrickson said. "I'm a Floridian. So there is unprovoked shark attacks and there is provoked shark attacks. The comments that are being made, whatever happened at the combine, whatever happened at the owner's meetings and the text I got yesterday, this is not something where I'm just twiddling my thumbs and thinking, 'how can I get the next one up?'" A cease-fire of sorts, the two sides returned to the negotiating table in June, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. It was presumably the first time the parties resumed discussions since before the 2025 NFL Draft, as Hendrickson previously noted that he hadn't spoken to the team in the aftermath of the offseason's marquee event. On the eve of training camp report day for veterans in Cincinnati, Bengals de-facto general manager Duke Tobin said he expected Hendrickson to show up on July 22. "Trey is an important part of our team," Tobin said. "He's under contract and we expect him to be here... He's a guy who has been very valuable. He has earned a raise and extension. We'll see if we can come together on something.' Bengals owner Mike Brown took a different approach, stating that the team will not trade Hendrickson and that he can sometimes be a difficult person to deal with. "Trey Hendrickson is a fine player and a good guy," Brown said. "We want him here. Dealing with him is sometimes not so easy. That's all right. He's got the right to argue his case, we'll try to make sense of it from our perspective... as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better." Contract talks broke down over guaranteed money, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and Hendrickson elected to return to Florida as training camp opened. "All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida," ESPN's Adam Schefter told USA TODAY Sports in an interview. "The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn't gotten that." ESPN's Adam Schefter said on "The Pat McAfee Show" that a deal is in place between Hendrickson and the Bengals, but issues remain regarding guaranteed money. Schefter noted that the dispute is in the $6 million to $10 million range. He expects that, if and when a deal gets done, it will be for three years. In a surprising turn of events, Hendrickson opted to end his holdout and report to training camp. The Bengals star officially walked out to the practice field on July 30, which also puts an end to the $50,000-per-day fine that he was subjected to for missing camp. Hendrickson notably wasn't in uniform and won't participate in practice, but it appears to be a step in the right direction. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Newsweek
7 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Colts HC Offers Major Update on Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones QB Battle
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indianapolis Colts are having a big quarterback battle, as young signal-caller Anthony Richardson is attempting to secure the starting position. However, he is up against Daniel Jones, the former starter for the New York Giants. More news: Training Camp Power Rankings Sees Chiefs Unseated as AFC Kings While it would be believed that Richardson is the clear-cut starter of the pair, that is not the case. The Colts are smartly allowing a quarterback battle to happen between the quarterbacks, and it appears the competition is a lot closer than people think. Colts head coach Shane Steichen offered a major update to NFL senior writer Jeremy Fowler, stating the battle for the starting position is currently "neck and neck." From #Colts: -Shane Steichen calls QB battle 'neck and neck.' -Anthony Richardson humbled, tweaks mechanics -Daniel Jones picks up offense quickly — Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 30, 2025 Steichen gave some coach-speak about what the team is looking for out of their starter, and clearly that is "getting the offense going." Richardson and Jones both have the ability to do that. Instead of Richardson being upset at the idea of having to battle it out with Jones, he instead offered some very self-aware critiques of his play in 2024. Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo byMore news: Top 5 Cornerbacks the Dolphins Should Target After Losing Kader Kohou "I need to pick up the slack. I did not work hard enough last year, and that is essentially why I got benched," Richardson told Fowler. Richardson is also shown speaking about "doing more," for himself and for the team. Richardson certainly has a good mind about what transpired in 2024. The hope was that the tough running and accurate passer would have a breakout year, but injuries led to him missing multiple games. Also, during Week 8, Richardson pulled himself from a game, citing that he was "tired" and "needed a break." The result of his pulling himself led to the Colts benching him in favor of longtime veteran Joe Flacco. Flacco did not live up to expectations and was replaced by Richardson two games later. Richardson has every chance to land the starting position, but he needs to beat out Jones. Jones joined the Colts after he fell out of favor with the Giants. Following six years with the team, he was released and joined the Minnesota Vikings to back up Sam Darnold. Despite Jones' reputation with the Giants, he is still a solid passer. He also played under a very poor offensive line, which won't be the case for the Colts. If Jones is learning the offense quickly and is neck and neck with Richardson, then Richardson will have to play perfectly to not lose the starting role. Either way, having a quarterback battle like this will benefit both. For more on the Colts and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
an hour ago
Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans eager to 'put on a show' as he seeks record-setting season
TAMPA, Fla. -- Mike Evans streaked into the secondary, cut outside and leaped to catch a perfect post-corner toss from Baker Mayfield. Fans at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' indoor practice facility roared. They're used to Evans making all the plays but No. 13 still manages to impress everyone watching. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver makes it look so effortless the way he glides after the ball. His routes are smooth and precise, his hands soft. At 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, he has a powerful frame so he can outmuscle defenders or outfinesse them when he needs to. Evans is the only player in NFL history to start his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Only Jerry Rice had that many at any point. Evans is aiming for 12 in a row in a year when the Buccaneers celebrate the franchise's 50th season. There are no signs the 31-year-old is slowing down and his team goals are bigger than his personal ones. 'I'm just happy that we have a really great team and we're using this training camp to put everything together to have one of the best seasons for the 50th,' Evans said Tuesday. 'I'm excited to put on a great show for y'all.' At a position known for players with look-at-me personalities — Tyreek Hill, Michael Irvin, Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson — Evans lets his performance do most of the talking. He's quiet, humble and community-oriented. Evans is a four-time NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year nominee for the work he does along with his wife, Ashli, through their foundation, which empowers youth, encourages education and stands against domestic violence. Evans joined the Buccaneers in 2014 as the seventh overall pick and has become one of the greatest players in franchise history. Evans and Chris Godwin were a big reason why Tom Brady chose Tampa Bay in 2020 and the Buccaneers ended up winning a Super Bowl that season. From catching passes from Josh McCown and Mike Glennon as a rookie to Jameis Winston to Brady to Baker Mayfield, Evans continues to produce. He has 836 career catches for 12,684 yards and 105 touchdowns. Evans missed three games last season due to injury and didn't reach 1,000 yards until he caught a 9-yard pass on the final play of a 27-19 victory over the Saints that the Buccaneers needed to secure their fourth straight NFC South title. The reaction from Evans' teammates and the fans after that catch showed how much he's loved. 'He always has (put the team first),' Mayfield said afterward. 'That's why you love him. That's why we appreciate having him. We're lucky to have him and he's underappreciated throughout the media, the league and he's one of one. He deserves that. Obviously, you saw the stadium erupt, the sideline erupt. You can tell how much people care about him and what that means for everybody around him.' Some veteran players are careful about mentoring young guys who will eventually replace them. Not Evans. Or Godwin for that matter. The Buccaneers drafted wideout Emeka Egbuka in the first round out of Ohio State. They selected Tez Johnson from Oregon in the seventh round. 'It's constant. They're just so fortunate from Tez to 'Mek' (Egbuka) to Garrett (Greene) to be able to learn from them,' Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said. 'We just had a walk through this morning and we can coach it up, but Chris and Mike were coaching up the concept just as much as myself and (wide receivers coach) 'B-Mac' (Bryan McClendon) were. And that's just on the field — I can't imagine what they talk about off the field on how to be a pro and how to conduct themselves. They couldn't have come into a better environment for people to learn from.'
