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New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Bears minicamp observations: Fun day at Halas Hall will fuel Ben Johnson's trick plays
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — One of the highlights from the third and final day of the Chicago Bears' mandatory minicamp was backup quarterback Case Keenum making a behind-the-back catch with two hands. It came after quarterback Caleb Williams caught a deep pass from receiver Devin Duvernay (who first made a catch on a throw from backup QB Tyson Bagent) and raced into the end zone where he screamed and celebrated. Advertisement It was a fun day at Halas Hall. Offensive linemen and quarterbacks caught passes during that one period in practice, while receivers, running backs and tight ends threw them. 'Yeah, I let those guys know, we only do this once a year, and it's an evaluation and we'll circle back in training camp and in the season to see who we can trust to catch the ball or throw the ball,' Johnson said Thursday. 'I think there's a couple guys on the (offensive) line that stood out. And then Case Keenum might have made the catch of the day, you know, behind the back about 50 yards down the field. So I think we've got some toys to work with.' 🚨 O-Linemen running routes 🚨 — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 5, 2025 This is the Ben Johnson way. He's serious about the details but also about adding trick plays to his playbook. The fun and games from Thursday could be considered the starting point for the latter. Did Johnson see the one-handed catch that right tackle Darnell Wright made? 'Oh, I did,' he said, smiling. 'I did. I did.' Johnson was asked on Wednesday if any players stood out to him during minicamp. He asked for a day to consider the players. On Thursday, he provided his answer: defensive end Dominique Robinson, rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, tight end Joel Wilson and rookie running back Kyle Monangai. Robinson, inactive for most of last season, spent most of minicamp playing with the defensive starters opposite Montez Sweat, with Dayo Odeyingbo sitting out. 'Even without the pads on, (Robinson's) done a great job of consistently speed-rushing up the field or countering back to the inside,' Johnson said. 'He's done a really nice job there. And of course he's got some special teams value that he takes a lot of pride in as well.' Advertisement Hyppolite's opportunities increased with T.J. Edwards dealing with a soft-tissue injury. Johnson described him as 'the player we probably saw the most improvement from when he stepped in to now.' Hyppolite, the Bears' fourth-round pick this year, played with the starters as the weakside linebacker. He's also competing with Noah Sewell on the strong side 'There's a lot of moving parts there at linebacker play,' Johnson said. 'They're keying and diagnosing a few different deals, and just with (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's) scheme, the match mentality that we like to play a lot of our coverages with, things change quickly. He's done a great job adjusting to that speed as we've gone through, and that's going to have to show up once we do get the pads on. But I think he's been improving every single day, and really, we're hoping that course continues.' Wilson, who initially joined the Bears' practice squad last October, caught a touchdown pass from Keenum during a situational period on Thursday. Johnson said he's made plays like that throughout the offseason program. Wilson went undrafted out of Central Michigan in 2023 before stints with the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants. 'He's got a little savvy in how he moves,' Johnson said. 'He's got a nice route feel about him. The test will really be when we get going in camp, how he holds up in the run game and the pass pro game. But so far in the running route section of tight end play, I think he's stood out in a positive light.' Johnson said that Monangai, the Bears' final draft selection this year, has 'really stepped up' during minicamp. That included catching a touchdown pass from Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. 'I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up,' Johnson said of Monangai. Advertisement Johnson has continued to quiz his quarterbacks on play calls. Quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett provides the play, and the quarterbacks have to repeat it and then go through its operation until they get it correct. Each quarterback gets three plays in a row. 'It's been intense,' Bagent said. 'At the beginning, when he was doing those quizzes, it was just kind of like putting somebody in a corner and pinning them there because we didn't really know what any of these words meant. So just trying to put together a play call when you don't really know what each word means is kind of hard. 'But I think that just that act in itself was like, at least for me … when I would go home, I would go straight into my iPad and try to figure all that (expletive) out. So I think it served wonders for the quarterback room going down the line, just what the expectation is of having to be on top of your (expletive) every day that you walk into the building, so I thought it was great.' Two years ago, Bagent was a rookie who beat out veteran P.J. Walker to be the Bears' No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Fields. But this year, it's apparent that he's fighting to maintain that spot against Keenum. 'Just compete my ass off and try to put myself in the best position possible, and I'm sure everybody in that room and in the building will do the same,' Bagent said. Keenum, though, has also turned into a great resource for Bagent, who shared a story from the first NFL game he attended: The Giants' 41-35 win in overtime over Washington on Dec. 22, 2019. Keenum led a 14-play, 99-yard scoring drive for Washington that day to force overtime. 'I'm about five rows up behind the end zone and they're backed up on their own 1,' Bagent said, recalling how Keenum nearly stepped out of bounds before one of his best completions. 'And just the angle and the drive that followed was something that I didn't forget.' Advertisement Bagent brought that game up to Keenum the moment he met him. 'What a guy,' Bagent said. 'What he brings to the room, really just an encyclopedia of information. Just somebody that's been in every role that a quarterback could possibly be in in the NFL, and I've just been trying to take advantage of that. … He's been great with answering every question that really everybody in the room has so far.' Rookie tight end Colston Loveland could be getting closer to returning after shoulder surgery. He was spotted in uniform, accompanying staff members to other practice fields at Halas Hall while the rest of the team practiced on Fields 1 and 2. 'I just knew the springtime here, he wasn't going to be available,' Johnson said, 'and at some point here in camp, we should get the green light.' (Top photo of Darnell Wright, left, and Jonah Jackson: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Bears wrap up mandatory minicamp, Coach Johnson says staying in shape is key
Thursday marked the final day of the Chicago Bears' three-day mandatory minicamp up at Halas Hall. The Bears have one more week of organized team activities next week, with head coach Ben Johnson saying the emphasis will be on young guys and special teams. So for many of the veterans, the last day of minicamp was their last organized team work until training camp in late July — and it is on them to be mentally and physically ready to go when camp opens. "We felt pretty good about what we've been able to accomplish. The onus is on our players now to take advantage of the next six weeks," said Johnson. "They've built a lot of goodwill with their bodies, conditioning-wise. We've got to continue that trend, because for us, training camp's not a get-in-shape camp, it's show-up-in-shape camp, so that we can become a good football team." Bears receiver Rome Odunze concurred that readiness will be key. "It's not, you know, a break that we're kind of all going to, you know, forget everything and forget football in a way," he said, "you know, kind of the offseason is kind of, take a little relaxation, a little mental break, so that way, when it comes to training camp, we're making strides to be in very, very good shape for the season." Odunze said he will be at Halas Hall next week for optional OTAs. He said he just turned 23 and doesn't have many other things to focus on other than getting better. Meanwhile, Johnson is known for getting tricky with his offensive play calling including — sometimes even using his offensive linemen as pass catchers. "I let those guys know—we only do this once a year, and it's an evaluation, and we'll circle back in training camp and in the season and see who we can trust to catch the ball or throw the ball, and I think there's a couple of guys on the O-line that stood out, and I think we've got some toys to work with," he said. Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent was asked if any offensive linemen got his attention as a pass catcher. "No sir," he said. "Nobody that I threw the ball to, at least." Johnson noted four standouts from minicamp, including two rookies — linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and running back Kyle Monangai.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Aaron Rodgers informs Steelers he will sign with them for 2025 season: reports
Aaron Rodgers has made his decision for the 2025 season, as he reportedly informed the Pittsburgh Steelers he will sign with them, per multiple reports. Rodgers told Pittsburgh that he will fly to them on Friday, where he intends to sign before the team's minicamp next week, per NFL Network. Rodgers also plans on participating in minicamp to get accustomed to his new teammates and coaches before preparing on his own for the rest of the summer, the report added. This is a developing story. More to come.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Colts QB Anthony Richardson out indefinitely with injury to throwing shoulder
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson injured his throwing shoulder and will be out indefinitely, coach Shane Steichen said Thursday, creating a fresh concern for a player whose first two seasons in the NFL were plagued by health issues. The injury is to Richardson's AC joint, which he previously had season-ending surgery on in October of 2023, his rookie season. Richardson reported pain in his AC joint after an OTA practice last Thursday. He has not practiced since. Advertisement 'Doctors, trainers checked it out. He's got some aggravation in his AC joint,' Steichen said. 'So, we're gonna sit him out this week. Obviously, he'll sit out for minicamp. We'll see when he comes back. Not gonna put a timetable for training camp on it, but when he does come back, we'll ease him into throwing and then we'll go from there.' Thursday is the last day of voluntary OTAs. Veteran minicamp is scheduled for June 10-12. The report day for training camp is July 22, per Steichen. Per Shane Steichen – QB Anthony Richardson is dealing with a shoulder injury and will not participate in mini-camp next week. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 5, 2025 The injury is a result of throwing and the 'stress over time' of the motion on Richardson's AC joint, Steichen said. The coach added Richardson will not need surgery right now. Asked if the aggravation in Richardson's AC joint is a normal occurrence for someone who has had surgery on that area, Steichen said he wasn't a doctor and could not get into specifics. Steichen said the team has not considered signing another QB. The Colts added to their QB room this offseason by signing ex-New York Giants starter Daniel Jones in free agency and drafting former Notre Dame star Riley Leonard in the sixth round. Jones and Richardson are competing for the starting job. Richardson has yet to stay healthy for a sustained stretch in his NFL career. He has missed 17 games because of injuries in two seasons. Twelve of those absences were because of a severe AC joint sprain that required surgery, two were for back spasms, another two were due to an oblique injury and one was because of a concussion. He was also benched for two games last year due to what Steichen cited as a lack of game preparation. Colts GM Chris Ballard declared an open competition this offseason, in part because of Richardson's durability issues. 'We've got to have competition at the position,' Ballard said during his season-ending news conference in January. 'For one, for the fact that competition makes everybody better. And then two, he's not proven he can play 17 games.' Steichen said Jones will now take all of the first-team reps. The 2018 No. 6 pick has the upper hand in the QB competition as Richardson remains sidelined. Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is the Colts' highest-drafted player since the team selected Andrew Luck No. 1 in 2012. The franchise hasn't had a mainstay at QB since Luck's surprising retirement before the 2019 season, and Richardson was supposed to be the franchise's long-term answer at the position. But beyond the injuries, Richardson's play has done little to convince the team he is the QB of the future. Advertisement Last year, Richardson threw eight TDs and 12 interceptions. His 47.7 completion percentage was the lowest mark in the NFL. He's 8-7 as a starter through two seasons. 'Obviously, it's frustrating, but he is in good spirits,' Steichen said of Richardson's latest injury. 'So, we're working through it right now.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 things to watch in Patriots' third open practice
Organized team activities should be taken with a grain of salt. It's an exciting time in the offseason when we get a brief look at the Patriots. Historically, the media views between 3-5 open practices during May and June. Sometimes, the players who stand out make a name for themselves. Advertisement For example, in 2021, Kendrick Bourne led all Patriots receivers in receptions during OTAs and minicamp. That led to a strong training camp followed by a career year where he finished with 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The next offseason, however, the leading receiver during these spring practices was Nelson Agholor. In 2023, it was tight end Mike Gesicki. The Patriots will wrap up their last week of OTAs this week. The media will be present at Monday's practice. Next week, the team wraps up their spring practice schedule with a three-day mandatory minicamp. All practices are open to the media. The only difference between OTAs and minicamp is that OTAs are optional while minicamp is mandatory for players. Advertisement Here are five things to watch in today's final open OTA practice of 2025: Drake Maye We shouldn't overreact to a couple of bad practices in the spring. However, it would be nice to see Drake Maye look like the star we all think he can be. So far, the performance has left a lot to be desired. Through two practices, Maye has completed 61% of his passes (20-of-33) with four interceptions. This marks his first offseason with Josh McDaniels. Last year, he completed 66% (29-of-44) of his attempts with three interceptions – while also learning a new system. Maye needs to show improvement – and to dominate. The future of the Patriots franchise hinges on his development, so although it's not the time to sound the alarm, it would be nice to see him finish strong this spring. Wide receivers When it comes to Maye's development, it would be nice to see his receivers step up. Advertisement Over two practices, his leading receivers in team drills are Hunter Henry (five catches) and Kendrick Bourne (four catches). After that, the numbers fall off – DeMario Douglas (two), Kyle Williams (two), Javon Baker (one), and Austin Hooper (one). It's noteworthy that Williams is already on the field with Maye while Baker has spent more time with Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge. One name to keep an eye on is Efton Chism III. The undrafted free agent has a team-high six catches in two practices. All those are from Dobbs and Wooldridge, but he's making the most of his opportunities. Left guard Who will start at left guard for the Patriots? Advertisement At this point, that's anyone's guess. Through two practices, the Patriots have rotated several players in at left guard. There doesn't seem to be a clear favorite right now. The leading favorites are Cole Strange, Tyrese Robinson, and Wes Schweitzer. Layden Robinson could also factor into the equation along with undrafted free agent Jack Conley. Right now, it's hard to evaluate since there is no contact allowed, but this is one of the bigger question marks on the Patriots roster. Josh McDaniels Speaking of Maye, it'll be interesting to hear what Josh McDaniels has to say about the young quarterback. On Monday, all Patriots assistant coaches are expected to speak with the media before the start of practice. Advertisement McDaniels hasn't spoken with the media since the start of OTAs. It'll be fascinating to hear what he says about Maye and his recent struggles. In one practice, Maye threw four interceptions. In the next, he completed 53% of his attempts. BETTING: On bet365, The Patriots are listed at +170 to make the playoffs. If you're a new sports bettor, make sure to check out our Massachusetts beginner's guide. For all of the best Patriots over/under bets, take a look at our expert analysis. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
