Samwise NFL Newsletter
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Mahomes Back on the Field for Chiefs' Opening OTA After Torn ACL
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes returned to the practice field Tuesday for the first time since tearing his ACL and LCL in his left knee on December 14 against the Chargers. Mahomes participated in Kansas City's opening OTA practice wearing a knee brace. The session was closed to reporters, but the Chiefs posted video of him making throws on the field. Coach Andy Reid acknowledged Mahomes would remain limited, as OTAs prohibit live contact. General manager Brett Veach said Mahomes is “way ahead of schedule” in his rehabilitation. His stated goal is to be available for the Week 1 home opener on September 14 against the Denver Broncos.
Sources: ESPN
Lamar Jackson Returns to Ravens OTAs After Week-Long Absence
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to organized team activities Tuesday after missing all three of the team's OTA sessions the previous week. Head coach Jesse Minter had previously told reporters that Jackson communicated he would miss a few days and was expected back soon, adding the QB “had a couple things going on.” Minter downplayed any concern about the absence and called Jackson one of the team's offseason program leaders. The Ravens have a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, and Jackson had visited the facility in April to begin installing the new playbook ahead of the 2026 season.
Sources: NFL.com
Texans WR Nico Collins Gets $17M More in Adjusted Contract
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins agreed to an adjusted contract Tuesday that significantly improves his financial security with the team, ESPN reported. The deal guarantees Collins' salary for the next two seasons and includes a nine-million-dollar cash increase for the current year and an eight-million-dollar increase for next year. Collins, who remains under contract through the 2027 season, is scheduled to reach free agency in 2028. The adjusted deal rewards one of the NFL's top wide receivers and keeps him locked into Houston's passing offense as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Sources: NFL.com
Cardinals QB Brissett Stays Away From OTAs Amid Contract Holdout
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett did not report to the team's voluntary organized team activities as his contract standoff with the organization continues, a source told ESPN. Brissett has been away from the facility since at least the start of the spring program as he seeks improved compensation on his current deal. First-year head coach Mike LaFleur has not expressed concern about the absence, with veteran Gardner Minshew handling first-team snaps in practice. Third-round rookie Carson Beck, who played at Georgia and was drafted by Arizona in April, has also been working through the new offensive install with the starters.
Sources: ESPN
Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving's Shoulder Injury Delays Return to Summer or Fall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is dealing with a shoulder injury and is not expected to return to full team activities until sometime in the summer or fall, head coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday. Irving's timeline places his potential return to practice during the later stages of the preseason at the earliest. Bowles offered no further details on the severity of the shoulder issue. In other Buccaneers news, Bowles confirmed the team has arranged two joint practices with the New York Jets ahead of their Week 1 preseason matchup and is working to set up a joint session with the Jacksonville Jaguars as well.
Sources: NFL.com
Steelers Sign Veteran DL Dean Lowry as OTAs Underway
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday. Lowry adds interior depth to a Pittsburgh defense entering the 2026 season with elevated expectations. The signing came as the Steelers' voluntary OTAs are underway and the team continues to fill out its roster. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers rejoined Pittsburgh on a one-year deal this offseason and has publicly stated 2026 will be his final NFL season, adding urgency to the franchise's push for a championship run. No financial terms for the Lowry deal were disclosed.
Sources: NFL.com
Panthers' Walker Gets Most LT Reps as Carolina Opens OTAs
The Carolina Panthers opened their voluntary organized team activities Tuesday with an offensive line competition at left tackle drawing early attention. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Rasheed Walker received the majority of first-team reps at left tackle during Tuesday's session, with Monroe Freeling also rotating in at the position throughout practice. On the injury front, linebacker Trevin Wallace, who had shoulder surgery during the offseason, has not yet been cleared for contact but is progressing well in his recovery, Canales said. Wallace's availability for the start of the regular season remains uncertain as the team monitors his progress through the spring.
Sources: NFL.com
American Conference
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14–0
National Conference
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12–0
4. New York Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
4. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
Final 2025 Regular Season Standings
Curated by JD · samwise.agency