Monkey Knife Fight MNF Top Plays: Week 7

Dealing with a shoulder issue, Loveland was seen in a red non-contact jersey during Bears minicamp. The rookie has reportedly run routes and lifted weights, but hasn’t been given the green light to participate fully in Bears practices. “I think he’s going to fit in really well once we start getting him to go full speed,” Johnson said when asked about Loveland’s availability, adding that the rookie has taken mental reps in offseason practice sessions. Johnson is expected to use Loveland — the tenth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — along with Cole Kmet as key red zone targets for Caleb Williams. It remains to be seen if Loveland will have a full-time route-running role in 2025.

It’s hard to imagine Tagovailoa being any quicker than he was in 2024, when he got the ball out an average of 2.3 seconds after taking the snap — the lowest mark in the NFL. That naturally led to a bunch of short throws; no QB had a lower air yards per attempt (5.8) than Tua in 2024. Wolfe said the renewed focus on quick passes was meant to guard the injury-marred Tagovailoa against big hits in the pocket. Last year he struggled with a hip injury that lingered into the offseason, and he has a long history of brain injuries. Tua shapes up as a potential top-12 fantasy QB with a sturdy floor and not much upside. Continued quick passing should benefit De’Von Achane and Jonnu Smith, if Smith remains in Miami amid a protracted contract dispute.

Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last week, said he joined the team for 2025 because it was “best for my soul.” He’ll take over under center for the run-centric Arthur Smith offense that last season ranked 20th in EPA per play. “Rodgers, who still has some juice left in his right arm and displayed a quick release at practice, also is in a more stable and supportive environment for a QB than in New York,” DeFabo said. “Theoretically, he won’t have as much pressure to win games only with his right arm on a team that employs the NFL’s highest-paid defense and features a run-heavy offense that will limit his exposure.” Look for Smith and the Steelers to use plenty of play action — which Rodgers does not prefer — and ask Rodgers to make easy throws while leaning hard on the run. He’ll have precious little fantasy upside in 2025.

Though he missed OTAs, Slater was a full participant in the Chargers’ first practice of mandatory minicamp. The 26-year-old franchise left tackle is looking for a contract extension as he enters his fifth season. He is on his fifth-year option, worth $19.05 million on the season. The Chargers will extend Justin Herbert’s blindside protector soon, and Slater should join the ranks of the league’s highest-paid tackles.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reports that Shanahan said Jennings (calf) and Pearsall (hamstring) will be out for minicamp, but should be ready for training camp. Jennings ascended to the team’s WR1 option with Brandon Aiyuk out, totaling a career-best 77/975/6. Meanwhile, Pearsall dealt with injuries as a first-round rookie last season, tallying a 31/400/3 line in 11 games. With Aiyuk (ACL/MCL) out for at least the beginning of the season, the 49ers will need production from these next two wideouts on the depth chart. Shanahan also mentioned rookie EDGE Mykel Williams (hamstring) will miss minicamp and return for training camp.

Aiyuk is still rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL he suffered in Week 7 last season. He was not expected to be ready until midseason, so it is not a surprise Shanahan indicated the 27-year-old wideout would start the season on the physically unable to perform list. Safety Malik Mustapha and rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke are also expected to land on the PUP list. Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are expected to be ready for training camp and will see bigger roles without Aiyuk to start the season.