As the NFL transitions from May to June, teams across the league are diving into organized team activities (OTAs) in preparation for the 2025 season. This crucial period provides fans with their first glimpses of veteran players either returning from last season or newly acquired through trades and signings.
One of the standout stories from the initial week of OTAs is the emergence of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose performance is generating considerable excitement regarding his potential starting role. In his second OTA practice open to the media, Sanders completed 9 of 14 passes with three touchdowns, showcasing his skills despite the non-contact nature of OTAs. Similarly, rookie Dillon Gabriel demonstrated promise, matching Sanders with three touchdowns and showing that the competition for the starting spot could be fierce as training camp approaches.
On the injury front, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is sidelined due to a right shoulder injury, which raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming minicamp. With Richardson out, Daniel Jones is getting a significant opportunity to claim the starting quarterback position. In other injury news, Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. left practice after limping off the field, adding to the team’s growing list of health-related issues.
The Giants faced a different kind of challenge during their OTA session, which ended prematurely due to multiple fights among players, including a notable confrontation between pass rusher Brian Burns and left tackle James Hudson. Meanwhile, the Titans are witnessing a strong integration of their top draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward, who has quickly established a connection with rookie receiver Chimere Dike, further solidifying Tennessee’s offensive dynamics.
In Seattle, Coach Mike Macdonald reinforced confidence in quarterback Sam Darnold, emphasizing his position as the starter despite a shaky initial practice. Conversely, Travis Hunter, a rising star with phenomenal ball skills, drew attention for showcasing exceptional defensive abilities during Jaguars practice, further validating the hype surrounding his dual-threat capabilities.
The Texans are managing caution as quarterback C.J. Stroud sits out due to general shoulder soreness, with Head Coach DeMeco Ryans affirming that there’s no long-term concern regarding his health. Meanwhile, Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell will miss OTAs and potentially training camp, focusing on recovery from prior injuries.
Broadening the focus, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is eager to utilize wide receiver Zay Flowers more effectively this season, praising his versatility and performance from last year. Flowers, coming off a successful sophomore campaign with multiple roles on the field, is positioned to take another step forward in his development.
With many teams currently navigating the ups and downs of early OTAs, the storylines are shaping the narrative for the upcoming season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2025 NFL season.