Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expects to be fully cleared from his right wrist injury in mid-May, following season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament. He has progressed to throwing small medicine balls and anticipates resuming throwing footballs during the team’s organized team activities this spring. Burrow acknowledges the team's shortcomings last season but is optimistic about the challenge of turning things around in 2024.
The Dallas Cowboys have begun their organized team activities, with new play-caller Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer implementing changes to the offense. The team is looking to build on their top five scoring offense from the past two seasons, but with the departure of Ezekiel Elliott and several moving parts along the offensive line, identifying what works best for the current group will be key. The team is also working on getting the "best five" on the field for the offensive line, but health issues have prevented this in the past. Rookie RB Deuce Vaughn caught a 45-yard pass from Will Grier in 7-on-7 drills, and former Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware was in the building coaching Micah Parsons and other defenders.
The San Francisco 49ers started their organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes were on Trey Lance and Sam Darnold, who are battling for the QB2 job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy. Matt Barrows of The Athletic was on hand for Tuesday's practice, the only one open to reporters so far, and one that Barrows describes as a "glorified walk-through." Barrows shared that Lance's throwing motion appeared more fluid and the ball was coming out of his hand faster, while Darnold was a little bit more aggressive through some more downfield stuff.
Quarterbacks Trey Lance, Sam Darnold, and Brandon Allen took turns in the first open practice of the 49ers' organized team activities. Lance, who is finally healthy after rehabbing from injuries, showed off his fresh mechanics and connected with new and familiar targets. Darnold appeared calm and confident, while Allen showed good chemistry with the young 49ers receiving corps. Coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that the first team is not set yet, and players who missed practice were communicated with beforehand.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson attended the team's Organized Team Activities and expressed his admiration for head coach Dan Campbell and the current coaching staff. Johnson had a strained relationship with the team after his retirement, but the team's efforts to improve their relationship with him seem to be working.
The Buffalo Bills opened up Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Monday and held their first open practice on Tuesday. Von Miller, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL, picked out two players that impressed him during the team drills: rookie wide receiver Justin Shorter and second-year cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was impressed with new receiver Trent Sherfield as the former Miami Dolphins pass catcher filled in for Stefon Diggs during practice. Other observations include Gabe Davis making a signature grab, Christian Benford competing hard, and Ed Oliver being a problem for the offensive line.
The Jacksonville Jaguars started their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with an impressive turnout, with only three veterans not in attendance. Anton Harrison was getting reps at right tackle, while Antonio Johnson was working with the safeties and Erick Hallett with the cornerbacks. The first clips of Calvin Ridley officially working out in black and teal were also released, along with Trevor Lawrence throwing to Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne.
The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their organized team activities with five key talking points to focus on, including the quarterback situation with Kenny Pickett, Dan Moore's left tackle spot, Joey Porter Jr.'s role in the secondary, the inside linebacker position, and Calvin Austin's speedy recovery from foot surgery. The workouts are voluntary yet heavily attended and represent the first time since the season ended that the Steelers will be on the practice field in an official capacity.
