Welcome inside with the Insiders, presented by Harbor Freight alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Matista, Mike Garriffolo. I am Tom Pellisero. We have just twenty three days until the regular season kicks off in the NFL. We have just two days until the second preseason week begins.

Welcome inside with the Insiders, presented by Harbor Freight alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Matista, Mike Garriffolo. I am Tom Pellisero. We have just twenty three days until the regular season kicks off in the NFL. We have just two days until the second preseason week begins.

One that the includes, guys.

One that the includes, guys.

You might have heard six live games on NFL Network, a quadruple header on Saturday. So much football to come. We're also gonna get into some business. Brandon Ayuk. The tail continues to turn here. Is it gonna be Pittsburgh? Is it gonna be back to San Francisco? We've got the latest on all that. We're gonna see more Drake May This week the Patriots rookie quarterback. What's that gonna look like? Bridget Condon will help us break that down. We've also got a full week of tape on the new dynamic kickoff. Bald's gonna help us explain what direction this thing goes. Steve Witch here as well, But we begin with some bad news out of Minnesota, where the Vikings have learned over the past twenty four hours, but they will not have their rookie first round pick quarterback JJ McCarthy for at least the start of the regular season out indefinitely, as he faced the surgery this week on a tour right meniscus. The timeline will be determined based upon what the doctors find. Kevin O'Connell had to use a lot of quarterbacks last season, and well, frankly, this one isn't getting off to any better start.

You might have heard six live games on NFL Network, a quadruple header on Saturday. So much football to come. We're also gonna get into some business. Brandon Ayuk. The tail continues to turn here. Is it gonna be Pittsburgh? Is it gonna be back to San Francisco? We've got the latest on all that. We're gonna see more Drake May This week the Patriots rookie quarterback. What's that gonna look like? Bridget Condon will help us break that down. We've also got a full week of tape on the new dynamic kickoff. Bald's gonna help us explain what direction this thing goes. Steve Witch here as well, But we begin with some bad news out of Minnesota, where the Vikings have learned over the past twenty four hours, but they will not have their rookie first round pick quarterback JJ McCarthy for at least the start of the regular season out indefinitely, as he faced the surgery this week on a tour right meniscus. The timeline will be determined based upon what the doctors find. Kevin O'Connell had to use a lot of quarterbacks last season, and well, frankly, this one isn't getting off to any better start.

Look, I you know, had a very you know, clear cut plan and really was going to continue to through that with Jj on the field, you know, getting more and more reps and obviously coming off of a performance like he had where we felt strongly about where he was at in his development process. So really it's just, you know, you hurt for him just in the short term here because he you know, had such a you know, daily process, focus all those things that I was really looking for in a young player.

Look, I you know, had a very you know, clear cut plan and really was going to continue to through that with Jj on the field, you know, getting more and more reps and obviously coming off of a performance like he had where we felt strongly about where he was at in his development process. So really it's just, you know, you hurt for him just in the short term here because he you know, had such a you know, daily process, focus all those things that I was really looking for in a young player.

At the position.

At the position.

And so first and foremost, we'll get uh, you know, we'll get this procedure done. We'll make sure that we're doing doing the right things for for him to have the best possible recovery when that takes place, We do not know, like I said, it would be speculating at this point and I think it would also you know, be you know something mood wise where you know, obviously we don't want to we we didn't want JJ to get injured, but we don't know the severity yet. And that is honestly where we're at right now. And I think we're you know, hopefully having a shorter timeline than a longer timeline. But the most important thing right now is making sure from a medical standpoint, uh, that we've identified the potential or the injury. The potential severity will come when we you know, do that procedure, and at that point in time, you know, I'll be giving you guys an update as.

And so first and foremost, we'll get uh, you know, we'll get this procedure done. We'll make sure that we're doing doing the right things for for him to have the best possible recovery when that takes place, We do not know, like I said, it would be speculating at this point and I think it would also you know, be you know something mood wise where you know, obviously we don't want to we we didn't want JJ to get injured, but we don't know the severity yet. And that is honestly where we're at right now. And I think we're you know, hopefully having a shorter timeline than a longer timeline. But the most important thing right now is making sure from a medical standpoint, uh, that we've identified the potential or the injury. The potential severity will come when we you know, do that procedure, and at that point in time, you know, I'll be giving you guys an update as.

That process plays out.

That process plays out.

But I think all of us will be kind of uh, you know, staying up mystic. You know that hopefully it is the shorter term.

But I think all of us will be kind of uh, you know, staying up mystic. You know that hopefully it is the shorter term.

JJ McCarthy weighed in himself on social media, saying, love your Viking Nation. I'll be back in no time. How long exactly that's going to be still to be determined. What we know in the short term. Here is Sam Darnold, who quite possibly would have been the starter to begin the regular season regardless of JJ McCarthy's injury. Ian now certainly in line to be out there when the Vikings kick things off in week one. We also know, based upon the history of meniscus injuries, particularly in young players, a repair, at least again pending the surgery, is probably more likely than the trim, and that is a much longer recovery.

JJ McCarthy weighed in himself on social media, saying, love your Viking Nation. I'll be back in no time. How long exactly that's going to be still to be determined. What we know in the short term. Here is Sam Darnold, who quite possibly would have been the starter to begin the regular season regardless of JJ McCarthy's injury. Ian now certainly in line to be out there when the Vikings kick things off in week one. We also know, based upon the history of meniscus injuries, particularly in young players, a repair, at least again pending the surgery, is probably more likely than the trim, and that is a much longer recovery.

Well, let's go through the options that the It's not really that the Minnesota Vikings have or that JJ McCarthy have. It's really the options that the doctor will have once he goes in the knee. And usually with injuries you go in you say, oh, well it's four to six weeks, or it's a couple of months or whatever the amount is. Viscus surgeries, meniscus procedures aren't really like that. The options that the doctor will have is you could do the meniscus trim, which is essentially cutting off a piece of the meniscus and just sewing it up and kind of moving on from there. It is something that is not perfect and sometimes, as you alluded to, can lead to long term issues. But you know, generally as weeks four to six weeks would be a typical timeline for a meniscus trim. For the meniscus repair, it's generally months, sometimes can be as much as three to four or even five months, but long term, this is considered the more stable, better option. Difference obviously is that if JJ McCarthy has the meniscus repair that he is not expected to play this season, that is bad. However, the Minnesota Vikings took a quarterback in the first round, not really for this year, but for the next fifteen years. This is someone who I know they believe in. This is someone who they want to see on the field at some point soon. But as you mentioned, it seemed to be try at that Sam Donald was going to be the starter anyway for the Vikings. So if their option is to go forward and make sure that McCarthy is one hundred percent for next year, it's not great, but it may not be the worst case scenario either, Mike.

Well, let's go through the options that the It's not really that the Minnesota Vikings have or that JJ McCarthy have. It's really the options that the doctor will have once he goes in the knee. And usually with injuries you go in you say, oh, well it's four to six weeks, or it's a couple of months or whatever the amount is. Viscus surgeries, meniscus procedures aren't really like that. The options that the doctor will have is you could do the meniscus trim, which is essentially cutting off a piece of the meniscus and just sewing it up and kind of moving on from there. It is something that is not perfect and sometimes, as you alluded to, can lead to long term issues. But you know, generally as weeks four to six weeks would be a typical timeline for a meniscus trim. For the meniscus repair, it's generally months, sometimes can be as much as three to four or even five months, but long term, this is considered the more stable, better option. Difference obviously is that if JJ McCarthy has the meniscus repair that he is not expected to play this season, that is bad. However, the Minnesota Vikings took a quarterback in the first round, not really for this year, but for the next fifteen years. This is someone who I know they believe in. This is someone who they want to see on the field at some point soon. But as you mentioned, it seemed to be try at that Sam Donald was going to be the starter anyway for the Vikings. So if their option is to go forward and make sure that McCarthy is one hundred percent for next year, it's not great, but it may not be the worst case scenario either, Mike.

As for the short term, Sam Donald has had a really good camp out there up there, excuse me, and played well, I mean, put some balls into tight spots the other night, and really impressed the Vikings with what he was able to do. They had the utmost confidence in him. They have had the utmost confidence in him that he was if he was going to wind up being the guy to start in week one, that he would be able to run the offense and he would be able to show the growth from previous situations where he didn't have these targets on his disposal, and maybe he didn't have an offensive system and an offensive coach the way that he does.

As for the short term, Sam Donald has had a really good camp out there up there, excuse me, and played well, I mean, put some balls into tight spots the other night, and really impressed the Vikings with what he was able to do. They had the utmost confidence in him. They have had the utmost confidence in him that he was if he was going to wind up being the guy to start in week one, that he would be able to run the offense and he would be able to show the growth from previous situations where he didn't have these targets on his disposal, and maybe he didn't have an offensive system and an offensive coach the way that he does.

Right now, this is the throw right here, lay that one.

Right now, this is the throw right here, lay that one.

Boom.

Boom.

Come on, you got to.

Come on, you got to.

Have the utmost confidence in that guy going in the week one. I'm actually here for the Sam Donald redemption story. So well, not that I want to see JJ McCarthy get hurt at all, but the upside is like he's gonna beause, even if it's the short window, Sam Donald's gonna get his shot to be the starter to start the season.

Have the utmost confidence in that guy going in the week one. I'm actually here for the Sam Donald redemption story. So well, not that I want to see JJ McCarthy get hurt at all, but the upside is like he's gonna beause, even if it's the short window, Sam Donald's gonna get his shot to be the starter to start the season.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Sam Donald is twenty one and thirty five as a starter in really difficult circumstances at the Jets and at the Carolina Panthers. Uh, this is by far the best situation that Sam Donald has been in his career as a starter with a quarterback, friendly coach, and a all world receiver who he is already developing chemistry with. So this is a real opportunity. It obviously comes under a difficult circumstance, but this is a real opportunity for Sam Donald to sort of reset his career and set himself up for the future, because clearly JJ McCarty is the future for the Vikings.

Sam Donald is twenty one and thirty five as a starter in really difficult circumstances at the Jets and at the Carolina Panthers. Uh, this is by far the best situation that Sam Donald has been in his career as a starter with a quarterback, friendly coach, and a all world receiver who he is already developing chemistry with. So this is a real opportunity. It obviously comes under a difficult circumstance, but this is a real opportunity for Sam Donald to sort of reset his career and set himself up for the future, because clearly JJ McCarty is the future for the Vikings.

It's not going to be Sam Donald, but.

It's not going to be Sam Donald, but.

This could be an extended period of time where he can put some stuff on tape for future employers. This is a great opportunity for Sam Donald. I to aim here for the Sam Donald redemption story, and you hope for JJ McCarthy's sake he gets back to sooner rather than later. But this was tracking towards Sam Donald's even when JJ McCarthy was healthy.

This could be an extended period of time where he can put some stuff on tape for future employers. This is a great opportunity for Sam Donald. I to aim here for the Sam Donald redemption story, and you hope for JJ McCarthy's sake he gets back to sooner rather than later. But this was tracking towards Sam Donald's even when JJ McCarthy was healthy.

Vikings gave Sam Donald a ten million dollars guaranteed contract back in March. I think Ian and I broke that at like two am on one of the early days a free agency. There they're thinking at the time was if you're going to probably eventually draft a quarterback, you still need to get a veteran in place, so look for the guy with the upside. Maybe that could be this year's Baker Mayfield. Well, all of a sudden, the dynamics certainly changes again, penning a final answer on exactly how much time JJ McCarthy.

Vikings gave Sam Donald a ten million dollars guaranteed contract back in March. I think Ian and I broke that at like two am on one of the early days a free agency. There they're thinking at the time was if you're going to probably eventually draft a quarterback, you still need to get a veteran in place, so look for the guy with the upside. Maybe that could be this year's Baker Mayfield. Well, all of a sudden, the dynamics certainly changes again, penning a final answer on exactly how much time JJ McCarthy.

Is going to miss.

Is going to miss.

You know, who continues to miss time, Brandon Aiyuk, who has found his way into the show. I want to say fifty seven consecutive days here. We got clarity from Brandon Auk himself in an Instagram comment on Friday, which he said essentially, there's two options, make a decision and figure it out.

You know, who continues to miss time, Brandon Aiyuk, who has found his way into the show. I want to say fifty seven consecutive days here. We got clarity from Brandon Auk himself in an Instagram comment on Friday, which he said essentially, there's two options, make a decision and figure it out.

Well.

Well.

Ian added a little bit.

Ian added a little bit.

More clarity to those options. Ian, it is still the Steelers, it is still the forty nine Ers, and we are still waiting to figure out for sure which direction this is going to go.

More clarity to those options. Ian, it is still the Steelers, it is still the forty nine Ers, and we are still waiting to figure out for sure which direction this is going to go.

Well, here's where it stands. They're talking to several sources informed of this situation. The forty nine Ers and the Steelers do in fact have a deal to trade Brandon Ayuk from the forty nine Ers to the Steelers. And in any other situation, literally that would be major news. Except for this situation. There are many other parts of this. By the way, I should also mention the Steelers are also in a very good place for the Brandon Euk contract extension if he got traded.

Well, here's where it stands. They're talking to several sources informed of this situation. The forty nine Ers and the Steelers do in fact have a deal to trade Brandon Ayuk from the forty nine Ers to the Steelers. And in any other situation, literally that would be major news. Except for this situation. There are many other parts of this. By the way, I should also mention the Steelers are also in a very good place for the Brandon Euk contract extension if he got traded.

To the Steelers.

To the Steelers.

And again, that deal is in place, it just takes the forty nine Ers to say, yes, we are doing it, which they have not done. I want to repeat. The forty nine Ers have not done yet. They have been waiting because they are also dual paths, same player, dual paths. They're also trying to get a long term extension done with Brandon Ayuk. They have made a big time offer to him. It is not something he has accepted. It is not good enough. So that is where it stands with the deal for the Steelers over here, the deal for Brandon Yuks sting with the forty nine ers over here, and the forty nine ers Ayuk and the Steelers all right around here, unsure where they're gonna go.

And again, that deal is in place, it just takes the forty nine Ers to say, yes, we are doing it, which they have not done. I want to repeat. The forty nine Ers have not done yet. They have been waiting because they are also dual paths, same player, dual paths. They're also trying to get a long term extension done with Brandon Ayuk. They have made a big time offer to him. It is not something he has accepted. It is not good enough. So that is where it stands with the deal for the Steelers over here, the deal for Brandon Yuks sting with the forty nine ers over here, and the forty nine ers Ayuk and the Steelers all right around here, unsure where they're gonna go.

That's it.

That's it.

Somebody jiffed that.

Somebody jiffed that.

Please me and just make that stuff.

Please me and just make that stuff.

Yeah, just are making a pizza, all right. I'm gonna this situation has been uncomfortable. Uh, it's been contentious. It's still a little bit of both of those as we sit here right now, at least between Brandon Ayuk and the forty nine Ers. I'm gonna try to inject a little bit of optimism here because you talked about that Instagram post the other night toime where Ayuk said that there are two options, let's just pick one, right.

Yeah, just are making a pizza, all right. I'm gonna this situation has been uncomfortable. Uh, it's been contentious. It's still a little bit of both of those as we sit here right now, at least between Brandon Ayuk and the forty nine Ers. I'm gonna try to inject a little bit of optimism here because you talked about that Instagram post the other night toime where Ayuk said that there are two options, let's just pick one, right.

I dug into that a little bit and what I've been told is.

I dug into that a little bit and what I've been told is.

That Brandon Ayuk would prefer to stay with the forty nine ers and has always preferred to stay with the forty nine ers, all things being equal. Now they haven't been equal, but they did make that offer. In fact, both sides sent proposals within the last I don't know, a couple of days week or so, and the forty nine ers number has gotten better than what it was previously, and they have, from my understanding, they have agreed on a lot of the main points of the deal. Their offers are in line, but it sounds like there's just one more thing that needs to be ironed out. And if that thing gets ironed out, Brandon Ayuk signs the deal, he stays with the forty nine ers, he drops the trade request, and finally we can put this situation behind and behind and the Niners can put it behind it. Look, they did the fourth quarter comeback with Deebo Samuel before when he had the trade requests. This would be like I don't know, like Montana to John Taylor, that kind of last second type comes.

That Brandon Ayuk would prefer to stay with the forty nine ers and has always preferred to stay with the forty nine ers, all things being equal. Now they haven't been equal, but they did make that offer. In fact, both sides sent proposals within the last I don't know, a couple of days week or so, and the forty nine ers number has gotten better than what it was previously, and they have, from my understanding, they have agreed on a lot of the main points of the deal. Their offers are in line, but it sounds like there's just one more thing that needs to be ironed out. And if that thing gets ironed out, Brandon Ayuk signs the deal, he stays with the forty nine ers, he drops the trade request, and finally we can put this situation behind and behind and the Niners can put it behind it. Look, they did the fourth quarter comeback with Deebo Samuel before when he had the trade requests. This would be like I don't know, like Montana to John Taylor, that kind of last second type comes.

But it can happen.

But it can happen.

It has happened before. Thank you. Trying to keep the theme going.

It has happened before. Thank you. Trying to keep the theme going.

Look as you.

Look as you.

Know, we've talked about leverage.

Know, we've talked about leverage.

The balls in whose court, As far as Ayuk is concerned, it sounds like the ball in the forty nine ers court, and he's hoping that they can just make the final adjustment and get this thing done and stay with the Niners.

The balls in whose court, As far as Ayuk is concerned, it sounds like the ball in the forty nine ers court, and he's hoping that they can just make the final adjustment and get this thing done and stay with the Niners.

We'll see.

We'll see.

This seems to be the very odd situation where a player asked to be traded but doesn't really want to be traded, and maybe, depending on what time of day it is, doesn't really know what he wants to do, which is fine.

This seems to be the very odd situation where a player asked to be traded but doesn't really want to be traded, and maybe, depending on what time of day it is, doesn't really know what he wants to do, which is fine.

It's a huge decision. Nobody is casting aspersions at Brandon.

It's a huge decision. Nobody is casting aspersions at Brandon.

Ayuk's in decision here, but it's a very unusual situation because everybody's in limbo. Ayuk obviously is in limbo. Two franchises are in limbo, and it certainly seems from the outside right now that he is giving the forty nine Ers every possible opportunity to come up with a deal to keep him there, and the trade request maybe trying to just exercise a little bit of leverage. And the Steelers are sitting out there waiting for a response, and they've been waiting for a while, and they're going to continue to wait until Brandon Ayuk makes.

Ayuk's in decision here, but it's a very unusual situation because everybody's in limbo. Ayuk obviously is in limbo. Two franchises are in limbo, and it certainly seems from the outside right now that he is giving the forty nine Ers every possible opportunity to come up with a deal to keep him there, and the trade request maybe trying to just exercise a little bit of leverage. And the Steelers are sitting out there waiting for a response, and they've been waiting for a while, and they're going to continue to wait until Brandon Ayuk makes.

Up his mind.

Up his mind.

Just to echo what Mike said. The forty nine ers actions really since a week or so ago, have indicated they believe that they can get Brandon Ayuk back into the fold. They're trying. They are continuing to negotiate here. But if you're Brandon Nyuk and for the moment you're in the power position, you're saying this needs to be exactly the right deal or I might blow the thing up again.

Just to echo what Mike said. The forty nine ers actions really since a week or so ago, have indicated they believe that they can get Brandon Ayuk back into the fold. They're trying. They are continuing to negotiate here. But if you're Brandon Nyuk and for the moment you're in the power position, you're saying this needs to be exactly the right deal or I might blow the thing up again.

So we continue to wait.

So we continue to wait.

But does continue to sound like we've got progress along those lines, You know it's not making progress. Son Reddick with the Jets, and this has been going on since he got traded months ago. Hassan Redick has Ian first reported on Monday requested a trade from the team. Joe Douglas waited all of about three minutes before putting out a statement saying, you're not going anywhere. We expect you to be there. We expect you to be with your teammates. So, by the way, we've got remedies under the CBA, namely taking away millions of dollars. As this continues to move forward here, all the while, Robert Saula is and stop me if you've heard this one before having to answer questions about the one guy is not there.

But does continue to sound like we've got progress along those lines, You know it's not making progress. Son Reddick with the Jets, and this has been going on since he got traded months ago. Hassan Redick has Ian first reported on Monday requested a trade from the team. Joe Douglas waited all of about three minutes before putting out a statement saying, you're not going anywhere. We expect you to be there. We expect you to be with your teammates. So, by the way, we've got remedies under the CBA, namely taking away millions of dollars. As this continues to move forward here, all the while, Robert Saula is and stop me if you've heard this one before having to answer questions about the one guy is not there.

It's not frustrating because I don't have control over it. But uh, you know, we're, like I said, we're excited about our group, still looking forward for uh, for him to get here. Uh when he's ready, and when he's ready, we're gonna we're gonna embrace him with open arms and to get ready to attack the attack the moments that are that he brings to us.

It's not frustrating because I don't have control over it. But uh, you know, we're, like I said, we're excited about our group, still looking forward for uh, for him to get here. Uh when he's ready, and when he's ready, we're gonna we're gonna embrace him with open arms and to get ready to attack the attack the moments that are that he brings to us.

I think as players, we always first try and side with the player, because you know what it's like to be a player. I actually i've played against Hasan before. I don't know him well. I've had a couple messages with him, I believe when he got uh when he got traded. Obviously we'd love for him to be here, but uh, you know, we don't judge him for trying to do what's best for him. I think what's best for him is to be a jet because this is going to be a fun ride. But uh, you know, he's got to make the best decision for him and his family.

I think as players, we always first try and side with the player, because you know what it's like to be a player. I actually i've played against Hasan before. I don't know him well. I've had a couple messages with him, I believe when he got uh when he got traded. Obviously we'd love for him to be here, but uh, you know, we don't judge him for trying to do what's best for him. I think what's best for him is to be a jet because this is going to be a fun ride. But uh, you know, he's got to make the best decision for him and his family.

The short ride down I eighty well longer depending on what time of day. Malik neighbors dodging a bullet earlier this week went down in a heap at practice, significant concern about the giants new rookie playmaker. Sounds like it's just a minor ankle sprain, though, and neighbors feeling good about his status moving forward.

The short ride down I eighty well longer depending on what time of day. Malik neighbors dodging a bullet earlier this week went down in a heap at practice, significant concern about the giants new rookie playmaker. Sounds like it's just a minor ankle sprain, though, and neighbors feeling good about his status moving forward.

Yeah, firston I did it was no big deal. I went out, did another play and then it was like, no, somethings just don't feel right, so I wouldn't get it chicked. How are you feeling that, I'm feeling good. I don't think it's really done. Too serious though, just a spring Yeah, just typical things that happened with the ankle. When you know you do you play football, you play basketball. Yeah, not a high sprain though, none too serious.

Yeah, firston I did it was no big deal. I went out, did another play and then it was like, no, somethings just don't feel right, so I wouldn't get it chicked. How are you feeling that, I'm feeling good. I don't think it's really done. Too serious though, just a spring Yeah, just typical things that happened with the ankle. When you know you do you play football, you play basketball. Yeah, not a high sprain though, none too serious.

Any doubt that you'll be ready for a week one, no doubt, no doubt.

Any doubt that you'll be ready for a week one, no doubt, no doubt.

Dak Prescott also back in practice after missing a little bit of time because of ankle soreness. This is file footage, but we can assure you Dak's still wearing that red number four jersey and back on the field as he had told us he absolutely would be. Let's welcome in our Jane Slater to the conversation here. Jane, there didn't seem to be a lot of consternation, a lot of concern from the about deck. This ankle issue has been an ongoing on and off thing going all the way back till twenty twenty when he suffered that significant injury here, based upon what you've heard, is there any concern moving forward here with Dak And how was he looking when you've seen him here in camp?

Dak Prescott also back in practice after missing a little bit of time because of ankle soreness. This is file footage, but we can assure you Dak's still wearing that red number four jersey and back on the field as he had told us he absolutely would be. Let's welcome in our Jane Slater to the conversation here. Jane, there didn't seem to be a lot of consternation, a lot of concern from the about deck. This ankle issue has been an ongoing on and off thing going all the way back till twenty twenty when he suffered that significant injury here, based upon what you've heard, is there any concern moving forward here with Dak And how was he looking when you've seen him here in camp?

No, And I talked to Dak about that ankle, and we even talked to him at camp about it, and he just says this, he gets older and as a veteran, you've got to get smarter with managing your body. So if it feels like there's a little inflammation or if it feels a little sore, he's going to get the treatment. And by the way, when he wasn't at practice a head of the preseason game, that was already a planned veteran day. So really nothing to see here. He's back out at practice. All reports are that he's looking good. And he assured me when I was out of practice again that he's not wearing that boot. Remember, there was to your point, consternation because he was wearing that boot and Cabo ahead of Tyron Smith's wedding. That was just because he's going deep sea fishing and didn't want to get you wanted to protect it, make sure there was no problems. And I said, so are you walking around on that when you're not at practice? He said absolutely not. So I understand a lot of Cowboys fans. Typically we get told around here that it's not a big deal, and then it turns into a big deal. But this one seems simply that right now not an issue with that ankle.

No, And I talked to Dak about that ankle, and we even talked to him at camp about it, and he just says this, he gets older and as a veteran, you've got to get smarter with managing your body. So if it feels like there's a little inflammation or if it feels a little sore, he's going to get the treatment. And by the way, when he wasn't at practice a head of the preseason game, that was already a planned veteran day. So really nothing to see here. He's back out at practice. All reports are that he's looking good. And he assured me when I was out of practice again that he's not wearing that boot. Remember, there was to your point, consternation because he was wearing that boot and Cabo ahead of Tyron Smith's wedding. That was just because he's going deep sea fishing and didn't want to get you wanted to protect it, make sure there was no problems. And I said, so are you walking around on that when you're not at practice? He said absolutely not. So I understand a lot of Cowboys fans. Typically we get told around here that it's not a big deal, and then it turns into a big deal. But this one seems simply that right now not an issue with that ankle.

One thing that does seem to be kind of a big deal. I would say, janis the offensive line got retooled a little bit. Today you have Cooper Beebe, who is a rookie third rounder, but it sounds like you had a really really good camp, going to get more reps with the ones at center. It seems to me that could potentially end up as the starting center as a rookie. I think that is probably good news long term for the Cowboys. And then with the Chuma Edoga injury, you have Tyler got In the first rounder also getting first team reps does seem to be based on how long his competitors injury is that probably going to be the starting left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. That is a young but very very talented offensive line. You do wonder if that's going to lead to some growing pains a little bit, but I would say the future is right there. I would also say that the Cowboys offense is still waiting for Ceedee Lamb to ride, which thankfully MICHAEH. Parsons said some stuff about tonight.

One thing that does seem to be kind of a big deal. I would say, janis the offensive line got retooled a little bit. Today you have Cooper Beebe, who is a rookie third rounder, but it sounds like you had a really really good camp, going to get more reps with the ones at center. It seems to me that could potentially end up as the starting center as a rookie. I think that is probably good news long term for the Cowboys. And then with the Chuma Edoga injury, you have Tyler got In the first rounder also getting first team reps does seem to be based on how long his competitors injury is that probably going to be the starting left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. That is a young but very very talented offensive line. You do wonder if that's going to lead to some growing pains a little bit, but I would say the future is right there. I would also say that the Cowboys offense is still waiting for Ceedee Lamb to ride, which thankfully MICHAEH. Parsons said some stuff about tonight.

Oh no, CD checked in on me. He's watching the practice.

Oh no, CD checked in on me. He's watching the practice.

Field and he's like, oh you going crazy time.

Field and he's like, oh you going crazy time.

And you know, we uh, we we have our talks, but at the end, being CD and all of us, we kind of know what it is.

And you know, we uh, we we have our talks, but at the end, being CD and all of us, we kind of know what it is.

CD's a part of his brotherhood. Where he likes it or not.

CD's a part of his brotherhood. Where he likes it or not.

He know he's not going nowhere the.

He know he's not going nowhere the.

Business side, you know, they gonna take care of it. But you know, honestly, it's great for the defense. I haven't seen the heres.

Business side, you know, they gonna take care of it. But you know, honestly, it's great for the defense. I haven't seen the heres.

You know, he's out here. When he's here, he's.

You know, he's out here. When he's here, he's.

Way more destructive towards us, but you know, he offers us a look that we can't see nowhere else.

Way more destructive towards us, but you know, he offers us a look that we can't see nowhere else.

And I'm pretty sure Training.

And I'm pretty sure Training.

Is gonna be happy to have him back getting that look, and Dad's gonna be happy to have him back.

Is gonna be happy to have him back getting that look, and Dad's gonna be happy to have him back.

You know, it's one of them love hate things because when.

You know, it's one of them love hate things because when.

CD's out there and I'm covering him, you know, he's.

CD's out there and I'm covering him, you know, he's.

Gonna talk trash, He's gonna.

Gonna talk trash, He's gonna.

Try to put his death movie on me, and I got to hear it all week. But you know, obviously we miss him. You know, he's a he's a I mean, he's one of the best locker people, best be wead.

Try to put his death movie on me, and I got to hear it all week. But you know, obviously we miss him. You know, he's a he's a I mean, he's one of the best locker people, best be wead.

To have in locker room.

To have in locker room.

And you know, I'm pretty sure he'll be here soon too, no doubt about a week one.

And you know, I'm pretty sure he'll be here soon too, no doubt about a week one.

He will be soon though.

He will be soon though.

For the guys, gotten you soon, all right, So Michael Parsons seems like he knows what's going on. But for the rest of us who are still wondering, Jane wyn't you update us on where the CD LAMB situation stands with the counts.

For the guys, gotten you soon, all right, So Michael Parsons seems like he knows what's going on. But for the rest of us who are still wondering, Jane wyn't you update us on where the CD LAMB situation stands with the counts.

Look, I've been saying this all along, you guys. You've been covering Dallas as long as I.

Look, I've been saying this all along, you guys. You've been covering Dallas as long as I.

Have, ian even longer.

Have, ian even longer.

Jerry will outright tell you this is part of his playbook. He's going back and forth and negotiations. I mean he even told me, Look, I know how to stay relevant. And you were joking earlier that Brandon I yuk, how many different days has he been on this network? And we've been talking about the forty nine ers thirty eight days. I would argue that we've been talking about Ceede Lamb going all the way back to March. Not dissimilar from Zach Martin, not dissimilar from Zeke. They always seem to get these things done, and I've been saying this since March. I would not be surprised if Ceedee Lamb finds out that he's got a new deal before they break camp and head back to Frisco, so that all the fans can come to Frisco and see Ceedee Lamb. So we'll see where this thing shakes out. I do find that Jamar Chase hold out thing very interesting today. If that's in fact what that was, what does that mean now to this wide receiver market. But I would be very, very shocked if Ceedee Lamb is not playing for this team this year, and by the way, he is under contract. There's not a real incentive for a lot of these players to set out. You guys know that, and we've typically seen Dallas. They'll tell you that they're not going to get the deal done or set the market, and then they ultimately do so.

Jerry will outright tell you this is part of his playbook. He's going back and forth and negotiations. I mean he even told me, Look, I know how to stay relevant. And you were joking earlier that Brandon I yuk, how many different days has he been on this network? And we've been talking about the forty nine ers thirty eight days. I would argue that we've been talking about Ceede Lamb going all the way back to March. Not dissimilar from Zach Martin, not dissimilar from Zeke. They always seem to get these things done, and I've been saying this since March. I would not be surprised if Ceedee Lamb finds out that he's got a new deal before they break camp and head back to Frisco, so that all the fans can come to Frisco and see Ceedee Lamb. So we'll see where this thing shakes out. I do find that Jamar Chase hold out thing very interesting today. If that's in fact what that was, what does that mean now to this wide receiver market. But I would be very, very shocked if Ceedee Lamb is not playing for this team this year, and by the way, he is under contract. There's not a real incentive for a lot of these players to set out. You guys know that, and we've typically seen Dallas. They'll tell you that they're not going to get the deal done or set the market, and then they ultimately do so.

I still don't think that there's much to worry about this.

I still don't think that there's much to worry about this.

That's just that's how I'm feeling on the temperature of it. I don't know what temperature you guys are getting from some of your sources, but that's how I anticipate this thing playing out.

That's just that's how I'm feeling on the temperature of it. I don't know what temperature you guys are getting from some of your sources, but that's how I anticipate this thing playing out.

It does seem like there's an opportunity to get a deal done with Ceedee Lamb sooner than later here, but they got to overcome the fact the Cowboys always want to do longer extensions. Five year extensions not all that commonplace, particularly in the wide receiver market. And then obviously the question is going to be how close to Justin Jefferson's thirty five million dollars a year can Seed Lamb get. Jane, thank you very much. A lot more from you, I'm sure very soon here, hopefully a lot more. Ian Talking about center play, that was an interesting discuss. How about Drake May he's under center with the new England Patriots, will be doing so more this week. According to Girodmeo, what does it mean for me's chances of playing as a rookie. We'll discuss it next on The Insiders presented by Harper Frek.

It does seem like there's an opportunity to get a deal done with Ceedee Lamb sooner than later here, but they got to overcome the fact the Cowboys always want to do longer extensions. Five year extensions not all that commonplace, particularly in the wide receiver market. And then obviously the question is going to be how close to Justin Jefferson's thirty five million dollars a year can Seed Lamb get. Jane, thank you very much. A lot more from you, I'm sure very soon here, hopefully a lot more. Ian Talking about center play, that was an interesting discuss. How about Drake May he's under center with the new England Patriots, will be doing so more this week. According to Girodmeo, what does it mean for me's chances of playing as a rookie. We'll discuss it next on The Insiders presented by Harper Frek.

Welcome back to The Insiders presented by Harper Freight. You know, if you blink last Thursday night, you might have missed Drake May's debut with the New England Patriots. He played only one series, seven snaps, three handoffs, but this is a nice looking pass to his fellow rookie Javon Baker. At practice. They are doing joint practices with the Phillip Helf the Eagles this week in preparation for Week two of the preseason, and we are expected to see a lot more of Drake May in Week two of the preseason.

Welcome back to The Insiders presented by Harper Freight. You know, if you blink last Thursday night, you might have missed Drake May's debut with the New England Patriots. He played only one series, seven snaps, three handoffs, but this is a nice looking pass to his fellow rookie Javon Baker. At practice. They are doing joint practices with the Phillip Helf the Eagles this week in preparation for Week two of the preseason, and we are expected to see a lot more of Drake May in Week two of the preseason.

Here is what May is looking to improve on.

Here is what May is looking to improve on.

I think it's hard to gauge. I think there's there's a few play there's a set of plays where I got a good grasp on, and there's some plays that, hey, I think many more reps and some more play action stuff. So I think it's kind of hard to gauge that. And I think coach Coach Mayo preaches, you know, you know one play and one play the next and you know there'll be a repeat. Air guy Coach Mayo always says that. So especially as the quarterback, you know, it's obvious when you are two you know, two of the same uh the same thing twice in a real wrong, So try not be that guy and just try to you know, next next time I get a rep like that, try to make them I read.

I think it's hard to gauge. I think there's there's a few play there's a set of plays where I got a good grasp on, and there's some plays that, hey, I think many more reps and some more play action stuff. So I think it's kind of hard to gauge that. And I think coach Coach Mayo preaches, you know, you know one play and one play the next and you know there'll be a repeat. Air guy Coach Mayo always says that. So especially as the quarterback, you know, it's obvious when you are two you know, two of the same uh the same thing twice in a real wrong, So try not be that guy and just try to you know, next next time I get a rep like that, try to make them I read.

You know, fans were so upset that Drake May only played one series that they actually booed Bailly Zappi when he came in to replace him on Thursday and night.

You know, fans were so upset that Drake May only played one series that they actually booed Bailly Zappi when he came in to replace him on Thursday and night.

Kind of tough on poor Bailey Zappy.

Kind of tough on poor Bailey Zappy.

I'm Gudie Batista, Ian Rappaport and we are joined by Bridget Condon.

I'm Gudie Batista, Ian Rappaport and we are joined by Bridget Condon.

Bridget, we are expected to see a lot more of Drake May in week two.

Bridget, we are expected to see a lot more of Drake May in week two.

He had kind of a rough practice today. Yeah, we're what are we looking forward to see him do?

He had kind of a rough practice today. Yeah, we're what are we looking forward to see him do?

Yeah, Judy exactly. We're going to get to that in a minute. But as you mentioned, he only played six snaps, which is the fewest of any of those quarterbacks, those six quarterbacks that were taken in the first round. So what's going on? Let's break it down. Well, he led the team just one drive nineteen passing yards. When you compare that to what mac Jones did in his first preseason game, Mac Jones had six drives for thirty two snaps. There are two completely different approaches going on right now. The Patriots want to put Drake May in a different experiment, if you want to call it, than Mac Jones for two different reasons. The first reason is because they have a Jacobe Brissett, a veteran quarterback that knows this organization, and they feel comfortable with him running the offense. The other thing, and you kind of mentioned it talking about him in practice today.

Yeah, Judy exactly. We're going to get to that in a minute. But as you mentioned, he only played six snaps, which is the fewest of any of those quarterbacks, those six quarterbacks that were taken in the first round. So what's going on? Let's break it down. Well, he led the team just one drive nineteen passing yards. When you compare that to what mac Jones did in his first preseason game, Mac Jones had six drives for thirty two snaps. There are two completely different approaches going on right now. The Patriots want to put Drake May in a different experiment, if you want to call it, than Mac Jones for two different reasons. The first reason is because they have a Jacobe Brissett, a veteran quarterback that knows this organization, and they feel comfortable with him running the offense. The other thing, and you kind of mentioned it talking about him in practice today.

Their offensive line struggles.

Their offensive line struggles.

In talking with people, of course I was not at practice, I'm here in Los Angeles, but in talking with people that were at practice today, Drake May was competing in a two minute drill and three out of the four place he was sacked. That other fourth play it was an incomplete pass because the pocket was collapsing. So when you have an offensive line that gave up forty eight sacks a season ago, ninth worst in the NFL, why throw out a rookie quarterback that's still developing and risk and injury. So they're playing at flow. I know people want to see Drake May, but you got to give them time and they feel confident into Kobe Brissett.

In talking with people, of course I was not at practice, I'm here in Los Angeles, but in talking with people that were at practice today, Drake May was competing in a two minute drill and three out of the four place he was sacked. That other fourth play it was an incomplete pass because the pocket was collapsing. So when you have an offensive line that gave up forty eight sacks a season ago, ninth worst in the NFL, why throw out a rookie quarterback that's still developing and risk and injury. So they're playing at flow. I know people want to see Drake May, but you got to give them time and they feel confident into Kobe Brissett.

Yeah, I mean that's the way the Patriots are set up with Jacoby said essentially to be the starter.

Yeah, I mean that's the way the Patriots are set up with Jacoby said essentially to be the starter.

Then Drake May learning whenever he ends up learning.

Then Drake May learning whenever he ends up learning.

Meanwhile, we are still waiting to learn on Matthew jude On the star pass rushers been in practice and out of practice. Was there an issue with drug Mayo? Oh, he's back in practice. Still wants a contract extension. Maybe teams are calling. There's a lot a lot with jude On and has been for the last year. Bridget Where does it all stand.

Meanwhile, we are still waiting to learn on Matthew jude On the star pass rushers been in practice and out of practice. Was there an issue with drug Mayo? Oh, he's back in practice. Still wants a contract extension. Maybe teams are calling. There's a lot a lot with jude On and has been for the last year. Bridget Where does it all stand.

It's in a fascinating situation, right, Hiss due about seven and a half million in the final year of his deal, and top drushers around the league, the top five are do anywhere between like twenty five and forty five million, So he wants more money and at rightfully so. He's the Patriots one of their best defenders. He's had twenty five percent of the team's sacks since he joined the team in twenty twenty one. And remember, guys, he missed thirteen games with injury, so you know he was. There's trade circulations or rumors if you want to call it. And Drod Mayo was asked about that today. He said, we don't really talk about rumors. And he says, Matthew Judah is doing everything that he expects of him. So it's one of those situations where if they get rid of him, then maybe this Patriots team is talking more about a rebuild. But if we haven't really heard them say that they want this entire season to be a rebuilding season, so you would think that they would want to keep their best defender as there's going to be, you know, an offense that's working through new pieces. One other thing, though, real quick, guys, Maybe the best thing that we got from jirod Mayo today in talking about fighting during practice they practice against the Eagles, he said, if player, if you're a starter, you're you're gonna play the entire preseason game. And if you're not a starter, then you're not gonna get to see the field during preseason. You guys agree with that? Is that what we should do from here on out with all the teams.

It's in a fascinating situation, right, Hiss due about seven and a half million in the final year of his deal, and top drushers around the league, the top five are do anywhere between like twenty five and forty five million, So he wants more money and at rightfully so. He's the Patriots one of their best defenders. He's had twenty five percent of the team's sacks since he joined the team in twenty twenty one. And remember, guys, he missed thirteen games with injury, so you know he was. There's trade circulations or rumors if you want to call it. And Drod Mayo was asked about that today. He said, we don't really talk about rumors. And he says, Matthew Judah is doing everything that he expects of him. So it's one of those situations where if they get rid of him, then maybe this Patriots team is talking more about a rebuild. But if we haven't really heard them say that they want this entire season to be a rebuilding season, so you would think that they would want to keep their best defender as there's going to be, you know, an offense that's working through new pieces. One other thing, though, real quick, guys, Maybe the best thing that we got from jirod Mayo today in talking about fighting during practice they practice against the Eagles, he said, if player, if you're a starter, you're you're gonna play the entire preseason game. And if you're not a starter, then you're not gonna get to see the field during preseason. You guys agree with that? Is that what we should do from here on out with all the teams.

I definitely agree with that fight. You're generally stupid. Plus you shouldn't punch anyone in the helmet when you just have your hand. That is a great way to break your hand. Bridget Conton, thank you very much for bringing the knowledge here. No fights on this show. We have no fights, all right. As we get ready to send it to commercial, look I mean, is Patrick Mahomes still the best?

I definitely agree with that fight. You're generally stupid. Plus you shouldn't punch anyone in the helmet when you just have your hand. That is a great way to break your hand. Bridget Conton, thank you very much for bringing the knowledge here. No fights on this show. We have no fights, all right. As we get ready to send it to commercial, look I mean, is Patrick Mahomes still the best?

Yes he is. Yes, we are going to talk about Patrick Mahomes still being awesome in the preseason. He plays Andy Reid plays his guys. Not everyone does that. I wonder where everyone stands. Anyway, we'll be back after this.

Yes he is. Yes, we are going to talk about Patrick Mahomes still being awesome in the preseason. He plays Andy Reid plays his guys. Not everyone does that. I wonder where everyone stands. Anyway, we'll be back after this.

Welcome Back to the Insiders, presented by Harper Fright. There is JJ McCarthy delivering that pass.

Welcome Back to the Insiders, presented by Harper Fright. There is JJ McCarthy delivering that pass.

If the news earlier. He is going to undergo surgery on his torn.

If the news earlier. He is going to undergo surgery on his torn.

Right meniscus in his knee. The length of his recovery will be determined by what kind of procedure.

Right meniscus in his knee. The length of his recovery will be determined by what kind of procedure.

Is it a trim or is it a full repair?

Is it a trim or is it a full repair?

So we will find out after he undergoes that procedure. He had that soreness he sat out last night, just plowed.

So we will find out after he undergoes that procedure. He had that soreness he sat out last night, just plowed.

Right through it in the game.

Right through it in the game.

Didn't think it was much, but turns out that it is a cartilage issue that will require surgery.

Didn't think it was much, but turns out that it is a cartilage issue that will require surgery.

Again, the timeline TBD. We will keep you posted once we get the news on that.

Again, the timeline TBD. We will keep you posted once we get the news on that.

Now it's time for our preseason spot life presented by Harbor Fright. And here are three guys in Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. You think you'd want to wrap and bubble wrap and not unwrap until the start of the regular season.

Now it's time for our preseason spot life presented by Harbor Fright. And here are three guys in Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. You think you'd want to wrap and bubble wrap and not unwrap until the start of the regular season.

No.

No.

Even Burrow, who hasn't played much in the preseason in the past, he got that one drive in there. He said he wanted some contact. It was like Balboa and you hit me, hit me. That's what he's looking for. In the next preseason game, we shall see.

Even Burrow, who hasn't played much in the preseason in the past, he got that one drive in there. He said he wanted some contact. It was like Balboa and you hit me, hit me. That's what he's looking for. In the next preseason game, we shall see.

Bringing in now Brian Boldinger and Steve Weisch to join us. So you know this going to be an intelligent conversation. I'll just try to get out of the way. Baldy.

Bringing in now Brian Boldinger and Steve Weisch to join us. So you know this going to be an intelligent conversation. I'll just try to get out of the way. Baldy.

You want to start with you on playing star players in the preseason and if you think it's a good idea.

You want to start with you on playing star players in the preseason and if you think it's a good idea.

I do.

I do.

I mean this first time Joe Burrow's ever played in the preseason, you know, in five years, and so he wanted to go out there and just look, he had a great drive fourteen plays right down the field, touchdown to t Higgins.

I mean this first time Joe Burrow's ever played in the preseason, you know, in five years, and so he wanted to go out there and just look, he had a great drive fourteen plays right down the field, touchdown to t Higgins.

I think these guys want to play. I don't think they want.

I think these guys want to play. I don't think they want.

To wait till September eighth, or, in Patrick Mahomes case, September fifth.

To wait till September eighth, or, in Patrick Mahomes case, September fifth.

They go out there and make his first meetingful throw discrimagist.

They go out there and make his first meetingful throw discrimagist.

Do a little bit preseason games I think can get you up to speed a little bit more.

Do a little bit preseason games I think can get you up to speed a little bit more.

You know, CJ. Stroud went out there and played, and Derek Carr. It looked like it was a league wide trend to me, Mike, yeah, both.

You know, CJ. Stroud went out there and played, and Derek Carr. It looked like it was a league wide trend to me, Mike, yeah, both.

You know, we're seeing there's only three preseason games.

You know, we're seeing there's only three preseason games.

I think more and more coaches realize we might need to get off the fast start, so let's get everybody ready operationally from the play call to the sideline or the booth to get everything functional. Let's kind of get our feet wet. Because he saw a start at other positions as well, Max Crosby. All these guys are out there on the field as well. Maybe we'll see them increase and taper off at the third preseason game. But like you said, this definitely is a trend something we didn't see over the past two years.

I think more and more coaches realize we might need to get off the fast start, so let's get everybody ready operationally from the play call to the sideline or the booth to get everything functional. Let's kind of get our feet wet. Because he saw a start at other positions as well, Max Crosby. All these guys are out there on the field as well. Maybe we'll see them increase and taper off at the third preseason game. But like you said, this definitely is a trend something we didn't see over the past two years.

We've seen coaches who want to throw the challenge flag just to go through that process and see how quickly you can get the call down from the booth and get the flag out, And like, everybody needs the reps, even if they've done everything a thousand times before. So these players getting out there seems like, yeah, the trend is leaning more toward that. Look, we're halfway through a dynamic conversation. So let's talk about the dynamic kickoff. You can see here the kickoffs are eighty percent right now kick returns excuse me, that is by far the highest kickoff return percent only.

We've seen coaches who want to throw the challenge flag just to go through that process and see how quickly you can get the call down from the booth and get the flag out, And like, everybody needs the reps, even if they've done everything a thousand times before. So these players getting out there seems like, yeah, the trend is leaning more toward that. Look, we're halfway through a dynamic conversation. So let's talk about the dynamic kickoff. You can see here the kickoffs are eighty percent right now kick returns excuse me, that is by far the highest kickoff return percent only.

Twenty one point eight percent last year.

Twenty one point eight percent last year.

So the NFL so far in the preseason getting exactly what they want bringing the there's the numbers I'm talking about right there, bringing the kickoff back while also trying to make it as safe as possible. These been tough to get a good read on it because, and we've talked about this at nauseum, the coaches, the special teams, coaches, the head they don't want to show too much. So I'm excited to see in week one what kind of wrinkles we can see.

So the NFL so far in the preseason getting exactly what they want bringing the there's the numbers I'm talking about right there, bringing the kickoff back while also trying to make it as safe as possible. These been tough to get a good read on it because, and we've talked about this at nauseum, the coaches, the special teams, coaches, the head they don't want to show too much. So I'm excited to see in week one what kind of wrinkles we can see.

But your thoughts on the dynamic kickoff so far?

But your thoughts on the dynamic kickoff so far?

You know, Mike, me and Steve were in we were in Canton for the Hall of Fame game, so we saw it the first one and look it wasn't you know a great return about the play is back into the league. You saw Kiris Jackson from Tennessee against San Francisco sixty three yards to get the ball to fifteen, they score, tie up to score. Now here's the there's some bad tackling, all that kind of stuff, some spin, some nice job returning, but you know, you just saw the kicker miss you know the tackle right there.

You know, Mike, me and Steve were in we were in Canton for the Hall of Fame game, so we saw it the first one and look it wasn't you know a great return about the play is back into the league. You saw Kiris Jackson from Tennessee against San Francisco sixty three yards to get the ball to fifteen, they score, tie up to score. Now here's the there's some bad tackling, all that kind of stuff, some spin, some nice job returning, but you know, you just saw the kicker miss you know the tackle right there.

Kickers are going to be asked to make more tackles. I believe this. I believe, Hey, the returns, We're going to get past the gimmicky look to it and we're gonna like it.

Kickers are going to be asked to make more tackles. I believe this. I believe, Hey, the returns, We're going to get past the gimmicky look to it and we're gonna like it.

And I believe that this one play is going to determine the outcome of certain games year. And we're just looking at vanilla case and coverage right now. We haven't seen what some of the teams are really working on. I was at the Jets Washington scrimmage last week, Mike. They spent an entire period at least twenty kicks. The referees were getting work on new positioning where they're going to officiate to play from. There were a lot of penalties in that scrimmage with Washington and the Jets. But I believe that this play is going to impact a lot of games this year.

And I believe that this one play is going to determine the outcome of certain games year. And we're just looking at vanilla case and coverage right now. We haven't seen what some of the teams are really working on. I was at the Jets Washington scrimmage last week, Mike. They spent an entire period at least twenty kicks. The referees were getting work on new positioning where they're going to officiate to play from. There were a lot of penalties in that scrimmage with Washington and the Jets. But I believe that this play is going to impact a lot of games this year.

Well, Walty, it is because some teams. Why would't the Dolphins occasionally throw Tyreek Hill back there? Right, wouldn't the forty nine? Why wouldn't they put the forty nine, I's with Deebo Samuel back there to have an explosive return man back there. I mean, it's a situation without people running thirty or forty yards downfield. The hits that we're seeing some physical hits, but we're not seeing guys, the blockers or the ball carriers get absolutely destroyed because of these long head start runs. So every now and then, put an explosive player back there. Plus where they get these teams set up the protection teams down the cover teams, they're gonna have more frontline players, guys who can hold blocks better, Guys you can get off blocks better on those on those teams. So I think this is gonna be set up with the regular season for far more explosive plays. What's really caught my attention is the lack of holding calls on this, Because you know you're playing in the open field, you're thinking of the guy who's blocking. He's gonna have to catch and try and redirect the guy. The fact that we haven't seen a ton of holding calls on this goes so these special teams coordinators, they know exactly what they're doing. And also guys, real quick, we know we get to the regular season, We're gonna see more kicks directional to the corners and things like that to either try to pin teams down a little closer or to maybe set up some some tricky stuff for the explosive plays.

Well, Walty, it is because some teams. Why would't the Dolphins occasionally throw Tyreek Hill back there? Right, wouldn't the forty nine? Why wouldn't they put the forty nine, I's with Deebo Samuel back there to have an explosive return man back there. I mean, it's a situation without people running thirty or forty yards downfield. The hits that we're seeing some physical hits, but we're not seeing guys, the blockers or the ball carriers get absolutely destroyed because of these long head start runs. So every now and then, put an explosive player back there. Plus where they get these teams set up the protection teams down the cover teams, they're gonna have more frontline players, guys who can hold blocks better, Guys you can get off blocks better on those on those teams. So I think this is gonna be set up with the regular season for far more explosive plays. What's really caught my attention is the lack of holding calls on this, Because you know you're playing in the open field, you're thinking of the guy who's blocking. He's gonna have to catch and try and redirect the guy. The fact that we haven't seen a ton of holding calls on this goes so these special teams coordinators, they know exactly what they're doing. And also guys, real quick, we know we get to the regular season, We're gonna see more kicks directional to the corners and things like that to either try to pin teams down a little closer or to maybe set up some some tricky stuff for the explosive plays.

Well, you also saw this, Stef and Mike, we also saw, you know, kicks not landing in the landing zone.

Well, you also saw this, Stef and Mike, we also saw, you know, kicks not landing in the landing zone.

You're seeing team starting at the forty yard line.

You're seeing team starting at the forty yard line.

I've had defensive coordinators say that they are have anxiety attacks about putting their defense out there at the forty yard line if the kick is in the right position right now. So, uh, it's gonna favorite field position, and I think we're gonna get some explosive plays out of it.

I've had defensive coordinators say that they are have anxiety attacks about putting their defense out there at the forty yard line if the kick is in the right position right now. So, uh, it's gonna favorite field position, and I think we're gonna get some explosive plays out of it.

Yeah, it's through the first quarter of the season at least where teams are just gonna have to adjust to this, and fans as well are gonna have to do We'll all adjust together.

Yeah, it's through the first quarter of the season at least where teams are just gonna have to adjust to this, and fans as well are gonna have to do We'll all adjust together.

We're all gonna be fine. It's great to have the kickoff return back in the game.

We're all gonna be fine. It's great to have the kickoff return back in the game.

Thank you, Brian Baldinger, thank you Steve Weiss, Tom Pealsarro, take it away.

Thank you, Brian Baldinger, thank you Steve Weiss, Tom Pealsarro, take it away.

A lot of news around the NFL today, Mike Jaguars activating Eric Armstead off the pup list, Justin Simmons visit with the Falcons remains on going. Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy. This was scary. Severed an injury in practice. They put him in an air cast, but sounds like for now not a huge concern. It's an ankle injury. They'll continue to evaluate him. I Meanwhile, the Bills put Chase Claypool on injured reserve because of a toe injury, and the Commanders signed wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Ian, if I had asked you, like a year ago, hey, who do you think's got a better chance to play Week one in twenty twenty four, Chase Claypool or Martavis.

A lot of news around the NFL today, Mike Jaguars activating Eric Armstead off the pup list, Justin Simmons visit with the Falcons remains on going. Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy. This was scary. Severed an injury in practice. They put him in an air cast, but sounds like for now not a huge concern. It's an ankle injury. They'll continue to evaluate him. I Meanwhile, the Bills put Chase Claypool on injured reserve because of a toe injury, and the Commanders signed wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Ian, if I had asked you, like a year ago, hey, who do you think's got a better chance to play Week one in twenty twenty four, Chase Claypool or Martavis.

Bryant, what would you have said?

Bryant, what would you have said?

Oh?

Oh?

Man, I guess Claypool in a really really really close finish.

Man, I guess Claypool in a really really really close finish.

I'm not sure either. A naked but it's all good.

I'm not sure either. A naked but it's all good.

All right, Let's talk about some other injuries around the NFL. We had the Lions with several players who departed practice on Monday, including Jamiir Gibbs, including Terry and Arnold. My understanding it is is Jamier Gibbs, it's a hamstring. Sounds like he's gonna be fine. It's not a really significant injury that they're concerned about, and it sounds like it's good news on their first round pick as well. Yeah, I would say for Gibbs, you're right, hamstring injury something that's going to be evaluated, but definitely, definitely could be worst. The only injury that matters here is one that will allow a player to be ready for the season.

All right, Let's talk about some other injuries around the NFL. We had the Lions with several players who departed practice on Monday, including Jamiir Gibbs, including Terry and Arnold. My understanding it is is Jamier Gibbs, it's a hamstring. Sounds like he's gonna be fine. It's not a really significant injury that they're concerned about, and it sounds like it's good news on their first round pick as well. Yeah, I would say for Gibbs, you're right, hamstring injury something that's going to be evaluated, but definitely, definitely could be worst. The only injury that matters here is one that will allow a player to be ready for the season.

Sounds like that's where Gibbs is. Terry and Arnold same situation. My understanding is, as my very eloquently worded tweet says, right there, peck injury, not a strain, more of like a bruiser, kind of like a bone bruise, will be ready for the start of the regular season. That is very good news for the Lions. Meanwhile, Tom in good injury news or whatever you one might say. The Eagles got some positive stuff today. Won't you tell me all about it?

Sounds like that's where Gibbs is. Terry and Arnold same situation. My understanding is, as my very eloquently worded tweet says, right there, peck injury, not a strain, more of like a bruiser, kind of like a bone bruise, will be ready for the start of the regular season. That is very good news for the Lions. Meanwhile, Tom in good injury news or whatever you one might say. The Eagles got some positive stuff today. Won't you tell me all about it?

Cooper Dejene activated off the non football injury list. The Eagles posted this video and basically we're asking for various comments about it. Bottom line, Cooper Degene really good player. He'd been battling the hamstring injury and not participating in camp. Finally he is back onto the field. Also sounds like some good news on the injury front in Baltimore after another scary situation again.

Cooper Dejene activated off the non football injury list. The Eagles posted this video and basically we're asking for various comments about it. Bottom line, Cooper Degene really good player. He'd been battling the hamstring injury and not participating in camp. Finally he is back onto the field. Also sounds like some good news on the injury front in Baltimore after another scary situation again.

Oh Man, Kyle Hamilton, who joined me in cam for Inside training camp and was a budding broadcaster in training, was a great interview except for a little scared practice.

Oh Man, Kyle Hamilton, who joined me in cam for Inside training camp and was a budding broadcaster in training, was a great interview except for a little scared practice.

A knee injury just a sprain.

A knee injury just a sprain.

Had all sorts of tests as everyone kind of held their breadth. This is really one of the bright young stars in the NFL. Tests were positive, were negative? Or the good one tests? We're the good one. Kyle Hamilton is going to be fine. Probably missed a couple of days of going full speed, but everything all good there. Meanwhile, for the Las Vegas Raiders, we are still trying to figure out who's gonna be their quarterback to be Gardner Minshew can be Aidan O'Connell man, I.

Had all sorts of tests as everyone kind of held their breadth. This is really one of the bright young stars in the NFL. Tests were positive, were negative? Or the good one tests? We're the good one. Kyle Hamilton is going to be fine. Probably missed a couple of days of going full speed, but everything all good there. Meanwhile, for the Las Vegas Raiders, we are still trying to figure out who's gonna be their quarterback to be Gardner Minshew can be Aidan O'Connell man, I.

Would I really like some answers.

Would I really like some answers.

Is there anyone coming up to the next segment who can tell me all the answers?

Is there anyone coming up to the next segment who can tell me all the answers?