NFL Teams Kick Off Mandatory Minicamps

This week, 30 NFL teams are wrapping up their offseason workouts with mandatory minicamps. These are the only practices that players must attend, or else face hefty fines. The Bears and Lions are the exceptions. The Bears finished their minicamp last week, while the Lions skipped it altogether because they're starting training camp early for the Hall of Fame game. The fines for missing these practices are no joke. Players who skip out without a valid excuse will pay $17, 462 for the first day, $34, 925 for the second, and $52, 381 for the third. That's a total of $104, 768 if they miss the whole thing. Unlike training camp fines, these can be waived, but many players still face a $40, 000-per-day penalty for skipping training camp. Now, let's dive into some of the big questions and uncertainties hanging over several teams. In New England, the Patriots had their first minicamp session on Monday, and it seems like all the drama around receiver Stefon Diggs has been put to rest. He's there and fully committed. Over in Buffalo, running back James Cook is unhappy with his contract, but the Bills aren't budging on giving him a new deal. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are trying to trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has been excused from minicamp. In Pittsburgh, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make his debut with the Steelers on Tuesday and face the media afterward.

The Bengals have a situation with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who's unhappy with his contract and might skip minicamp, paying the fines instead. The Browns have four quarterbacks, so it'll be interesting to see how the practice reps are divided among them. The Titans have a rookie, Cam Ward, who might get the bulk of the first-team reps. The Colts have Daniel Jones, who now has a clear shot at the starting job, especially with Anthony Richardson out due to a shoulder injury. The Texans have quarterback C. J. Stroud, who might not participate due to soreness in his throwing arm. The Cowboys have linebacker Micah Parsons, who might not join on-field workouts as the team delays his new contract. The Giants have Russell Wilson, and it's unclear if he'll be the clear QB1 throughout the three-day session. The Commanders have receiver Terry McLaurin, who wants a new contract and might not show up. The Vikings have quarterback J. J. McCarthy, and it's time to see how he performs now that the Aaron Rodgers option is off the table. The Falcons have quarterback Kirk Cousins, who might not take any reps as a trade is possible. The Saints have rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who might get the bulk of the reps with the starting offense. The Rams are taking their minicamp to Maui, which could be a game-changer. The Seahawks have quarterback Sam Darnold, who might solidify his position as the starter.

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