NFL Player News

Branch recently underwent a cleanup procedure on his lower left leg and will likely be sidelined until training camp, Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reports.

The Lions initially thought Branch's lower left leg injury would heal on its own, but he elected to undergo a procedure so he could rehab ahead of the regular season. However, coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Branch is progressing well and will likely be able to do some work before the regular season begins, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Branch was recently seen on a knee scooter around the team's facility. The 22-year-old was solid as a rookie last year, tallying 74 tackles (50 solo), including a sack, along with 13 pass defenses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a touchdown.

Judon (biceps) is back to full health and expected to be at the Patriots' mandatory minicamp in June, Karen Guregian of The Springfield Republican reports.

Judon tore his biceps early in the 2023 season and subsequently underwent season-ending surgery. It appears his recovery has gone well, and he will be ready to participate in New England's offseason program. Barring any setbacks with his health, the 31-year-old -- who racked up 15.5 sacks in 2022 -- is expected to start at outside linebacker, where he'll reprise his role as a key pass rusher for the team.

Jones (knee) is hopeful to be ready for Week 1 in the upcoming season, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Jones suffered a torn MCL and missed the final five games of the regular season, plus the Browns' wild-card loss to the Texans. He is not participating in OTAs yet, but doctors originally told him he could be back practicing as early as June. Thus, he could start ramping things up soon. He projects to back up Jack Conklin (knee) at right tackle when healthy this season.

Bass (elbow) is participating in the Cowboys' OTAs, Mickey Spagnola of the team's official site reports.

Bass underwent elbow surgery following the 2023 campaign. The undrafted rookie earned a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster but spent most of the season backing up Tyler Smith at guard. However, Bass did start two contests. His participation at OTAs indicates his health is back up to par heading into his second season.

Castro-Fields (shoulder) is participating at the Commanders' OTAs, Stephen Whyno of the AP News reports.

Castro-Fields landed on Washington's injured reserve prior to Week 18 last season with a shoulder injury. He suited up for eight games in 2023, but was primarily used on special teams. He finished the year with four tackles (three solo). He is competing for a depth role in the Commanders' secondary in the upcoming season.

The Seahawks are hopeful Lucas (knee) will be ready for training camp, Nick Lee of the team's official site reports.

Chronic knee issues limited Lucas to just six games in 2023 after he played 16 during his rookie campaign. The issues dated all the way back to his time at Washington State and ultimately were surgically repaired this offseason. Given the team's optimism regarding his chances to return for training camp, his odds of being ready for Week 1 are looking good at this point. The third-year pro projects to start at right tackle when healthy.

Pinnock (toe) is participating at the Giants' OTAs, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Pinnock was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury prior to Week 18 last season. He registered career highs across the board prior to the injury with 85 tackles (59 solo), including 2.0 sacks, six passes defended and two interceptions. The 24-year-old projects to compete with rookie second-round pick Tyler Nubin for reps at free safety in the upcoming season.

Green (shoulder) is a full participant at the Texans' OTAs, Coty Davis of SI.com reports.

Green's 2023 season came to a premature end after a shoulder injury landed him on injured reserve during training camp. Prior to that, he started 14 of 15 games as a rookie. All in all, he allowed 47 pressures, 31 hurries, 12 quarterback hits and five sacks at left guard. The Texas A&M product is expected to compete for the chance to reclaim his role as one of Houston's starting offensive linemen.

Barno (knee) is has been participating at Carolina's OTAs in a limited fashion, Schuvier Calihan of SI.com reports.

Barno saw an 11 percent increase in defense snaps through 15 games last season before suffering an ACL injury. He remains without a specific return day, but his limited work at OTAs, albeit capped, is promising at this point. The 25-year-old has primarily been a depth option on the edge through two years in the league and projects for a similar role in 2024 when his health is back up to par.

Butler (wrist) is participating at Washington's organized team activities, Stephen Whyno of the team's official website reports.

Butler missed the final two games of the 2023 season due to a wrist injury. The severity of the injury was unknown at that time, but his presence at OTAs indicates his health is back up to par. He projects to start at free safety in the upcoming season opposite Jeremy Chinn.