Getting Ugly?

Jonathan Taylor has become the new face of running backs disgruntled with the lack of pay at the position.

The superstar RB for the Colts requested a trade after a war of words and negotiations with owner Jim Irsay.

Despite Taylor’s massive success over his first three seasons, including leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2021, Irsay appears in no rush to give a big second contract to one of the most devalued positions. 

When word came out that Indianapolis is considering putting the 24-year-old, who is already on PUP, on the NFI list which would nullify his upcoming unrestricted free agency, Taylor spoke out.

1.) Never had a back pain.

2.) Never reported back pain.

Not sure who “sources” are, but find new ones 🤔

— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 31, 2023

As for the Colts, some sort of resolution is needed for a running back room that is all of a sudden barren.

#Colts RB Zack Moss suffered a broken arm at practice today, source says. Expected to miss about six weeks.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 31, 2023

Purdy Good

It’s not often when a team’s biggest storyline is the health of an NFL Draft “Mr. Irrelevant,” but the San Francisco 49ers are counting on QB Brock Purdy to take them to the Super Bowl. 

According to Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, they are pleased with the progress of Purdy in his recovery from a torn UCL.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: QB Brock Purdy has "had no arm troubles" in return from UCL surgeryhttps://t.co/YcXR2Sbjr5 pic.twitter.com/c34oPsZpxu

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 31, 2023

Purdy has been participating in select practices after his injury from the team’s 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFC Championship game and is working his way back into being a full participant. 

Following his impressive end to his rookie season, where he stepped into the starting role in Week 13, the 23-year-old is expected to maintain the top QB spot despite competition from two former top three draft picks in Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. 

NFC South Reunion

After a short stint in Cleveland, LB Deion Jones has found a new home with the Carolina Panthers.

Former Falcons’ LB Deion Jones, who spent seven seasons in Atlanta, is returning to the NFC on a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2023

Jones spent 2022 with the Browns, arriving via trade after six seasons with the Panthers’ NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons.

The former 2016 second round pick will likely serve in a depth position, with Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu set at the starting inside linebacker spots. 

While the best days may be behind him, it was not too long ago that Jones was considered one of the top inside linebackers and a model for the future of the position: smaller but speedier with an emphasis on pass coverage. In all five seasons where he played at least 15 games, the 28-year-old has recorded at least 100 tackles.