Hockenson (knee) is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn right ACL and MCL, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hockenson suffered his knee injury the day after Christmas. According to Lewis, even though Hockenson is making quick progress, the Vikings don't plan to rush him back, and the tight end's status for Week 1 remains in question. There's chance he opens the season on reserve/PUP. If so, veterans Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt are next up on the depth chart.

Vera-Tucker (Achilles) said Wednesday it's "comforting" to know he'll be sticking at one position in 2024 as the Jets' starting right guard, Randy Lange of the team's website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vera-Tucker will kick back inside this coming season after bouncing all over the offensive line throughout his first three years in the NFL. He served as the Jets' starting right tackle for five games in 2023 prior to sustaining a torn Achilles' tendon, but he said his rehab is going well, and the expectation is that he'll be ready to go for the start of the 2024 campaign. Barring further injuries or additions, the Jets' offensive line appears set from left to right. Tyron Smith and John Simpson will start on the left side, Joe Tippmann, will start at center, and Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses will start on the right side.

Walker is expected to remain the No. 1 running back for the 2024 season after the Seahawks didn't select a running back in the NFL Draft.

EDGE Analysis

The Seahawks did sign George Holani and TaMerik Williams as undrafted free agents, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, but neither player presents a real threat to Walker's job. While Walker and 2023 second-round pick Zach Charbonnet split snaps last season, Walker was still the clear No. 1 back with 219 carries for 905 yards (4.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns. He added 29 receptions for 259 yards and a score. The Seahawks added three linemen in the draft, including third-round pick Christian Haynes, so they're hoping their offensive line will show more consistency this year.

Jones (knee) said Wednesday that he's been running and cutting during his rehab from a torn right ACL, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jones went on to say he's "doing everything," and the plan remains for him to be ready for training camp. The veteran QB tore his right ACL last November and also dealt with neck issues once again, though Jones said he's over that injury. The Giants didn't use a draft pick on a quarterback this offseason, only swapping out veteran backup Tyrod Taylor for Drew Lock in free agency. Jones should get every shot to remain the Giants' starter despite a dreadful 2023.

The Cowboys declined Lance's 2025 fifth-year option, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was a no-brainer, as Lance has been a mega-bust to this point in his career after the 49ers traded up to select Lance at No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't play a single snap for Dallas last season after the team traded for him prior to Week 1. Lance will compete with Cooper Rush for backup duties behind Dak Prescott.

Slayton is expected to open the season as a starting wideout opposite rookie first-rounder Malik Nabers, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Slayton refused to report to voluntary offseason workouts, as he's entering the final year of a two-year deal and is seeking an extension. The Giants, however, haven't budged, and the team used the sixth overall pick in last week's NFL Draft to take Nabers after using a third-rounder on Jalin Hyatt in 2023. While Slayton is the favorite to open the summer as a starter, the team likely hopes Hyatt can push the veteran for snaps and targets. Nabers should easily pace this team in targets as a rookie.

Hyatt is expected to be the Giants' top backup wide receiver in 2024 following the team's selection of Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick in last week's NFL Draft, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hyatt injured his hamstring in the season finale against the Eagles but is presumably over the issue by now and is coming off a rookie season that saw him secure 23 of 40 targets for 373 scoreless yards. He did average a strong 16.2 yards per catch, but the number of catchable passes thrown his way were few and far between as a downfield threat. Darius Slayton is expected to open the season opposite Nabers, with Wan'Dale Robinson in the slot, though the Giants would likely prefer to see Hyatt push Slayton for snaps.

Long signed a contract with the Giants on Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Long struggled to find a home in 2023. After four years with the Rams, the 2019 third-round selection spent time with the Packers, Panthers and Raiders, appearing in a total of 14 games. He'll now work to make the most of his fresh opportunity in the Big Apple.

Vera-Tucker (Achilles) is "feeling good" and is "definitely on pace for a good start to the season," Caroline Hendershot of the Jets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vera-Tucker suffered a torn Achilles on Oct. 8 against the Broncos, but it sounds like the veteran offensive lineman has a chance to be ready to compete once training camp comes around. Despite playing right tackle for the team last season, their selection of Olumuyiwa Fashanu in the 2024 Draft and trade for Morgan Moses, suggests Vera-Tucker may move inside and play guard in 2024.

Carlies is expected to transition to linebacker after playing safety in college, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

EDGE Analysis

There were questions about Carlies coverage ability coming out of Missouri and entering the 2024 Draft, but his speed and playmaking skills still earned him a fifth-round selection by the Colts. Due to those skills, along with his ability to tackle, the transition to linebacker makes sense for the 22-year-old.