Bears

Bears TE Colston Loveland said he has accepted the concussion that ended his rookie season and is focused on moving forward rather than dwelling on what might have happened.

“You just have to accept it,” Loveland said, via The Athletic. “Accept it and move on. I wish I had been out there. Obviously. But I know I can’t go back and change it.”

Bears QB Caleb Williams added that Loveland has the talent to become the NFL’s top player at his position.

“He can be the best tight end in the league,” Williams said.

Loveland said Chicago’s athletic tight end group gives the offense flexibility to create mismatches against opposing defenses.

“Having athletic, versatile tight ends like we have, it throws defenses off,” Loveland said. “You just have the potential at all times to create mismatches and capitalize. It’s super tricky. We’re in a good spot as far as that goes.”

Loveland praised Williams’ talent, toughness and commitment to winning as the two look to build a long-term partnership.

“Caleb is so talented,” Loveland said. “But he is also so passionate about this. He cares so much. And you see it regularly; that he’d do anything to get that next win. How would you not want to ride with a guy like that and catch footballs from someone like that?”

Lions

Last year was big for Lions WR Jameson Williams, as he cashed in on a major contract that secured his future in Detroit for years to come. He also had his second-straight 1,000-yard season. Yet if you listen to the Lions talk about the former first-rounder, they think the best might still be yet to come for Williams. 

“I think last year was big in his growth,” Lions HC Dan Campbell said via Tim Twentyman of the team website. “It’s really the most complete year he’s had. He played every game. Man, he had some critical plays, critical targets for us. Certainly, got a pretty good heavy dose there towards the back end of the year. And, you can’t help, but your confidence goes up.”

“The more plays you make, the more your confidence goes up,” Campbell added. “But I’ll say that he’s doing all the little things right. That’s where he’s made the most growth, man. Watch his route definition. Watch the details to it. Him dropping his weight. Him pulling out, playing strong, catching the ball, reaching out, plucking. And, so with his ability, man, the sky’s the limit. And, that’s what you’re starting to see.”

Maturity was a question mark for Williams initially, capped off by a suspension for gambling and some run-ins with the law. However, he’s made strides in that area too, and he seems to have a great attitude about his place in a stacked Lions offense. 

“I just look forward to making a play when my name is called,” Williams said. “I’m just trying to help the team as much as I can. We got so many playmakers; one play by each person could help us so much. I just try to be there when my number is called and make a play and execute.” 

• The Lions worked out former Packers WR Julian Hicks on Sunday, according to Aaron Wilson.

Vikings

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said communication and timing will be crucial as he builds chemistry with QB Kyler Murray.

“It was more of a timing play and a timing throw that it didn’t really work as timely as we wanted it to,” Jefferson said, via Yahoo Sports. “So really just talking with each other and having that communication is really, really key. Being on the same page is the main factor.”

Vikings QBs coach Josh McCown said J.J. McCarthy’s next step is developing greater touch and variety as a passer to complement his arm strength.

“You see the arm strength,” McCown added. “He can drive the ball, but it’s really taking that next step as a passer and really be able to develop all the clubs in his bag, so to speak. And we felt like he made strides this spring and you should want to continue to see those manifest now obviously.”

Murray added he spent the six weeks before training camp studying Minnesota’s offense and becoming more comfortable with its terminology and footwork.

“Any chance I could get going over scripts, going over the playbook every day,” Murray said. “Every day for the last six weeks. Then obviously workouts and stuff going out there and implementing what we’ve done. Obviously get more familiar with the footwork and verbiage and stuff.”