Panthers hand first-team reps over to QB Young

Charlotte, N.C.: Bryce Young’s time is now in Carolina.

The Panthers have given Young the first-team reps in practice this week, a move that coach Frank Reich called the next step in the rookie quarterback’s progression.

Reich anticipates Young will continue to get first-team reps “for now” as the Panthers prepare for their mandatory minicamp session next week and training camp at the end of July. Reich stopped short of naming Young the team’s starting quarterback this season, saying there is plenty of time to make that decision.

Young, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, took over firstteam reps from veteran Andy Dalton earlier this week, but Thursday was the first time reporters were allowed at practice.

Vikings releasing star RB Cook, AP source says

Minneapolis: The Minnesota Vikings are parting ways with star running back Dalvin Cook for salary cap savings after his fourth consecutive season surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

Cook has been informed he will be released, a person familiar with the team’s decision told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke only on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not announced the move.

Cook, in just six years with the Vikings, reached third on the franchise all-time rushing list with 5,993 yards. He’s fifth in rushing attempts (1,282) and fourth in rushing touchdowns (47).

Cook was scheduled to count more than $14.1 million against Minnesota’s salary cap, which would have been the third-highest figure for a running back in the league behind Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. Cutting him chopped $9 million off the team’s cap charges for this year. The Vikings remain on the hook for more than $5.1 million.

Miller’s desire to eliminate artificial turf is personal

Von Miller’s desire to eliminate artificial fields is personal.

The three-time All-pro edge rusher tore his right ACL playing on an artificial surface in Buffalo’s game at Detroit last Thanksgiving.

“This game was built on grass. Grass is safer. It feels better,” Miller said on the AP Pro Football Podcast. “

Miller, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Green Bay Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari are part of Pennington’s “Flip the Turf” campaign, urging players and fans to sign a Change. org petition calling for the 16 stadiums that use artificial turf to switch to grass.

The NFL Players Association has long been calling for all teams to switch to grass fields.

The NFL, in defense of artificial turf, has the number of injuries on both surfaces was close.

Veteran WR Robinson joining Los Angeles Rams

Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson is joining the Los Angeles Rams.

Robinson’s representatives at Katz Brothers Sports confirmed the deal on social media Thursday.

Robinson spent last season with the Ravens, becoming Baltimore’s second-leading receiver with 48 catches for 458 yards and two touchdowns despite starting only five of his 17 games. He spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, catching 145 passes for 1,679 yards and 14 TDS.

Robinson will attempt to win a job with the Rams, who traded receiver Allen Robinson to Pittsburgh in April after one unsuccessful season. Los Angeles’ passing game struggled last season. Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford playing only nine games because of injuries.

QB questions linger for 49ers headed into break

Santa Clara, Calif.: Brock Purdy resumed his throwing program, Trey Lance looked healthy and showed off his improved mechanics and Sam Darnold got acclimated to a new offense.

The San Francisco 49ers ended their offseason program and headed off for summer break with some encouraging signs about their quarterback room despite many lingering questions that won’t really start to get answered until they reconvene in late July for the start of training camp.

The first questions revolve around Purdy, who went from being the final pick in last year’s draft to winning his first seven starts to lead San Francisco to the NFC championship game before getting hurt early in a loss at Philadelphia.

Purdy underwent major elbow surgery in March and just resumed a throwing program last week.