Watson OK to practice despite claims

The NFL said Tuesday that it has no immediate plans to place Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on paid administrative leave. That leaves Watson eligible to participate in the Texans’ opening practice of training camp scheduled for Wednesday.

“At this time, there are no restrictions on Watson’s participation in club activities,” the league said in a written statement issued through a spokesman.

Watson, who faces accusations by women of inappropriate sexual conduct made against him in 22 active civil lawsuits, reported to training camp Sunday with other Texans quarterbacks.

The NFL said that its investigation continues. The league did not rule out taking future action against Watson under its personal conduct policy.

Watson has not been charged with a crime. He and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, have denied the allegations.

RODGERS REPORTS

Aaron Rodgers has made it to Green Bay on the eve of the Packers’ first training-camp workout.

Rodgers was seen arriving at Lambeau Field on Tuesday morning, the day after NFL Network and ESPN reported the reigning MVP was closing in on a deal that would keep him with the Packers this season. The Packers later tweeted a photo of Rodgers at Lambeau Field — wearing oversize sunglasses and a novelty T-shirt referencing “The Office.”

The Packers open training camp Wednesday. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Rodgers would have been subject to a $50,000 fine for every day he held out of camp.

Rodgers didn’t participate in organized team activities this spring — a change from his usual routine — and skipped the mandatory minicamp.

ELSEWHERE

Vikings: Offensive line coach Rick Dennison

has been reassigned to a consulting role so he can remain employed by the club without vaccination for COVID-19.

Bucs: In a profane opening statement to reporters following practice, coach Burce Arians blasted a Pro Football Talk report suggesting the team requires unvaccinated players to wear yellow wristbands at practice, while vaccinated players must wear red ones. The report went on to note a number of players had no wristbands during the first camp workout. Nonsense, Arians indicated.

49ers: Despite the team drafting Trey

Lance No. 3 overall, Jimmy Garoppolo comes into camp as the starter, coach

said.