Jacoby Brissett took part in practice on Thursday as contract talks with the Cardinals turned productive, ending weeks of uncertainty tied to his minicamp hold-in. The move came the same day Fernando Mendoza officially signed his rookie contract and Malik Nabers avoided the PUP list to open camp.

What happened

Brissett had been holding in during minicamp as negotiations dragged, but his presence on the practice field signals the sides are closing in on a deal. Mendoza's signing clears the No. 1 overall pick to begin practicing with his new team. Nabers, meanwhile, opened camp off the PUP list after last season's injury absence. Separately, Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL and is done for the year.

Why it matters

Brissett's return to the field is the clearest sign yet that a resolution with the Cardinals is close after a tense standoff. For Mendoza, the paperwork means real practice reps start on schedule rather than being delayed into camp. Nabers staying off PUP keeps him on track for Week 1. Scourton's injury is a significant blow for Carolina's defense, forcing the team to lean on Cam Gill at outside linebacker.

By the numbers

Mendoza's rookie contract is fully guaranteed at $57.2 million. Gill, signed in the wake of Scourton's injury, was named the UFL's Defensive Player of the Year last season after recording 11 sacks.

What to watch next

A formal announcement on Brissett's contract status is the next milestone to track. Mendoza and Nabers will begin logging practice reps as training camp continues, while Carolina evaluates how quickly Gill can step into an expanded role.