Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Tuesday, August 25:
After locking up wide receiver T.Y. Hilton to a long-term deal two weeks ago, the Indianapolis Colts turned their attention to left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who has started 56 consecutive games for Indy and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, little progress has been made in negotiations between the two sides. Six left tackles around the league average more than $10 million per season, so it's likely Castonzo is seeking at least that much in his new deal. The 2011 first-round pick will make $7.4 million in 2015 after the Colts picked up the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, giving Castonzo a little more leverage as he approaches free agency. Castonzo will almost certainly be back with Indy long-term, but the price remains to be seen. This situation will bear monitoring.
In other Colts news, linebacker Robert Mathis was activated from the PUP list on Tuesday, a bit of a surprise considering many thought he could remain on the list through the regular season, ruling him out of the first six weeks automatically. Owner Jim Irsay guessed that it could be late September or early October before Mathis is ready to play, but Tuesday's news suggests it could be sooner, possibly even for Week 1. As for his effectiveness, the now 34-year-old Mathis led the league in sacks (19.5) in 2013, but Achilles injuries can be career-changing for players who rely on speed and quickness like he does. The Colts have Trent Cole and 2014 fifth-rounder Jonathan Newsome (6.5 sacks as a rookie), so any production they get from Mathis would feel like a bonus considering his absence last year. Still, a return to form from the 13-year vet could go a long way toward improving Indy's defense.
Another longtime Colt -- wide receiver Reggie Wayne -- is now officially a member of the New England Patriots, and it appears he isn't just getting a training-camp tryout. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Wayne's contract will pay him a $450,000 signing bonus, meaning it's highly unlikely they release the 36-year-old at the end of training camp like they did with veterans Will Smith and Tommy Kelly a year ago. Also according to Anderson, Wayne can earn $2.8 million this year with incentives, so New England clearly expects him to play. With a number of injuries at wide receiver at the moment, the Pats may end up using Wayne frequently.
Though he was considered a potential NFL guard during the draft process in 2013, San Diego Chargers lineman D.J. Fluker is still adjusting to that spot after making the transition in training camp. According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Fluker "is still catching up with the faster pace at guard" and "appears less advanced" than Johnnie Troutman, who Fluker replaced three weeks ago. The 2013 first-round pick has all of the physical tools to dominate, but his transition will be a big factor in how effective the Chargers' rebuilt O-line can be. With Melvin Gordon in the backfield, quick development from Fluker could work wonders for San Diego's offensive balance.
While C.J. Anderson appears to be entrenched as the Denver Broncos' starting running back, Ronnie Hillman has surpassed Montee Ball on the depth chart, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. With a pair of strong preseason performances, Hillman appears to have the potential to take a few of Anderson's carries as well. With Ball now struggling to stay ahead of No. 4 back Juwan Thompson, Hillman appears to be the clear handcuff for fantasy owners who draft Anderson.