NFL Player News

A bit of late riser, Hughes was a two-year starter with 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks as a senior. Although he had trouble consistently winning one-on-one matchups, Hughes does have a quick first step with the range to make plays across the line. He projects as a rotational lineman in Cleveland.

Thomas reportedly “went down with an injury” earlier in the week and “was held off the field the rest of the practice for precautionary reasons.” Shipley adds that Thomas “will be just fine entering the Jaguars’ stretch of weeks before training camp.” June fantasy drafters can continue drafting Thomas as a high-upside WR1.

The team previously listed Hyatt at 6'/185, which is fairly typical for modern-day NFL wide receivers. Hyatt had speed to spare, entering the NFL after running a 4.40-second Forty at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. At the event, he weighed in at 176 pounds. Hyatt is likely best suited to a rotational field-stretcher role behind Slayton, but perhaps the bulk inspires Hyatt to refine his route running techniques rather than relying on straight-line speed.

Coleman missed Weeks 10-14 due to the issue and remained on the Bills’ injury report when he returned to action in Week 15. A prior report indicated Coleman suffered some sort of fracture, but details on the issue have been difficult to come by. The injury was a tough break for a player who notched consecutive career-best performances in Week 7 (125 receiving yards) and Week 8 (five receptions). Both figures still stand. Whether Coleman can blossom into an impact-starter in year two remains to be seen, but the report contextualizes his late-season struggles. Per Sabato, Coleman “looked like a different player during minicamps” this spring.

McCarthy told reporters that he is fully cleared for team activities after passing a recent physical. The comment caused some confusion, but ESPN’s Kevin Seifert dutifully notes that McCarthy “was long ago cleared for all on-field work.” The most recent physical was a routine examination given “to all of their players prior to the start of minicamp.” That said, it’s good to know that McCarthy’s knee has held up through both organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.

The Jets exercised Gardner’s fifth-year option in April, keeping their No. 1 cornerback under contract through 2026. The Jets appear willing to extend his contract this offseason, though, and Gardner has amenably chosen not to hold out. A new deal should get done at some point this summer.

Batko adds that the two sides have “been in communication throughout Watt’s minicamp absence.” It is in both parties’ interest to get a new deal done, but Watt’s firm stance is likely a tad unsettling for Steelers fans. The stalwart EDGE is understandably dead set on being paid handsomely. Players are scheduled to report for training camp on July 23rd.

Benson checked in at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine standing, 6'/216 before blazing a 4.39-second Forty. Offseason weight gains at the running back position can sometimes increase sluggishness, so we sure hope Benson’s claim is true. Benson also echoed head coach Jonathan Gannon’s “two starting backs” sentiment from early March, saying his “mindset” is currently “two RB1s.” Last year’s standalone starter, James Conner, banked 283 offensive touches to Benson’s 69. Ideally, Benson would fully overtake Conner for the starting role, but operating in a split backfield would at least be an upgrade on 2024.

Neither Rhim nor Harbaugh specified the injury Williams is currently working through. Williams has been seen working off to the side during Chargers practices over the last two days. The Chargers are counting on Williams to win a couple of jump balls per game this year, and although he is unlikely to return top-36 positional value, he could show up for a few good games, if healthy. The group of injured players who are expected to return in time for training camp reportedly includes WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, CB Deane Leonard, S Elijah Molden, CB Myles Purchase, WR Luke Grimm and TE Jordan Petaia.

Lloyd was reportedly working with the Packers’ rehab group just 15 days ago, but we’ll take his statement as a net positive nonetheless. Now in good health and ready to compete for the No. 2 role, Lloyd declared he “can run as fast as [he] can, jump as high as [he] wants” and “can catch the ball.” Like Smalls sporting a new pair of P.F. Flyers. Should Lloyd lock up the No. 2 gig, he would make for a high-value bench stash option who could, at times, return standalone value. This is a competition worth monitoring this summer. Lloyd looked like a capable player last year, before injuries derailed his 2024 rookie season.

Hairston “did not practice today and was on the sidelines with a black sleeve on his leg,” per Spectrum News 1’s Andy Young. The first-round rookie cornerback has a chance to compete for a starting role this summer, health pending. Beane also said that “any player with an injury should be good for training camp,” including Joey Bosa (calf).