NFL Player News

Klein (6'6/215) became Michigan’s third verbal commitment in the Class of 2022 Tuesday morning, joining DT Alex VanSumeren and LB Tyler Martin. While he’s been used at both wide receiver and tight end at the high school level, Klein has been projected as a tight end once he arrives on campus. Currently attending Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, Georgia, the three-star recruit is actually a native of Germany. Klein’s recruitment picked up during the summer as Power 5 programs such as Boston College, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville and Virginia Tech all tendered offers.

Bateman, 26, has never quite lived up to his first-round draft capital, lining up on the perimeter on 88.4 percent of his career receiving snaps. Allowing him to line up in the slot and as the Z-receiver could help him out, although true sixth-year breakouts are uncommon in the NFL. He can only be viewed as a late-round, boom-bust option.

Per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Ayomanor was in the huddle early at today’s practice, which is a good sign. The second-year wide receiver left practice early yesterday after seemingly injuring his left shoulder. He appears to be good to go and will now resume competing for a starting role.

According to Kendall, “everyone in Atlanta can see” Branch’s ascension. The diminutive rookie has been “a standout in Atlanta from the moment he stepped on the practice field.” Zaccheaus is still taking most of the first-team snaps, so Branch may have to continue fighting for the starting role in-season. That said, the coaching staff plans to line up Branch at all three wide receiver spots. Obvious questions remain regarding Branch’s ability to play in the NFL at 5'10/180, but the youngster bench-pressed 225 pounds 20 times at the NFL Combine, so his strength is not in question. Even if Branch assumes a starting role, it will probably be tough for Branch to reliably return FLEX value, earning targets behind WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts and RB Bijan Robinson, but showing up with a few big performances is possible.

Hafley does not yet know if Bell will be able to play in the preseason, but thinks it would be “a huge benefit” if so. Bell is reportedly making “significant” progress in his rehab from a late-season ACL tear and is now running, cutting, accelerating and decelerating. The Dolphins still don’t consider Bell “day-to-day,” but it seems as though they expect him to play in “real games” this year. Keep an eye on him. The rookie wide receiver could be worth adding off waivers in-season.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky notes this is Kraft’s first absence since he returned from the physically unable to perform list. The Packers are having their annual Family Night this evening, and Demovsky believes the team is simply giving Kraft the night off. There is no cause for concern at this time.

The Steelers also brought aboard TE Lance Mason. They correspondingly released TE JJ Galbreath and WR AT Perry. Dowell and Mason will likley have to compete for roster spots this month.

Stowers is reportedly still working with the third-team offense. The rookie tight end has been a late-round target for best ball drafters hoping to secure late-season production from their TE3. While that outcome is still possible, it would be nice to see Stowers gain a little ground this month.

Nelson did not play on defense at all last season. He replaces DT Keeshawn Silver, whom the Saints waived today.

The soreness info comes from a team spokesperson, who evidently opted not to share helpful details. Price has been practicing hard, at times taking reps with the first-, second- and third-team offenses, so a little soreness is unsurprising. We might end up learning that he is dealing with a minor injury at some point, though. The team could simply be playing coy. Until then, don’t panic. Price’s first-team usage is encouraging for his rookie season outlook and we still have a month to go before the season begins. Seahawks RBs George Holani, Emanuel Wilson and Velus Jones all got time with the starting offense in Price’s stead.

This is unbelievably brutal. For the second year in a row, Henningsen ruptured an Achilles tendon on August 7th, this time in the other foot. The former sixth-round pick last played in 2023. He is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the year.