NFL Player News

Anderson and Jonathan Greenard (ankle) joined Jerry Hughes (ankle) as Texans pass-rushers sitting out on Wednesday. Anderson and Greenard both played in the Wild Card round and were listed as limited participants on Tuesday. However, both were downgraded to DNP status on Wednesday with ankle injuries that continue to ail the Texans’ pass rush. If Anderson and Greenard practice later in the week, they will likely play Saturday against the Ravens in the Divisional Round, while Hughes is more of a question mark, having missed the Wild Card win.

After polling coaches, Barrows also noted a “theme,” indicating “no one took better advantage of the offseason than Cowing.” Barrows adds that “the 49ers also were taking advantage of his speed as a downfield threat this spring,” and suggests Cowing “can run a lot of the gadget plays that went to Deebo Samuel in previous years.” A series of unfortunate events may have to occur for Cowing to climb past the No. 6 spot in the 49ers’ passing game pecking order. Still, Cowing may be worth a roll of the dice as a late-round best ball option.

Hayes also spent time with the Commanders and Cardinals through three NFL seasons, though he has never taken a regular season snap. The Jets also signed DE Kingsley Jonathan, released OL Zack Bailey and waived CB Tre Swilling.

Per Shipley, “Allen made a really impressive catch-and-run on a third-down in 7-on-7" drills, and Tuten “popped off a long run toward the end of the day and also made several nice plays after the catch.” Allen led FBS running backs with 64 receptions last season. If he can transfer those receiving skills to the pro level, head coach Liam Coen will be able to find a role for him. Tuten made headlines for ball security issues back in May, so a strong finish to minicamp was indeed needed. Both players may struggle to find a role in year one, with Travis Etienne seemingly endearing himself to Coen through solid play.

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.