NFL Player News

Head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Tuesday that Dobbins has made significant progress in the passing game, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Dobbins displayed explosiveness as a runner last season (6.0 YPC) but appears to be targeting additional reps by enhancing his abilities as a receiver. This is especially important to point out given that Harbaugh also emphasized Tuesday his interest in getting running backs more involved in that realm in 2021. Dobbins saw his workload increase down the stretch last season, averaging 12.8 carries for 82.5 yards and 1.2 rushing touchdowns per game over his final six regular-season games played, which could signal a breakout sophomore campaign. However, the Ravens also recently committed to Gus Edwards for another two seasons, so Dobbins is set to have competition for reps for years to come.

Barkley (knee) was present at the Giants' team facility Tuesday, but he won't be available to participate in OTAs while he continues his rehab for a torn ACL and meniscus, Kimberly Jones of NFL Network reports.

Given that Barkley underwent right knee surgery in October, the Giants never expected him to be back to 100 percent health for spring workouts, so his lack of availability for OTAs comes as no surprise. Barkley could remain held out of drills for the early portion of training camp, but the Giants remain hopeful that he'll be ready to go for the Sept. 12 season opener against the Broncos. In recognition of Barkley's long-term importance to the franchise as well as the fact that he's returning from a major injury, the Giants could choose to ease the running back along slowly during the early portion of the season with lighter snap loads and touch counts than normal.

Edwards and the Ravens agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract extension Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Edwards received a restricted free-agent tender from the Ravens in mid-March and now has extended his stay in Baltimore through the 2023 season. Even so, Edwards is likely set to serve as the No. 2 back in Baltimore's backfield behind second-year rusher J.K. Dobbins, who could be in line for a slightly larger share of the work in his second professional season.

Boyd (undisclosed) has been waived by the Lions.

Boyd joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in May. He is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury. If he ultimately goes unclaimed off waivers, he will likely revert back to the Lions' injured reserve list.

Bawden was waived by Detroit on Thursday.

Bawden didn't see any action with the Lions during the 2020 season, as he spent the year on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. The 2018 seventh-round pick saw action in 10 games in 2019 while playing on offense and special teams, catching four passes for 17 yards.

Pollard has been getting some work at wide receiver according to coach Mike McCarthy, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Pollard has shown flashes when given the opportunity, but it's hard to get steady backfield reps behind a bell cow like Ezekiel Elliott. It makes sense to give Pollard some reps at receiver to try to increase his potential snaps, while not sacrificing Elliott's. We'll wait and see how this evolves going into training camp, but it's something to keep and eye on and a context that could provide Pollard with a additional fantasy utility.

Mostert didn't participate in Wednesday's OTA session due to a knee issue, but he's expected to be fine for training camp, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Mostert put together a strong showing in his eight games for the 49ers last season, but he had trouble staying on the field and finished the campaign on injured reserve due to a high-ankle sprain. Unfortunately, he appears to be starting the offseason on the mend from an injury, but this latest one isn't expected to cost him many meaningful reps. Even if he's back to full strength for Week 1, Mostert may face more competition for reps in 2021 with the 49ers investing draft picks into Trey Sermon (No. 88 overall) and Elijah Mitchell (No. 194 overall) in the spring and adding ex-Giant Wayne Gallman on a one-year deal.

Gibson said Wednesday that he hasn't fully healed from the toe injury he suffered last season, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

After missing Weeks 14 and 15, the rookie returned for Weeks 16 and 17 and Washington's lone playoff contest, though he was limited to 185 total yards and zero touchdowns over the three-game stretch. Gibson didn't need surgery after the season, but it's apparently been a slow process working his way back from turf toe, as he still notices pain and discomfort at times. That said, Gibson has been practicing with teammates at OTAs, where he says he's been running and cutting at full speed. He also revealed that he still gets treatment for the troublesome toe, hoping it'll eventually get back to 100 percent, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Barkley (knee) hasn't dealt with any setbacks since October surgery, but the Giants still could limit his workload early in the season, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.

With his ACL tear accompanied by meniscus and MCL damage, Barkley had to wait six weeks after the initial injury (Sept. 20) before undergoing surgery at the end of October. He's since resumed sprinting and jumping, but he won't participate in on-field work during the offseason program and might not be available for the start of training camp. The Giants brought in a new crew of backup RBs this offseason, replacing Wayne Gallman (49ers) and Dion Lewis (free agent) with Devontae Booker, Corey Clement, Ryquell Armstead and Gary Brightwell (a 2021 sixth-round pick). Booker is most likely to benefit from extra touches if Barkley is brought along slowly come September.

Mack (Achilles) has been participating in activities with the Colts during voluntary offseason workouts being held at team headquarters, but he hasn't been seen participating in practice, Stephen Holder of The Athletic reports.

Mack suffered a ruptured right Achilles' tendon in Week 1 last year and missed the remainder of the season. He appears to be on track for the start of training camp, but he's still taking things slowly this spring. If healthy, he'll slot in behind Jonathan Taylor to start the 2021 campaign, leaving him in line to fill a complementary role along with Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins.