NFL Player News

The Jets signed Toafili to a practice-squad deal Monday, Eric Allen of the team's official site reports.

Toafili was unable to make New York's 53-man roster out of training camp, but he'll get a chance to develop on the practice squad. The Florida State product was initially signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in late July.

Sampson is expected to handle a change-of-pace role Week 1 against the Bengals on Sunday, while Jerome Ford leads Cleveland's backfield, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.

Sampson, a rookie fourth-round pick, has been heavily involved alongside Ford throughout the preseason with 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, but he's expected to be relegated to complementary change-of-pace utilization in his regular-season debut. There's a significant possibility that Sampson's involvement grows as his experience at the NFL level does, especially if he's able to impress early, though Cabot also reports that the Browns hope Judkins will report to team facilities this week. Cleveland also claimed UDFA Raheim Sanders off waivers from the Chargers, who boasts a larger frame than Ford or Sampson and could carve out a role in short-yardage situations.

Ford is expected to operate in a workhorse role Week 1 versus the Bengals on Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.

Ford led the Browns in rushing last year, albeit with just 565 yards across 14 regular-season games, and he now looks set for a lead back role this weekend, while rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson operates as a change-of-pace back. Cleveland also claimed undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders off waivers last week, who at 6-foot, 230 pounds could contribute in short-yardage situations. Cabot reports that 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who hasn't yet signed his rookie deal, could join the Browns soon, so there are considerable avenues for this backfield split to shift as the year progresses. Even if Judkins were to sign immediately, however, Ford and Sampson appear solidified in their roles for Week 1.

Harris (eye) has been cleared for contact, NFL.com reports.

Per the report, there is a possibility that Harris could play Friday against the Chiefs, according to coach Jim Harbaugh. The running back sustained an eye injury during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July, but it appears as though he is approaching a return to action. Added context with regard to Harris' Week 1 status will arrive no later than the posting of the Chargers' first official practice/injury report ahead of Friday's contest. Once he's available, Harris will pair with 2025 first-rounder Omarion Hampton to pace a Chargers backfield that also includes Hassan Haskins.

Judkins, who still hasn't signed his rookie deal with the Browns, could be back with the team as early as this week in advance of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.

Cabot believes that if Judkins were to sign and report to team facilities, he could even contribute Week 1 in some capacity. The NFL is still reviewing the July 12 incident in which Judkins was arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge under its personal conduct policy, though charges against the 2025 second-rounder have been dropped. Cabot also states that the ongoing dispute between Judkins and the Browns over his yet-unsigned rookie contract relates to language surrounding guarantees. Even if Judkins' situation with the team gains clarity soon, he's missed all of training camp and the preseason and would have to ramp his way up before handling any sort of significant role. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson are positioned to lead Cleveland's backfield Sunday at home against Cincinnati.

Warren and the Steelers agreed to terms Monday on a two-year contract extension, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Pittsburgh initially inked Warren via a second-round restricted free agent tender in March, which was a one-year deal, but per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, his new deal extends through the 2027 season. That provides the Steelers with some long-term backfield clarity, with Warren and rookie third-round pick Kaleb Johnson positioned as a running back tandem for the foreseeable future. For the 2025 campaign, Kenneth Gainwell, who is on a one-year deal, also may have a consistent role. Warren will be the favorite to operate as Pittsburgh's starter early in the regular season, and beginning Sunday on the road versus the Jets. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Warren's two-year deal includes more than a $7 million contract for 2025 and $12 million guaranteed.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Wright (leg) will not practice, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Wright appears to be trending in the wrong direction to suit up Week 1 versus the Colts on Sunday, though De'Von Achane (calf) returned to practice Monday and remains on track to play, barring any setbacks. If Wright indeed misses time while recovering from a procedure on his right leg, rookie Ollie Gordon figures to operate as the No. 2 running back behind Achane and potentially secure that role for himself long term if he can impress early. Wright struggled this preseason, averaging just 1.5 YPC across two appearances.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Achane (calf) will practice and remains on track for Sunday's regular-season opener on the road against Indianapolis "if he doesn't have any setbacks," Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Achane will practice for the first time since he sustained a calf injury Aug. 16, a notable step in the right direction even if he's limited in his return to on-field work. McDaniel has consistently indicated that Achane is on track to play Week 1, though Miami has taken a cautious approach to his recovery and prioritized avoiding any setbacks. With Jaylen Wright (leg) not practicing Monday and trending in the wrong direction for Week 1, expanded backfield opportunities behind Achane figure to be on tap for rookie Ollie Gordon, who McDaniel said "took advantage of an inopportune health situation," C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Tennessee cut Jefferson from its practice squad Friday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Just two days after joining the Titans' practice squad, Jefferson is now parting ways with the team. He's in line to become a free agent and will likely have to look for his next opportunity with a new organization.

The Panthers signed Dallas to their practice squad Thursday, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.

The Cardinals released Dallas earlier in the week. The veteran running back appeared in all 17 regular-season games with Arizona last season, rushing nine times for 49 yards while catching three passes for 11 yards and one touchdown. Most of Dallas' contributions came on special teams, where he returned 15 kickoffs for 459 yards and one touchdown.