NFL Player News

The Browns waived Bates (undisclosed) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Wednesday.

Bates reverted to the Browns' injured reserve list Aug, 18. The tight end likely believes he can once again produce for an NFL roster or practice squad during the 2026 regular season, and negotiated an injury settlement. Bates has already cleared waivers and is now a free agent able to sign with any franchise once he's healthy.

The Giants signed Prentice to a contract Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

The Patriots waived Prentice on Monday. The wide receiver went unclaimed but has quickly found another team with which to finish out the preseason. Prentice will likely play in Friday's preseason finale against the Jets, but it is unlikely he will spend any longer with the Giants' roster than that.

The Giants signed Deguara to a contract Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

The 49ers released Deguara on Monday. The tight end has quickly found new work and may have a shot to usurp Chris Manhertz's spot on the 53-man roster with a strong showing in Friday's preseason finale against the Jets. Deguara is primarily a special teams player and will need to prove his versatility quickly to manifest any lasting staying power.

Clowney (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Clowney signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with the Texans in early August. The 2014 first-round pick for the organization will likely not play in Friday's preseason finale against the Panthers. If the issue is more serious and Clowney must miss Week 1 against the Bills, Solomon Byrd and Sabastian Harsh would be in line to see more rotational snaps at defensive end.

Smith (foot) was carted off the field during Wednesday's practice, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Practice had to stop when the offensive tackle was carted off. Smith was set to be the starting right tackle for the Texans, meaning if the foot issue is severe, the offensive line will take a huge blow headed into the opening-day contest with the Bills. If Smith must miss time, Trent Brown or Blake Fisher will likely start the season at tackle or guard.

The Dolphins signed Bennett to a contract Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Bennett was waived by the Bears on Aug. 17 and cleared waivers. The running back now joins the Dolphins as a preseason substitute for the injured Ollie Gordon (ribs). Bennett will likely see snaps in Friday's preseason finale against the Falcons, but may not last much longer than that on the roster.

Brooks (undisclosed) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Brooks is set to miss Friday's preseason finale against the Falcons but is all ready to go for Week 1 against the Raiders. The starting middle linebacker seems to have worked past his unknown injury and is being kept out for precautionary reasons.

Grant (leg) could miss the Dolphins' opening game against the Raiders, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

Grant is currently labeled as week-to-week by coach Jeff Hafley. The 2025 first-rounder suffered the leg injury in mid-August. While Grant may not be able to start Week 1, fellow defensive tackle Zach Sieler (undisclosed) should be good to go. If Grant cannot play, Jordan Phillips will likely start next to Sieler against the Raiders.

While acknowledging that backfield slotting behind Javonte Williams is still a question mark in advance of Friday's preseason finale against the Saints, Nick Eatman of the Cowboys' official site believes that Davis has done enough to remain the backup ahead of Week 1.

It's worth noting that this doesn't align with how Dallas' running backs are listed on the team's unofficial depth chart, and things could remain fluid leading up to and after roster cut-downs. However, it's a take shared by Todd Archer of ESPN, as well as Jon Machota of The Athletic, who predicts that Davis opens as the No. 2 back, while 2025 fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue -- a player with higher upside, per Machota -- is a candidate to take over the spot at some point during the season. Meanwhile, Phil Mafah is also in the mix but could be on the roster bubble. In any case, if Williams ends up missing any time, a committee approach could well be employed to fill the void, but in the short term at least, Davis appears to be trending toward being the next man up in such a scenario, with Blue also factoring in.

Johnson missed Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Johnson made an early exit Monday and hasn't yet returned, but there's been no indication of a serious injury that would jeopardize his Week 1 status. Giants coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Johnson will be ready for the season opener, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.