NFL Player News

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.

Likely (foot) didn't participate in Monday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Hensley previously noted that GM Eric DeCosta said that the Ravens expect Likely -- who suffered a small fracture in his foot in late July -- "back in the early part of the season." It remains to be seen whether a Week 1 return could be in play, but added context regarding Likely's status will be provided no later than Wednesday, when Baltimore's first official practice/injury report of the season is posted.

Alexander (knee) isn't practicing Monday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Alexander has been held out of practice since Aug. 9 due to a knee issue. Head coach John Harbaugh said last week that the veteran cornerback is "pushing" to be ready for Week 1, but that's far from a certainty. If Alexander is unable to suit up Sunday against the Bills, T.J. Tampa, Chidobe Awuzie or Marlon Humphrey could draw a start in his stead.

Ricard (undisclosed) isn't practicing Monday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

A soft-tissue injury has kept Ricard out of practice since Aug. 14, though he was initially expected to return to the field this week. His lack of practice Monday is concerning, but he'll get additional opportunities to return to the field ahead of Baltimore's regular-season opener Sunday against Buffalo.

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.

Pocic (knee) practiced Monday and appears to be in line to play Week 1 against Cincinnati, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.

Pocic hurt his knee in the Browns' preseason finale against the Rams, and he wore a knee brace during practice Monday. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski seemed optimistic when asked about Pocic's status for Week 1, saying, "Yeah, he looks good. He's rehabbed very hard, so he looks good."

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that Johnston has been fully cleared from concussion protocol, Chris Roling of SI.com reports.

Johnston sustained a concussion during a preseason loss to the Rams on Aug. 16, but the wideout appears poised to be available for Friday's season opener against the Chiefs. Look for added context on that front to arrive once the Chargers' first official injury report is posted Tuesday.

Coker (quadriceps), who was placed on IR on Saturday, is expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 games in his recovery, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Coker has a "serious quad strain," per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. While the second-year wideout's placement on IR allows him to retake the field after a minimum of only four games, it sounds like his return could be postponed until as late as Week 7 against the Jets on Sunday, Oct. 19. With Carolina also having traded Adam Thielen to Minnesota, the team inked veteran wideout Hunter Renfrow to the active roster Saturday to help provide depth behind Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) and Xavier Legette.

The Saints released Gray (hamstring) on Monday.

Gray dealt with a hamstring issue in July, but he returned to practice in early August. However, the veteran special-teams ace has lost his spot on the roster after seven seasons with the Saints. Gray has made three All-Pro squads for his work on special teams, so it seems likely he'll find work elsewhere for an organization looking for a player with his skill set.

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.