NFL Player News

Hankins (concussion) has been placed in concussion protocol, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hankins is now at risk of missing the team's preseason opener against the Dolphins on Aug. 8. The running back will have to clear concussion protocol before he can return to practice, and it's unclear when exactly he suffered the injury.

The Raiders waived Conroy on Sunday.

The move makes room on the Raiders' training camp roster for Albert Okwuegbunam, who was let go by the Colts on Thursday. Conroy signed with the Raiders in early May as an undrafted free agent, but he'll now look for other opportunities assuming he clears waivers.

The Raiders signed Okwuegbunam on Sunday.

Okwuegbunam was let go by the Colts on Thursday, but he'll have another opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster after inking a deal with the Raiders. Okwuegbunam last saw regular-season action in 2023 with the Eagles, when he appeared in four games and failed to haul in his lone target. The 2020 fourth-rounder will compete with Justin Shorter, Ian Thomas and Michael Mayer for backup tight end duties behind Brock Bowers.

Barnes and the Panthers agreed on a one-year contract Sunday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official website reports.

Barnes will head to Carolina after starting all 17 regular-season games with the Cardinals in 2024, recording 35 total tackles (19 solo), including a career-high 2.0 sacks. The 27-year-old will now compete with Christian Rozeboom, Trevin Wallace and Jacoby Windmon for snaps at inside linebacker in 2025.

Tuten (hamstring) was a full participant in Sunday's training camp practice, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Tuten has been limited by a hamstring injury, but he was able to participate in team drills during Sunday's practice. The rookie fourth-rounder has been working to carve out a role for himself in the Jaguars' backfield but will be limited to backup duties while Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby work with the first-team offense. Saturday's preseason opener against the Steelers will give Tuten a good opportunity to showcase his abilities.

Thomas-Jones (undisclosed) returned to practice with the Steelers on Sunday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Thomas-Jones suffered what head coach Mike Tomlin described as a "significant" injury July 27, but the 23-year-old has made his return to action after a week off. The rookie is competing for work at both fullback and tight end, and he will now likely be able to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars.

The Raiders signed Baker to a contract Sunday.

Baker was not on an NFL roster for the entire 2024 season after being cut by the Patriots at the end of training camp. He'll get another opportunity with the Raiders, and while a spot on the 53-man roster is unlikely, a strong performance in training camp could lead to him sticking around on the practice squad. The 2021 seventh-rounder last saw regular-season action in his rookie campaign with the Saints, when he played 27 snaps on special teams across two games.

Ward was held out of Sunday's training camp practice due to tightness in his leg, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Ward's absence from Sunday's session is likely precautionary, but he is in jeopardy of missing practices over the coming days. With Ward, Jaylon Jones (hamstring) and JuJu Brents (hamstring) all working through injuries, Samuel Womack and Justin Walley are the top candidates to work with the first-team defense at outside corner in practice and potentially in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens. Ward signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Colts in March after spending the last three seasons with the 49ers.

Gilliam did not participate in Sunday's training camp practice due to a groin injury, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.

Gilliam may have picked up the injury during Friday's practice session, and he'll be held out as a precaution to avoid aggravation. The Bills don't have any other fullback on the roster, but if Gilliam were to miss Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants, Buffalo could opt to use tight ends Jackson Hawes, Zach Davidson or Matt Sokol as backfield blockers in run schemes.

Rapp did not participate in Sunday's training camp practice due to a knee injury, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

The severity of Rapp's knee injury isn't known, but it's likely a precautionary measure for the veteran safety. He's locked in as one of the Bills' two starting safeties alongside Damar Hamlin, but Rapp's absence will open the door for Cole Bishop and Jordan Hancock to get reps with the first-team defense. The Bills' preseason opener against the Giants takes place Saturday, and Rapp is not guaranteed to play even if he were to be fully healthy.