NFL Player News

Head coach Todd Bowles relayed Friday that Smith, who is getting more reps at safety, had a strong first three days of training camp, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Smith, the Bucs' third-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, was thrust into a starting role in his rookie year and played most of his defensive snaps at slot corner. General manager Jason Licht said back in May that the Bucs were considering moving Smith to safety full time for the upcoming season. The Georgia product appears to have seamlessly transitioned into that role based on his play early in camp and could slide into the safety spot alongside Antoine Winfield while Christian Izien (pectoral) moves into the slot. Smith registered 54 tackles (38 solo), seven pass defenses (including two interceptions) and three forced fumbles across 13 regular-season games in 2024.

Phillips (knee) participated in Friday's practice, Yianni Kourakis of WPBF News reports.

Phillips suffered a partial right ACL tear in early October that ended his 2024 campaign. He was able to participate in OTAs in a limited capacity and has progressed enough in his recovery to be fully active in practices for training camp. Phillips has played just 12 regular-season games over the last two years but is expected to be the Dolphins' second starting edge rusher opposite Bradley Chubb.

Chubb (knee) participated in Friday's practice, Yianni Kourakis of WPBF News reports.

Chubb missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon that he suffered in December of 2023. He participated in OTAs in May in a limited capacity, and the veteran edge rusher has recovered enough to participate in drills in practice. Chubb will look to regain the form he had before his injury, finishing the 2023 regular season with 73 tackles (45 solo), including 11.0 sacks, two pass defenses, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 16 games.

Brooks (wrist) participated in Friday's practice, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Brooks underwent offseason surgery on his right wrist, and he has recovered enough to be given the green light to practice. The 2020 first-round pick was able to play in all 17 regular-season games last year despite battling through lingering knee and quad injuries and finished with 143 tackles (86 solo), including 3.0 sacks, six pass defenses and two fumble recoveries. Brooks is entering the second year of a three-year, $26.25 million contract that he signed with the Dolphins in March of 2024.

Tillman is believed to be okay after leaving practice early Friday due to a lower left leg injury, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

Tillman had to leave the field Friday after appearing to hurt his left leg during practice. The specifics of the injury aren't yet clear, but Schultz's report suggests that the 25-year-old wideout isn't dealing with a major issue. That's a sigh of relief for Cleveland and Tillman, who's in line to work as the Browns' No. 2 wideout this season behind Jerry Jeudy.

The Titans waived Dowell on Friday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Dowell was sidelined for the entire 2024 season after rupturing his ACL against the Texans in late December of 2023. He was cleared to participate in OTAs and minicamp, but he will not be a part of the Titans' roster in training camp and will explore his next opportunity if he clears waivers. The 2023 seventh-rounder appeared in 10 regular-season games in his rookie year and caught one pass on two targets for three yards while mostly serving on special teams.

Epenesa did not practice Friday due to an ankle injury, Alex Brasky of SB Nation reports.

Epenesa was seen on the sidelines with a light compression wrap. The injury doesn't appear to be severe, but given it's training camp, the Bills will likely play things conservatively to avoid aggravating the injury. Epenesa is coming off a career year in 2024, starting in 13 of 17 regular-season games while tallying 39 tackles (23 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass defenses and two forced fumbles.

The Bengals agreed to terms with Stewart on a four-year, $18.97 million contract Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Stewart went 17th overall to Cincinnati back in April's draft, but he didn't participate in the offseason program and then didn't report to training camp when Bengals rookies were expected to do so this past Saturday due to a dispute over language in his contract. With the saga now over, the team remains without star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson at camp due to a holdout concerning his quest for a lucrative contract extension, meaning Stewart could be in line for top-line reps in the not too distant future.

Williams (calf) did not participate in Friday's practice, Alex Brasky of SB Nation reports.

Williams injured his calf during a drill Thursday and was held out of Friday's session. It's unclear how severe the injury is, but given it's training camp, the Bills will likely play it conservatively with Williams, who hasn't missed a game since entering the league in 2023. He finished the 2024 regular season with 117 tackles (68 solo), one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries across 17 games.

Stafford (back) is expected to participate in the Rams' first padded practice of training camp Monday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Stafford reported to training camp earlier this week with a sore back, which has resulted in him working inside with team trainers in the meantime. After agreeing to a new two-year, $80 million contract with the Rams in the offseason, he's set to serve as the team's starting quarterback for a fifth consecutive season, and his top WR duo will be Puka Nacua and Davante Adams after L.A. moved on from Cooper Kupp.