NFL Player News

The Bills signed Thompson (Achilles) to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Thompson sat out the majority of the 2024 season after tearing his Achilles, but that didn't deter Buffalo from bringing him aboard on a short-term deal. He has played in just six games over the past two years combined, and he just turned 31 in April, but he could still play a significant role on the Bills' defense in 2025 if he can manage to remain available.

Watt is expected to skip Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp as he seeks a contract extension, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Watt was not present for voluntary OTAs either, but the latest absence signals he could be willing to incur fines in order to keep some leverage in his contract dispute with the Steelers. He was tied for eighth in the league in sacks (11.5) last season, suggesting he still has gas in the tank despite being set to turn 31 in October. As long as he's not on the field, Alex Highsmith and 2023 fourth-rounder Nick Herbig project for first-team reps at outside linebacker.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Tuesday that Walker has been limited during Seattle's offseason program due to an ankle injury, but the running back "should be fine," Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports

Walker tended to an ankle issue down the stretch last season, making just one Week 16 appearance over the final five contests before landing on injured reserve. He's missed 10 total regular-season games over his first three NFL campaigns, but when he's been able to suit up, he's averaged 79.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring 26 touchdowns in 41 contests. The Seahawks have OTAs scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week and mandatory minicamp on deck next Tuesday, so Walker has a few more chances to mix into drills before training camp in late July. Zach Charbonnet should continue to handle first-team reps for as long as Walker is held out.

Kamara (groin) participated in Tuesday's minicamp practice.

Kamara, who missed the last three games of the 2024 regular season with a groin injury, hadn't been participating in the Saints' voluntary workouts this offseason, but his activity during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp session demonstrates that he's moved past the issue. While there's no doubt that Kamara slots in as the team's No. 1 back, it remains to be seen how the rest of the backfield depth chart will shake out prior to Week 1. For now, the top candidates for complementary work behind Kamara (who recorded 228 carries and 68 catches in 14 contests last year) are Kendre Miller, Devin Neal and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Loveland (shoulder) said Tuesday he expects to be fully healthy for the start of training camp, Chris Emma of 670 The Score reports.

Loveland has yet to participate in on-field activities this offseason as he works his way back from late January shoulder surgery. The rookie tight end said he's currently on the final stage of his recovery, regaining strength in his shoulder, and that he's already able to participate in certain activities like running and catching. Bears coach Ben Johnson noted Tuesday that Loveland will have catching up to do in training camp, and that he's already missed "valuable time" building chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams and earning the coaching staff's trust. Chicago knew the details of Loveland's recovery when making the decision to draft him at No. 10 overall, but the absence could make it more difficult for the 21-year-old to overtake incumbent starting tight end Cole Kmet to begin the regular season.

Harvey has new backfield competition with the Broncos having agreed to terms with J.K. Dobbins on a one-year, $5.25 million contract Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Dobbins offers more experience than Audric Estime or Jaleel McLaughlin, with the 26-year-old having racked up 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns across 13 regular-season appearances with the Chargers in 2024 -- a tremendous rebound after three consecutive injury-riddled years in Baltimore. While Dobbins' impressive comeback year shouldn't be discounted, he still missed four games due to an MCL sprain and faded down the stretch. His 4.6 YPC on the season was buoyed by a strong start, as from Week 3 on he managed just 3.8 YPC. Harvey's impressive athleticism, 4.40 speed and status as a second-round pick still makes him likely to see a significant role out of the gate, and coach Sean Payton's offenses have a history of supporting two fantasy-viable RBs at a time. Nonetheless, the arrival of Dobbins makes it harder to project the rookie as a workhorse for the Broncos in 2025.

Dobbins agreed to terms Tuesday on a one-year, $5.25 million contract with Denver, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Dobbins racked up a career-high 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns across 13 regular-season appearances with the Chargers in 2024, and he now joins rookie RJ Harvey atop the depth chart of the Broncos' revamped backfield. An MCL sprain forced Dobbins to miss four games during his one-year stint with Los Angeles, but after missing 2021 due to a multi-ligament knee injury, having the same issue linger into 2022 and requiring surgery, and then suffering a torn Achilles tendon Week 1 of 2023, for Dobbins to average 4.6 YPC and play 13 regular-season games represents one of the most remarkable comeback seasons in recent memory. Both Dobbins and Harvey project as valuable fantasy contributors in coach Sean Payton's offense, which averaged the 10th most points per game (25.0) in the NFL last season and could make a sizable leap with Bo Nix entering Year 2.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that Pearsall (hamstring) is healthy enough to participate in mandatory minicamp, but the team is prioritizing having the second-year wideout ready for training camp, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Pearsall worked out on the side at the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, per Lee Chan, and it seems likely that he won't join on-field work until training camp. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) also not yet ready to practice as he works his way back from ACL and MCL tears, Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson will handle first-team reps. Once fully cleared, Pearsall will begin building momentum toward a potential Year 2 breakout.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday on the first day of mandatory minicamp that Burden (undisclosed) should be ready for training camp in late July, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Burden sustained an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during rookie minicamp. It looks like the 2025 second-round pick will continue to miss reps in mandatory minicamp after being forced to sit out OTAs. Once healthy, Burden will work to make up for lost time and secure the No. 3 receiver role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Nailor has bulked up and gained muscle in the offseason, Judd Zulgand of SKOR North reports.

Nailor will face increased competition for the third receiver role, with the Vikings drafting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and signing free agent Rondale Moore. Whoever wins the role could see an increase in playing time if Jordan Addison misses time due to a possible suspension from his DUI arrest last summer. While gaining muscle may not mean much in terms of improving his chances to win the role, it shows he's doing work in the offseason.