NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt made it a point over the offseason to improve his ability in the passing game, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

"They just want to be able to do more," Croskey-Merritt said. "The more you can do, the better." The second-year running back has been given more opportunities to catch the ball in practice, and coach Dan Quinn said he's been "digging into him a bunch" to improve that area of his game. Croskey-Merritt has added eight pounds of muscle this offseason and is expected to operate as the team's lead back on early downs ahead of newcomer Rachaad White. If he can provide more in the passing game, it would go a long way to raising Croskey-Merritt's fantasy floor.

Maryland (hamstring) reverted from waivers to the Packers' injured reserve list Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Maryland wasn't picked up by another club after getting waived with an injury designation Tuesday, and now he's on track to stay on IR all year. For now, guys like Messiah Swinson and McCallan Castles could get more chances to stand out during training camp.

Wicks has impressed Jalen Hurts with his route-running ability and work ethic during training camp, Johnny McGonigal of NJ.com reports.

"He's got great work ethic. He's got great hunger," Hurts said Wednesday. "In the summertime, he was beating down the door, trying to spend that time and just work. He's twitchy. He can attack the ball. He runs great routes. It'll be exciting to see him work this season with the aggression that he has." Wicks has been working as the default WR1 in recent days, as DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon have both been sidelined by hamstring injuries, and Wicks has shown up big in contested-catch situations, using his long frame to win against defensive backs. He's expected to push first-round rookie Lemon for targets behind Smith this season.

Lachey (foot) reverted from waivers to Green Bay's injured reserve list Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Lachey didn't get claimed by another team after the Packers waived him with a left foot injury Tuesday, and now he's in line to spend the whole year on IR recovering. In his absence, Messiah Swinson and McCallan Castles could see increased reps at practice.

Jalen Hurts singled out Cooper on Wednesday as an emerging player at Eagles training camp, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Cooper made the team as an undrafted rookie last season and appeared in 13 regular-season contests for the Eagles, catching nine of 11 targets for 92 scoreless yards across 212 offensive snaps. He's competing for a role behind DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Makai Lemon (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks in Philadelphia's reconstructed wide receiver room.

Keys (leg) reverted from waivers to Detroit's injured reserve list Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Keys was not claimed by another team after the Lions waived him with an injury designation Tuesday, and now he's set to spend the year on IR recovering from a leg issue. For now, guys like Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black could see an uptick in reps during practices.

Smith (undisclosed) reverted from waivers to Carolina's injured reserve list Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Smith passed through waivers after the Panthers waived him Tuesday, and now he's on track to spend the entire 2026 campaign on IR. His being sidelined could open up more opportunities for players like 2024 sixth-rounder Casey Washington and Ja'Seem Reed to make an impression during training camp.

Delane (shoulder) was limited at the Chiefs' training camp practice Wednesday, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

Delane has been dealing with a shoulder injury since June, and it's still bothering him with the regular season just a little more than a month away. Until he's back to full strength, 2025 third-rounder Nohl Williams is a candidate to see more practice reps with the first-team secondary.

Jones (pectoral) is participating at the Broncos' training camp, Gabriel Christus of the team's official site reports.

Jones ended the 2025 season on IR after suffering a pectoral injury in December that required surgery to address, but he's now back in action with training camp underway. He projects to start at safety next to Talanoa Hufanga again in 2026.

Burgess (undisclosed) reverted from waivers to Pittsburgh's injured reserve list Wednesday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Burgess did not get claimed by another club after the Steelers waived him with an injury designation Tuesday, and he's now in line to spend the entire 2026 season on IR. His being out could open up more practice opportunities for guys like Max Hurleman and Brandon Smith.