NFL Player News

The 49ers waived Sample (knee), per the NFL's transaction log.

Sample's knee injury seems to be a more significant issue, as the defensive end was promptly waived following full evaluation. With the 49ers' roster being chock-full of injured players, any roster transaction allows the team to sign fresh prospects who could fill the void. Sample will go on waivers, and once he likely clears, he will be a free agent.

Larison led the second-team offense Wednesday, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

It seems that Terrell Jennings has the early lead for the No. 3 running back position, but Larison might be his closest competition. While Jennings took snaps with the first-team offense Wednesday, Larison led the second. There could be a situation in the future where Larison earns the right to test the first-team waters behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

The Patriots activated Dippre (undisclosed) off the active/PUP list Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Dippre began training camp on the PUP list for what is likely a wrist injury. The tight end was seen in uniform at Wednesday's walkthrough with a brace on his left wrist. It is unclear to what extent Dippre will be able to participate in a full practice, but for now it seems the second-year player out of Alabama is ready to go.

The 49ers signed Hodge to a contract Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Hodge had a tryout with the Bills last Thursday, but the wide receiver will ultimately end up in California. The 31-year-old joins the 49ers amidst a near-unprecedented string of injuries. In the wide receiver room alone, Mike Evans (quadriceps), Christian Kirk (calf), De'Zhaun Stribling (hamstring), Jacob Cowing (hip) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) have already sustained injuries of varying severity. The mass loss of players means Hodge will be filling in for meaningful reps as the team continues its training activities.

Covey (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's training camp session, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

It is unclear when Covey suffered the hamstring issue, but it was likely during Tuesday's session. The 29-year-old joins fellow wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and rookie Makai Lemon (hamstring) in dealing with the same issue. In response to the apparent hamstring injury bug sweeping the room, the Eagles signed Brandon Hayes to fill in at receiver.

The Bears activated Edwards (calf) off the active/non-football injury list.

Edwards was only set to miss a short time due to a minor calf issue. The linebacker's return to training camp marks just a week missed. The 29-year-old should be all set to resume his spot as the primary middle linebacker for the Bears' defense. Edwards' return should minimize first-team reps for members of the linebacker corps filling in, such as Jon Rhattigan, Ruben Hyppolite or Jack Sanborn.

Coach Todd Bowles said Egbuka didn't practice Tuesday due to soreness in his lower body, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

With Mike Evans out of the picture in Tampa Bay, Egbuka is expected to take on greater significance in the passing game alongside veteran Chris Godwin. Egbuka had a strong start to his rookie 2025 campaign but slowed down in the second half en route to 63 catches (on 127 targets) for 938 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests. With more targets likely for him this season, his first 1,000-yard season is fully within the realm of possible outcomes in 2026.

Doubs (undisclosed) missed practice Wednesday, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

This marks Doubs' first missed practice of the summer, per Callahan, so it's unclear if the wideout is dealing with an injury issue or if his absence Wednesday was maintenance-related. When available, Doubs profiles a New England's WR2 behind top option A.J. Brown.

Jaylen Warren is listed ahead of Dowdle on the Steelers' initial posted depth chart ahead of the preseason, Brian Batko of the team's official site reports.

That said, Batko suggests that coach Mike McCarthy is seeking a balanced backfield approach featuring a 1-2 punch, and Dowdle will no doubt see his share of touches along with Warren this coming season. Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols, Travis Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich are currently in the mix for slotting behind the top duo, but from a fantasy standpoint, the Warren and Dowdle combo, a potential 1A/1B scenario, are the players to note in the Pittsburgh's backfield ahead of Week 1.

Warren is listed ahead of free-agent addition Rico Dowdle on the Steelers' initial depth chart ahead of the preseason, Brian Batko of the team's official site reports.

As the incumbent starter, it's not surprising to see Warren's name atop the team's first posted depth chart, but Batko notes that coach Mike McCarthy is looking for a balanced backfield approach with a 1-2 punch, and Dowdle will no doubt see his share of touches in tandem with Warren. Also in the mix for depth slotting behind the top duo are Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols, Travis Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich, but from a fantasy perspective, Warren and Dowdle, while working in what could turn into a 1A/1B situation are the names to know in the team's backfield ahead of Week 1.