NFL Player News

Hockenson (knee) said "they haven't really put a timeline on it" when asked Wednesday about a potential date for his in-season return to action, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.

Hockenson was specifically asked on the NFL Schedule Release '24 show whether he expects to be playing Week 5 versus the Jets in London. The standout tight end said of his recovery from a right ACL and MCL tear he's "kinda taking it day by day, week by week," and that "the progression has been incredible" even though a specific return timetable remains uncertain. Hockenson underwent surgery late January and doesn't seem likely to be ready for Week 1, but Week 5 could be within the realm of possibility. The Vikings have a Week 6 bye, however, so it's possible that a more realistic target for Hockenson's debut could be Week 7 and beyond.

Harris' trainer said Friday the running back has dropped to around 235 pounds this offseason after playing at 242 during the 2023 season, and that he's increasingly motivated after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Harris is heading into the final season of his rookie deal with Pittsburgh, so there's no doubt about his motivation to log a productive year and earn sizeable payday for 2025. Playing at a lower weight could help Harris' efficiency metrics, and there's also some reason to be optimistic that he now finds himself in a better scenario than 2023, when he set new career-high marks with eight rushing touchdowns and 4.1 YPC. Rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu should represent an upgrade to the O-line, and while there are question marks surrounding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both have the potential to command a more effective offense than Kenny Pickett did. Harris is capable of handling 20-plus touches but also dependent on volume to produce, making the emergence of Jaylen Warren the biggest threat to his fantasy prospects.

Tagovailoa has reportedly missed most of Miami's team activities this offseason while negotiations on a potential contract extension continue, Alain Poupart of SI.com reports.

Coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier have both vocally supported the idea of Tagovailoa remaining with the Dolphins on a long-term basis and an extension being penned this offseason; however, it sounds like until that's official, the team may not have the quarterback's full participation. That said, Tagovailoa was confirmedly a participant in part of Miami's offseason workouts back in April, with Poupart noting the team released videos of him throwing on multiple different days. There are no signs Tagovailoa would consider skipping June's mandatory minicamp, and the quarterback has downplayed concerns about contract negotiations. As things currently stand, Tagovailoa is set to play out the 2024 season under the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

Greenlaw (Achilles) no longer requires a walking boot, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Greenlaw made a public appearance at an event in San Jose and discussed his recovery from Achilles surgery. He has previously said he hopes to be ready for Week 1, and his ability to walk without a boot is a small step in that direction. Greenlaw's level of participation at the start of training camp will be more telling regarding his availability come the regular season.

Jacksonville signed Flowers on Thursday, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Flowers suited up for all 17 games with the Falcons in 2023. Now he's signing with his fourth team in as many years. The Jaguars are thin at cornerback behind Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby, so Flowers could push for a significant role in 2024.

The Bills signed Delaney on Thursday, Nick Wojton of BillsWire.com reports.

With Jordan Poyer having been poached by Miami and Micah Hyde eyeing retirement, Buffalo is understandably scrambling to restock at safety ahead of next season. Delaney recorded 25 tackles (17 solo) and two interceptions with Tampa Bay last year.

Cleveland waived Diesch (undisclosed) with a failed physical designation Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Diesch signed with the Browns on Tuesday, but he's already done with the team after failing a physical. He'll now have to look for another opportunity to make an impression with a different team.

Christensen took snaps at center during voluntary workouts last week, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.

Christensen had been working his way back from a bicep tear he sustained in Week 1 last season, but he's now apparently back in football shape. He could compete with Austin Corbett for Carolina's starting center job in 2024.

Atlanta waived Ogundeji on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Ogundeji spent the 2023 season on the Falcons' injured reserve list with a foot issue, and now Atlanta is parting ways with him. He'll have to look for his next opportunity with a different club.

The Ravens waived Hardy on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Hardy was picked up by Baltimore less than two weeks ago, but he's now already on the way out. He'll have to look for his next opportunity to make an impression with a different franchise.