NFL Player News

Henry continues to focus on getting better as a receiver, Erik Bacharach of the Tennessean reports.

Henry was spotted working with running backs coach Tony Dews during practice Tuesday, trying to improve his ability to catch passes while on the run. Henry has never caught more than 18 passes in a season, but it has been pointed out on a few occasions during training camp that he is focused on improving that aspect of his game. The departure of Dion Lewis could mean that Henry remains on the field for all three downs more than in past seasons, though rookie Darrynton Evans could also see action as the primary pass-catching back.

The 49ers waived Ahmed Tuesday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Ahmed linked with the 49ers back in April after having gone unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he wasn't able to emerge victorious from competition with fellow UDFA JaMycal Hasty during training camp. He rushed for 1,020 yards and 11 touchdowns at Washington in 2019.

Laird missed Tuesday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Laird is competing with Kalen Ballage, Myles Gaskin and Malcolm Perry for what could be two spots on the final roster, so he'll look to retake the field as soon as possible. The 25-year-old's versatility and special-teams chops should make him a strong candidate for the final depth spot in the backfield, health permitting.

Jones has looked "fast, decisive and explosive" during training camp, according to Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site.

Coming off the best season of his three-year career -- 1,558 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns -- Jones had entered the upper tier of do-it-all running backs as the offseason kicked off. The development didn't stop the Packers from selecting AJ Dillon in the second round of the 2020 draft, which left the backfield in the hands of Jones, Jamaal Williams and the 6-0, 247-pound rookie. It should be noted Jones and Williams are heading into the final year of their rookie deals, so Dillon can be considered insurance at the least and a threat to touches, especially in short-yardage situations. Regarding this last point, Jones may lose some of his 34 runs and 12 targets in the red zone from 2019, thereby lowering his ceiling.

Mostert received a veteran's day off Tuesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

At the start of Tuesday's practice, Mostert wasn't in uniform, with his only subsequent activity a brief stretching session with a 49ers trainer. With no injury to blame, he should be back on the field in the near future and retake the reins of what may be a three-headed backfield with Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon in 2020.

McCaffrey hauled in the only touchdown of Panthers practice Tuesday, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.

During a red-zone drill, McCaffrey lined up in the slot against linebacker Shaq Thompson. Running a "Lucy" route, McCaffrey darted toward Thompson and decided to go outside toward the right corner of the end zone, where he made an over-the-shoulder catch from Teddy Bridgewater near the back pylon. McCaffrey's record-setting 2019 season happened while working with three different quarterbacks, so the stability of Bridgewater could create even more opportunities for the running back to succeed. In the coming campaign, McCaffrey will be looking to follow up an offseason in which he became the highest-paid RB in NFL history.

Mostert didn't participate in the early part of Tuesday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Mostert wasn't in uniform and instead stretched with a member of the 49ers' training staff, according to Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. There's been no indication of an injury, but Kyle Shanahan or another member of the coaching staff may clarify Mostert's status in due time.

Hasty has made a strong impression with his elusiveness and pass-catching skill during training camp, building up a case for a roster spot, Matt Barrow and David Lombardi of The Athletic report.

The report suggests Hasty has been more noticeable than fellow undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed, who is taller (5-11), thinner (195 lbs.) and perhaps more fluid. The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Hasty offers explosiveness in a compact frame, and the $90k guarantee on his UDFA contract hints at real potential to earn a roster spot. Doing so likely would mean pushing Jerick McKinnon or Jeff Wilson out of a job, so it's still possible the 49ers try to fit Hasty on the practice squad instead. The Baylor product has been the subject of some fringe fantasy hype, despite being an older rookie (24 in September) who never topped 134 touches in a season during a four-year college career.

Wilkins did not participate in Monday's scrimmage at Lucas Oil Stadium with an undisclosed issue, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

The 2018 fifth-round pick eclipsed 300 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons as Indianapolis' secondary early-down back behind Marlon Mack, but the addition of second-round pick Jonathan Taylor significantly dampens his outlook for 2020. While it's not clear if he has suffered an injury, missing practice time won't help Wilkins get a larger role in the offense.

Mack was impressive in Monday's scrimmage at at Lucas Oil Stadium, breaking off runs that went for more than 20 and more than 40 yards, Andrew Walker of the team's official site reports. The Colts have also been focusing on Mack's usage in the passing game as he caught more passes early in training camp than prior years, SB Nation reports.

While rookie Jonathan Taylor has drawn raves in training camp, head coach Frank Reich has said Mack is still viewed as the starter. Reports on Mack's performance in camp have also been positive. The Indy passing game has also emphasized passing to running backs in training camp, an area where Mack could use improvement after catching just 14 of 17 targets for 82 yards and struggling in pass protection last season. If Mack can make an improvement in the passing game, he could get a leg up in a backfield that is expected to be a timeshare.