NFL Player News

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache wrote in a letter to NFL teams Tuesday that Dobbins (Achilles) has received clearance to take part in football activities, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Dobbins underwent surgery for a torn left Achilles on Sept. 15, and he's a little less than seven months removed from his injury. The running back posted a video in late February of him running on turf and then a treadmill, so it would appear he's ready to take the next steps in his recovery. Since the Ravens selected him in the second round of the 2020 Draft, Dobbins has been dynamic when available, averaging a robust 5.8 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns in his 234 rushes over 24 games. However, his medical chart includes a torn ACL in addition to the aforementioned Achilles injury, so he may have to settle for a prove-it deal wherever he ends up. Dobbins is expected to begin visiting teams in the near future.

The Steelers and Patterson agreed to terms on a two-year, $6 million contract Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With this move to Pittsburgh, Patterson reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who he worked under the past three seasons in Atlanta. Patterson reeled off 1,313 rushing yards, 670 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns in 29 games between 2021 and 2022, but his numbers fell off once the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson. With the Steelers, Patterson will be in a similar spot as the No. 3 RB behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but the 33-year-old could have a big year as a kickoff returner under the NFL's new rules.

Chubb (knee) is expected to resume load running soon, and the next three months will determine his availability for the start of the 2024 season, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Chubb is expected to graduate from conditioning work "this month", per Browns general manager Andrew Berry. Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports that the general manager also said the running back has done a fantastic job in his rehab thus far, and reiterated that Chubb is expected to remain with the Browns for the 2024 season despite a $15.83 million cap hit in his final year of his contract. Cleveland inked D'Onta Foreman in free agency, adding another depth piece to the backfield alongside Jerome Ford, but the expectation remains that Chubb will operate as the Browns' starter once fully recovered from surgeries to repair the ACL, MCL and meniscus of his left knee. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ford and Foreman begin the 2024 campaign with larger workloads, and for Chubb's involvement to grow as the season progresses.

Harris (concussion) announced Monday via his personal Instagram account that he has retired from professional football.

Harris spent his first four seasons with the Patriots before suiting up for six games with the Bills in 2023. He had a limited role for the first six weeks of this past season before suffering a concussion and neck injury and spending hte remainder of the campaign on injured reserve. Rather than attempting to play in 2024, the 27-year-old running back will opt to put his health first and retire at a relatively young age. He finishes his career with 2,485 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns across 44 games.

The Browns and Foreman agreed to a contract Wednesday, Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com reports.

After an injury-riddled start to his career, Foreman has carved at a role in three different backfields over the last three campaigns, averaging 54.4 rushing yards per game and racking up 12 touchdowns on the ground in 35 appearances between the Titans, Panthers and Bears. With his new team, he could get in the act early on if Nick Chubb's recovery from a serious knee injury delays his 2024 season debut, but Jerome Ford likely still would be the team's top back in that scenario.

White is the Raiders' expected starter at running back following the departure of Josh Jacobs, with the recently signed Alexander Mattison likely to serve as his top backup, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.

Once Jacobs headed to Green Bay, it seemed inevitable that the Raiders would fortify their running back corps, either through free agency, the draft, or both. In Mattison, the team adds a player who made 13 starts for the Vikings last season, but at this stage it appears as though White -- who had an impressive finish to the 2023 regular season -- has the inside track to lead Las Vegas' backfield in 2024. In such a scenario, White would maintain fantasy utility, though his upside in that regard could hinge on how much volume he cedes to Mattison, who has three-down experience. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah remains on hand to provide a change-of-pace presence, with Brittain Brown, Sincere McCormick and Tyreik McAllister also in the mix.

Dowdle is set to re-sign with the Cowboys, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Following the free-agent departure of Tony Pollard, Dowdle is poised to reclaim his role in a Dallas backfield that also currently includes Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner. Chances are, the Cowboys will add further RB depth via free agency or the draft, so until the team's personnel at the position is settled, Dowdle's fantasy upside for the 2024 season will be difficult to gauge.

Mattison is in line to sign with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

In 16 games for the Vikings during the 2023 regular season, Mattison had 180 carries for 700 yards and caught 30 of his 44 targets for 192 yards and three receiving TDs. With the Raiders, Mattison -- who turns 26 in June -- is slated to provide the team with needed backfield depth and a complementary option alongside 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White following the free-agent departure of Josh Jacobs. Assuming White serves as Las Vegas' top RB option, Mattison's weekly upside will be modest, but if White is injured or struggles at all as the 2024 season progresses, Mattison could reenter the fantasy lineup equation.

Dillon (thumb/neck) officially re-signed with the Packers on Friday.

After missing the final three games of last season due to a neck stinger, Dillon was in danger of moving on to a new organization following the completion of his rookie contract, but the 2020 second-round pick will remain in Green Bay on what's called the four-year qualifying contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With his signing made official by the NFL, Dillon will emerge from the early days of the new league year as the Packers' current No. 2 running back behind newcomer Josh Jacobs, who is taking over for the departed Aaron Jones (Vikings). If he's in that role Week 1 of the upcoming campaign, Dillon likely would be poised for his workload from the last three years, which amounted to nearly 13.0 touches per game.

Dillon (thumb/neck) is in line to re-sign with the Packers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Considering Dillon missed the last three games of the season (including playoffs) due to a neck stinger, his return to Green Bay is pending a physical. Assuming he clears that hurdle, he'll be a part of a revamped backfield with Josh Jacobs swapping in for Aaron Jones as the team's top runner. A 2020 second-round pick, Dillon averaged 59.8 yards from scrimmage per game and scored 16 total touchdowns in 49 contests over the last three campaigns.