NFL Player News

Mims (hamstring) was spotted at practice Monday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

While Mims' participation level has yet to be noted, the 2023 second-rounder's return to the field represents good news for Denver's pass-catching corps in the wake of Tim Patrick having suffered an apparent Achilles' injury Monday, per Aric DiLalla of the team's official site. If Patrick ends up missing extended time, Mims will have an increased chance to step into an expanded role alongside top wideouts Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton.

Williams (suspension) had little trouble creating separation from defenders at Sunday's practice but struggled with drops, MLive.com's Kyle Meinke reports.

It was the 22-year-old's first padded practice of the summer after missing a few days with a minor leg injury. The Lions figure to keep him fairly busy in practice and perhaps even the preseason, considering Williams will have six weeks to rest at the start of the regular season while serving a suspension for violations of the NFL's gambling policy. Once the 2022 first-round pick is eligible to play, he should have every chance to emerge as the top perimeter threat in an offense that otherwise has its most dangerous playmakers working from the slot (Amon-Ra St. Brown) or backfield (Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery). The drops are something to keep an eye on given that Williams had three on eight targets last season, though it sounds like his speed is what's really making an impression so far.

Patrick suffered a non-contact injury to his lower left leg in practice Monday and was carted off the field, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Patrick had been a full participant in team drills after having recently worked his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee that cost him the entire 2022 season. The wide receiver has sustained yet another injury early in training camp, but it's too early to determine the exact nature or severity of this injury, which isn't in the same leg as his previous one. Per Palmer, Patrick needed crutches to enter the facility after Monday's injury.

Pitts was waived by the Bears on Monday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Pitts linked up with Chicago as an undrafted free agent out of Delaware in May. He'll now work to find a new opportunity as he attempts to make an NFL roster.

Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans described Dell as "quarterback-friendly" following Sunday's camp session, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Dell, the former Houston Cougar, made a nice catch in front of fans, who erupted in cheers. Ryans called out Dell's ability to get open and route-running ability. Both Dell and fellow draftee Xavier Hutchinson have impressed early in camp and are in the mix for the final roster spots at wide receiver.

The Lions will activate Jones (undisclosed) from the active/non-football injury list Monday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 33-year-old wideout is now eligible to practice with his teammates after missing the first week of training camp. With 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams suspended for the first six weeks of the season, Jones has a chance to start the year as Detroit's top perimeter receiver, though Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond also may compete for that distinction.

Rodgers was waived by the Texans on Sunday.

Rodgers saw action in six contests for Houston last season, after being waived by the Packers midseason. He finished his time with the Texans having caught 12 of 17 targets for 154 yards and a touchdown. A third-round selection out of Clemson in 2021, Rodgers has yet to carve out a steady role for himself in two seasons. He'll now work to earn an opportunity elsewhere.

Montgomery (leg) didn't participate in Sunday's practice, Chris Mason of The Springfield Republican reports.

Montgomery suffered an apparent left leg injury during Thursday's practice and hasn't practiced since. Head coach Bill Belichick called the versatile running back "day-to-day," but it's unclear when he'll be back to full speed. When healthy, Montgomery will try to establish himself in a backfield that features Rhamondre Stevenson and second-year players Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris.

Special teams coach Matthew Smiley mentioned Harty and Khalil Shakir this week as top options to replace Nyheim Hines (knee) as the team's primary return man this season, Patrick Warren of the Bills' official site reports. "Deonte had a lot of success in New Orleans on punt return, especially earlier in his career," Smiley said. "I think that it's always nice that somebody has NFL reps so his comfort level at that position is definitely a benefit."

Harty, a free-agent signee, returned both punts and kickoffs in his four-year tenure with the Saints. The Bills also don't have a clear-cut slot receiver and may use kind of a committee at that spot, another angle for Harty to secure a roster spot. Given how the Bills planned on using the versatile Hines before his season-ending knee injury stemming from a jet ski accident, it may now be difficult for a jack-of-all-trades type like Harty, though it's worth noting the Bills did bring in Andy Isabella for return help since Smiley made those statements.

Cooper (undisclosed) practiced for a second consecutive day Saturday, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Unlike Friday's practice, when Cooper participated in individual drills only, the Browns' No. 1 wide receiver was on the field and connected a few times with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Poisal pointed out that Cooper's undisclosed injury was a "minor tweak."