NFL Player News

Schwartz remains in the mix for the No. 2 wide receiver spot, and the Browns are not compelled to add a second proven veteran wideout at this time, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The organization acquired Amari Cooper as the No. 1 receiver during the offseason and don't feel the need to add a veteran No. 2 for the sake of it. High-profile receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Will Fuller are available, but the Browns feel that either Schwartz or Donovan Peoples-Jones can fill that role. They also have David Njoku and Harrison Bryant at tight end as capable pass catchers.

Harris (knee) was able to get in work on the sidelines during OTAs, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Harris suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 9 against the Titans, which brought his rookie season to an early end. Rodrigue notes that Harris looked "explosive," even at partial speed, so a return to normal participation for training camp may not be farfetched. Although he was unable to make an impact during his rookie season, Harris will compete with Brycen Hopkins and Kendall Blanton for snaps behind starter Tyler Higbee next season.

Tolbert is dealing with a hamstring injury at OTAs, Nick Eatman & Layten Praytor of the Cowboys' official site report.

Tolbert joins Michael Gallup (torn ACL) and James Washington (foot) on the sideline during the early portion of OTAs. The rookie third-round pick should have ample opportunities for practice reps once back on the field, but Dallas may also hesitate to rush him back from a hamstring strain. For now, the likes of Noah Brown, Simi Fehoko and T.J. Vasher will benefit from added work behind No. 1 wideout CeeDee Lamb.

Coach Andy Reid said Hardman did not practice Thursday because he "tweaked his hamstring" Wednesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

The Chiefs will likely continue to take a cautious approach to Hardman's recovery, as hamstring injuries can linger when rushed. Both Hardman and rookie second-round pick Skyy Moore are currently sitting out OTAs due to hamstring injuries, leaving opportunities for increased reps behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. As he heads into his fourth season with Kansas City, Hardman will have the opportunity to compete for a starting gig once back on the field.

Fitzpatrick is preparing to compete for a larger role in Tennessee's offense in 2022, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Fitzpatrick struggled to maintain a consistent role in his rookie campaign, as he failed to make Tennessee's roster out of training camp and recorded only five total receptions. However, he feels more prepared heading into his second season as a pro and has gained a better understanding of the team's expectations. The Titans overhauled their wide receiver corps this offseason, but Fitzpatrick will still have to compete with the likes of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Kyle Philips for consistent targets behind Robert Woods and Treylon Burks.

Thomas (ankle) was at the Saints' facility Wednesday but didn't participate in practice, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

His presence at voluntary practices is a sign Thomas is back on decent terms with the team, but his ankle remains a significant concern after he missed a big chunk of the 2020 season and the entire 2021 campaign. Head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged earlier this month that the wideout still had "a few hurdles" to clear in the rehab process, but both Allen and general manager Micky Loomis said they expect Thomas to be part of the team this season. It's possible he's targeting training camp for a return to practice.

Washington has been wearing a protective boot on his foot but thinks he'll be OK for mandatory minicamp in mid-June, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The free-agent acquisition is expected to compete for snaps behind CeeDee Lamb, with regular playing time potentially available for both Washington and third-round pick Jalen Tolbert if Michael Gallup (knee) isn't ready for Week 1. It isn't a great sign that Washington is now dealing with an injury of his own, though he doesn't believe it'll be a long- term issue. The 2018 second-round pick missed five games in his four years with the Steelers, but despite staying mostly healthy, he never built on his 735-yard sophomore effort, instead dropping off to 392 yards in 2020 and 285 yards last season.

Bowden (hamstring) isn't participating during the Dolphins' OTAs, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Bowden suffered a hamstring injury during training camp last year and was ultimately placed on injured reserve for the entire season. Health isn't the 2020 third-round pick's only concern, however, as he also faces competition for a roster spot after the Dolphins acquired Tyreek Hill via trade this offseason and drafted Erik Ezukanma in the fourth round. Miami's new head coach, Mike McDaniel, has praised Bowden's versatility as a unique trait, but the 5-foot-11 offensive gadget has to get healthy before he tries to carve out a role in Miami's loaded wideout corps.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that he expects Samuel to be at the team's mandatory minicamp in June, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The disgruntled wideout has reportedly requested a trade from the 49ers after exploding for 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns last year. Unsurprisingly, Samuel is currently not participating in voluntary OTAs, but it appears the team still hopes to work out a long-term deal.

Smith will compete for slotting this season behind Carolina's top two wide receivers, DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson, Ellis L. Williams of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Per Williams, Terrace Marshall is the early favorite to work alongside Moore and Anderson, but Rashard Higgins, Brandon Zylstra and Smith are also in the mix for the Panthers' complementary wide receiver reps. Smith was a sixth-round draft choice in 2021 and finished his rookie campaign with six catches for 104 yards while appearing in six contests. The 23-year-old, who has been present for the Panthers' OTAs, was among a handful of players sporting a red no-contact jersey during Tuesday's session, Fox Wilmington reports.