NFL Player News

Kiser (knee) was not present during Thursday's practice, Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports.

The outside linebacker seems to have picked up a problem with his right knee but isn't expected to have a particularly lengthy absence. The fact O'Halloran notes Kiser is expected back "later in camp" suggests the 2025 fourth-round pick should have a chance to return to the field with enough time to amply prepare for what's expected to be a starting role in 2026.

Ward (back) is participating in the Colts' training camp activities, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Ward did not participate in minicamp in early June due to back tightness. The veteran cornerback played in just seven regular-season games during his 2025 Colts debut campaign due to a concussion, recording 25 total tackles, seven defensed passes and one fumble recovery. If he can remain healthy in 2026, Ward could play a significant role in Indianapolis' secondary given his experience and the offseason release of Kenny Moore.

Pryor (quadriceps) was on the field participating in Thursday's practice, Ashley Landis of hjnews.com reports.

Pryor missed part of the Texans' OTAs in early June due to a quadriceps injury. The tight end has since recovered from the issue and is a full participant in training camp as he attempts to move up the depth chart and survive cutdown day. The 23-year-old out of Iowa has yet to play in an NFL game.

Al-Shaair (thumb) was on the field participating in Thursday's practice, Ashley Landis of hjnews.com reports.

Al-Shaair underwent thumb surgery in early February after suffering an injury near the end of the 2025 regular season and then playing through it in the postseason. The starting middle linebacker has returned to team activities armed with a new $54 million deal and a clean bill of health.

Nixon was back on the practice field to finish out Thursday's session, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.

Nixon did not practice Wednesday with a hamstring issue and was held out early Thursday with a muscle pull. Despite the issues, Nixon appears to be healthy enough to continue participating without restrictions.

Howard tried out for the Steelers on Thursday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Howard was waived from the Bills' injured reserve in late August 2025 due to an undisclosed issue. The running back is evidently healthy and ready to once again compete for an NFL roster spot. The 2024 undrafted free agent out of Alcorn State has yet to participate in an NFL game, although he's recorded 178 carries for 766 yards and three touchdowns while adding a 28-167-0 receiving line over 20 regular-season games with the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks the last two springs.

Hodge tried out for the Bills on Thursday, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo Newsreports.

Hodge was released by the Falcons in March with a shoulder injury. The veteran receiver has served as a depth wideout and special-teams asset throughout his eight-year career, and he'd profile for the same role if he does land another NFL opportunity.

The Packers signed Prather to a one-year deal Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 2025 seventh-round pick of the Bills was cut with an injury settlement last August and eventually landed with the Louisville Kings of the UFL, for which he recorded a 9-148-0 line over nine regular-season games in what turned out to be a championship campaign for the franchise. Prather will now have a chance to work his way back onto an NFL roster, although he faces a crowded wide-receiver depth chart in Green Bay.

The Bills waived Virgil (undisclosed) with a non-football injury designation Thursday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Virgil was signed to a reserve/future deal in February, but he will not make it far in training camp due to an undisclosed issue. The wide receiver is now a free agent, set to sign with any team. Virgil visited with the Broncos and spent time on the Cardinals' practice squad in 2025, so either location may be receptive to a reunion with the 27-year-old.

The Jets waived/injured Walthall (undisclosed) on Thursday, Eric Allen of the team's official site reports.

Walthall was waived with an undisclosed issue and will revert to the Jets' injured reserve if he goes unclaimed. The undrafted free agent out of Incarnate Word recorded 70 receptions for 847 yards and eight touchdowns over 10 games in his final season with the Cardinals. In a corresponding move, the Jets signed wide receiver Quincy Skinner.