Player News
Speaking on The John Keim Report podcast, ESPN’s John Keim reports, Commanders OG Sam Cosmi is “hitting all the benchmarks” in his recovery from a torn ACL.
Keim said Cosmi was able to do some “light jogging” and “agility work,” off to the side during Commanders’ practices. Cosmi may still be a long shot to return early in the season, but the report is great to hear. At just 26 years old, Cosmi serves as a key fixture of the Commanders’ offensive line.
Rams signed OT D.J. Humphries, formerly of the Chiefs, to a contract.
Humphries spent nine years with the Cardinals, who drafted him in 2015. His tenure there ended on a low note after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear. He returned to play in 2024, serving as the Chiefs’ left tackle in Weeks 14 and 18 but was ultimately sidelined by a hamstring injury. He was a liability in pass protection but earned a 66.1 PFF run-blocking grade. Hopefully, he can somewhat return to form this summer and contribute meaningfully to the Rams’ line.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan thinks WR Jordan Watkins is “doing solid” after observing the rookie at mandatory minicamp.
Barrows notably complimented Watkins’ play during voluntary organized team activities in late May, and this time, Barrows says, “Watkins stood out in the spring the way [Ricky] Pearsall did a year ago.” Watkins was reportedly “a regular part of the receiver rotation and took a number of snaps with the first-team group.” He is fast and fluid, and “doesn’t break stride when catching the ball, which makes him an asset on the crossing routes that are such a big part of Shanahan’s offense.” Watkins is a long shot to make an impact in 2024 re-draft leagues, but dynasty managers should add him wherever possible. Stay tuned.
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reports 49ers WR Jacob Cowing is “doing a better job” of maintaining speed “throughout his cuts and breaks.”
After polling coaches, Barrows also noted a “theme,” indicating “no one took better advantage of the offseason than Cowing.” Barrows adds that “the 49ers also were taking advantage of his speed as a downfield threat this spring,” and suggests Cowing “can run a lot of the gadget plays that went to Deebo Samuel in previous years.” A series of unfortunate events may have to occur for Cowing to climb past the No. 6 spot in the 49ers’ passing game pecking order. Still, Cowing may be worth a roll of the dice as a late-round best ball option.
Jets signed OG Marquis Hayes, formerly of the Packers, to a contract.
Hayes also spent time with the Commanders and Cardinals through three NFL seasons, though he has never taken a regular season snap. The Jets also signed DE Kingsley Jonathan, released OL Zack Bailey and waived CB Tre Swilling.
Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley reports, Jaguars rookie RBs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen “took advantage of the Jaguars’ skewing reps more toward the younger players” on the final day of minicamp.
Per Shipley, “Allen made a really impressive catch-and-run on a third-down in 7-on-7" drills, and Tuten “popped off a long run toward the end of the day and also made several nice plays after the catch.” Allen led FBS running backs with 64 receptions last season. If he can transfer those receiving skills to the pro level, head coach Liam Coen will be able to find a role for him. Tuten made headlines for ball security issues back in May, so a strong finish to minicamp was indeed needed. Both players may struggle to find a role in year one, with Travis Etienne seemingly endearing himself to Coen through solid play.