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Speaking on the Last Man Standig podcast, The Athletic’s Ben Standig said Commanders RB coach and run game coordinator Anthony Lynn considers RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt an “A running back.”
Lynn uses the “A-back” label to denote big running backs who can be used as “a volume ballcarrier,” capable of running between the tackles. The “B-back” label is conversely used to describe quicker, scat-back and pass-catcher types. The “A-back” labeling puts Croskey-Merritt in a group with Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Lynn reportedly told Standig that Croskey-Merritt is “bigger than he thought” he would be. Croskey-Merrity (aka Bill) has a long way to go before the coaches would seriously consider him as a replacement for Robinson, and Lynn recently complimented Robinson’s “good mindset” at organized team activities. Still, it’s a positive start for a seventh-round rookie. Stay tuned.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that free agent WR Gabe Davis “is on his way to visit” the Saints.
Rapoport curiously closed the report by saying, “with plenty of money coming from [the Jaguars], Davis would command just a [one-year] deal from his new team.” That sounds like the opening line in negotiations, from the team’s side of things. Regardless, the Saints make sense as a landing spot. Davis can compete against relatively soft competition for the No. 3 role, which could allow him to get his career back on track after a disappointing 2024 season.
Discussing Terry McLaurin’s contract situation on the Last Man Standig podcast, The Athletic’s Ben Standig said the “general consensus” among his sources is that a contract extension “will get done.”
FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz’s Friday report regarding McLaurin’s frustrations prompted Standig to check in with his sources, who gave him no reason to change his “stance” that “this will get done.” Standig advised listeners to “be prepared for this to remain a topic past mandatory minicamp,” which runs June 10th-12th, and adds that he will only become concerned if the issue is not resolved within “a day or two” of the Commanders’ first training camp practice in July.
NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson reports, Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and RB Dameon Pierce (undisclosed injury) are expected to be ready for training camp.
Wilson says Mixon has successfully graduated from his walking boot and now sports a small, precautionary brace. Details on Pierce’s injury are unavailable. While both players are expected to return by July 18th, the team’s pursuit of Nick Chubb makes sense. Wilson previously reported that Mixon’s current ankle injury is unrelated to the two ankle injuries he suffered last season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Texans are considered the “leader” to sign free agent RB Nick Chubb, “among several teams,” and that the Saints “have been involved to some degree.”
Fowler adds that the Browns have also been involved but says that it is “unlikely” Chubb reunites with his former team. Fowler also notes that “multiple outlets reported” on Chubb’s scheduled visit and expected signing with the Texans, but Fowler stopped short of fully backing the claim. Per Fowler, going to a contender is “important” to Chubb, who “plans to sign as soon as Monday.” Stay tuned.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans are expected to sign free agent RB Nick Chubb on Monday, pending a physical.
Assuming the pen is ultimately put to paper on a respectable deal, Chubb provides the Texans with reliable rushing depth behind starter Joe Mixon. Both players enter their age-29 seasons with notable injury records, but Mixon has managed to miss just three games over the last two seasons. Chubb has appeared in only 10. Chubb can be expected to rotate in on early downs, but he will not be involved in the passing game. Although it is perhaps unlikely, Chubb could find fantasy relevance by siphoning away red zone opportunities from Mixon. He will have to earn those touches this summer, though. Training camp just got a little bit more interesting.