Thomas returned from Lisfranc surgery in a staged comeback, logging 26 snaps as the Giants eased him back at left tackle. The plan targets gradual ramp, with Marcus Mbow spelling him on the final drives. New York leaned on Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Abdul Carter to spark production while Thomas builds conditioning for a fuller workload in weeks ahead.

The Giants shore up inside linebacker depth by signing Neville Hewitt to the practice squad as injuries mount. McFadden is IR with a foot issue, Muasau concussed, Flannigan-Fowles nursing a calf, and Bozeman/Board stepping in behind Okereke. Hewitt, a 11th-year veteran with Dolphins, Jets and Texans, adds seasoned depth and special-teams know-how to a thinning room. A Dalen Cambre visit hints at further evaluation, with signing uncertain.

Fantasy-minded readers should note Hewitt’s arrival could cap value for reserve LBs until McFadden and Muasau heal. If Cambre lands on the practice squad, depth across defense and ST could shift again. Dallas looms soon, testing the Giants’ depth and special-teams efficiency as rosters stabilize.

Baltimore’s roster drama centers on inside linebackers as final cuts loom. John Harbaugh confirmed Jake Hummel will make the 53-man squad, even while a hand procedure kept him sidelined. Hummel’s special-teams excellence and depth behind veterans bolster Baltimore’s shifty margins, and the team eyes a quick return to prep for Week 1.

Meanwhile, Iowa's undrafted Jay Higgins IV has pressed for a spot, potentially squeezing a fifth linebacker on the roster. The Ravens must juggle keeping Higgins without compromising other groups, as Burke Board departure and Harrison’s status further complicate the final calls.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants, holding the third overall pick, are in a position to make a significant impact. The buzz around Colorado's Travis Hunter, a dual-threat player capable of excelling both offensively and defensively, is growing. Devin Hester, a Hall of Fame return specialist, believes Hunter would be the ideal fit for the Giants, emphasizing his unique talent that can transform a game. Hunter's versatility means he could play both cornerback and wide receiver, making him an invaluable asset for a creative offensive coordinator.

Hester noted that utilizing Hunter effectively would require a modern approach, steering clear of outdated play-calling traditions. With the Giants' coaching staff, including Troy Brown, who has experience in versatile roles, the potential for Hunter's success in New York seems promising. Should the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns prioritize other prospects, the Giants could secure Hunter, adding a game-changing talent to their roster.

The Detroit Lions are eyeing a significant boost to their pass rush in the upcoming NFL draft, particularly targeting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Renowned analyst Mel Kiper Jr. highlighted Pearce's potential, suggesting he could be selected by the Lions, possibly in the first round. Despite a strong start to his collegiate career, Pearce's performance dipped during his junior year, leading to mixed projections about his draft stock.

Pearce, a two-time All-SEC selection, has notable traits, including a swift 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, but his 19.5 career sacks might not fully reflect his disruptive abilities. The Lions, coming off a season with injuries hampering their edge rushers, such as Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, are keen to enhance their defensive line. The draft is filled with promising defensive talent, and Pearce's unique skill set makes him an attractive option for the Lions as they seek to improve their sack percentage.