After a year-plus away from the field, Jeremy Hill could be nearing an NFL return.
The Las Vegas Raiders plan to sign the veteran free-agent running back after hosting him on Friday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per an informed source. Rapoport added that the deal is pending on the results of his physical and COVID-19 test.
Hill, 27, last played in 2018 for the Patriots, a stint that lasted all but three quarters of the season opener when Hill exited the game with a torn ACL. He would land on IR shortly thereafter and was relegated to a bystander as New England went onto eventually win Super Bowl LIII.
A former 2014 second-round pick by the Bengals, Hill has proven what he's capable of when healthy. His last season in 2017 was limited to seven games due to an ankle injury and the emergence of Joe Mixon but, prior to that, he had a successfull three-season stretch toting the rock in Cincy. In 2015, Hill tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with eleven; he rushed 667 times for 2,757 and 29 TDs in 46 appearances (36 starts) from 2014-16.
Here are other news stories we're monitoring on Friday:
- The Miami Dolphins have placed starting linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive tackle Zach Sieler on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Baker, 23, started 15 games in 2019, and led the team in tackles (126). He also recorded 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and four passes defensed.
- Houston Texans linebacker Dylan Cole and cornerback Gareon Conley has been placed on the active/PUP list, per the league's transaction wire.
- Kansas City Chiefs and offensive tackle Martinas Rankin and safety Juan Thornhill has been placed on the active/PUP list, per the league's transaction wire. Also, receiver Aleva Hifo, one of the first players to land on the reserve/COVID-19 list, was activated and subsequently waived.
- The Atlanta Falcons have placed defensive tackle Tyeler Davison and quarterback Danny Etling on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Etling, a seventh-round pick by the Patriots in 2018, is the first QB to land on the list.
- The Los Angeles Rams announced that offensive tackle Chandler Brewer is opting out of the 2020 season, and rookies Michael Hoecht and Terrell Lewis have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
"With my history with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, I am at high risk and will opt out of playing in the NFL this season," Brewer said, via the team's official website. "I would like to thank the Rams for their support and I look forward to getting back on the field in 2021 and beyond."
- The Detroit Lions announced that the NFL has suspended safety Jayron Kearse three games without pay for violating the NFL policy and program on substances of abuse.
- Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Isaiah Prince has elected to opt out of the 2020 season, per the league's transaction wire.
- Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Al Woods has elected to opt out of the 2020 season, per the league's transaction wire. Also, defensive back Luq Barcoo was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed running backs Raymond Calais and Aca'Cedric Ware on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and waived receivers Jaydon Mickens and Spencer Schnell, defensive back Deiondre' Hall, tight end Jordan Leggett and linebacker Nasir Player.
- The Denver Broncos have released veteran tight end Jeff Heuerman. A third-round pick in 2015, Heuerman has spent the past five years in Denver.
- The Green Bay Packers released fullback Jordan Jones and guard Cole Madison.
- The Baltimore Ravens have waived defensive back Jeff Hector.
- Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel has been activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list, per the league's transaction wire.
- The Cleveland Browns have waived receiver Troy Brown, linebacker Jermaine Grace, defensive end George Obinna and defensive tackle Justin Zimmer.
