NFL Player News

The Bills released safeties Derek Brim and Jajuan Harley, quarterback Dennis Dixon, punter Jacob Dombrowski, receivers Tori Gurley and Chris Summers, guard J.J. Unga, running back Ronnie Wingo, kicker Dustin Hopkins, defensive tackle Damien Jacobs and center Macky MacPherson.

The Dolphins have signed kicker Jake Rogers, according to a report from FOX Sports on Sunday. Rogers will compete with Caleb Sturgis and John Potter -- both who are dealing with injuries -- for the kicking job.

The Panthers waived or released nine players: receivers Toney Clemons, Kealoha Pilares and Marvin McNutt, linebacker Anthony Morales, defensive ends Alex Hall and Craig Roh, punter Jordan Gay, offensive tackle Oscar Johnson and defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh.

Broncos kicker Matt Prater, the league's second-leading scorer last year, has been notified he'll be suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Prater has been in the league's alcohol program since he was charged with DUI in 2011. His attorney, Harvey Steinberg, told the Denver Post that Prater got suspended for drinking a few beers at home. "[Matt] feels terribly for his teammates," Steinberg said. "It's cost him personally, both professionally and financially."

Prater nailed 25 of 26 field-goal attempts last year, including a record-breaking 64-yarder against Tennessee. Rookie Mitch Ewald is his backup.

The following players will not dress for the Dolphins Saturday night against the Cowboys in preseason action: Caleb Sturgis, Mike Gillislee, Daniel Thomas, Marcus Thigpen, Walt Aikens, Mike Pouncey, Koa Misi, Terrence Fede, Arthur Lynch and A.J. Francis.

Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis, who aggravated his strained groin during warmups Saturday night, missed practice Monday. His absence is "problematic" for Miami because this is the second straight year Sturgis has been bothered by a groin injury, reports the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel.

Last year's groin strain contributed to Sturgis missing field goals in three losses. Newly-signed John Potter is handling kicking duties in Sturgis' absence.

Panthers kicker Graham Gano made his preseason debut Sunday night at home against Kansas City. He wasn't needed on any fourth downs and finished 4 for 4 in extra point attempts. 

Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis may have re-aggravated his groin injury during pregame warmups Saturday night against the Buccaneers in exhibition play. Sturgis was held out for the second straight game. John Potter took his place as the starter for the night.

The following Bills were ruled as inactive for Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers: Guard Chris Williams, tight end Tony Moeaki, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, linebacker Ty Powell, safety Jonathan Meeks and kicker Dustin Hopkins.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien said Thursday the competition for the starting placekicker job between Randy Bullock and Chris Boswell remains "wide open."