NFL Player News

Pierce (ankle) will not practice Tuesday, but coach Shane Steichen said he's optimistic the wideout will practice this week, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Steichen added that there have been no conversations about keeping Pierce on the PUP list. The wideout continues to work his way back from a clean-up procedure on his ankle back in April. It sounds as though a return to practice is on the horizon, potentially even this week.

Bell (lower body) participated in full-team drills Monday, Jon Scott of Channel 2 Buffalo reports.

The rookie out of UConn hasn't played in either of Buffalo's first two preseason games, but after practicing fully Monday, Bell appears on track to play in Thursday's exhibition finale versus the Steelers, per Alex Brasky of SI.com. Bell's injury during training camp may have pushed back his timeline for contributing on the field early this season, even if he gets a preseason game under his belt.

Washington (undisclosed) is taking part in Tuesday's joint practice with the Buccaneers, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Jaguars labeled Washington as day-to-day last week while he dealt with an undisclosed injury, but he took part in a walk-through session Sunday and is seemingly operating with no restrictions in the first of two joint practices with the Buccaneers. Washington made a big play early in Tuesday's session during red-zone drills, going high over cornerback Jacob Parrish to bring down a lob pass in the end zone.

McMillan (knee) isn't participating in Tuesday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

McMillan was able to return to practice last Tuesday, but the third-year wideout is apparently still dealing with some limitations as he works his way back from a knee injury that has kept him off the field for much of August. The Buccaneers haven't clarified whether McMillan's absence from practice Tuesday is the result of a setback, or if he's simply getting a maintenance day. He seems to be trending toward sitting out Friday's preseason finale versus the Jaguars.

Johnson (groin) is taking part in Tuesday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Though it's not clear whether Johnson will be a full or limited participant in Tuesday's session, his presence on the field in any capacity is a sign that he's made good progress in his recovery from a groin strain he sustained earlier this month. Johnson at least appears to be in a better spot on the health front than fellow wideouts Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee), who are both remaining sidelined Tuesday.

Egbuka (toe) isn't participating in Tuesday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Egbuka has been managing a sprained toe since Aug. 12, when the injury forced him out of practice. Almost two weeks later, the wideout has yet to return to team drills, with head coach Todd Bowles having previously described him as both "day-to-day" and "week-to-week." Egbuka looks safe to rule out for Friday's preseason finale versus the Jaguars, and his availability for the Buccaneers' Week 1 matchup with the Bengals will be murky until he's able to return to full practice.

Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said that he's tentatively planning on having Bell (knee) play in Friday's preseason finale versus the Falcons, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

After completing his recovery from December surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, Bell was reinstated from the NFI list Aug. 17 and returned to practice as a limited participant. The Dolphins were comfortable clearing him for full participation Monday, and Bell seems to have bounced back well from that practice session. Even if the rookie wideout ends up not getting cleared for the Falcons game, he looks like he'll be on track to have a role in Week 1 versus the Raiders.

Lacy (undisclosed) reverted to the Jets' injured reserve Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Lacy was not claimed by another team after being waived/injured by the Jets on Sunday. The move to IR means he'll be forced to miss the entire 2026 season unless an injury settlement is reached.

The Texans waived Jackson on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jackson signed with the Texans in May and caught two passes on as many targets for nine yards across his two preseason outings. Assuming he clears waivers, Jackson will look to catch on with a team in need of a wide receiver who can also contribute on special teams.

Sturdivant (concussion) has yet to return to practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Sturdivant is competing for a spot on the Packers' initial 53-man roster, but he has been sidelined at practice after suffering a concussion. The undrafted wide receiver has appeared in both of the Packers' preseason contests so far, reeling in three of four targets for 30 yards. Sturdivant will have a couple more chances to clear protocol and return to practice before Friday's preseason finale against Arizona.