NFL Player News

Metcalf brought in one of two targets for a 21-yard touchdown in the Seahawks' 37-33 preseason win over the Browns on Saturday night.

Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba operated as the starting wideouts for Geno Smith on the opening possession Saturday night, and the former was the intended target on the first play from scrimmage. While that throw didn't connect, Smith went back to Metcalf to cap off the crisp 62-yard march, with the duo connecting on a 21-yard touchdown pass. It was Metcalf's only action of preseason, but he's healthy and set for another robust role as the No. 1 receiver heading into a Week 1 interconference battle against the Broncos.

Tillman brought in four of five targets for 52 yards in the Browns' 37-33 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night.

Tillman saw his first target on the first play of the Browns' second possession, with the 2023 third-round pick recording a 23-yard grab from Jameis Winston. Tillman went on to make six- and 19-yard receptions on that drive, putting together a strong finish to the preseason. The Tennessee product generated a modest 21-224 line across 14 regular-season games as a rookie, and he's projected to enter Week 1 operating as Cleveland's No. 4 receiver.

Thrash brought in four of six targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 37-33 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night. He also committed a fumble recovered by Cleveland.

Thrash tied several teammates for the team lead in receptions while setting the pace in receiving yards. The rookie fifth-round pick recorded his touchdown on a 46-yard grab from Dorian Thompson-Robinson early in the second quarter, capping off a solid preseason that saw him make what might be a formidable case for a role on the back end of the wide receiver depth chart. Thrash's status as a rookie draft pick could also certainly help his cause, as does David Bell's quadriceps injury.

Moore secured his only target for seven yards and rushed once for one yard in the Browns' 37-33 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night.

The veteran speedster drew the start due to Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy sitting out and was able to get some preseason action before heading into Week 1 as the likely No. 3 receiver behind his two teammates. Moore battled through a quarterback carousel in his 2023 Browns debut campaign to post a career-best 59 receptions and 640 yards, adding two touchdowns, 11 rushing yards and 23 punt-return yards across 17 regular-season contests. Moore could be headed for similar production in 2024, although the play of Deshaun Watson will naturally play a major factor in the fortunes of all of Cleveland's skill players, for better or worse.

Cowing brought in all three of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders.

Cowing continued to impress this preseason with another strong showing after going for 70 combined yards against the Saints last week. The rookie fourth-rounder is making it tough for the 49ers to keep him off the 53-man roster come the Aug. 27 deadline. Cowing has shown explosiveness with the ball in his hands, making him a tantalizing option should he find a path to playing time this season. Currently as things stand, Brandon Aiyuk remains in a contract "hold in" awaiting a trade or a new deal and Jauan Jennings (oblique) and Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) have not played this preseason while nursing injuries. This opens up a potential scenario where Cowing could find himself getting some meaningful snaps out of the gates. Those in deeper formats should take note.

Corley recorded one catch on three targets for five yards in Saturday's 10-6 preseason win over the Giants.

Corley played for the entire first half and appeared regularly in 11 personnel. His play remained inconsistent, as he was called for a holding penalty on the team's first drive and also had a reception reversed for failing to complete the process of the catch. Given his status as a third-round pick, Corley's roster spot should be safe. However, his ability to contribute immediately offensively is far less clear.

Wilson did not play in Saturday's 10-6 preseason win over the Giants.

Along with other key starters for the Jets, Wilson did not suit up at all during the exhibition season. Through two seasons as a pro, Wilson has shown an elite ability to draw targets, but quarterback play has held back his production. That shouldn't be an issue in 2024 assuming Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy, as Wilson will once again operate as the Jets' clear top pass-catching option.

Thompson secured seven of eight targets for 45 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-14 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday night.

Thompson led the Buccaneers in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night, putting together a fitting cap on what has been a very productive training camp and preseason. The journeyman wideout may have done enough to carve out a spot at the bottom of the team's receiver depth chart after recording 15 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown through three exhibitions, and Rakim Jarrett's (undisclosed) likely placement on IR could clear the path for Thompson to make it past final cutdowns.

McKenzie suffered a right foot injury and also had a laceration on his knee following Saturday's 10-6 preseason loss to the Jets, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

McKenzie recorded two receptions on two targets for 15 yards and was also the team's primary punt returner. The latter role is his potential path to a roster spot, as McKenzie tallied 204 punt return yards and 152 kick return yards in 2023. He's on the roster bubble and will now be set for an MRI in the coming days, another factor that could affect his status with the Giants.

Robinson recorded one reception on one target for four yards in Saturday's preseason 10-6 loss to the Jets.

Robinson's stat line doesn't have much meaning, but the fact that he suited up was not a positive sign of his status on the Giants' roster. The team sat its top four receivers -- all of whom are certain to make the roster -- leaving Robinson and Isaiah Hodgins to start the game. However, with special teams contributors such as Miles Boykin and Isaiah McKenzie (knee/foot) also vying for roster spots, Robinson could be on the wrong side of the bubble.