NFL Player News

Jeudy isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason game in Seattle, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

On Wednesday, coach Kevin Stefanksi said certain Browns starters had a chance to play this weekend, but the team ultimately will keep QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku (undisclosed) on the sideline along with Jeudy. As a result, Jeudy's debut with Cleveland will have to wait until Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Cowboys after four campaigns in Denver in which he topped out with a 67-972-6 receiving line in 15 regular-season games back in 2022.

Cooper isn't in line to play in Saturday's preseason game at Seattle, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Along with Cooper, QB Deshaun Watson, WR Jerry Jeudy and TE David Njoku (undisclosed) won't be available for the Browns' exhibition finale. Cooper thus will turn his focus to Week 1 and beyond, as he's coming off his first two campaigns with the Browns having averaged 75.3 receiving yards per game while totaling 14 TDs in 32 regular-season contests.

Smith caught six of nine targets for 36 yards in Saturday's 26-3 preseason loss to the Vikings. He also returned one punt for 14 yards.

The 2024 fifth-round pick led the Eagles in catches and targets Saturday as he made his final case for a home on the season-opening roster. Smith's narrow path to a significant role in the slot likely closed when Philadelphia traded for Jahan Dotson, but the Texas A&M product may have shown enough as both a receiver and a returner to claim the last spot on the wide receiver depth chart.

Campbell caught both his targets for 34 yards and returned one kickoff for 18 yards in Saturday's 26-3 preseason loss to the Vikings.

The former Colt and Giant has dealt with a groin strain for most of training camp, but he looked healthy Saturday as he got the start and caught both of Kenny Pickett's longest completions of the day for 19 and 15 yards. Campbell was signed in the offseason to compete for the No. 3 wideout role behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles' trade for Jahan Dotson on Thursday likely bumps him one rung further down the depth chart. Campbell's ability to contribute on special teams -- he averaged 30.4 yards per kickoff return in college at Ohio State -- might be what saves his spot on the 53-man roster.

Dell (coach's decision) was held out of Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams.

Dell continues to work with the first team offense despite the addition of superstar wideout Stefon Diggs this offseason and continued presence of Nico Collins as the No. 2 option. With C.J. Stroud looking like the real deal under center, the sophomore slot man may be a rare case in today's NFL of a true No. 3 receiver carrying "must-start" status in fantasy (a la Wes Welker with the 2007 Patriots). Dell has already proven his good health -- following last year's fractured fibula -- when he broke off a long touchdown catch in the Texans' first preseason contest.

Pickens recorded two catches on two targets for 26 yards in Saturday's 24-17 preseason loss to the Lions.

Pickens appeared in one drive with Russell Wilson under center and was targeted twice. The latter was an explosive catch as he ran deep across the middle of the field for a 32-yard gain. Pickens is unquestionably the top pass catcher in Pittsburgh and should be set to receive a large number of targets, barring a late addition to the wide receiver corps.

Kupp (coach's decision) was held out of all the Rams' preseason contests this season.

Head coach Sean McVay's gameplan to rest his key players and hide his offensive gameplan allowed Kupp to get some extra rest after two separate lower-body injuries caused the superstar to miss 12 games over the last two years. The 2023 Rookie of the Year, Puka Nacua, (knee) emerged in the veteran's absence, and both players are lined up to start a regular season across from each other for the first time. McVay mentioned earlier in the offseason that Kupp was still limited by the aforementioned leg injuries last season when he provided a 7/59/5 receiving line across 12 regular-season games. The 31-year-old is only two years removed from his memorable Super Bowl MVP campaign, so a bounce back could be in store for Kupp's suitors if McVay's words hold water this year.

Hamler rushed three times for 21 yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for 11 yards in Saturday's 31-26 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Hamler got some reps at running back after Frank Gore (knee) and Darrynton Evans (hamstring) exited Saturday's game, while top three running backs James Cook, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson were resting Saturday. The former Broncos wide receiver filled in admirably, breaking off an 18-yard gain on the ground and running in a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The ability to fill in at running back is another feather in the cap for the versatile Hamler, who also contributes on special teams as a return man. That versatility should help Hamler secure a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Cardinals

Thielen caught his only target for 21 yards in Saturday's 31-26 preseason win over the Bills.

Thielen and the rest of the first-team offense played the opening drive, which ended in an eight-yard touchdown catch by Jordan Matthews. Offseason trade acquisition Diontae Johnson and rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette could cut into Thielen's target share in 2024, so matching last year's total of 137 will be tough, but Carolina's entire offense could benefit from increased efficiency if 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young can take a step forward in his second NFL regular season, which kicks off Sept. 8 against the Saints.

The Dolphins released Snead (undisclosed) from the reserve/injured list Saturday with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Snead caught on with Miami in late July after appearing in four regular-season games for the 49ers in 2023. He caught one pass for 13 yards across his two preseason outings with the Dolphins, but he was set to miss the entire 2024 season after being placed on injured reserve Monday. Now that he's been let go with an injury settlement, Snead will be able to sign with another team once he is fully healthy.