NFL Player News

Slayton caught all three of his targets for a team-high 59 yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason loss to the Texans.

The speedster quickly reforged his connection with Daniel Jones in the quarterback's first game action since he tore his ACL in Week 9 of last season, hauling in a 44-yard strike in the second quarter that nearly went for a touchdown, although Slayton was ruled down at the one-yard line. The 27-year-old has led the Giants in receiving yards in four of the last five seasons despite never having an 800-yard campaign, and while that honor is expected to pass to rookie Malik Nabers in 2024, Slayton should still have a big role in the team's passing game.

Nabers caught four of six targets for 54 yards and added one carry for five yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason loss to the Texans.

The rookie showed off his first-round talent on a spectacular 21-yard catch along the sideline during a two-minute drill at the end of the second quarter, as he pulled down a ball that was slightly overthrown with a leaping catch and got both feet down in bounds to help to set up a field goal. Nabers flashed some chemistry with Daniel Jones in their first game together, and the Giants are counting on the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to be the elite downfield threat the franchise has lacked since Odell Beckham was in his prime.

Valdes-Scantling suffered a neck injury during Saturday's preseason game in Pittsburgh.

Valdes-Scantling remained on the field after a second-quarter catch and even had his neck stabilized by trainers, but he eventually sat up and went to the sideline tent before being carted to the locker room. With his night almost certainly over, his upcoming prognosis may be a determining factor to whether or not he's able to earn a roster spot on the Bills on cut-down day (Tuesday, Aug. 27).

Charles is questionable to return to Saturday's exhibition contest against Carolina due to a hip injury.

Charles didn't draw a target before getting hurt, and it's unclear if he'll be able to reenter the game. The 6-foot-4 wideout has had a strong camp and has a solid chance of making the 53-man roster if the toe issue doesn't prove to be serious. As with last year, Charles may see most of his work on special teams if he does make the cut, though it's certainly possible that he could get more opportunities on offense this season.

Valdes-Scantling (undisclosed) needed a cart to go to the locker room during Saturday's preseason game at Pittsburgh, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

After making a catch in the second quarter, Valdes-Scantling remained on the field for a spell and even had his neck stabilized, but he eventually was able to sit up and make his way to the sideline tent with assistance from team trainers. The nature of the injury isn't known, but it wouldn't surprise if his night is over considering it's exhibition season.

Rice caught four receptions for 35 yards on five targets in Saturday's preseason game against Detroit.

Just as he did in his highly successful 2023 rookie season, Rice primarily operated from the slot and on short routes Saturday. Rice's rare short-area burst allows him to be productive on such looks, and he was close to automatic for the Chiefs on Saturday. It would help Rice's fantasy upside if he could draw some targets downfield as well, but his proficiency at racking up yards after the catch could keep him in a slot role frequently.

Worthy caught three passes for 63 yards and one touchdown on six targets in Saturday's preseason game against Detroit. He also rushed once for 11 yards.

Worthy played extensively with the first-team offense, drawing five of Patrick Mahomes' 14 passes and catching two receptions for 40 yards before catching his only Carson Wentz target for a 22-yard touchdown, a play on which he impressively got open with ease. The 21-year-old rookie still needs plenty of seasoning, and at just 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, he's also in need of further physical development. However, the Chiefs are clearly making it a priority to get Worthy involved quickly, and that should accelerate once the regular season begins.

Hill and Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) aren't on the field for pregame warmups ahead of Saturday's preseason game against Washington, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Coach Mike McDaniel suggested most starters would play, but Waddle is banged up and Hill is a sensible exception. Few non-QBs are more important to their teams, and no player was targeted on a higher percentage of his routes in 2022 or 2023 than Hill.

Legette is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Jets, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

The Panthers are opting to keep the majority of their starters out of the preseason contest, including the first-round rookie. Expect Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall to get a bit of playing time until roster bubble wideouts such as Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore and Mike Strachan get their fair share of opportunities.

Godwin and most other starters aren't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Coach Todd Bowles didn't specifically name Godwin, but Bowles did say QB Baker Mayfield won't play and suggested the approach will be similar to that from Tampa's preseason opener (in which Mayfield, Godwin and many others were held out). Bowles told Stroud last week that he's leaning toward playing more starters in the third and final preseason game.